The Gatlinburg Inn where the tune "Rocky Top" was penned in 1967.   

    Susan Whitaker, the director of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development was on hand Tuesday at the Ole Smokey Distillery to dedicate the Rocky Top Trail. The trail is the 14^th of 16 trails developed to get the tourist off the beaten paths so that they may enjoy other aspects of the Volunteer State along the back roads. 

   The Rocky Top Trail is the result of a partnership between multiple state agencies and city and county officials. The end product is a brand new tourism asset - a 282 mile trail made up of sites and attractions in Knox, Sevier, Blount, Cocke, Jefferson, Loudon and Monroe counties showcasing East Tennessee’s history, culture, landscape, music and cuisine.

   Executive Director Vicki Simms of the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce hosted the event. Both Commissioner Whitaker and Assistant Commissioner Toks Omishakin, Tennessee Department of Transportation, made special remarks. Bluegrass band, Monroeville, performed, including a rousing rendition of “Rocky Top,” which has been adopted as one of the state's official songs, to close the ceremony.

    “The trails initiative is one of the most comprehensive programs ever to be launched from our department,” said Whitaker. “We know millions of visitors are traveling to this region every year. Our goal with the Rocky Top Trail is to encourage travelers to get off the beaten path and explore some of Tennessee’s hidden gems. We want more visitors, staying longer and spending more in Tennessee.”

    The trail officially begins in Gatlinburg at the Gatlinburg/Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome Center where guests can pick up brochures, maps and coupons before heading out to discover Tennessee’s back roads. Included on the trail is the Gatlinburg Inn where the song “Rocky Top” was written in 1967 by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant during their stay at the hotel. Visitors can stop in the hotel lobby and pick up brochures and see artifacts relating to the region's colorful history. The song became popular at the University of Tennessee's sporting events since the early 1970s.

    Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation’s Knoxville Visitor Center on Gay Street is also a primary trail hub. However, visitors can choose to begin their trip at any point along the path. Once on the trail, travelers can explore 282 miles through East Tennessee.

    Appalachian arts and crafts are abundant on the Rocky Top Trail. Visitors can hone in on their artistic skills with staff and artists at the Arrowmont School of the Arts and Crafts, or visit Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, the nation’s largest organization of independent artisans with more than 100 members. Spirit of the Hand in Dandridge features the work of 150 artisans from around the region and country.

   On Rocky Top, travelers can explore Greats Smoky Mountains National Park, catch an exhilarating class 3 or 4 ride on the rapids of the Pigeon River in nearby Hartford; see the beautiful scenery from up above on one of the many zip lines in the area or for a cooler experience, go below into Forbidden or Tuckaleechee Caverns.

   For more information about the Rocky Top Trail and other Tennessee Trails and Byways, visit the  web Site at www.tntrailsandbyways.com.  The 27 page Rocky Top brochure highlights 130 points of interests.

   According to Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals, The identity of a Sevier Co. woman that perished in a house fire on Sunday morning has been confirmed. Seals states that the autopsy confirmed that the victim was Jessica R. Myers, age 30, who resided at the address where the fire occurred. The autopsy also confirmed that Myers died of smoke inhalation and there were no signs of foul play found. The cause and origin of the fire is still being investigated by the Sheriffs office Fire Inv. Unit and State Bomb and Arson investigators.

                                  The Woods Family

  Most people that know Mike and Kim Woods describe the couple as caring, selfless and hard-working.   

    The couple started Helping Hands for Sevier Kids in 2009, an organization that provides Christmas gifts for many Children in the Area that otherwise would have done without.  The couple is usually the first in the community to volunteer when there is a need in the community.

  Now, the Woods family needs the community to step up and provide a helping hand. On February 29, Mike was cutting wood when the saw hit a knot hole. The saw blade sprang back and ripped deep into Mike’s hand severing several Fingers. Matters soon went from bad to worse because the couple had no medical insurance and the bills quickly escalated. Currently, the bills are a staggering $50,000 and rising. Mike is unable to work and is currently undergoing painful rehabilitation.

   This weekend the community the Woods family has so frequently volunteered to help is returning the favor by organizing a fund raiser to help the family with medical bills and costs of living.

   The fund raiser is an all-day event that begins at 2 p.m. on May 12, at the Sevier County Rescue Squad located at 1171 Dolly Parton Parkway.  The event will feature food plates, drinks, a bake sale, a cake walk, bounce houses, vendors, crafters, lots of Kids Activities and live entertainment.

    Raffle Tickets will be on sale to win tickets for many of the local attractions here in Sevier County.  There will be a silent auction for a variety of items donated from all over Tennessee. Some of the items will likely come as a surprise to many attendees.

   The couple’s sons, Bryson and Benjamin will be selling Limbstrong Bracelets to help support their father. Currently, they have already sold more than 150 of the bracelets.

   This will be a Long Recovery for Mike and he needs all of our Support at this time. In his typical selfless nature, Mike is thinking of needy children during his darkest hours. Mike is asking everyone that attends the event to bring a stuffed animal to be donated to the Sevier County Police Department for Children in Crisis. He has arranged to have an officer to pick up the Donations of the stuffed animals.

   The fund raiser starts at 2 pm and continues until the last person leaves, so come on out and visit with the Family and enjoy all the surprises his friends have in store for everyone. Bring a lawn chair and just sit and enjoy the day with the family and friends.

   Out of town guests can speak with organizers to get a discount on motel or cabin accommodations.

   Everyone is encouraged to come out and support Mike and see how he has handled calamity in such an incredible manner. His boundless faith has not been shaken and the family is glad to share their story as a witness to God for what they have been through.

  Please come out on May 12 at 2 p.m. to the Rescue Squad at 1171 Dolly Parton Parkway and support a family that has given so much to so many.

 Chihuahua owners are invited to attend the Cinco de Mayo celebration this Saturday for an afternoon of fun, races and a parade.

  The fun begins with a parade at 11 a.m. in the parking lot of the Four Seasons Motor Lodge located at 736 Parkway. Participants can pick up free parking passes at the front office.

  Participants are encouraged to dress their dogs in festive attire. Dogs can be carried, walked on a leash or pushed or pulled in a wagon or buggy.

   Only purebred Chihuahuas may enter the races. But mixed breed Chihuahuas can participate in the parade. The races begin at 1:30 at the Loco Burro’s courtyard. The dogs will be placed randomly in heat races. Winners of each race will advance to the final race in which the winner will be champion of Gatlinburg’s Cinco de Mayo.

  Dogs can be pre-registered at http://www.dog-grooming-insider.com/chihuahua-events.html or at the events.

  The event is sponsored by Animal Ark Grooming.  

       Ben "Cooter" Jones will be appearing in Gatlinburg Friday

  Ben Jones who played the role of Cooter in the hit TV series  “the Dukes of Hazzard” will be appearing Friday April 20, at Cooter’s Place in Gatlinburg at 1 p.m. Jones will meet with fans and sign autographs and introduce a tribute CD to bluegrass pioneer, Dr. Ralph Stanley. The CD is entitled "A Special Tribute to a Living Legend."

  The Stanley Brothers and their band, The Clinch Mountain Boys, became nationally known for their extraordinary musicianship and "high lonesome" vocal style.  After the passing of Carter Stanley, Dr. Ralph continued to tour throughout the United States and the world, bringing the music of the Virginia mountains to an international audience for several generations.

 In recent years, Dr. Ralph has won acclaim and a Grammy for his music in the hit film, "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?”

  “If you love bluegrass music, that traditional mountain sound of fiddles, banjos, and hot guitar pickin', then you probably know of the legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley,” Jones stated. “ He is, of course, one of the founders of that great country sound.  Ralph, who is a member of the Grand Ol' Opry, began his career in 1946 with his brother Carter after returning from service during World War II.

   “For me, it has been a privilege and an honor to get know him and to share a few stages with him over the years. I've been listening to his music since I was a little boy and I can't get enough of those wonderful old songs. But as great as he is as a musician and singer, he is even a better human being.  So I was really pleased when Dr. Ralph's grandson Nathan Stanley asked me to be a part of a tribute album that honors his career.”

For more information, visit www.cootersplace.com.

   Roll up your sleeves and dig in at Gatlinburg’s 11th Annual Ribfest & Wings festival Thursday, April 26, from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Gatlinburg. Come out and enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and hot wing eating contest, all promising a lip-smackin’ good time at the Parkway is transformed into a Street Fair between Traffic Light 6 and Reagan Drive.

   Regional rock band Demon Waffle and local rock band Tuatha Dea will provide free entertainment. Hot wing eating contests sponsored by All Sauced Up will feature sauces such as “Blazing Bomb,” “Treacherous Tongue,” “Scorching Screaming” and “Next Day Disaster.” Prizes will be awarded to the champion. See if you can handle it!
   Sampling participants include BKW Seasonings, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Calhoun’s, Crawdaddy’s Restaurant, Dick’s Last Resort, Gatlinburg Fire Department, Gatlinburg Police Department, Johnny Rockets, Loco Burro Cantina, Partridge & Pear Restaurant, Pucker’s Sports Bar & Grill, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Texas Roadhouse and Walters State Community College.
   “We think this will be our best Ribfest, Wings & BBQ extravaganza ever,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for the Department of Tourism. “The Parkway is such an exciting and unique venue.”

  Additional sponsors include the City of Gatlinburg, Coca-Cola, Food City, Hard Rock Café Gatlinburg and Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg.
    An armband for Ribfest, Wings and BBQ may be purchased for a small donation that allows sampling as long as the ribs and wings last. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Gatlinburg Hospitality Association’s educational scholarship fund.
   A panel will judge and award the best ribs or wings in seven categories. All vendors will be vying for the coveted “People’s Choice Award” chosen by popular vote.    

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. – Coming into a critical TCCAA series tied with Chattanooga State for second place in the league standings, the No. 1 ranked Walters State Senators needed to do something big to keep themselves in the running for the regular season crown.

The Senators did just that, as they swept the three game series by taking both games in the doubleheader Saturday at Senator Field. Walters State run ruled the Tigers 11-1 in the opening game in five innings before going extra innings to win the finale, 3-2, in eight innings.

With the sweep, the Senators improve to 34-5 on the season and 14-4 in TCCAA action. The losses drop Chattanooga State to 30-14 overall and 11-7 in league play.

Walters State jumped on top early in the first game, as Marcus Davis reached on an error in the first inning and Jake Ellison smacked a two-run home run to give the Senators a 2-0 lead.

Walters State starting pitcher Josh Peterson cruised through the first eight batters of the game before running into trouble in the third. After getting the first two outs of the inning, Peterson issued a walk and hit a batter before Jordan McDonald drove in a run with a single to make it 2-1.

Walters State blew the game open in the bottom of the fourth. After loading the bases with one out, Kendall Keeton and Ellison both drove in runs with infield singles, and Colin Bennett tagged an opposite field grand slam over the wall in right-center to push the lead to 8-1.

The Senators finished the opener off in the fifth by bringing in a run when Marcus Davis was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Ellison drove in a pair of runs with a base hit to end the contest by the mercy rule at 11-1.

Ellison had three hits and drove in five runs in the win, while Andrew Allen added a pair of hits and Bennett dove in four runs.

Peterson (3-1) picked up the win after going five innings and giving up one earned run on four hits while striking out five.

Taylor Patterson (1-4) took the loss after surrendering four runs – one earned –on just two hits in 3.1 innings.

In the nightcap, the Tigers plated a pair of unearned runs in the first inning on two walks, a pair of wild pitches and a passed ball to take a 2-0 lead.

Chattanooga State starting pitcher Dylan Massengill made that lead stand up into the sixth inning when the Senators finally got a rally going.

Allen and Keeton led off the bottom of the sixth with back-to-back singles, and Keeton took second on the throw after his hit. Marcus Davis followed with a two-run single to knot the score at 2 heading into the seventh inning.

The score remained the same into the eighth, when the Senators put runners on second and third on a single by Keeton, an intentional walk by Ellison and a pair of stolen bases. Keeton scored the winning run on a wild pitch by Tigers reliever Blake Davenport.

Keeton led the offensive attack with three of the seven hits in the second game.

Walters State starter Dale Innes got a no decision after a solid outing in which he allowed two earned runs on two hits while striking out seven and walking three in 6.2 innings.

Cunningham (2-1) got the win after working a scoreless eighth inning. Davenport (0-1) took the loss after working 1.2 innings in relief. The Senators return to action Wednesday when they travel to Wilkesboro, N.C., to take on the Wilkes Cougars. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.

  Walters State student Rebecca Tyler, (left) displays her “Alice in Wonderland” sketches to Dr. Dennis Elkins, director of the college’s production of the Lewis Carroll classic. Tyler’s work is being used to promote the play.   

   Walters State’s spring performance of “Alice in Wonderland” features a little more student involvement than usual. Students will, of course, will bring Alice, the mad hatter and her other friends to life. Another student’s artwork is actually bringing a special touch to the play’s publicity.

    Rebecca Tyler, a graphic arts major, captured the attention of faculty members in the Division of Humanities last semester with a series of sketches inspired by Lewis Carroll’s fantasy world. With Tyler’s approval, those sketches appear on posters promoting the event and play programs.

    "Alice in Wonderland” runs for only one weekend, with 7:30 p.m. shows April 12-14 and a 2:30 p.m. show on April 15. Plays will be in the theatre of the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students.

      The play is directed by Dr. Dennis Elkins, former dean of humanities at the college and the producer of many acclaimed shows while he was head of the theatre department at the college. He didn’t hesitate when the college asked him to fill in after a vacancy last fall. And choosing to bring the world of the hatter and the hare’s mad tea party to life was an easy choice.

      “’Alice in Wonderland’ is challenging and fun. The characters take everyone out of their comfort zone and into a fantasy. Everything about Alice is larger than life. Students put on a full body animal costume and they’re no longer in the real world,” Elkins said.

      This performance is based on the stage adaption written by Charlotte Chorpenning.

      “The perspective depends on the version. In this one, Alice has to try to control some bad habits. This appeals to children because of the set and all of the fun animals. For adults, the play has a double meaning,” Elkins said. The play still stays true to the story’s nonsense genre.

      Given Elkin’s tight schedule, the production was actually done inside the afternoon class schedule. Students registered for the course instead of going the usual route of auditioning. Evening rehearsals weren’t added until almost showtime.

      “This semester, we are actually using the acting class time for rehearsals and drawing from the students in the class,” Elkins said. He admits to being a little nervous waiting to see what students signed up for the class as opposed to the usual rehearsal route. In the end, the class drew in a good mix of students for this particular play.

      “I have some students that have quite a bit of experience and I have some that have very little. When it comes to singling out the stars for recognition, Elkins declines.

      “These students are great and I have always encouraged an ensemble approach to theatre. Everybody has an equal stake in making each performance work. This is a very even production. I’ve tried to make sure people get equal stage time,” Elkins concluded.

      Emily Durand has been cast as Alice, with Emily Myers as the white rabbit; Micah Keck as the mad hatter; and Roxanna Couick and Nathan Hoskins as Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Kyle Gorbski plays the caterpillar and Stephanie Lewis, the duchess. Janie Obaed is the cook, Adam White the frog footman and Nathan McGee the march hare. Anthony Simpson takes on the role of Dormouse; Olivia Fee is Gryphon and Torrie Fain and Douglas Murgola are the King and Knave of Hearts. Allison Wood is the red queen and Dani Tower is the white queen. Fee also serves as the stage manager.

      For reservations, call the Division of Humanities at (423) 585-6922 between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets will also be available at the box office an hour before showtime.

You can clearly see that the pot of gold is located in Mitchell Bottoms at the end of this afternoon's rainbow.

 BGCSM Board Members Kevin Ownby, Bill Smolnycki, Jim Arwood, Youth of the Year Ty Smith, Linda Ogle, Lee Wertheim and David Ratliff. 

    Ty Smith has come a long way in a short time. After a troubled childhood, Smith hasbeen named Youth of the Year by the Voys and Girls Club of of the Smoky Mountains. Smith will now compete against other Boys and Girls Club members in the state competition for the Tennessee Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. 

    As the new Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, 17-year old Smith is a true example of an extraordinary young man recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

    Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys and Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys and Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys and Girls Clubs.

     Smith credits his Boys and Girls Club for helping him get his childhood back after his father was murdered and his mom turned to drugs.  He was rescued by his uncle in Gatlinburg, who also took in his cousin and later his 2-year-old sister.

 “I didn’t find out I had a sister from my mom,” says Ty.  “I found out when Child Services called my uncle to see if he would take her in too.  My mom had gotten back into drugs.  Of course he said yes – we all did.  But it was hard, ‘cause it meant I was home babysitting a lot.  At least until the Boys and Girls Club opened in Gatlinburg.”

     If Smith wins at the state competition, he will compete for the title of Southeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program’s national sponsor.  Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2012, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

    “My uncle and my Boys & Girls Club are the best things that have ever happened to me,” says Smith.  “I only have to look at where my older brother is to know how I would have turned out without them.”

   “Ty is a wonderful example of how great things can happen when hope meets opportunity at the Boys and Girls Club,” says Chief Professional Officer Mark Ross.  “We are so proud of Ty and all that he has overcome to be able to represent his Club at the state level.”

End of the game.

The Sevier County Smoky Bear baseballers put their first win in the book in a special in school game this afternoon. The Bear's senior Marcus Watson recorded his first and the Bear's first win of the season with a final score of 6-1 over the Cocke County High Fighting Cockes. The game was played at 1:30 P.M. and Sevier County students were allowed to attend which produced the largest crowd for a baseball game that most could remember.  Watson pitched 6 innings giving up only one run and senior Drew Correll came in to close out the game in the 7th inning.

Watson recorded two RBI's and senior catcher Kyle Pope did a great job behind the plate and recorded an RBI with a deep sac fly. Senior right fielder Daniel Beagan hit a double with two RBI's  and played great defense for the Bears. The team travels to Cocke County tomorrow to play the second match up of the young season at 5:P.M. Looks like the Bears are off to another great season so fans should come out as often as possible.

Senior Marcus Watson goes to work on the hill.

The weather cooperated. Opening ceremonies with the Bear looking on.

Kyle Pope listens to instruction from Coach Lance Traywick before heading to the plate.

Pope launches a deep sac fly for an RBI.

Team picks up Pope after his RBI.

Part of the crowd at today's season opener.

Gatlinburg, TN (February 27) –Trinity Episcopal Church begins a Lenten study series on the theology of the Apostle Paul on Wednesday, February 29at 7 pm in the parish hall of the church at 509 Historic Nature Trail (Airport Road) in Gatlinburg.

Designed as a five week discovery and discussion series, the program will follow a Soup and Sandwich dinner hour beginning at 6:15 pm. Trinity volunteers will provide the soup and participants are invited to bring a sandwich.

Facilitators for the study series are the Rev. Charles Livermore, Trinity’s rector, and educator and theologian Allen Bray, the current Verger for the church. The program is conducted under the auspices of Trinity’s Christian Education program, headed by long-time Gatlinburg resident Bill Gheesling.

“We’ll be looking at the main themes of Paul’s theology as presented in the various letters included in the New Testament of the Bible,” Rev. Livermore said in announcements following Sunday’s services at Trinity.

“St. Paul’s theology developed over the course of his ministry and travels,” Bray added. “I see my part as examining the elements of history, geography and personal interactions that contributed to that development.”

The program is open to the public and free of charge. It will take place every Wednesday evening in the season of Lent. Participants are invited to bring their favorite Bible or to use one of the various editions available at the church.

For information, contact Trinity Episcopal Church by calling 865-436-4721.

 The Gatlinburg Special Events Office is pleased to announce that it will be holding auditions for the 2012 Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales cast in March.

 Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street entertainment program featuring live Appalachian music, storytelling and clogging. This will be the seventh season of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales. The program runs from June 15 through August 11.

 “We are looking for groups, trios, duos and solo acts that can be musical as well as entertaining,” said Jon Elder, Special Events Coordinator for the event this year. “Musicality is vital, and since they will be interacting with our visitors right on the street, our performers must also be entertaining and engaging in between songs. Personality counts a lot.”

 Auditions will be held on March 9, 10, 16, 23 and 24 at the Gatlinburg American Legion Building across the street from Food City on East Parkway (Hwy 321).

 Each auditioning act should prepare to perform three or four songs or have a monologue to perform. All acts should focus on Smoky Mountain culture and Appalachian, Traditional or Bluegrass music. Appropriate attire is not required but encouraged.

 The theme of the event centers on mountain culture, entertainment and music. 

 To schedule an audition time, please call (865) 436-0505 or e-mail jone@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us.

 This is a professional performing opportunity, only serious inquiries please.

Last Saturday, February 4^th, 2012 John Nelson Greer Fox, Jr. passed away after 93 years. In 1979 as a 25 year old my wife and I moved from Gatlinburg to Sevierville and opened a small restaurant in downtown. Some of the first people to come through our doors with a welcome to Sevierville were John & Ruby Fox. We were at the start of a new adventure and on shaky ground. John & Ruby proceeded to make us feel special and successful. Throughout the next couple of years John would stop in for a cup of coffee during the slow periods and visit. He would tell story after story about growing up in Sevierville and the other adventures in his and Ruby’s life. Later I realized I had obtained a personal history course about Sevierville and Sevier County and how I might fit into the landscape. For the next 33 years John and I would visit. It might have been weekly, monthly or yearly but he was the type of person that when you met you could just pick up on the conservation when you last talked. He always encouraged and supported me. After these past years living and raising a family in Sevierville I realize that my relationship with the town would not be the same without having known John Fox. I regret his passing. He was a good man. He was my friend. Leonard Waring 

Today is the last day for the 2012 Home Builders Show. The show is produced by the Sevier County Home Builders and is located at the Sevierville Event Center on Winfield Dunn Parkway. There are businesses present from a unique motorized patio roof to information from the State of Tennessee Fire Prevention department and everything in between. With today's weather come out a have a learning experience before the Super Bowl Game.

Visitors to the home show stop to learn about Patio Concepts of Tennessee's unique motorized patio roof. It allows for sunshine or shade with the push of a button.

Learn how to be fire safe when burning outdoors at the Home Builders show.

    PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (January 2012) – Wilderness Wildlife Week, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.’s, annual salute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, expanded its reach by attracting visitors from 33 states and the District of Columbia. That’s six more states than in 2011.
 
   In addition, travelers from New Zealand, England and Canada also registered their attendance.
 
  “The international guests were an unexpected treat. More important, however, is that this special event appealed to travelers from so many states. That really validates the reach of tourism during Pigeon Forge Winterfest,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
 
   The 22nd annual presentation of Wilderness Wildlife Week offered 288 programs, hikes, excursions and owl prowls from Jan. 7-14.
 
It began in 1991 to draw attention to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and to attract winter visitors.  It is part of the city’s Winterfest celebration that runs November through February.
 
  Cumulative attendance at the week’s programs totaled 24,630, a record. Snowy weather held that figure to 18,450 in 2011.
 
   “We had a little rain this year, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. It didn’t even deter the hikers,” Downey said.
 
   Forty-eight hikes and excursions of varying lengths ventured into the national park and attracted 630 participants who collectively hiked 3,705 miles. Hiking mileage has been tracked for eight years, and the total now is 21,223 miles.
 
  “Wilderness Wildlife Week hikes help people burn a lot of calories. We have 57 people who have hiked more than 100 miles with us, 10 who have hiked more than 200 miles, one who has hit 300 miles and two who have recorded 400 miles,” Downey said.

   More than 150 experts in wildlife, photography, mountain history, wildflowers and other subjects volunteered their time to lead programs. All of the week’s indoor programs were at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center.
 
  Pigeon Forge’s next special event is Saddle Up, a celebration of cowboy poetry, western music and chuckwagon cooking. Dates are Feb. 23-26, and details are available online at www.MyPigeonForge.com/saddleup <http://www.MyPigeonForge.com/saddleup> or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.
 

  Cyndy Reeves, Founder of Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival announced today that songwriters in the East Tennessee area and neighboring states have four months to get their favorite songs together and enter The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival 2012 Songwriters Contest.   “The primary goal of the SMSWF 2012 Songwriters Contest is to showcase and bring a broader spotlight to the talent we have here in the Smoky Mountains and the Southern Appalachian region,” Reeves stated.  The SMSWF Songwriters Contest is open to all ages. 
   “Songwriters from everywhere have asked me how can they get to perform at the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival,” noted Cyndy Reeves.  “So we decided to create something fun and profitable for songwriters throughout our region to participate in when we designed the SMSWF Songwriters Contest,” said Reeves.  
   The SMSWF Songwriters Contest will act as a gateway to the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival providing an opportunity for twenty talented songwriters to perform at The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival Aug. 23-25, 2012.  The SMSWF Songwriters Contest is an avenue for the songwriters’ songs to be heard and/or seen by publishers, producers, record label companies, djs, radio producers, etc.   
   Cash prizes plus a VIP “gift package” will be awarded to the winners in each of the five Categories and the Finale.  The five categories are:  Bluegrass, Country, Folk/Pop/Rock, Gospel/Inspirational, and Lyrics.  The Grand Prize Winner will be chosen on stage at the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival Aug. 23-25, 2012.  Go to www.SMSWF.com for contest information, rules and regulations.
   The Deadline to enter songs is April 30, 2012.  Category Winner Performances will be held each Thursday evening, Jul. 26 – Aug. 16, 2012 with the Finale Performance and Awards Night being Saturday evening during The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival Aug. 23-25, 2012 in Gatlinburg, TN. 

   The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is a “Special Event” sponsored by the City of Gatlinburg to be held during the last two weeks of August every year to "Celebrate Our Appalachian Musical Roots". The craft of songwriting from “hit” songwriters themselves will fill venues with ongoing performances for three days in downtown Gatlinburg.  Rain or Shine.  

   The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is a platform for songwriters to perform their original songs. The mission of The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is to promote songwriters and to help their songs to be discovered not only by publishers and producers, but by all of us who simply love the songs they write.

The Green Valley Motel on the Parkway in South Pigeon Forge is involved in a major fire tonight. There are no reported injuries at this time. The fire is not controlled and we will have updates to follow.

Ober Gatlinburg is offering a variety of programs during January 2012 for children and adults who want to learn how to ski or snowboard. The offer is part of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, a national effort organized by the snow sports industry to get family and friends outside in the winter. The slogan "Humans Were Never Meant to Hibernate" is intended to encourage children and adults to ski and snowboard as a way to get some exercise outdoors at a time when most people tend to stay inside.

On Sundays, January 8 and January 29, 2012, participants can get a rental skis/snowboard, a one-hour lesson, and an area/lift ticket valid from 9am – 7pm, all for $69 per person. That's a savings of over $24 for skiers and $33 for snowboarders. On Wednesday, January 18, and Tuesday, January 31, 2012, the area/lift ticket, rental and lesson package is available for only $29 per person for the popular 6 - 10pm night session -- a savings of over $23 for skiers and $42 for snowboarders.

Gatlinburg Snowsports Center presents a Women Only Outdoors Winter Sports Lesson Program starting on Monday, January 23, 2012. This four-week program is for all levels of female skiers and snowboarders age 18 and above, and is taught by female instructors.

"Snow sports are fun and easier to learn than many people think," said John Cossaboom, Winter Snow Sports Director. "You can burn a lot of calories, meet some terrific people and have an experience that can be shared among friends and family".

Learning programs at the resort are posted at www.obergatlinburg.com. Children and adults are encouraged to learn from a professional instructor. General information about getting ready for a snow sports experience is available at www.skiandsnowboardmonth.org.

     A photography contest is one of several events at Wilderness Week 

 Wilderness Wildlife Week is the best way to get in touch with nature. This free event is offered every year in Pigeon Forge and it features eight days of wilderness fun. Wilderness Wildlife Week kicks off January  7, 2012 and ends January 14. 

Wilderness Wildlife Week in opens up with a keynote address from Peggy Callahan, the executive director of the Wildlife Science Center. During the week attendees learn from some of the area’s experts as well as participate in hands-on workshops, seminars, and lectures.

Get back to nature on more than 50 guided walks and hikes throughout the Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These excursions are designed for all levels of experience. If you’re a music lover, you’ll enjoy some Smoky Mountain music performed during Appalachia Fest.

Every year, nature lovers flock to Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, TN for a week of fun, learning, and nature! The International Festivals & Events Association has recognized the event for its environmental and educational efforts.

New for 2012: 

Photography Contest
Thanks in part to our wonderful friends at the Nantahala Outdoor Center,the Wilderness Wildlife Week Photography Contest has expanded. For the first time ever, the contest will feature seven divisions:

• Amateur
• Professional
• Wildlife
• Landscapes/Seascapes
• Youth & Young Adults (ages 17 and under)
• Great Smoky Mountain Landmarks
• Nature’s Wonders in Black & White

Also new to the contest is the implementation of the Judges’ Choice Award.

Cades Cove Heritage Track
Listen and enjoy as Cades Cove experts bring the history of the people and area to life.

Echoes of the Smokies!
Be prepared to relive the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Wilma Durpo.

Smoky Mountain Heritage Track
Reminisce and experience life throughout the history of Pigeon Forge, Sevier County and the Great Smoky Mountains.

For more information call (800) 251-9100, (865) 453-8574 pr visit www.MyPigeonForge.com