Wybert Says Goodbye

New for 2011!

Children definitely are part of the mix during Wilderness Wildlife Week, an annual salute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mother Nature in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Jan. 8-15, 2011.

More than 20 of the week’s 235 programs are geared specifically for children, and dozens more aimed at general audiences would inform and entertain the younger set.

Wilderness Wildlife Week’s eight days of programs are a gift to all visitors from the City of Pigeon Forge to honor its next-door neighbor, America’s most visited national park.
Among the child-friendly programs are “Those Ain’t Teddy Bears” (about the park’s iconic black bears), “Hug a Tree and Survive,” “O! Possum” and “Batteries Not Included” (about mountain children’s pre-electric games and toys).

In addition, there are several programs featuring live animals. Presenters include experts from the American Eagle Foundation, the Knoxville Zoo and Bays Mountain Park.

“Today’s young people actually need encouragement to get outdoors and play, and the ‘Kids Track’ programs during Wilderness Wildlife Week are one way to do that. We want future generations to appreciate the treasure that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is,” said Leon Downey, executive director of tourism for Pigeon Forge.

More than 200 experts volunteer their time to conduct the week’s 235 programs (128 of which are new in 2011) about nature photography, bears, butterflies, elk, camping skills, outdoor safety and scores of other topics.

New for 2011 is an all-day concentration on outdoor photography called “The Smokies Through the Lens” on Jan. 15. Nine seminars aimed at all skill levels are planned, and topics include equipment, shooting techniques and editing. Other photography instruction classes and numerous photo showcases occur throughout the week.

Christmas Parade in the Smokies this weekend!

The 33rd annual Christmas parade in downtown Gatlinburg is recognized as one of the very best by the International Festival and Events Association and as one of the top twenty events in the South by the Southeast Tourism Society. The parade features lighted floats, local high school & university marching bands, equestrian units and giant helium balloons. Santa Claus and his elves might even make an appearance!

Jamming sidewalks and balconies along the parade route, a crowd in excess of 80,000 people is expected to soak up the illuminating festivities. Don't miss out on all of the holiday fun!

To learn more about these and other events in Gatlinburg, call 1-800-56-VISIT (568-4748).

Christmas Wonderland At Smokies Stadium!

Shadrack Watersports and RV brings Christmas Wonderland to Smokies Stadium in Sevierville, Tennessee during the 2010-11 Winterfest Celebration. The lighting spectacular, which continues through January 2nd, is one of America’s largest drive-through, fully computerized LED light shows.

Hundreds of thousands of lights are included in this perfectly synchronized show filled with holiday tunes. The entire drive-through spectacular is nearly one mile in length and lasts approximately 20 minutes.

“Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium presented by Shadrack will be a great addition to Sevierville’s Winterfest Celebration this year,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director Amanda Marr. “There are already millions of people who come to our area during Winterfest but having a new attraction like Christmas Wonderland will give those visitors something new and exciting for this year as well.”

Proceeds will benefit area charities. Hours of operation are 6pm-10pm daily. Admission is $13.67 per car Monday-Thursday and $18.22 per car Friday-Sunday.

For more information, call (423) 652-0120.
Located at the Smokies Stadium – 3540 Line Drive – Kodak, TN 37764.

Gatlinburg's 35th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade!

For a fantastic holiday experience in The Smokies, witness one of the several special events that last throughout the season. This Friday, the 35th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade begins at 7:30pm in downtown Gatlinburg.

Kris Kringle (aka Santa Claus), will be there to serve as the Grand Marshal, along with his side-kick Topper the Penguin! The parade excitement also includes more than 100 parade entries, marching bands from all over the Southeast and giant helium balloons taking to the streets.

A crowd in excess of 80,000 people is expected to soak up the illuminating festivities for Gatlinburg Winter Magic, the City of Gatlinburg’s popular holiday lights program which has received a $1.5 million injection of new displays plus a 100-percent conversion to energy-efficient LED bulbs over the past few years.

Not only has this parade been recognized by the International Festival and Events Association as one of the very best, it’s also designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. A glowing tradition since 1976, the Fantasy of Lights is a spectacle for your entire family to see!

Characters of TheSmokies.TV

WinterFest fun!

The Smoky Mountain region’s premier annual event, WinterFest started in 1990 and has evolved into a 4-month celebration of the winter holidays that encompasses the entire county and draws thousands of visitors.

During WinterFest, dozens of special events and activities take place in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

Festivities include live concerts, storytelling, wine tastings, cooking contests, illumination and decoration contests, trolley light tours, guided hikes and much more. Family friendly fun continues on through the season until late February, 2011.

TheSmokies.TV Comedy in Sevier County!

SMOKY MOUNTAIN HAUNTED FOREST!

Come, if you dare, and venture onto the depths of terror at Sevierville’s scariest three acre hunted forest! Be warned, this event is not for the faint of heart. Creatures and scares lay around almost every tree. Proceed with caution if you DARE…everyone is DYING to get in.

DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

This is the year of the "Mad Scientist" so see for yourself what lies in this forest full of FEARS, SCREAMS, and MORE!

Located at 1999 Chapman Hwy in Sevierville, TN.

DATES: October: 29, 30, 31
Time: 7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.

ADMISSION:
Adults: $9.00
Children (12 and under): $5.00

Visit The Smokies!

Plan your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

There are an abundance of campsites, hiking trails, waterfalls, picnic areas and historical areas found throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fishing is permitted with a valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license. Guided horseback rides are also available in season.

Scenic drives through the park include Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove Loop Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Little River Road and The Foothills Parkway, among others. Popular campgrounds within Great Smoky Mountains National Park include Cosby, Elkmont, Look Rock, Balsam Mountain, Deep Creek and Smokemont. Approximately 100 backcountry campsites are also spread throughout the park.

As you discover and explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will see breathtaking scenery this time of year. A multitude of recreational opportunities draw more than 10 million visitors annually. There is no fee to enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

Nashville Legends in Concert!

First Class Productions, LLC and the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee presents The Nashville Legends Show on Friday, October 22nd, 2010.

This year, The Nashville Legends Show will be hosted by Country Music Hall of Fame Member, Bill Anderson. With hits like “Still”, “Po’ Folks”, and “Mama Sang a Song”, Whispering Bill is one of the most awarded songwriters of all time. He will be joined by Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius. Jim Ed has enjoyed success with great hits such as “The Three Bells” and “Southern Loving.” Then, teaming with Helen, the duet had tremendous success with hits like “I Don’t Want To Have To Marry You,” “Morning Comes Too Early,” “Fools,” and “Lying In Love With You.”
Cornelius had several hits of her own including “It Started With A Smile.”

Brown is best remembered for such hits as “Pop A Top Again,” and “Sometime, Sunshine.”
A member of the Grand Ol’ Opry, Brown hosted his own TV Show “Nashville On the Road,” for seven years.

The show kicks off at 8:00pm and the Country Tonite theater is located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. For ticket information call 800-792-4308 or 865-453-2003.

Cherokee Indian Fair in North Carolina this weekend!

The Cherokee Indians were the first to be charmed by the natural beauty of the mountains, fresh flowing streams and rivers, and clear blue sky in what they called “Land of the Blue Smoke,” or Smoky Mountains as we know them today.

Now it’s your turn to be charmed. Encircled by majestic mountains, Cherokee North Carolina is a Smoky Mountain vacation destination with plenty of fun activities - museums, amusement parks, casino, hiking trails, scenic drives, great shopping, a wealth of lodging choices and great history.

The Cherokee Indian Fair provides five days of fun and culture with Native American stories, an agricultural fair, games, contests, live music and dancing. For nearly 100 years, residents of and visitors to Western North Carolina know there's only one place to be in the first full week of October. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians host the 98th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. through October 9th, 2010. The fair offers topnotch nightly musical entertainment, fireworks, a carnival midway full of rides, craft vendors, food vendors including some featuring traditional Cherokee food, and an exhibit hall displaying the Eastern Band enrolled members traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.

Daily general admission is $10 and includes nightly concerts; children 6 and under are admitted free. Opens 10 a.m. daily with nightly shows. Come to the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds!

October Events in the Smokies!

As you plan your visit to the Smoky Mountains this fall, take advantage of the fun activities in town!

OLD-FASHIONED HAYRIDES in Downtown Gatlinburg, during this beautiful month of October. Take the whole family on a fun-filled hayride adventure and enjoy spectacular views of the Smokies’ beautiful fall foliage. Hayrides depart approximately every 45 minutes from the Mountain Mall (Traffic Light #6) in downtown Gatlinburg.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING, located at the Robert A. Tino Gallery, which is housed in an antebellum-style farmhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Smoky Mountain Homecoming features live music, crafts and children’s activities.

GATLINBURG CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR, taking place in the Gatlinburg Convention Center, October 7th through 23rd. More than 200 of the most talented artists and craftspeople in the Smoky Mountains showcase their talents in the areas of woodworking, pottery, basketweaving, stained glass, broommaking and more!

Hi-Tec Dental Webinar

Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah team up for movie!

For her return to the big screen in years, Dolly Parton will co-star in "Joyful Noise" for Warner Bros. She'll co-star with Queen Latifah. The musical-comedy will deal with a small-town Southern choir in need of a director after the one they had died.

"(The) story centers on an unlikely partnership between two strong-minded women who are forced to work together to save a small town gospel choir after budget cuts threaten to shut them down," according to a report from Variety. Parton will play the widow who was married the choir's director. Latifah will play the new choir director. Filming takes place in Atlanta in January, 2011.

"Joyful Noise" marks Parton's return to feature films. She hasn't acted in a theatrical release since 1992's "Straight Talk" with James Woods.

Splashes of Color in The Smokies!

By the beginning of October, trees in the Smoky Mountains high country that are now showing bright fall colors are the yellows of American beech and yellow birch and different shades of reds on mountain ash, pin cherry and mountain maple. In the lower elevations, a few early color changing species such as sourwood and sumac are showing bright reds now, but are scattered. Some dogwoods and maples are beginning to turn different colors in some areas as well. Fall wildflowers such as goldenrod and asters are colorful throughout the park and some blueberry and blackberry shrubs are also changing color.

The majority of the deciduous forest at 4,000 feet elevation and below is still predominantly green, but now with splashes of color dotting the slopes. A succession of warm, sunny days and cool crisp, but not freezing nights will bring about the most spectacular color display. At this part of the autumn season, some areas of the Smoky Mountains are showing more reds throughout the landscape than in other years.

As the leaf color increases, so does the number of autumn leaf peekers. While scenic drives are a good way to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains, taking to the trails is a wonderful way to enjoy the splendors of autumn. The Appalachian Trail, accessed at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap, would be an excellent hiking experience during this time of year.

Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains!

Autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a special time when a glorious leaf season of several weeks is enjoyed by visitors as fall colors travel down the mountainsides from the highest elevations to the foothills. Fall colors in the Smoky Mountains are magnificent and varied because of the amazing diversity of trees. Some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies, the vast majority of which are deciduous. The timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of "peak" season are impossible to predict in advance. In the Smoky Mountains, autumn color displays above 4,000 feet start as early as mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry, clearly visible from such vantage points as Clingmans Dome Road.

By the later stages of September, the right ingredients are beginning to emerge, the time when cooler temperatures and sunny days mix with some rainfall to bring on a spectacular autumn color display in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The timing of color change and leaf fall is primarily sparked by the calendar; that is, the increasing length of night. As days grow shorter and nights grow longer and cooler, chemical processes in the leaf begin to paint the landscape with nature’s autumn palette in the Smoky Mountains.

September’s suggested hikes for seeing the Smoky Mountains in autumn: Albright Grove and Sugarland Mountain Trail as well as high elevation hikes to Andrews Bald or Mt. LeConte would be time well spent.

Good places to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains include Newfound Gap Road from Alum Cave Trailhead to Kephart Prong Trailhead, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway East & West, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground. Suggested hikes include Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, Kanati Fork, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail). Watch www.gatlinburg.com for weekly fall colors updates beginning in mid-September.

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Wears Valley Oktoberfest 2010!

The Wears Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Oktoberfest 2010. This event will be highlighted by the Stihl Timbersports American Title Event Competition, a chainsaw carving contest, several local country and bluegrass bands, and much more!

Visitors can enjoy 3 days of local crafts displayed by over 100 local vendors, live music & singing everywhere, a lumberjack competition with over 70 competitors, local food vendors, story telling, as well as a petting zoo with activities for children. The award winning National Logging competition will be an exciting event not to be missed!

Friday, Oct 22, 2010 through Sunday, Oct 24, 2010 is where 15,000 spectators gather to join in the family friendly entertainment and festival fun!

Free admission, parking with donation. Located 6 miles from Pigeon Forge on State Road 321.

For more information, please call Carolyn Street 865-428-4917 or e-mail calle831@comcast.net

East Tennessee Elvis ranks top 5 impersonator in the world!

All week long, Elvis fans have gathered in Memphis to remember the life and music of the King, but you don't have to travel to Graceland to pay tribute. Every week, Matt Cordell portrays Elvis on stage in Pigeon Forge, East Tennessee. He currently ranks as one of the top 5 Elvis impersonators in the world beating out 30,000 competitors.

Recently, WBIR Live at Five at Four's Beth Haynes talked to Matt Cordell about his success as Elvis and the career he's made impersonating the King. Click the link below to see the interview:

http://www.wbir.com/life/programming/local/liveatfive/story.aspx?storyid=131242&catid=8

You can catch Matt Cordell's Elvis tribute at the Smith Family Dinner Theater in Pigeon Forge Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 2330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

For more information call Smith Family Dinner Theater at 866-399-8100 or visit Matt Cordell's website.

Sevier County Fair 2010!

All of Sevier County residents, neighbors and visiters are invited to come and enjoy some good old "county fair fun" September 6-11!

What's NEW for 2010?

Plenty... plus all the great events from years past. Check out the Livestock Shows and a variety of exhibits! Enjoy one of this areas finest pagentry at The Fairest of the Fair, a top notch Youth Talent Competition, Kids Dance Showcase, SAW Wrestling and an exciting Modified Lawnmower Pull.

Laugh with No-Joe's Clown Circus in the arena, as the family shows off their juggling skills, stilt walking and hilarious antics!

Get ready to be entertained by Sevier County's own American Idol contestant, Bryan Walker and country/pop singer J.C. Andersen. This Nashville performer is one of country music's most dynamic new talents that has headlined hundreds of events. He has also been featured on numerous television and radio broadcasts throughout the United States. From the moment this high-powered entertainer steps into the spotlight, the band cranks up that distinctive rocking country beat and the stage ignites with non-stop energy.

For admission prices and general information, visit www.myseviercountyfair.com

Don't miss the ice cream eating contest, grilling demonstrations, Karaoke singers, kid friendly petting zoo, Sevier County Museum Walk, great fair rides and more!

knoxnews.com: Beetles that destroy ash trees reach Tennessee

Photo by Michigan State University

A small, metallic-green beetle that destroys ash trees has made its way to Tennessee.

For the past several years, state agriculture officials have been on the lookout for the emerald ash borer, an exotic insect pest discovered in southeastern Michigan in 2002 that has since spread to 14 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.

Tennessee's first outbreak was discovered near Knoxville two weeks ago. An out-of-state forestry professional happened to notice an ash tree with tell-tale signs of emerald ash borer damage at a truck stop in Knox County near the Loudon County line. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture positively identified an adult beetle collected at the site as an emerald ash borer.

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/jul/29/beetles-destroy-ash-trees-reach-tennessee/

Smoky Mountain Life in Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

If you’re planning to visit the smoky mountains, celebrate the season in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Beginning September 1st, the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival season finds the people of Gatlinburg decorating and celebrating the beginning of fall with a variety of events and festivals in Tennessee. September’s warm, sunny days and cool, clear nights mix with just the right amount of rain to transform 800 square miles of lush green forest into a brilliant palette of vibrant autumnal colors.

The Great Smoky Mountains share center stage with the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair during the month of October. From October 7 through 23, 2010, the award-winning Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair opens the doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center to the public. Numerous artisans and craftspeople are on-hand each day to demonstrate their skills, answer questions, and offer their unique art for sale. Third-generation artisans and storekeepers strive to match the beauty of the autumn mountains by carrying the same colors into often elaborate storefront decorations, thus turning their little mountain town into a promenade of Southern Appalachian sights.

Arts and crafts have long held a deep association with the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Nowhere else in the South will you find a richer heritage of fine craftsmanship than in Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, established in 1937, is the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Located on an eight-mile loop at the northeast corner of Gatlinburg, the Community proudly preserves the craft heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains year-round. This area offers the best in a wide range of craft shops, including pottery, woodcarving, candle making, quilting, weaving, broom making, and painting, among many other fine art forms.

Gatlinburg is also home to the world-renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Founded in 1945, Arrowmont offers summer and spring workshops and an array of special conferences for all levels of students in craft-art media. The art galleries at Arrowmont are open for tours of select collections throughout the year.

Amid the splendor of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg embodies the simple goodness of small town life and is where we gather together to stand in awe of nature's glory. Businesses in Gatlinburg understand the importance of providing visitors with a green destination for eco-friendly vacations and get-a-ways. Surrounded by what has long been the most visited National Park in America, Gatlinburg has something for everyone.

August 21st Equestrian Estate Absolute Auction!

Exciting EVENTS in The Smokies!

Planning a trip to The Smokies? Summer is not over yet! August is full of fun events for you and your family, where you can enjoy the stunning landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains while celebrating the numerous festivals and quality entertainment in the area.

Annual Dollywood KidsFest™ is on through August 11th. Special attractions during Dollywood's Kidsfest include acts such as the VeggieTales, and extreme sports. Aside from the event specific attractions, all of Dollywood's normal rides and attractions will be open as well. Bring the whole family to Dollywood this summer, and experience the child-like wonder. A new spin on a familiar favorite is in store as the headlining act changes from week to week throughout the festival.

Celebrate Freedom!™ Join Pigeon Forge and Sevier County in honoring America’s heroes during the entire month of August. Participating businesses offer exclusive discounts to veterans, all branches of active duty, Reserves, National Guard, retired military, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel (ID required).

August 6th - 8th is TN Tax Free Weekend! Shop tax free on select items throughout Sevier County, Tennessee. For more information, please visit http://www.tntaxholiday.com/

Back by popular demand, Gatlinburg's fifth annual presentation of Smoky Mountain "Tunes & Tales" happens in downtown Gatlinburg through August 7. Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800. The collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 5 p.m. in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling until 10p.m.

Newport Farmer's Market Runs EVERY Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon through October 2nd. "Dedicated to providing homegrown goods for the well-being of our citizens and the environment.” Expect to see ripe tomatoes, sweet fresh from the stalk corn, watermelon & even muskmelons. Each week a wide variety of in-season vegetables are available! Learn more at http://www.newporttnfarmersmarket.com/

August 11th - 14th is KIDABRA! Conference where, "Incredible" is the norm! The Association of Family & Kidshow Performers participate to celebrate in Pigeon Forge. Join today by clicking http://www.kidabra.org/

Listen to Music on the Square at 6:30pm, August 13th - 14th during Stringtime in the Smokies at Old Mill Square, in Pigeon Forge. Live performances entertain as the audience gathers on lawn chairs to enjoy good ole Bluegrass, foot stomping music. Admission is FREE! For more details, please call (865) 428-0771.

August 20th, Chubby Checker in Concert at the Country Tonite Theatre, in Pigeon Forge. This year is the 50th anniversary of “The Twist.” Thanks to this classic, Chubby is the only artist to have a song to be #1 twice. “The Twist” also introduced the concept of “dancing apart to the beat,” thus revolutionizing the way we dance forever. For ticketing information, dial 1-800-792-4308 or visit http://www.firstclassconcerts.com/

With so much to see and do and fun activities for the whole family to partcipate in, The Smokies is the place to be!