May 2007 Archives

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the transportation schedule for visitor use during the mating period of the synchronous firefly beetles at Elkmont. The plan, coinciding with the expected peak flashing period, will be in operation from June 8-16, 2007.
In order to more safely accommodate an anticipated large turnout for this year, the City of Gatlinburg trolley service will once again operate transportation between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Little River Trailhead at Elkmont. The trolleys will start at 6 p.m. picking up visitors from the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area. The trolleys will continually run until the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area is full or until 9 p.m., whichever comes first. The last trolley to transport visitors from Elkmont to the Sugarlands Visitor Center is scheduled at 11 p.m. The cost will be $1 round trip per person.

Next stop on Dolly Parton’s Sevier County tour- the Dixie Stampede. After raising approximately $500,000 during her benefit concert Sunday night, Parton made her presence felt Monday evening as she helped her other Pigeon Forge business venture celebrate it’s 20th anniversary during a special VIP show at the popular dinner theater.
Parton appeared earlier in the day at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new hospital in Sevier County, where proceeds towards her concert went towards the project.
She appeared twice during the Dixie Stampede festivities, first signing with the theater’s in-house band during it’s regular pre-show, then making an appearance at the end of the show, singing a patriotic number to close it out.

Southeastern Tourism Society has selected Gatlinburg's 4th of July Midnight Parade as a top 20 event for July.
The list is compiled by the Atlanta-based organization, which is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its member states of Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
For the 32nd consecutive year, Gatlinburg will kick off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, which will lead off at midnight on July 4. A tribute to the military and the observance of Gatlinburg’s Bicentennial will be among the highlights.

For the third year, Ripley's Aquarium and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts have joined forces with the city of Gatlinburg to host the annual Fine Arts Festival May 19-20.
The festival is one of several events scheduled for that week-end in Sevier County, held on the same week-end as the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games, Sevierville's Bloomin BBQ and Bluegrass and the Robert F. Thomas Foundation benefit Concert featuring Dolly Parton, it may seem like there’s to much to do and not enough time to do it. But arts festival organizers say their event compliments the others.

The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation and Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center announce that tickets are available for Dolly Parton's benefit concert at 7:30 p.m. May 20, at Smokies Stadium. Proceeds will support the construction of a new Fort Sanders Sevier campus. Advertisement Tickets are available through all Tickets Unlimited outlets. Prices range from $33 to $150 each. To purchase tickets, call (865) 656-4444. Tickets can be purchased online at www.knoxvilletickets.com or www.concertsinthesmokies.com.

Pigeon Forge has joined Gatlinburg and Sevierville in recognizing what a valuable asset the river is to its community. In Gatlinburg you can stroll along the river in places on the two main streets through downtown. In Sevierville you can walk up and down the river on a scenic river walk built by the city.
Now Pigeon Forge is taking advantage of its river, often hidden by the Parkway development. The first phase of the city’s greenway project was dedicated on Monday, as officials gathered at the plaza and cut the ribbon to open the trail. The first section of what one-day will be almost four miles of greenway trail goes from Jake Thomas Road to Ashley Avenue. The plaza includes flags and a plaque honoring former City Commissioner English McCarter.

Saturday May 5
Honoring our traditional All-American commitments to God, Family, this great nation, your car, and All-American food.
The D.J. is Gary England choosing music from Gary’s Music Machine and there will be lots of dancing, bubble gum blowing, and penny pitching contest.
You will help to choose an earthly Queen/mother to be crowned right here!
Awards for Best of Show, The diner pick, the diner rats big cheese, Sweet 16, classic truck, mini truck, classic car, vette, sports car, classic original, antique, muscle car, sport compact, and late model and bike. Open show. 12-7 PM, Judging 4-7 PM, Trophies about 7:30 PM.
Food is 15% off for all participants. The specials will be our char-grilled steaks with unlimited sides including potatoes, vegetables, spaghetti, or eggs. Or go with our standard char-grilled burgers (Angus, Buffalo or Elk). The Diners normal full menu is available and all Drivers and families of car entries receive a 15% discount on all food and beverage on show day. Your main beverage is bottomless for the day.
We look forward to seeing you there!

The highest black bear population in about 150 years, combined with a lack of food and increasing human encroachment into their habitat, makes more human/bear encounters likely this year, according to wildlife biologist with the state and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
David Brandenburg of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said most of Tennessee’s bear habitat is on public lands in the southern Appalachian Mountains, but increasing numbers of people are moving into the areas adjacent to those public lands.