In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains lies a small town with a passion for Independence Day. The fine folks that call Gatlinburg, Tennessee home play host to a fantastic array of celebrations including midnight parades, pyrotechnic extravaganzas, and local historical events. If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate July 4th this year, you can't do better than a trip to Eastern Tennessee.

Leading the Celebration

Want to be first in the country to kick off the festivities? Then head to downtown Gatlinburg on the evening of July 3rd, because this little town leads the way. The country's only midnight Independence Day Parade has been a tradition in Gatlinburg since 1976. Nearly 100,000 spectators are expected to watch the mile-long parade wind through the streets of downtown. Helium balloons, equestrian teams, decorated floats, and representatives of our armed forces will all be on hand to celebrate the birth of this great nation.

Of course, no July 4th celebration is complete without a booming fireworks show, and Gatlinburg offers some of the best you'll find anywhere. Beginning at 10 p.m., the skies over downtown light up with brilliant explosions of color. The spectacle lasts long into the night, and has been designated a top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society, so it's sure to be a hit with the whole family.

More than Fireworks and Parades

Each Independence Day, Gatlinburg plays host to one of the most exciting boat races you'll see anywhere – the River Raft Regatta. This event is true family entertainment, with crowds lining the shores of the Little Pigeon River to cheer the "boats" on to victory. Clever rafts made from paper, matchsticks, and even rocks all bob and dip their way toward the finish line in this light-hearted race that's become an annual tradition.

After the race, as you stroll along the streets of Gatlinburg, you'll enjoy the sweet sounds of local musicians as they share their Appalachian heritage. Throughout the summer, Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales brings musical acts, street performers, and costumed characters to downtown Gatlinburg to entertain and educate visitors about the history of the area. In addition to enjoying the traditional music of the region, you'll meet a school marm who tells exciting tales of life as a pioneer teacher, and witness the fine craftsmanship of local artisans.

While you're in town, don't forget to pick up a few one-of-a kind souvenirs to remember your trip. The rich history of the Great Smoky Mountains is captured in the fine artwork available throughout the region. Hand-made pottery, woven baskets, and intricate quilts are all crafted as they were a century or more ago when the area was first settled. From the practical to the fanciful, you'll find just what you're looking for in the quaint shops of Gatlinburg.

Its central location makes Gatlinburg the perfect spot for a quick summer getaway. Those long weekends away from home are ideal for breaking up the workaday monotony, but there's so much to see and do here that you could easily spend a week or more. Whichever you choose, your Independence Day will be one the entire family will enjoy.