For the past 35 years Gatlinburg Tennessee has held a Midnight Independence Day Parade. It is one of the most anticipated events for Gatlinburg locals and attracts nearly 100,000 visitors every year. The streets of Gatlinburg are closed late on July 3rd and at the stroke of midnight on July 4th the parade will start winding it’s way through downtown Gatlinburg.
This parade is extensive with over 100 different floats, groups, balloons, etc. and stretches over one mile in length. There will be many different decorative floats entered into the parade by the different local shops, visitors, and military personnel. The smaller children (if you can keep them awake that long) will enjoy the brightly colored helium balloons, animals, as well as the music that will be played by marching bands. There will be vintage military vehicles making their way through the parade as well. You’ll get to see a variety of floats made to look like ships, planes, houses, carriages, etc. Each float will be something unique and exciting.
Gatlinburg has plenty of events planned for July 3rd and 4th. Get to town on the 3rd to enjoy the concert to be held prior to the parade. It will start at 1:00 pm and highlights Nite of Fire of the 129th Army Band at Ripley‘s Aquarium Plaza. After that ends you’ll get to spend some time shopping through the stores of downtown Gatlinburg. Remember to find a spot for you and your family to watch as the parade goes through before the streets are closed off and everyone gets ready for the parade. The fun doesn’t end when the parade does though. Get to your home for the night and be back to town to enjoy the many events scheduled for July 4th starting at 10:30 am and ending with the Stand Here Fireworks Finale to be held at 10:00 pm. A day full of fun will be in store for you.