June 13th, 2008 – August 16th, 2008

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales

Sevier County

All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the smoky mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at locations along the Parkway every evening during this third annual event!

Imagine... it's early evening in the Smokies. you are strolling along the Parkway in Downtown Gatlinburg and see a gathering of people just ahead. as you draw closer, you begin to hear the distinctive sounds of a dulcimer. curious, you stop to watch and listen. A dulcimer player gracefully strums an upbeat mountain melody as those around him clap rhythmically in time.

Continuing your stroll, you might encounter Big Hog, a grisly but loveable mountain dweller regaling the crowd with stories of the days before Great Smoky Mountains National Park came into existence.

At the next corner, the Moonshine Boys could be drawing a crowd. Goose, the youngest of a set of brothers, loves to brag on the moonshine activities of him and his kin at their hidden still deep in the mountains. his brothers, buck, teeter and skinny bill, sit idly by until goose decides to "strike up a tune for the folks."

Dangling a line off the bridge in front of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Trout Catch Cal is likely to be delighting the crowds with hilarious tall tales as he demonstrates fly fishing and talks about lures and responsible fishing.

On the Plaza, the Back Porch Cloggers demonstrate the original dance of the appalachians with all the verve and excitement that kicking up your toes can produce.

Zeno the Gatlinburg Bear also makes nightly appearances during this popular summer special event, dishing out hugs and waving to his new friends.

These are just a few of the numerous entertainment mini-performances you can experience every evening from June 13 through August 16 as you stroll in downtown Gatlinburg.

"Each night at 6 p.m., a horse-drawn wagon carries the performers down the Parkway to their designated locations for the evening," said George Hawkins, Gatlinburg Department of Tourism Special Events Manager. "The rotating cast of twenty acts including storytellers, musicians and crafters will share their stories and skills during the 10-week event."

"Our intent is to take what we feel is one of Gatlinburg's greatest assets - the walkability of the community - and provide something that is fun and somewhat different than what most places are doing," Tourism Director David Perella added.

Related Information

Extreme Thrills

Fulfill the need for speed with an adrenaline rush! Try Scenic Helicopter Tours (2491 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Ph: 865-453-6342/1-877-428-6929 www.flyscenic.com) to provide your family… Read more »