The prestigious Southeast Tourism Society has designated two additional Gatlinburg Department of Tourism entertainment programs as Top 20 Events for 2009.
Gatlinburg’s Veteran’s Day Celebration in November and the 34th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in December have achieved Top 20 status from among multiple entries submitted to STS.
The prestigious list is compiled by the Atlanta-based organization dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its member states of Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. To view the events list, visit www.southeasttourism.org.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has been revered dating back to 1918 as Americans honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The City of Gatlinburg will salute our nation’s heroes, the Veterans, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11 with an appropriate Veterans Day Celebration on Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. The event will recognize vets in attendance by branch of service and will feature music and words of inspiration. An American Bald Eagle appearance and remarks by an esteemed military hero and musical tributes by three local high school bands plus the Knoxville Pipe & Drum are part of the festivities.
The Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has designated Gatlinburg as an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day.
Presented this year by Land O’ Lakes Half & Half, the popular Fantasy of Lights Christmas parade in downtown has been recognized as one of the very best by the International Festival and Events Association with a Pinnacle Award. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the 2009 parade features lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and helium balloons.
The City of Gatlinburg invites you to bundle up and generate a spirited dose of holiday cheer at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4 in downtown, with more than 100 parade entries including no less than 10 marching bands and helium balloons taking to the streets. Jamming sidewalks and balconies along the parade route, a crowd in excess of 60,000 people is expected to soak up the illuminating festivities during Gatlinburg Winter Magic.
Pre-parade performances by Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, Ginger Brown’s Academy of Performing Arts, Elizabeth Williams Dance Academy, and the Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales Carolers are also planned.
Recent STS Top 20 events in Gatlinburg include the 4th of July Midnight Parade and Fireworks Show as well as the Gatlinburg Winter Magic lights program.

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