JULY 2007

Midnight Independence Day Parade
July 3-4

“For the 32nd consecutive year, Gatlinburg will kick off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, presented by Red Baron Pizza, which will lead off at midnight to the cheers of 80,000 to 100,000! A salute to Gatlinburg's Bicentennial Celebration and a tribute to our five branches of military service will be among the many highlights. “This will be one of the most patriotic and colorful parades that the City of Gatlinburg has ever produced,” according to Special Events Manager George Hawkins. “We are very excited about the entire day of events!”
As soon as the street is closed, the parade route will come alive with pre-parade entertainers that will begin the excitement of what is to follow. Giant helium balloons will soar through the skyline of downtown Gatlinburg, from red, white, and blue Stars to Alphonso the dragon, Humpty Dumpty, and a giant patriotic Eagle and All-Star Train. More than 100 volunteers will be signed on to help the balloons navigate the streets of Gatlinburg, with over 100 entries of all types scheduled to appear. National entries such as Schwan Foods and Red Baron Pizza will bring in their Blaine Kern-designed floats.
Gatlinburg’s popular River Raft Regatta will take place at noon on Wednesday, July 4th, beginning at the Christus Gardens bridge on River Road and ending at the Aquarium bridge in downtown Gatlinburg. This unmanned river raft race is open to anything floatable except balls and plastic eggs. In the past, families have entered boats made out of matchsticks, floating rocks, as well as little rubber ducks. Registration takes place between 11 a.m. and noon, with the race beginning promptly at noon. Support for the River Raft Regatta is provided by the Gatlinburg Recreation Center.”
Admission IS FREE


Battle of Burg Hill Civil War Reenactment
July 3-4

“This Gatlinburg Bicentennial Celebration event features period performers in Civil War camp along with the recreation of the “Battle of Burg Hill” and historical portrayal by “Sparky” Rucker।Reenactors from Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina and Florida are scheduled to participate with the "Southern Guards Battalion।" Members of the battalion will also march in the Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade।A cannon drill and period music plus an appearance by “War in the Smoky Mountains” author Noel Fisher (Civil War in the Smokies) is included in the festivities. There is no admission charge.

The schedule of activities for this public event at Mills Park includes:

Tuesday, July 3
9 a.m. – Living History Day Begins (Open to the Public)
10 a.m. – Cannon Drill
11 a.m. – Review
11:30 a.m. – Performance by Confederate Music Group
1 p.m. – Drill of Civil War Re-enactors
2 p.m. – Appearance by Author Noel Fisher (Civil War in the Smokies)
2:30 p.m. – Final Review
3 p.m. – Grounds close to the public


Wednesday July 4
9 a.m. – Living History Day 2 (Grounds open to the Public)
10 a.m. – Live radio remote – MIXX 105.5
10:15 a.m. – Musical Performance
11 a.m. – Battle of Burg Hill Reenactment
12:30 p.m. – “The Blue & Gray in Black and White” Concert featuring Sparky & Wanda Rucker
2 p.m. – Final Review
2:15 p.m. – Re-enactors Break Camp”

Fireworks Finale

“Downtown Gatlinburg’s skyline will transform into a flood of brilliant colors on the night of Wednesday, July 4, 2007 when the sights and sounds of a spectacular fireworks display will fill the night sky in commemoration of America’s independence. The fireworks show, scheduled to begin shortly after sunset, will be a twenty-minute production with visibility throughout the downtown area.
Numerous segments of the show will feature spectacular rocket bursts 500 feet overhead. 'The downtown Parkway will be the best place to watch the show, 'stated George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for Gatlinburg’s Department of Tourism. 'Between traffic lights #3 and #7, our visitors will have great views, as will the businesses and accommodations that overlook the downtown area.' 'By staging the fireworks in this manner, spectators can enjoy the attractions, shops, nightlife, and restaurants throughout downtown prior to the display, with no worry about finding a good viewing spot as the fireworks begin,' Hawkins added. 'The display should make for a perfect finale to Gatlinburg’s Fourth of July Celebration.'”

Pigeon Forge - Things to do

Dick Clark's American Bandstand Music Complex
in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

"Dick Clark Productions proudly presents the All New American Bandstand Family Concert Series Under the Stars! This summer in Pigeon Forge is going to the hottest ever! Some of Dick's closest friends in the music industry have agreed to perform LIVE in Pigeon Forge! That's right! World Famous musicians spanning several generations will be performing all their classic hits. These are not tribute artists, these are the LIVING LEGENDS themselves performing for YOU!
All Concerts Starting at $19.99...you've never been to a concert for this value before!
World-famous stars & High Energy Music! "Dancing Through the Good Times" Show! Historic introductions by Dick Clark! Classic American Bandstand Multi media presentations! Seating under the stars for over 3600! Showtime 7:30 PM
Rain or Shine!
Call today for ticket information at 1-800-933-3066, then grab the family and head on over to the American Bandstand Music Complex and catch a show of a lifetime!

July 1 Grand Funk Railroad at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 2-3 Temptations Review at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 4 Charlie Daniels at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 5 Dick Clark's American Bandstand presents its original stars including Brian Highland, Chris Montez, The Chiffons, Fabian, & Bobby V. -Pigeon Forge, TN

July 6 Diamond Rio at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 6 Ronnie McDowell & the "E" Connection at Country Tonite Theatre -Pigeon Forge, TN

July 6-7 Great Southern Tractor Pull. See Tractors & Trucks compete in different classes to out-pull, out-smart and out-last the “predator sled.” (865) 654-2405. –Sevierville, TN.

July 8 Wynona Judd at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 12 Terri Clark at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 13-15 Smoky Mountain Racing Collectibles Show. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

18th Annual Southern Nationals Association Nationals and Open Car Show. - Pigeon Forge, TN

July 18-19 Tony Orlando at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 20 Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.


July 21 Neal McCoy at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 22 Creedence Clearwater at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 20-22 George Jones with special guest Georgette Jones at Country Tonite Theatre -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 24 Eric Burdon & The Animals at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 27 Little Anthony and the Imperials at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN.

July 29 Survivor/Starship starring Mickey Thomas at Dick Clark's American Bandstand. -Pigeon Forge, TN."

Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival
Presents Starjam 2007

"'The 17th Annual Patriot Festival is July 4th at Patriot Park in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Festivities get started at 1:00 p.m. with a Tribute to Veterans followed by a concert featuring the Pigeon Forge Chorus. Musical performers scheduled to appear in this year's Patriot Festival include Bowling for Soup, a Rock 'n Roll group with nine #1 albums.
Also appearing this year is Kimberly Locke. She quickly rose to fame when she became the second runner-up on season two of the Fox-TV hit series "American Idol." In addition to be featured on two cast albums, landing in third would find the last girl standing taking part in the national idol concert tour. Shortly after the tour ended, Locke released her Curb Records debut album "One Love," which features the #1 Billboard Single Sales hit "8th World Wonder.'"
"The Starjam celebration of will also include the unique musical stylings of Quietdrive. Quietdrive's roots can be traced back to Minneapolis in late 2003 after lead singer Kevin Truckenmiller posted a few MP3's on a local music site.Brandon Lanier (Drums) who had been playing with Droo Hastings (Bass) and Justin Bonhiver (Guitar) since grade school, heard the tracks and called. The group was completed when Truckenmiller brought in a former college classmate Matt Kirby (Guitar/Vocals). As Kirby tells it, he and Kevin spent the majority of their school years writing songs.With lineup in tact, the quintet spent the next year and a half sharpening their sound and playing in hole-in-the-walls that would have them. A couple gigs with The Donna's and a stint on the Warped Tour was followed by a head-turning demo and deal with Epic Records!
After the performances, the Pigeon Forge night sky will come to life with a fantastic fireworks display! The fireworks usually start at 9:30-9:45 p.m., so keep your eyes on the skies, you won't want to miss this display!
Patriot Festival activities are free and food vendors will be on site. Patriot Park is located on Old Mill Street at traffic light number 7 behind the historic Old Mill.”


WHITEWATER RAFTING IN TENNESSEE

Thought I would share with you how I finally got up enough courage to go whitewater rafting. I had gone to the Big Pigeon River in Eastern Tennessee many times to help out at Rip Roaring Adventures Whitewater Rafting Inc. I wondered what it would be like to go rafting. I was 50 years old. To old to go whitewater rafting, so I thought, until I saw a white haired grandma, who was going rafting with her grandchildren. Gee, she is not going whitewater rafting, is she? Well, she was and she did. Right then, I decided I was going to be there when she came out of the river with her grandchildren. When she got back, I was there asking her if she had a good time on the river. She was excited! She said she had a great time and would go again. Well, I thought, if she can do it I can do it. I told Charlie that when we come back next weekend I would like to go whitewater rafting. The next weekend Charlie and I went whitewater rafting. My first trip was trilling! I had a wonderful time. WOW!!! Donna Kay
http://raftingtennessee.com/