Smoky Mountain Winterfest

November 1st, 2010

Winterfest Lights

As fall turns into winter, visitors and local residents alike come to see the Winterfest celebrations. There will be incredible kick off events like the popular: Sevierville Music, Lights, and Magic, Pigeon Forge Winterfest, and Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Throughout the town there will be numerous light displays. With more lights added each and every year, the Smoky Mountains transform into a stunningly beautiful sight with millions of lights to illuminate the area. Drawing thousands of visitors to these events and festivals creates memorable experiences for everyone!

Sevierville Winterfest

The city of Sevierville will kick off “Music, Lights and Magic” on November 8th in Downtown Sevierville. Come and enjoy FREE food, local entertainment and kid’s games. Moving on into the evening there will be an amazing display of fireworks,  wrapping up with “flipping the switch” to turn on all the area lights. To enhance the fun and see Winterfest a whole new way 3D glasses will be available at the Sevierville Visitors Center. Experience the adventure of Smoky Mountain Winterfest in 3D!

Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Join us this year for the 21st Annual Winterfest kick off on November 9th at Patriot Park. Recognized as one of the top events in the entire country, Pigeon Forge Winterfest is a favorite tradition among many people. The festivities will begin in the heart of town with the talented students of the Pigeon Forge Middle and High School. There will also be a concert of holiday music by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and fantastic bluegrass music from Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier!

Pigeon Forge Winterfest is fun for the whole family including: games for the kids, several food vendors, and when the switch is flipped it will reveal 5 million twinkling lights. Prepare to celebrate in Pigeon Forge and uncover true holiday magic!

Gatlinburg Winterfest

Hosting the 21st Annual “Winter Magic,” Gatlinburg Winterfest kicks off on November 10th from 5pm to 8pm on the Downtown Parkway. To start the celebration, 3 million lights will be turned on with visibly dazzling fireworks and live entertainment by the Marvelettes! Additional Winter Magic entertainment by:

  • The Grassabillies
  • Steve Brown and Hurricane Ridge
  • The Holloway Sisters
  • Boogertown Gap

Performing around Gatlinburg, in various locations, will also be Belly Dancers and Street Magic! Everyone can enjoy the illuminated exhibits, winter forests, and animated displays up to 40 feet tall!

Don’t forget to participate in the Annual Chili Cookoff by sampling the best chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses. There will be 20 organizations serving up kettles of chili for this delicious and mouth-watering event. Later on, dare to enter the Hot Chili Eating Contests sponsored by All Sauced Up, and try to scarf down the fiery chili the fastest!

Aftering buying a ticket for $8, receive a spoon and a voting ballot. Casting votes for:

  • People’s Choice Award

Judges will also be selecting winners for:

  • Best Taste
  • Booth Presentation
  • Apron Design
  • Most Unique Chili Name

Winterfest Savings

Many attractions present holiday shows: Black Bear Jamboree Christmas, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Titanic’s Winter Wonderland, and more. With discount lodging rates and all the fun, theres is no time quite like Winterfest. Book your vacation now!

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Pumpkin Carving Contest

October 29th, 2010

Join us at Governor’s Inn on October 29th, 30th, and 31st for the Smoky Mountain Resorts Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Participate in the age-old tradition of turning a pumpkin into Art. Beginning each night at 6pm and ending at 8pm, the pumpkin carving will be held in the lobby with snacks and refreshments for everyone. Each guest gets a pumpkin and a carving kit. The staff chooses the best carved pumpkin, and the winner will get a FREE night stay valid November 15 through October 31, 2011!

How To Get Ready For Pumpkin Carving:

Come Up with an Idea for Your Pumpkin Carving
Think beyond the typical and make the pumpkin stand out.
Prepare Pumpkin for Carving
Make sure to wash and dry it to remove any dirt and debris.
Have the Right Tools
Carving Kit Includes: Saw and Spoon
Remove the Seeds and Pulp from the Pumpkin
Cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin. Make sure to cut at an angle and cut a notch in the circle so the lid can be replaced the right way and not fall through. Then scoop out the seeds and pulp.
Carve Out Your Stencil
After tracing a pattern onto the pumpkin, use the small saw to cut it out. Be very careful with the smaller pieces.

More Tips:

  • When you’re done carving a pumpkin, rub cooking oil on all the exposed edges to prevent browning.
  • Don’t throw away the pumpkin seeds! Pumpkin seeds are delicious toasted. For a wonderful treat try Spicy Pumpkin Seeds or Sugar and Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
  • Be careful and age-appropriate with the sharp tools. Younger children can have fun scooping out seeds and tracing designs.

Be creative and have fun making simple or intricate designs. Start brainstorming for the Pumpkin Carving Contest and have a happy Halloween!

Book your Pumpkin Carving Package Now!

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Mountain Top Christmas

October 24th, 2010

Mountain Top Christmas

Mountain Top Christmas Conference, featuring Dr. James Merritt, is a three day event that includes a variety of speakers, performers, in-concert music, fun, and lots more.

As the host of Touching Lives ministries, Dr. Merritt has dedicated his life to leading men, women, boys and girls all over the world to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Founder and Senior Pastor of Cross Pointe Church, Dr. Merritt is also the host speaker for Pastors Edge Mentoring Conferences. Dr. Merritt is not only a popular speaker, he is  a successful author and has been featured on numerous television programs.

Dennis Swanberg is the other speaker for the Mountain Top Conference. The pastor-turned-comedian has won the hearts of audiences all over the country. People looking for fresh and new inspirations can learn a lot from the “Minister of Encouragement.”

The Mountain Top Christmas like you’ve never experienced before will have special performances by:

  • Geraldine & Ricky
  • The Triumphant Quartet
  • Mountain Ruckus
  • Smith Family Show

Touching Lives Ministries is an international broadcast that touches the lives of millions with the hope and encouragement of Jesus Christ. Going on 20 years, Touching Lives now has more advanced technologies to share Dr. Merritt’s message around the world. The award-winning event delivers life-changing Gospel, empowerment, and a way to apply them to daily life.

Visit:MountainTopConference.com for more info.

Schedule (Subject to change)

Monday, November 29th
1:00pm to 5:30pm Registration at Smoky Mountain Convention Center
6:00pm Welcome Dinner
7:00pm Welcome and Introduction
7:15pm to 8:30pm Concert by Triumphant Quartet
8:30pm Closing remarks and dismiss
Tuesday, November 30th
8:40am to 9:00am Prelude music
9:00am to 9:50am Session One with Dr. James Merritt
9:50am to 10:15am Break with music by Mountain Ruckus
10:15am to 11:30am Christmas Fun with Dr. Merritt (assorted games and activities)
11:30am Closing remarks and dismiss. Lunch on your own.
Afternoon Shopping/Sightseeing
6:00pm to 7:00pm Dinner at Smoky Mountain Convention Center
7:00pm to 8:30pm Dr. Dennis Swanberg
8:30pm Closing remarks and dismiss
Wednesday, December 1st
8:40am to 9:00am Prelude music with Gary “Biscuit” Davis and company
9:00am to 10:00am Session Two with Dr. Dennis Swanberg
10:00am to 10:30am Break with music by Mountain Ruckus
10:30am to 11:20am Session Three with Dr. James Merritt
11:20 to 11:30am Invitation and challenge
11:30am Closing remarks and dismiss. Lunch on your own.
Option Blast from the Past at 2:00pm at Smith Family Theater
Afternoon Shopping/Sightseeing
6:00pm to 8:30pm Dinner and show at Smith Family Theater.
Dr. Merritt closes show with an invitation and challenge.
8:30pm Closing remarks and dismiss
Thursday, December 2nd
Breakfast at hotel
Depart

Location & Directions

The Smoky Mountain Convention Center is located behind Ramada Inn on the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Nearby are: KFC, Krispy Kreme, Cracker Barrel, and Dixie Stampede. Host hotels are only minutes from the conference center, the Smith Family Theatre, and many attractions, restaurants, and shopping outlets.

Ramada Inn & Smoky Mountain Convention Center
4010 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

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The Final Fall Color Update

October 22nd, 2010

Smoky Mountain in the Fall

The breathtaking beauty of Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains is displayed in nature’s multicolored farewell. There is a limited amount of time to enjoy the fall colors,

Temperature and moisture cause the intensity and overall timing. Warm and sunny days with cool nights are best for vibrant fall colors. The process of transformation in the leaves are from 3 types of pigments: Chlorophyll, Carotenoids, and Anthocyanins. These pigments are what completes the change to fall beauty.

Whether driving or hiking through the Smoky Mountains to get closer to nature, there will be a palette of brilliant reds, golds, yellows, and oranges.

“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.” ~Stanley Horowitz

The Top 6 Photography Spots

  1. Mount LeConte
  2. Cades Cove
  3. Cataloochee
  4. Clingman’s Dome
  5. Ramsey Cascades
  6. The Mountain Farm Museum

For further updates on Fall Colors, visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the U.S. National Park Service website.

Make sure to see the autumn colors before they disappear this season! There are over a 100 species of native trees in the Smoky Mountains with stunning scenery that is sure to be memorable. Book your room now.

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