Gatlinburg TN Area Information

This year on Saturday July 4th 2009 around 10am the annual River Raft Regatta in downtown Gatlinburg Tennessee will begin. River Raft Regatta will start at noon but get there earlier to register and take a seat. It’s a great race to watch or participate in so be sure you and your loved ones are near the Little Pigeon River. This is an unmanned raft race open to anyone. Registration begins at 10:00 AM and the race will begin at 12:00PM. The schedule is strict so please make sure you are on time. You can enter any raft except balls and plastic eggs. Be sure you’re there early and get ready to have some fun.

The River Raft Regatta is sponsored by the Gatlinburg Recreation Department. It’s been a favorite summer event for the past few years. The race will start at the River Terrace Bridge on River Road and will end at the Ripley’s Aquarium bridge.

What an exciting way to spend part of your 4th of July weekend. This event will be fun for the entire family. For more information, visit www.gatlinburg.com.

As our country continues to move through difficult economic times and two wars, what better way to celebrate our countries independence than watching a beautiful fireworks shows. Watch as hundreds of fireworks light up the sky of downtown Gatlinburg Tennessee near Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains.

"Stand Here" Fireworks Finale is a wonderful fireworks show celebrating the United States independence. "Stand Here" will be held on the Saturday July 4, 2009. Like years past, the show will start around nightfall and last roughly 20 minutes. Several portions of the show will feature rocket bursts upwards of 500 feet in the air.

There are several Gatlinburg cabins overlooking the parkway or located in downtown that will add ease to watching the fireworks show. Despite the great locations of some cabins, the best place to watch the fireworks show is on the parkway in downtown Gatlinburg TN. The show will be held between traffic light 3 and the Sky Lift.

Make sure to arrive early because the Parkway will be packed with thousands of tourists awaiting a beautiful celebration. Don't worry about passing the time! Enjoy some window shopping through all the local stores and shops to help pass the time.

Come to Gatlinburg TN and celebrate this years "Stand Here" Fireworks Finale.

On June 14 2009, as part of the 75th Anniversary, the superintendent and personnel at the National Park will host an open house at the Park Headquarters. The general public is invited to attend. The event will highlight managment activities, architecture, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The event will be hosted between 12 P.M. and 4 P.M.

Besides enjoying refreshments, guests will be allowed to see a behind the scenes view of day-to-day activities, meet and talk with key managers, and tour the administrative building. Basically, guests will be allowed to see what it take to run the Smoky Mountains National Park.

There will also be a few exhibits on display. Some exhibits include a fire truck, search and rescue vehicle, and road maintenance vehicles. Again, all part of the many needed aspects to help keep the National Park running smoothly.

The Anniversary weekend will begin on June 13 with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performing at Cades Coves.

Everyone is invited to attend this lovely event about the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information about the event, please call Nancy Gray at 865.436.1208!

If you are not sure what to do for July 4, 2009 then make plans to spend it in style in Gatlinburg Tennessee. For 34 years Gatlinburg has been celebrating America’s Independence Day with the first parade of the year. This year is no different than past years. This July 4 celebration starts at 12 am on Saturday July 4, 2009 in downtown Gatlinburg TN.

Join 100,000 of your closest friends (you all Gatlinburg TN right) as spectators all around the United States come together to celebrate Independence Day. Cheer on our four branches of the armed forces and other individuals that serve our country. The 2009 Independence Day parade is expected to be one of the most patriotic midnight parades the city has ever had.

The streets of downtown Gatlinburg TN will be closed late on July 3 and the parade route begins to become crowded with parade entertainers. With the biggest expected turn out for this popular midnight parade. Spectators will be in awe as giant helium balloons soar through the air and patriotic colors light up the Gatlinburg sky as Alphonso the dragon, Humpty Dumpty, and an eagle pass by.

With more than 100 volunteers and over 100 parade entries, the 2009 midnight parade is going to be the biggest July 4 parade Gatlinburg has ever seen. The midnight parade is just the beginning of the July 4 celebrations in downtown Gatlinburg TN.

With the extreme popularity of the 4th of July, Gatlinburg TN cabins and accommodations are sure to fill up fast. For more information, please contact us via email or you can call our office at 1-800-684-7865.

It is time to start planning your summer vacation to Gatlinburg Tennessee. Why? The official start of summer is just around the corner and most school age kids are for summer break. It is time to start planning what attractions you will visit, where your family will dine and possibly what cabin your family will reserve. Beside booking your accommodations, the next most time consuming activity is planning what summer attractions and activities your family might enjoy.

Below is a list of attractions that might be more enjoyable during the summer months in Gatlinburg TN.

1. Great Smoky Mountain National Park - Definitely one of the biggest attractions near Gatlinburg TN. With around 800 miles of hiking trails, this is one activity that might take all summer. For more information visit here and for safety information visit here.
2. White Water Rafting - What is more fun than jumping into a raft and heading down the Pigeon River. What a way to cool yourself and family off! Visit here for more information.
3. Ober Gatlinburg - Ober Gatlinburg offers skiing during the winter time and and amusement park during the summer time. You can view their list of attractions at Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park.
4. Space Needle -Incredivle views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Everyone should experience these views at least once.
5. Mini Golf - Prefect for families during the earlier evening hours. I am not going to list one inparticular because there are several great locations right on the parkway in downtown Gatlinburg TN.
6. Off Road Voyages - Enjoy a true off road experience though Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. For more information visit www.offroadvoyages.com

For more information about summer activities, events, cabins, and restaurants, please visit the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at www.gatlinburg.com.