Gatlinburg Festivals and Shows Dominate Spring

Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, trees are full of new growth and leaves, frost has melted from the ground and waterfalls are flowing freely. Wildlife is emerging and stirring about from their winter slumber. Indeed, spring can be felt in the cool, crisp air of Gatlinburg. Spring is a magnificent time to visit Gatlinburg. As if the entertainment and nightlife of Gatlinburg weren’t already great reasons to visit, local merchants and the City’s Department of Tourism join forces to provide visitors with additional events to entertain families, honeymooners and kids-at-heart throughout the year.

Here’s the 2006 schedule of springtime affairs.

During the three-month Springfest celebration that begins in March and continues through the second week in June, visitors witness Gatlinburg’s transformation into spring when the city’s streets overflow with baskets of beautiful blooming flowers and plants. Pansies, daffodils, tulips, mandevillas, bougainvilleas, lantanas, scaveolas and wave petunias are among the many varieties of flowers seen throughout the city. Live entertainment can be found along sidewalks, adding a festive flair to the time-honored Downtown Parkway stroll.

Members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community display unique handcrafted wares as they gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to host their annual Easter Arts & Crafts show Wednesday, April 12 through Saturday, April 15. On Easter morning, April 16, join in the local tradition and attend Ober Gatlinburg’s 9th Annual Easter Sunrise Service enhanced by the beauty of the Smokies. Free tram rides to the mountain top begin at 5:45 a.m. and continue in 15 minute intervals until the service begins. Complimentary parking at the resort will be provided for those who prefer to drive. A breakfast buffet will be waiting and available at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m.

The smell of hickory-smoked barbeque fills the air as folks roll up sleeves and dive in to sample their secret sauces on delectable ribs and wings from more than 30 vendors from all over the Southeast on Thursday, April 20 at Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings. This festive street party features live entertainment by Down From Up, Carib Sound Steel Drum Band, and Hurricane Bob & the Devastators. Lots of fun and barbeque ribs and wings on the open grill just for your tasting!

The 56th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, Monday, April 24 through Sunday, April 30, is another great event, especially for hikers and nature lovers who love to see delicate wildflowers in bloom. Hosted by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the University of Tennessee Botany Department and the Gatlinburg Garden Club, this seven-day program offers more than 150 different hiking tours of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, exhibitions, demonstrations, classroom lectures and delightful motor excursions into the wonderful season of spring in the Smokies.

• April 12 - 15 Arts & Crafts Community Easter Arts & Crafts Show Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. (800) 568-4748
• April 16 Gatlinburg’s Annual Easter Sunrise Service Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort at 6:30 a.m. This will be the ninth year for the mountain top services at the resort. The 30 - 40 minute high mountain service will be led by local pastors of the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association. Free tram rides to the mountain top beginning at 5:45 a.m. and continuing at 15 minute intervals until the service begins. Complimentary parking at the resort will be provided for those who prefer to drive. A breakfast buffet will be available at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. (800) 251-9202 www.obergatlinburg.com
• April 20 “Ribfest & Wings” Move over ribs! Wings are coming in too! Enjoy a delicious sampling of the area’s best barbecue ribs and chicken wings. Free entertainment. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza & River Road. 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• April 21 Gatlinburg’s Fireman’s Ball Dress up for a great cause! Join the Gatlinburg Fire Department for an evening of dancing and music at the Park Vista Ballroom. The evening will include dinner, a cash bar and entertainment provided by the Smoky Mountain Orchestra and local favorite, the Griffin Brothers Band. Formal dress. $40 a person. Tickets available at the Fire Department Headquarters on Hwy 321 next to City Hall. Park Vista Ballroom 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Call for more information (865) 436-5112
• April 21- May 20 Artists in Residence Annual Exhibition - Spring Wildflower Artist of the Year: Lisa Discepoli Llne The Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts was established in 1912 is an internationally recognized visual art center, providing creative experiences year-round with exhibitions and workshops offered for weekends, or one or two weeks. 556 Parkway- 865-436-5860 www.arrowmont.org
• April 22 Earth Day at the Aquarium Join with Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in a River Clean-up. The one who collects the most trash wins prizes. Environmental educational booths will line the Aquarium Plaza. Also a free Tree Give-away. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. (865) 430-8808
• April 23 St. George’s Day Celebration of the patron saint of England. Food and drink specials. Fox & Parrot Tavern Glades Road (865) 436-0677
• April 24 – 30 56th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 170 different programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations and classroom lectures centered on the flowers, plants and wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (865) 436-7318 x22
• April 24 – 30 Gallery Gathering Several artists demonstrating watercoloring, pottery, weaving, basket making, hats and marbling. Daily. Cliff Dwellers Gallery 668 Glades Road (865) 436-6921 www.cliffdwellersgallery.com

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