Smoky Mountain July 4th Fun!
Celebrate the 4th of July the Smoky Mountain Way. Photo credit Ariel Skelley/CORBIS.
Smoky Mountain July 4th Fun! Join us in the Smokies for a family-friendly, mind-boggling day of patriotic fun on Tuesday, July 4, 2017, as we celebrate America’s birthday-mountain-style!
Gatlinburg hosts the First Independence Day Parade in the Nation. More than 80,000 spectators are expected to be on hand to enjoy the city’s 42nd annual parade which begins at midnight and was named by National Geographic Magazine as one of the Top 10 parades to see in the United States!
The mile-long parade route begins at traffic light #1A on East Parkway and continues to traffic light #10. Plan to spend the night at one of the area’s fine hotels or camp at one of the Park’s beautiful campgrounds and enjoy the exciting River Regatta on River Road which begins at noon. Pack folding chairs and blankets to enjoy the spectacular fireworks show that begins at 10 p.m. Registration for the Regatta begins at 10:00 a.m. at Christ in the Smokies and prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Pigeon Forge has the patriotic spirit too at Patriot Park. It will be a red, white and blue day for your family starting at noon with the FREE Kid’s Carnival featuring food and fun!
Starting at 1:30 the games and free entertainment begin including standing room only performances by Departure (Journey tribute band) who “don’t stop believin’.” Thompson Square, an American country music duo composed of husband and wife Keifer and Shawna Thompson, is the headliner for the event. Their popular singles include “If I did not have you” and “Are you gonna kiss me or not?”
Plan to come early and stay late to enjoy a dazzling fireworks show that starts at 9:30 p.m. and is sure to put “stars in your eyes.”
The entire event is free to the public so plan to spend the entire day. Please leave your coolers and umbrellas at home but remember to bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
On the southern side of the Smokies this July but can’t be there on the 4th ? The 42nd Annual 4th of July Powwow Fireworks show in Cherokee, NC. is the place to be! The event is at the Acquoni Expo Center (1501 Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC 28719) from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m on Saturday July 1, 2017. Admission is by ticket only so call 800-438-6492 today!
The Tweetsie Railroad is a great one tank trip! Tweetsie Railroad is planning a bang-up event to celebrate America’s birthday and the theme park’s 60th birthday on July 4th.
Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina’s first theme park, will treat visitors to a spectacular fireworks show on July 4th when more than 200 large-caliber pyrotechnic shells light up the heavens above the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The park, located on U.S. Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, will offer a day of adventure; the most famous of which is a ride on a train pulled by one of Tweetsie Railroads iconic steam locomotives. When Tweetsie opened on July 4, 1957 it featured one-mile train trip to a picnic area. Today it is an entire theme park that offers visitors from far and near a chance to enjoy the wild-west themed attractions. A VIP Fourth of July experience will include premium viewing area, and an optional chicken and barbecue buffet at the Hacienda. VIP wristbands, available at the ticket office, are on a first come basis for $20 for adults and $15 for children, ages 3-12. Kids ages two and under get in free. Parking is available during the celebration for $10 and those holding Golden Rail Season Passes park free. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks will be held on July 5th. Daytime admission is $45 for adults and $30 for children. For more information, visit tweetsie.com or call 877-898-3874.
