The fall season is officially approaching, which means it is time for all the foliage, colors and prestige of the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, beginning today and continuing through Halloween in all of the county's cities. There is no shortage of events in all the cities, with most local businesses participating in a decorating contest for the best themes of the fall, which has been an annual tradition during the festival.
In Sevierville, the most notable events include the Dumplin’ Valley Bluegrass Festival Thursday through Saturday; the Tennessee Museum of Aviation Warbirds Weekend Sept. 23-24; Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special in concert at Smokies Park Sept. 24; the Great Smoky Mountain Auto Fest at Smokies Park Sept. 29-30; Robert Tino's Smoky Mountain Homecoming Oct. 7-8; and the Spurin' "S" Rodeo Oct. 13-14.
"We are really preparing for the season this year," said Amanda Maples-Marr, marketing coordinator for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. "We are proud of our area businesses participating in the decorating contests. They want to make Sevierville and Sevier County as attractive as they can be for the season. There are more people participating than ever before, so we're excited about it."
Pigeon Forge's notable events include the Fall Grand Rod Run today through Saturday; Dollywood's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival Friday through Sept. 27 and its National Music & Harvest Celebration Sept. 22-Oct. 28; the Rotary Club Crafts Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 29; and the Sixth Annual Fall Harvest Art & Craft Show, Oct. 13-15 and Oct. 20-22.
"In our 10th year of the festival, I think we've finally accomplished what we wanted to do," said Kay Powell, assistant director of tourism for Pigeon Forge. "People who are interested in coming want to see the decorations that businesses put out. They are learning that this is what part of the Harvest Festival is. Someone called me and said they were bringing a group and wanted several copies of our map to see where the decorations are," Powell said. "That's become a big part, and businesses have bought into it because they are excited about what they're putting out every year. The city is very pleased because of it."
And in Gatlinburg, their Harvest Festival highlights include the Great Gatlinburg Shark Race on Sept. 30; the Ninth Annual Taste of Autumn Sept. 28; the Fifth Annual Gatlinburg Heritage Days Sept. 30-Oct. 8; the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair Oct. 5-22.
"We are excited about how our fall season is shaping up," said Jon Elder, special events coordinator for Gatlinburg. "Fall is one of our busiest seasons of year. We're seeing it coming along to relieve us from hot temperatures. There's beautiful foliage with fall, and we have visitors coming to enjoy it. We're putting our best foot forward for all fall events and
decorations."
Information courtesy of The Mountain Press