GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The City of Gatlinburg is hosting a new St. Patrick's Day celebration this year.
From March 17-20, the city will be decorated in shamrock green with traditional Celtic music, street performers, Irish food, and more. There will also be a fireworks show on Friday night at 10 p.m.
The fireworks were originally supposed to be shot from the Space Needle, but there's been a last-minute change.
City officials said Friday morning that the fireworks would instead launch from the roof of the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Spectators can see fireworks launch from two sides of the Convention Center which is located adjacent to 920 Parkway and 234 Historic Nature Trail.
Where's the best place to watch? The city suggests scenic overlooks around the city, River Road, Parkway from traffic light #6 at Baskins Creek Road to traffic light #10 at Ski Mountain Road, Historic Nature Trail, and Reagan Drive.
Spectators are encouraged not to congregate but to social distance with their groups.
Leaders said the change was made due to "circumstances beyond our control."
Many local businesses will also participate, including the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park.
Officials said there will be a 300-foot tunnel of vibrant lights across the SkyBridge and over 18,000 glistening green lights.
Wait, it gets better! The park will also have a 30-foot tall rainbow tree of lights with a pot of gold beneath it, shining shamrocks hanging from the bridge, rainbow-colored fire in the fire pit on Fridays and Saturdays and more.
The events run from March 4 through March 31.
On March 19, the SkyLift Park will be hosting a viewing party from the SkyBridge for the City of Gatlinburg’s Space Needle fireworks display for a special ticket price.
The show will begin at 10 p.m. with the viewing party offered at $39 a ticket. Tickets will be available for purchase here. Officials said capacity will be limited.
