Pigeon Forge Resorts

Sevier Co. prepares for big holiday weekend

Whether you hit Great Smokies National Park, or the water park at Wilderness, there'll be a crowd.

"All of the holiday weekends in the summer, particularly the 4th of July are great for the local businesses," said Laney. "Wilderness at the Smokies sells out just about every year during the fourth."

In Pigeon Forge, the fun is Monday with the 21st Patriot Festival.

"We're a family destination and this is a really a family day -- bring the family out and have fun," said Butch Helton, special events manager for Pigeon Forge's department of tourism.

And its all free -- even a trolley to the park from Teaster Lane.

Starting at noon, kids carnival, food vendors, and local and country acts take the stage. The fireworks start at 9:45 p.m.

"It is an outdoor event so we do encourage people to bring lawn chairs, seats, sunscreen also those items you bring when you are going to be outside all day long," said Helton.

Down the parkway in Gatlinburg, Uncle Sam and even Sharky are hard at work getting ready for this year's midnight parade. Don't forget to be here early.

"People stake their territory real quick," said George Hawkins, the special events director for Gatlinburg.

Hawkins says by 8 a.m. Sunday chairs will line the streets saving a special spot. And this year you'll want a glimpse of Catherine Bach, 2011's grand marshall, better known as Daisy Duke.

"Dukes of Hazard. It's still on TV and she's a very gracious person just to talk to her I think you'll see how gracious she is," said Hawkins.

Monday the River Raft Regatta and fireworks keep the party going, a great way to celebrate our Independence.

For more information, you can click on the links above.

Insiders' Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains

Insiders' Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains

Pigeon Forge

Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains

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