Gatlinburg celebrates the 4th of July in a big way and this year will be no exception with the first Independence Day Parade in the nation. The parade has been named as a “Top Ten Parade to see in the US” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine and rate by Livability.com as one of the “Five Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Smaller Cities”.

This year, don’t miss the meet and greet with the Harlem Globetrotters the day before the parade on July 3.

For over 45 years, Gatlinburg has kicked off the holiday with the first Independence Parade in the Nation stepping off at 12:01 a.m. on July 4. Stretching more than a mile, the parade route begins at Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway, turning south onto Parkway at traffic light #3 and traveling the length of downtown to traffic light #10 at Ski Mountain Road. Parade goers are encouraged to arrive early on Monday, July 3rd in order to secure the perfect viewing area along the parade route.

Gatlinburg’s Fourth of July celebrations will come to a close at 10:00 p.m. on July 4th when visitors will enjoy the spectacular 20-minute fireworks display in the heart of downtown, with the best viewing areas around traffic lights #3 and #5.

In addition to the 4th of July events, the streets of Gatlinburg are filled with Appalachian music from Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales. The City offers free Parkway Trolley service, spanning the full length of the Parkway, daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.