4th of July Midnight Parade in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Are you looking for a fun place to visit this Fourth of July, why not consider visiting the fun and entertaining city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Come enjoy the floats, balloons and marchers as they pay tribute to our country. The city will be kicking off America's Independence Day celebration for the 32nd consecutive year. It is the nation's first parade, which will begin at 12:00 a.m. on July 4th.

This years tribute will be to our five branches of military service.. "This will be one of the most patriotic and colorful midnight 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!" This fourth of July extravaganza is expected to attract 80,000 to 100,000 spectators. The parade begins with pre-parade entertainers that begin the excitement of what is to follow. Giant helium balloons 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. Over 100 volunteers have signed up to help the navigate the balloons through the streets of Gatlinburg. There are over 100 entries of all types scheduled to appear. National entries such as Schwan's Foods and Red Baron Pizza bring in their Blaine Kern-designed floats.

Gatlinburg's popular River Raft Regatta takes place at noon on Wednesday, July 4th, it will begin at the Christus Gardens bridge on River Road and will end at the Aquarium bridge in downtown Gatlinburg. This is an unmanned river raft race that is open to anything that floats, except balls and plastic eggs. In the past, some entries consisted of boats made out of matchsticks, floating rocks, and little rubber ducks. Registration is between 11 a.m. and noon, with the race beginning promptly at noon.

Then, just an hour after sundown, the Fourth's Fireworks presentation occurs on the streets of downtown Gatlinburg, fireworks can be viewed all along the Parkway from Applebee's to the Sky Lift. The magnificent fireworks display will last almost 20 minutes in duration, the sights and sounds of "the rocket's red glare" will fill the sky in celebration as a tribute to our freedom. Between traffic lights #3 and #7, the 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. The display is sure to be a grand finale to Gatlinburg's Fourth of July Celebration.

Be sure to come prepared with your favorite portable lawn chairs. Arrive early and claim your curbside, so you will be ready when the parade begins. Be sure to check out Gatlinburg.com for some great places to stay in the area.

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.