Sevier and surrounding counties have teamed up with the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to celebrate its 75th anniversary celebration this year.

Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said the group, which is made up from park and local officials has put together a calendar of events outside of the park to help involve the area’s communities.

“Sevier County and its cities stepped up to fund the events,” said Waters. “We’re going to be a part of just about everything that they do.”

Assistant County Mayor Greg Patterson will represent Sevier County in planning the events.

Waters said he is happy for the county’s opportunity to participate in the celebration as the park has played a valuable role in stimulating the area’s economy. “I think because our major industry is tourism we are aware how important it is to protect the area,” he said. “The county has tried to do that more in the recent years with the tremendous growth we have seen.”

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