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July 3rd, 2008 – July 4th, 2008

4th of July Midnight Parade, Presented by Red Baron

Sevier County

For the 33rd consecutive year, Gatlinburg kicks off America's Independence Day celebration with the nation's first parade, which leads off at 12 a.m. on Friday, july 4, to the cheers of 80,000 to 100,000 spectators.

Sponsored once again by Red Baron Pizza, a tribute to our five branches of military service is among the many highlights.

"This will be one of the most patriotic and colorful midnight parades that the City of Gatlinburg has ever produced," according to Special Events Manager George Hawkins, who organized the first Gatlinburg 4^th of July parade in 1976 in celebration of America's Bicentennial.

As soon as the street is closed late on July 3, the parade route comes alive with pre-parade entertainers that begin the excitement of what is to follow. Giant helium balloons soar through the skyline of downtown Gatlinburg, from red, white, and blue stars to Alphonso the Dragon, Humpty Dumpty, and a giant patriotic eagle and all-star train. More than 100 volunteers are signed on to help the balloons navigate the streets, with over 100 entries of all types scheduled to appear. national entries such as Schwan's Foods and Red Baron Pizza bring in their Blaine Kern-designed floats.

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