Springfest in the Smokies 2009

Spring has Sprung, finally. The warm weather finds an even warmer welcome here in the Smoky Mountains as the gray humps of the mountain revert to green, and a new slew of favorite activities return to large fanfare.

A brand new parade debuts in Gatlinburg and its pretty original to say the least. The Holly and Shamrock Parade starts at 4:30 PM St. Patty's Day. Ol' Santa Clause makes a surprise return to march down the streets of Gatlinburg alongside the perennial Irish favorites. That's right. Elves and Leprechauns... walking side by side in late March. This might be the only time you ever see such a monstrosity, so be sure not to miss it 4:30 PM on Tuesday, March 17th! www.hollyandshamrock.com

On March 28th, The Music of the Mountains kicks off at the Sugarlands Visitor's Center. 2009 makes it year 5 for this anticipated celebration of our culture through song. It's a 7 hour festival, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and it features 45-minute and hour long sets by Lost Mill String Band, Tony Thomas, Dr. Ted Olson, Boogertown Gap, Matt Morelock and Brian Volmer and finally, Roger Howell and Friends. And then there is an extra performance by Jimbo Whaley at the W.L. Mills Conference Center in downtown Gatlinburg starting at 7:00 P.M. http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=32



Many, many, many Christians look forward to Easter, and just as many look forward to the Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg. The tram leading to the service runs at 6:15 AM and the service starts at 7:00 AM with a full breakfast at the ski resort's restaurant. www.obergatlinburg.com

Then the big one hits, The 59th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is the big event in Gatlinburg's Springfest. The fact that this tradition is nearly into its 6th decade should give you credence into how much the Wildflower Pilgrimage means to this community. People return year after year simply because they weren't able to do everything the last! Over 100 exhibits and items and lectures and experts and guided hikes and anything remotely educational about the mountains will be available. www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org

Stay with us as we prepare for late Spring and early Summer events!