For the 32nd consecutive year, Gatlinburg will kick off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, presented by Red Baron Pizza, which will lead off at midnight to the cheers of 80,000 to 100,000 spectators. A salute to Gatlinburg's Bicentennial Celebration and a tribute to our five branches of military service will be among the many highlights. “This will be one of the most patriotic and colorful parades that the City of Gatlinburg has ever produced,” according to Special Events Manager George Hawkins. “We are very excited about the entire day of events!”
As soon as the street is closed, the parade route will come alive with pre-parade entertainers that will begin the excitement of what is to follow. Giant helium balloons will 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 will be signed on to help the balloons navigate the streets of Gatlinburg, with over 100 entries of all types scheduled to appear. National entries such as Schwan Foods and Red Baron Pizza will bring in their Blaine Kern-designed floats.
Gatlinburg’s popular River Raft Regatta will take place at noon on Wednesday, July 4th, beginning at the Christus Gardens bridge on River Road and ending at the Aquarium bridge in downtown Gatlinburg. This unmanned river raft race is open to anything floatable except balls and plastic eggs. In the past, families have entered boats made out of matchsticks, floating rocks, as well as little rubber ducks. Registration takes place between 11 a.m. and noon, with the race beginning promptly at noon. Support for the River Raft Regatta is provided by the Gatlinburg Recreation Center.