The 4th of July is coming up very soon and we wanted to keep you up to date on the events going on here in the Smokies.

In Gatlinburg, the events start as soon as the 3rd of July ends with the 4th of July Midnight Parade on the main downtown street where you and your whole family can see some of the best, brightest and most patriotic floats in the country for over an hour of fun.

Then, the morning after, The River Raft Regatta starts at 10:00AM and is another fun activity for the whole family, particularly younger kids, as you can watch all manners of small objects race down the river to cross the finish line first at Ripley’s Aquarium. You can see more information on that at http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/details.aspx?id=33.

Finally, the big show begins at 10:00PM with the Independence Day fireworks you’ve all been looking forward to, and you don’t have to go anywhere but the main sidewalk in downtown Gatlinburg to see the fireworks overhead. Gatlinburg has been celebrating the 4th of July this way for years and it just gets better each time it comes around.

Come spend your 4th of July here with us in the Smokies! There’s lots to do that’s awesome for the whole family and we would be glad to have you. See more on this at www.mypigeonforge.com and www.gatlinburg.com.