You are here

Home » 'Tis the Season In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

'Tis the Season In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Share

Published Date

December 7, 2008

It's time for Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Christmas festival.

It's not Walton's Mountain, and John Boy and the Soggy Bottom Boys probably will not be there, but if you enjoy an old-fashioned Appalachian Mountains Christmas festival, mark December 13 on your calendar.

For the 33rd consecutive year Great Smoky Mountains National Park will stage its "Festival of Christmas Past" that day at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinsburg, Tennessee. The festival is an annual celebration of the culture of the Great Smoky Mountains, with an emphasis on that special time of year, Christmas.

“Mountain people worked hard all year, and looked forward to the religious significance of Christmas and the chance for social interaction in the various communities,” said Park Ranger Kent Cave. “These folk gathered in churches, homes, and schools during the holidays, while also meeting others along roads and trails in the mountains. The holidays allowed people to combine religion, work, and social interaction in the mountain communities."

The festival, which is free to all, will feature a blend of mountain music, storytelling, crafts, and skills demonstrations ongoing throughout the day. The event schedule includes the following activities:

Sugarlands Visitor Center Theater

* 9:30 am - 11:00 am - Old Fashioned Harp Singing

* 11:15 am - 12:00 pm - Lost Mill String Band

* 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Storytelling with Cuz and Jan Headrick

* 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Stories of the Past (panel discussion with area residents)

* 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Bill Proffitt and South of the River Boys

* 3:00 - 4:00 pm - Boogertown Gap Band

Other activities in and around the visitor center

* “When the Park Was New” (portrayal of first park superintendent J. Ross Eakin by park staff - 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm

* Recitation of "The Night Before Christmas" by Morgan Briggs - 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

* Blacksmithing with master blacksmith Clayton Sharp

* Domestic Arts and Fabric Spinning with Dale Liles and Jenny Bennett

* Quilting and Weaving with Effie Suttles and Ellen Ogle

* Mountain Basket weaving with Connie and Mack Clabo

* Broom Making with David Higgins

* Mountain Berry Baskets with Bill Alexander

* Lye Soap Making with Sallie Swor

* Fabric Dyeing with Park Ranger Lisa Free

* Christmas Craft Table with Vicki and Liza Law

* Traditional Pine Cone Bird Feeders with Sherry Jennette and Sydney Frey

For more information, please phone the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 865-436-1291.
>

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.