GATLINBURG, Tenn. — A Fourth of July tradition is returning to Gatlinburg this year — the Midnight Parade.
Each year, people line up at 11:59 p.m. on July 3 in downtown Gatlinburg and prepare to ring in Independence Day. Just 2 minutes later, at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, the parade kicks off and the Fourth of July begins with cheering crowds and spectacular displays.
This year features Conner Smith, a nominee for the Academy of Country Music's New Male Artist of the Year award, as the parade's Grand Marshal.
The parade goes through downtown Gatlinburg, beginning at the Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway. It includes a line of festive floats, marching bands, large balloons and more. Smith also celebrated the holiday early, offering a meet-and-greet event at Ole Smoky Moonshine on July 3 at 2 p.m. People had a chance to take photos and get autographs with him.
On July 4, Gatlinburg will also host a "River Raft Regatta," an annual race of unmanned floating boats down the Little Pigeon River. Contestants start the day at the race's starting line at the former Christ in the Smokies Museum. People can register their boats at 11 a.m. and the race starts at 1 p.m.
To end the Fourth of July holiday, Gatlinburg will also host a fireworks and drone show. The city plans to light up the mountain skyline with fireworks from near the Gatlinburg Space Needle, along with a drone display featuring patriotic themes. Around 200 drones are expected to fly during the show — doubling the number from the previous year. The drone show starts at 10:50 p.m. followed by the fireworks show.