July 3-4
34th Annual 4th of July Midnight Parade
Downtown Gatlinburg.   Enjoy lighted floats, marching bands, and giant helium balloons.  Parade begins at 12:01 a.m. on the 4th of July, which is one minute after midnight on July 3rd. For the 31st consecutive year, Gatlinburg will kick off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, which will lead off at midnight to the cheers of 70,000 to 100,000 spectators. A tribute to the five branches of military service will be one of the many highlights. 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 more than 100 entries of all types scheduled to appear. National entries such as Schwann Foods and Red Baron Pizza will bring in their Blaine Kern-designed floats.

July 4
"Stand Here" Fireworks Finale
“Stand Here” will be the best advice for visitors as Downtown Gatlinburg’s skyline will transform into a flood of brilliant colors on the night of Saturday, July 4, 2009 when the sights and sounds of a spectacular fireworks display will fill the night sky in commemoration of America’s independence. The fireworks show, scheduled to begin shortly after sunset, will be a twenty-minute production with visibility throughout the downtown area.

Numerous segments of the show will feature spectacular rocket bursts 500 feet overhead. “The downtown Parkway will be the best place to watch the show,” stated George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for Gatlinburg’s Department of Tourism. “Between traffic lights #3 and the sky lift, our visitors will have great views, as will the businesses and accommodations that overlook the downtown area." “By staging the fireworks in this manner, spectators can enjoy the attractions, shops, nightlife, and restaurants throughout downtown prior to the display, with no worry about finding a good viewing spot as the fireworks begin,” Hawkins added. “The display should make for a perfect finale to Gatlinburg’s Fourth of July Celebration.”

July 4
Gatlinburg's River Raft Regatta
12:00 noon, Gatlinburg.  Starts at Christus Gardens bridge and finishes at the Aquarium bridge.  Enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family.  Unmanned, floatable objects are launched in the river and they compete for prizes.  Arrive by 11:30 to enter and be eligible for prizes.  River Road.  FREE event.  For more information please contact Special Events at 800-568-4748.