Townsend, TN – Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center will host a “Hurry-Back-Spring Fling” event – an open house – on Friday and Saturday, January 29 and 30. The galleries and historic buildings will be open for FREE 10 AM – 5 PM on these two days – regular admission is being waived as a way to say ‘thank you’ to all visitors who continue to stop in for the opportunity to learn more about the region’s history. The Center opened in 2006 and passed the 100,000-visitor mark last fall.
Special programming, including author book-signings will be part of the two-day event, and shoppers in the Museum Store will enjoy a 20% discount on all merchandise (some restrictions apply.)
Free refreshments will be available on both days, and visitors can enjoy open hearth cooking demonstrations and play historic games. The games are designed for both adults and children and include such favorites as corn cob darts, button whizzers, hoop rolling and more.
On Friday, January 29, Chef Walter from WVLT-TV Channel 8, is scheduled to be at the Center (times to be announced) to sign copies of his latest cookbook, along with Jeremy Lloyd, author of the newly-published  “A Home in Walker Valley: The Story of Tremont.”  Lloyd will be at the Heritage Center on Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM.
On Saturday, George and Elizabeth Ellison, and Lisa Horstman, will be at the Center to sign book copies and talk with readers. George Ellison, well-known naturalist and author, wrote the introduction for Horace Kephart’s recently-published novel “Smoky Mountain Magic” and will lead an informal discussion about Kephart at 1:30 PM in the Center’s auditorium.
Elizabeth Ellison, artist and illustrator, created the cover art for Kephart’s novel, and will be on hand to share some of her watercolor images. The Ellisons are from North Carolina and will be at the Center on Saturday, January 30th from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
Lisa Horstman is a well-known children’s book author, artist and illustrator who designed the Kephart cover and book. She has written and illustrated such favorites as “The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball,” “The Troublesome Cub,” and “Wee Ones,” and will be at the Center from Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 30th.
Listed times for author appearances are subject to change. For more information, call the Heritage Center at 865-448-0044.

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