First on the Fourth: Gatlinburg Celebrates the Nation's Independence in Style

Gatlinburg may not be seen as a late-night party destination, but it sure knows how to throw one on the 4th of July. The celebration begins after the clock strikes midnight with a parade and resumes at the end of the day with a fantastic fireworks display from the Space Needle. Tens of thousands will witness colorful explosives that pack an impressionable punch. Here are a few more details about this spectacular spotlight in Gatlinburg.

Any big parade line must have a Grand Marshall. And the 2023 edition has the Harlem Globetrotters honoring this spot. The most famous basketball team is still going strong after all these years. The members of this exclusive group travel the world wowing millions of people with their superior skills, athleticism, and knack for putting on a memorable show.

What’s sometimes forgotten is the positivity they exude in different forms. They serve as role models for kids and are praised for their charitable efforts. There is simply no questioning the amount of influence they’ve had, and it’s something we’d like to see everyone demonstrate and strive for. Unsurprisingly, they will be available for autographs and entertainment at the Gatlinburg Convention Center from 2-4 on the 3rd of July.

In preparation for the event, road closures will start at 6:45 July 3rd. Two southbound lanes on East Parkway from Food City to Little House of Pancakes will shut down as the parade will begin a short distance away at Baskins Creek Bypass.

For the fireworks the next night, traffic will be closed from the Parkway at Historic Nature Trail to Cloverleaf Lane at around 9:50 p.m. The first sparkling display will kick off at 11 p.m.

Billed as The First Independence Day Parade in the Nation, there is no better beginning to this patriotic day. It has been named in various high-profile publications as one of the best in the country. This isn’t a slight at all as to what’s to come later in day. Parades are fun events for people of all ages, and the Gatlinburg one always forms huge smiles on visitor’s faces as they relish a festivity like no other.

I unfortunately won’t be in town soon enough to catch my elusive first Fourth of July celebration in the country, but I always find the fireworks display and parade floats in pictures on social media the next day. Every time I view them, I am amazed and awe-inspired. It makes me feel like I’m there, and hopefully next year I will witness the wonder of these two at both ends of the 4th.

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