The Fourth of July in Gatlinburg, Tennessee: It's "Number One" Every Year

If you're planning on spending the 4th of July in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you have plenty of options for a terrific Independence Day Celebration. Here are just a few things I like to do when I have the chance to visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for the Fourth of July.

Be the First to say "Happy Fourth of July" in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Thirty-four years ago someone had a great idea to host Gatlinburg's Fourth of July Parade beginning at midnight. Now it's known as the nation's first parade for the 4th of July and attended by over 100,000 people. Every year has a theme and this year celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

You can expect this parade to be patriotic and, even though Gatlinburg is a small town, the parade will be professional in nature with plenty of nationally known businesses (think Dollywood, Ripley's Aquarium, etc.) participating. Floats are often illuminated and there are usually helium balloons - the type that take a small contingent of people to maneuver. But, there will also be references to the Great Smoky Mountains and plenty of parade entries that reflect the history and culture of the area, too, of course.

This parade is lots of fun and is definitely a family-oriented event even at the late hour of midnight. If you are not already staying in downtown Gatlinburg, you'll have more fun if you plan to drive into town early. While the locals can share some tips on getting around the backroads in to downtown Gatlinburg, you'll still run in to traffic - and lots of it - so don't wait 'til the last minute to decide to attend. This is a big holiday for Gatlinburg so you will find that almost all restaurants and most of the retail shops will still be open until parade time and beyond. There's more in downtown Gatlinburg than you can possibly do while you are waiting for the parade to start. You won't be bored for even a second.

Note: It really can't be stressed enough that traffic in and out of Gatlinburg during the Fourth of July holiday is a "bear". Traffic on the main thoroughfare through Gatlinburg will be shut down at 11p.m. on July 3rd to prepare for the parade. So, in order to enjoy yourself, do consider getting to Gatlinburg as early on July 3rd as possible. And if you must leave the area by car afterward, you should plan on a 1-2 hour delay for traffic. If you know the short-cuts, you may get out a little quicker, but don't count on it. The backroads near downtown Gatlinburg are two-lane, narrow, twisty affairs, that go up and down steep hills. If you're a flat-lander tourist, you might want to stick to the main roads after dark, lest you curve right when you should have curved left. Just sayin'.

Now, please do go ahead and see this parade. As long as you know what to expect traffic-wise you'll have a great time!

Fourth of July River Raft Regatta

While most people are milling around downtown Gatlinburg during the day on the 4th of July, you can take a moment to watch the locals and some tourists, too, try their luck in the Fourth of July River Raft Regatta. Beginning at noon, participants try to sail an unmanned "boat" using anything but balls or plastic eggs down the river raft race route. Registration begins at 10a.m. so if you're just visiting and want to enter on the spur of the moment, you have a little time before the race to think up a creative raft. Or, you can just grab a drink, sit back, watch and enjoy.

The best thing about the Regatta is that the river is just one street over from Gatlinburg's main street of shops and restaurants so the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta is a pleasant diversion for a few minutes or an hour or so. Plus, if not everyone in your party wants to stay and watch, meet-up spots are within easy walking distance.

Gatlinburg's "Stand Here" Fireworks Finale

Just so you know, Gatlinburg didn't forget about the fireworks. You'll be able to view Gatlinburg's Independence Day Fireworks display starting just after sunset. Prime viewing locations downtown can be found between Traffic Light No. 3 and the Ober Gatlinburg Chairlift Entrance. Although I've always watched the fireworks from downtown Gatlinburg, I think an even lovelier spot for watching the fireworks might be found on one of the mountainside viewing areas that look into downtown Gatlinburg. Ask a local for viewing tips if you are interested in doing that.

Ongoing Activities During July - Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales in Gatlinburg

A relatively new activity during the summer in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales. A nightly activity during the summer in the center of downtown Gatlinburg, look for costumed characters who share songs and stories about the Smoky Mountains and the historic figures who populated and contributed to the culture of the mountain people.

Or Try Pigeon Forge for a Fun Fourth of July

If the traffic gets you down before you make it to Gatlinburg or you'd rather enjoy all of your Independence Day festivities while sitting in one place, consider attending the annual Fourth of July Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge.

Most tourists travel to Gatlinburg by way of Pigeon Forge so if you are unfamiliar with the area you'll soon learn that Pigeon Forge has as much to offer as Gatlinburg - only there might be a little more walking or driving involved. Since driving in Pigeon Forge is also challenging on a holiday, the Fourth of July Patriot Festival gives you an opportunity to park the car and stay in one place for all the entertainment, including fireworks at the end of the day.

If you'd like your 4th of July holiday to include a little more local flavor, the Annual Pigeon Forge Forth of July Patriot Festival includes everything from baton twirler units to the community chorus. You'll also find aspiring country music stars, country music stars from the past, as well as some rock&roll and r&b musical entertainment thrown in for good measure. There will be food on site and restaurants within walking distance.

Entertainment in Patriotic Park for the 2009 Independence Day holiday also occurs on Friday night with a mostly rock line-up and again on Sunday with religious music.

All activities occur in Patriot Park, located behind the Old Mill which is just off US Route 441 at Traffic Light No. 7 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. You can find Patriot Park at #11 on the Old Mill Square Map and learn about Old Mill Square, the closest shopping and dining area to Patriot Park.

Enjoy Independence Day in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Sources:
Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, Gatlinburg Events for the Fourth of July, www.EventsGatlinburg.com
Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, Pigeon Forge Annual Fourth of July Patriot Festival, www.MyPigeonForge.com
Historic Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge, www.oldmillsquare.com