The Inland Echo

By Travel News

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is celebrating a major milestone in 2009 – the 75th Anniversary of its establishment on June 15, 1934. Park staff continues to develop plans to commemorate and highlight the Park’s biologically diverse natural resources, cultural history, and a whole host of recreational and educational opportunities.

The Park’s interactive anniversary website, www.GreatSmokies75th.org, profiles a rich and diverse array of activities and events in the Park and throughout neighboring communities. The plans for observing this special occasion is the product of collaborative efforts with the Great Smoky Mountains Association, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and local and state municipalities and tourism organizations.

Several major events are being planned in the Park, but are still in the early stages of development which include a Governor’s Proclamation ceremony the week of April 20, 2009, which will focus on the community and regional role that was vital to the Park’s creation; three events on Anniversary Weekend, June 13-15, 2009, to showcase the resources of Cades Cove, Sugarlands, and Oconaluftee; and re-dedication of the Park on September 2, 2009, at Newfound Gap.

In addition to in-Park events, over 75 officially-recognized community events and venues, meeting the themes of the anniversary celebration, can be found on the interactive monthly calendar. 

“It will be the place for one-stop shopping to get involved and chart vacation plans and site visits to the Park and surrounding areas,” 75th anniversary coordinator Ann Froschauer said. “In the future, a separate activity schedule will be available for Park events. Visitors can plan early and mark the dates for those activities that are of interest.”

The Smokies Family Album featured on the website invites people to upload photos and share stories of their adventures and memorable moments such as family vacations and honeymoons in the Park at recognizable features – at Park’s entrance or trail signs, historic structures, or natural areas at waterfalls or balds.

“There are already several photos and stories depicted which illustrate the notable experiences that people have had over the many years. These can serve as memoirs to share with family and friends,” Froschauer said.

Another special feature of the website is a virtual time line which gives a history lesson on the significant contributions, people, places and events that influenced the creation and protection of this national treasure. With illustrations and text capturing the historic moments, visitors can navigate and learn about the hard work, personal sacrifice and successes in making the Smokies America’s most visited national park.

From pre-park logging era in the early 1900s to the experimental reintroduction of the elk in the 2000s, the guide provides an in-depth look, decade by decade, at the evolution of the Park.

“In addition to the visitor activities, this occasion is an opportunity to highlight the Park’s achievements and examine current and future challenges for its protection so that we can establish a legacy of stewardship to ensure its continued health and vitality over the next 75 years,” Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson said.

The Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountains Association, the Park’s two major partners, are creating new opportunities to generate support for the Park by providing ways to make a lasting gift to the Park and future generations. These sponsorship possibilities can be seen online. In the near future, people will have an opportunity to purchase, online and at Park visitor centers, memorabilia from a unique selection of anniversary merchandise as well as commemorative publications that demonstrate the rich history of the Park and surrounding area.

From April 22-26, 2009, the Park will host a Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. This five day event centers around both outdoor and indoor programs covering a wide variety of interests pertaining to the flora, fauna, and culture of GSMNP. Daily hikes accommodate all levels of hiking ability and are led by GSMNP staff and professional and amateur naturalists. Headquartered at Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg, the event begins with an opening luncheon and closes with an evening buffet. Nightly programs or entertainment are usually open to the public at no charge, though the closing night entertainment may require an additional fee. A wildflower display is also available for viewing and to familiarize participants and the public with the plants found in the park. An arts and crafts exhibit is also a popular part of this event.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate the third annual National Junior Ranger Day on April 25 with special activities at the Park’s three visitor centers from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Children and their families can join in a variety of free hands-on activities that range from searching for salamanders to making dinner bells at a blacksmith shop. Historic toymaking, weaving, wildflower searches, and other natural and cultural opportunities will be available.

On April 28, 2009, the Sugarlands Visitor Center will host the Music of the Mountains Festival, celebrating the musical traditions of the southern Appalachian mountains.

On June 13, 2009, the Knoxville Symphony will play a special concert at Cades Cove.

On June 20, 2009, join Park Staff and Volunteers for a glimpse into the past roles that rural women held in the family and community at the Women’s Work Festival. Come experience the similarities as well as the differences life presented more than a century ago. A variety of demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the day.  

On September 2, 2009, there will be a Park Re-dedication ceremony held at both the Newfound Gap and Park Gateway entrances.

Then finally, on December 12, 2009, the Park will celebrate Christmas and winter in the Smokies with the Festival of Christmas Past at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

More information on all events, including updated links and schedules can be found on the Park’s anniversary website at www.greatsmokies75th.org.

Michael Breckenridge contributed to this story.

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