NC fall Leaf Color Report: Great Smoky Mountains National Park 10-5-11

It's beginning to look a lot like fall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the highest elevations, like Clingman's Dome,  some trees have already lost their leaves, while others are still an end-of-season green. Along Newfound Gap Road and other roadways in the park, sourwoods, dogwoods, Virginia creeper, and a few maples are deep red.

 

The changing leaves aren't the only color added to the mountain palette. Fall wildflowers such as cardinal flower, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, great blue lobelia, skunk goldenrod, southern harebell, ironweed, and a variety of asters are still blooming. The bright fruits on trees such as dogwoods and shrubs such as hearts-a-bustin are eye-catching now.

Get more information and direct links to NC Fall Leaf color reports HERE

photos courtesy of Great Smoky Mountain National Park

National Public Lands Day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

On Saturday, September 24, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate National Public Lands Day by hosting several volunteer projects in a unified effort with many public lands across the country. National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands that Americans enjoy. Those interested in participating at the Smokies will have a chance sign up for either a trail rehabilitation or a native meadows restoration project.

The Trails Forever program - a partnership between the national park and Friends of the Smokies - will be hosting a Forney Ridge Trail project.Adult volunteers (18 years old or older) can work with the park trail crew to reconstruct a section of this popular trail. The work will include collecting, moving, breaking and setting rock as well as naturalizing some sections where work as already been completed. To RSVP to participate in this opportunity or for more information, contact Trails & Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, Christine Hoyer at 828/497-1949 or Christine_Hoyer@nps.gov.

Park resource managers are recruiting for volunteers to help restore native meadows in Cades Cove. Remnant stands of our native Indian Grass remain scattered throughout the Cove. Volunteers can help the park collect seed from this native grass that provides outstanding wildlife cover and nourishment for a variety of wildlife including ground nesting birds, small mammals, turkeys, and deer. To RSVP to participate in this opportunity or for more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Dana Soehn at 865/436-1265 or Dana_Soehn@nps.gov.

Also occurring on the same day, the long-time B and W Y-12 Help to the Smokies Volunteer Team plans to participate by working at the popular Chimney's Picnic Area to improve a majority of the picnic sites with replacement of new and improved stand up grills. Over the years, these grills have developed rusted holes and corroded walls due to the extreme weathering conditions at the 3,000 foot elevation site. The volunteer crew will install 68 new grills with a cement foundation anchored in gravel picnic pads. These pads were also rebuilt with the help of B&W Y-12 during previous rehabilitation of the Chimney's Picnic Area. This year, B&W Y-12 is celebrating its 15 year partnership with the Park in providing annual volunteer support and corporate funding to accomplish visitor facility improvements.

In addition, several volunteers trained in the teaching of Leave No Trace principals will be stationed at popular visitor areas at Clingmans Dome, Sugarlands Visitor Center, and Oconaluftee Visitor Center. They will reach out to the public to discuss and promote responsible recreational practices. The Smokies' Leave No Trace program strives to educate all those who enjoy the outdoors about the nature of their recreational impacts as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts that are created by combined effects of millions of outdoor enthusiasts.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Telethon and Fundraising

Submitted by Holly Scott, Friends of the Smokies Every year in August, we hold the only telethon (that we know about) to help preserve and protect a national park. Even if you're not in the viewing area of Asheville's WLOS-TV or WBIR-TV in Knoxville, your support for the 17th Annual Friends Across the Mountains Telethon can make a big difference in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Click here to give today via our secure website. Because you love the Smokies, we know you'll enjoy reading these stories of generosity toward the Park that's meant so much to all of us.

We Know the Smokies Are Unforgettable- And Here's How! Angela and Doug I wanted to share with you three messages that I recently received. "Dear Friends -- This morning, I logged on to Friends of the Smokies and purchased an annual membership at the $100.00 level. My partner and I spent a wonderful week in the park June 17-24 and are still talking about how beautiful it was!  The first experience for both of us. Each day brought a new adventure: a sunset drive through Cades Cove; walking through a thick and mysterious fog to reach the summit at Clingman's Dome; a silent and primieval-feeling hike out to Andrew's Bald to see the flame azaleas; seeing a bear (from a safe distance!) at Laurel Falls; synchronous fireflies (who knew?!) at Chimney Tops; owl and deer along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail; the decaying beauty of the once vibrant cottage community at Elkmont; and MORE! It seemed, however, that each and every time we passed a donation box...neither of us had any bills to contribute!  I did feel awful about that, and wanted to make it right, as I know now that GSMNP will be a place we return to again and again. It is a special place, and what a joy and gift to be able to experience it up-close. We also watched on with fascination and untold appreciation as a VERY hard-working crew were chiselling rock and laying BY HAND a new section of trail from the Clingman's Dome parking lot out to Andrew's Bald. And here I'd just thought all of those wonderful stone steps had popped up naturally from the earth, carved by Mother Nature!  To see these men and women out there in the mud and muck and hot sun working so hard, but also clearly LOVING what they do.....wow.  That, alone, is more than worth $100.00!! Thank you so much for all you are doing to help protect and preserve this amazing space so that generations can continue to enjoy it! Jay Aldrich in 201 -Angela Holton & Doug Smith And from Trails Forever volunteer Jay Aldrich- "Being part of the Friends of the Smokies has been one of the most rewarding associations we have been involved in throughout our lifetime.  We have already worked with Trails Forever in 2010 and then in 2011 we have so far spent 6 days on the Forney Ridge Trail near Clingman's Dome. One must walk this trail to see the amazing work and effort that has gone into getting this trail into the condition it is today.  It is mind boggling as one hikes down the trail and doesn't even realize that the steps with the enormous rocks have not been there forever. The Trails Forever Project is one way each of us can be absolutely be sure that our trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park will be here for generations to come.  Why would anyone who uses these trails not want to see them exist for their children and their children's children.  We all have a responsibility to see that the Great Smoky Mountain National Park be the most pristine park in the NPS system. The FOTS does just that by helping the park with a crew and allowing volunteers to be part of the future. Thank you, FOTS for everything you do and we are proud to be part of this association. You know that you can always count on us to help this great national treasure!" And finally, from JBThomasWalker - "The only reason I ever wanted to be rich was to be able to give to others. I wish I had ten million dollars to give to GSMNP! I could never repay the joy and serenity the Park has given me on my many, many trips there.   The first time I ever visited the Smokies at age almost eight, I hid in the woods behind our rental cabin in Gatlinburg in hopes that my family would leave me there to live.   When my Dad finally found me, he was sweet and understanding, not angry at all. He asked how I intended to live, what would I do when winter came and it got cold? `The mountains will take care of me,' I said.   And though I've never lived there, indeed the mountains have "taken care" of me in both joyous (including my honeymoon) and sad times since that trip back in the early 1950's. I wish I could watch the telethon, but I live in the Nashville area. (Have you ever thought of broadcasting it in Nashville also...almost everyone in Middle TN visits the Smokies often, and we consider them "our" mountains, too. I'm sure many people here would contribute.)  I hope you raise tons and tons of money for the Smokies!"  - Jane" People from all parts of the country, and all walks of life cherish the memories they've made in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The August 11th Friends Telethon at 7:00 p.m. on WBIR-TV and WLOS-TV will tell you about even more fantastic Smoky Mountain memories.  Tune in Thursday night if you can, but please consider a gift of support today!

Thank you for caring about Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and helping us to care for it, too. And while you're at it, enjoy this fabulous story that aired on WBIR about a 100-year-old camper who just thrills at the chance to spend time with her family in Smokemont Campground!  http://www.wbir.com/news/article/178787/8/Even-at-100-years-old-Ottie-Roberson-is-a-happy-camper Ottie Roberson's profile on WBIR-TV

Christmas in July at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Plan now for your trip on the Polar Express with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and SAVE. The Polar Express runs November through December on various dates.

MENTION THE CODE: WMPEX11 when booking

THE POLAR EXPRESS isThe Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's Seasonal Service to the North Pole.  In 1985, Chris Van Allsburg wrote The Polar Express, a story of a magical train ride on Christmas Eve. The train takes a young boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus. "The Polar Express," will be departing from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad once again this November and Decmeber.

The 1 ¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children's faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the "North Pole" to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board The Polar Express, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot. The Polar Express begins November 5th and operates through December 24th.

Ticket prices begin at $39 for adults and $26 for children ages 2-12. Children under two years old ride complimentary. For more information and reservations please call 800-872-4681 or visit us online at www.GSMR.com.

Crown Class ticket prices are $49 for Adults, $36 for children 2-12 and $10 for under two years. First Class seating upgrades are available. Each guest will receive a deluxe serving of warm cocoa in a souvenir Polar Express™ mug and other treats in addition to the standard offerings. Ticket prices for First Class are $59 for adults and $41 for children. Children under two years old are $15.

Ride the Polar Express™ Christmas Eve Limited for an evening you will never forget! Each guest will receive a special Christmas souvenir. Adult ticket prices are $51 and children 2-12 are $37. First class seating upgrades are also available. Adult ticket prices are $72, children 2-12 are $50 and $20 for under two years. Guests will receive a special limited edition golden ticket lanyard!

*All ticket fares subject to 4% Historic Preservation Fee. Premium Rates for Dates apply

Great Smoky Mountain News and Events: July 28 - Aug 4

New  Swain County Chamber Members:

Boundary Lock & Safe
90 Jacob Farris Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-4662 or 828-736-3485
Most anything opened. Keys generated of everything from airplanes to a Zamboni. Master systems created and installed.

D&M Home Improvements
Po Box 1232
Whittier, NC 28789
828-788-5452 or 828-736-7842
Wide variety of home improvements and repair services; ranging from Carpentry, electrical, roofing, painting to yard cleanup and care. Free estimates, fair rates and reliable service. References available.

Great Smoky mountains TV
Po Box 689
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-8384
Online internet tv station streaming live and pre-recorded videos of the Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding areas. Come take a look and enjoy the show!

Mickeys Pub
25 Everett Street
Bryson City, Nc 28713
828-488-9308
Friendly pub thats a little bit Irish and a little bit Rock-N-Roll. Billiards and other bar games as well as entertainment on the weekends.

Innsights Internet Marketing & Social Media Management
354 Ivy Ridge Circle
Sylva, NC 28779
828-226-4492
Helping small business owners promotetheir business through internet marketing, email marketing and social media (facebook, Twitter, youTube, LinkedIn, etc.), along with directory submission and local search.

Weekly Events Update - Events and happenings July 28 - August 4
(Clink here for a printable flyer)
 

News from the Marianna Black Library - The Summer Music Series is still in progress for a few more weeks! Music tonight by Ron & Julia Thompson starting at 7:00 PM. Click here for more information

Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts - Lots of events are coming to the smoky Mountain Center for the Arts. Click here for a listing of events

Folkmoot - Folkmoot is in its final days. Don't miss a stunning performance from the ten countries represented this year; including Trinidad, Nepal, Guadeloupe, Finland, Croatia, Burundi, Italy (Sardinia), Turkey, China and the USA.  For a listing of the remaining performance schedule, please click here

2013 Freestyle Kayaking Championship - 2013 will be here soon! For more information on the upcoming 2013 World Freestyle Kayaking Championships to be held in the Nantahala Gorge - Bryson City in 2013 visit these links http://www.freestylekayaking2013.com or http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nantahala-Gorge-2013/109006639136875

For more Smoky Mountain information and events visit the 
Swain County Chamber of Commerce

Great Smoky Mountain News and Events: June 9 - June 15

Events and happenings June 9-15.  Click here for a printable flyer.

Best of the Road - Vote for Bryson City in the Rand McNally and USA Today Best of the Road poll to find the best small towns. http://www.bestoftheroad.com/town.do?destinationId=15688

New Chamber Members May 31-June 3 -

Plan Ahead Events - NC Smokies
PO Box 99, Cherokee, NC
828-788-1408
www.planaheadevents-ncsmokies.com
Plan Ahead Events is a full-service event management company. We come up with creative solutions for conventions, trade shows, special events, and incentive travel, bringing enthusiasm, experience and insight to meetings, conferences, weddings, grand openings, or an evening gala! We will handle all the details involved in planning your event, from concept to completion. Your event will benefit from the highly individualized attention from our Event Management Specialists.

3rd Annual Smoky Mountain Ride In -  The 3rd Annual Smoky Mountain Ride In will be June 21-25 in Bryson City. Call Gary for more information at 813-601-2804. SmokyMountainRideIn.com – GL1800Riders.com

Fontana Village Summer Music Series - Fontana Village will host a series of concerts this summer. Click here for the complete schedule.

News from the Marianna Black Library -  Upcoming classic and family movies. Summer reading program information. Click here for more information.

Bryson City Living Center News - Every year we are inspected by a team from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services which regulates the care of residents that reside in nursing homes, adult care homes and assisted living facilities. We went through two days of inspection and surveying. At the end of the survey, the team found us to be deficiency free. This is the third year running that we have been a deficiency free facility. We received a four-star rating last year. To receive a four-star rating, you must be deficiency free for two consecutive years. We will receive another four-star rating this year (the highest rating given to a facility). I am very proud of our staff and our facility as we continue to offer excellent loving care to our residents. –Carolyn King, Admin.

Craft festival at the Old Mill 1886 -  On June 18 artists from all over the Southeast will gather to demonstrate and sell their hand crafted works. Artists will include: Cherokee artists, wood carvers, blacksmith, quilters, jewelry designers, Appalachian crafters and authors. Smoked BBQ, kettle corn, homemade ice cream and music. The mill is located at 3082 U.S. 441. A mile south of Cherokee. Festival hours are 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free. 828-497-6536
New Swain County Chamber Members May 31-June 3 -

Plan Ahead Events - NC Smokies
PO Box 99, Cherokee, NC
828-788-1408
www.planaheadevents-ncsmokies.com
Plan Ahead Events is a full-service event management company. We come up with creative solutions for conventions, trade shows, special events, and incentive travel, bringing enthusiasm, experience and insight to meetings, conferences, weddings, grand openings, or an evening gala! We will handle all the details involved in planning your event, from concept to completion. Your event will benefit from the highly individualized attention from our Event Management Specialists.

For more Smoky Mountain Events contact the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, 210 Main Street in Bryson City, North Carolina  Find us on Facebook - You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/BrysonCityNorthCarolina. Please feel free to post on our wall anytime! 

Great Smoky Mountain News and Events: June 2 - June 8

Upcoming Meetings -
The Chamber Board meeting is on June 16, at 6 p.m. in the Chamber office.
The TDA Board meeting is on June 29, at Noon in the Chamber office.

Weekly Events and happenings June 2-8.  Click here for a printable flyer.

Best of the Road - Vote for Bryson City in the Rand McNally and USA Today Best of the Road poll to find the best small towns. Vote here for Bryson City.

New Chamber Members May 23-27 -
Seventh-Day Adventist Church
1122 Old Highway 19 South, Bryson City, NC
828-734-5195 or 828-332-1601
Sabbath School 10 a.m. Saturday
Worship 11 a.m. Saturday
Bible Study 6 p.m. Wednesday

Shurr Adventures  Guided flatwater kayaking and hiking trips in the Great Smoky Mountains with professional naturalists Alli and Justin Shurr. No experience necessary! We offer 2 hour express trips, half-day, full-day, kayak rentals, sunset, full moon, multi-day, and our very popular kayaking/hiking combo trip.   Bryson City, NC   877-551-4453 or 877-455-2925

News from Swain County Center for the Arts -
Chinese watercolor techniques at Art League of the Smokies meeting. Click here for more information.

Craft festival at the Old Mill 1886 -  On June 18 artists from all over the Southeast will gather to demonstrate and sell their hand crafted works. Artists will include: Cherokee artists, wood carvers, blacksmith, quilters, jewelry designers, Appalachian crafters and authors. Smoked BBQ, kettle corn, homemade ice cream and music. The mill is located at 3082 U.S. 441. A mile south of Cherokee. Festival hours are 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free. 828-497-6536

News from P.A.W.S. -  P.A.W.S. sends out a BIG THANK YOU to all those who voted to help us win a brand new Toyota van for the shelter! Come on down and see the cute critters we will have up for adoption this weekend! Click here for a printable flyer.

News from Mountain BizWorks -  Mountain BizWorks offers a new 3-part series on social media and internet marketing. Click here for more information.

News from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Park managers close Elkmont entrance road nightly June 4-12 for firefly viewing. Update on closed trails. Click here for more information.

News from the Marianna Black Library - The Summer Music Series at the library begins on June 9th. The first music jam of the month is on June 2nd. Click here for more information.
Friends of the Library bookstore anniversary -Come celebrate the best used bookstore in Bryson City, the volunteers that make it run and the amazing help we are able to give to the Marianna Black Library because of our wonderful customers! Click here for a printable flyer.

Ponie Express fundraiser for breast cancer survivors - Hike, bike or ride to raise funds for breast cancer survivors. Please read the message from Carol Dilley with the Settlement at Thomas Divide. She would appreciate any support you can give for the event. She is also looking for vendors for the event. Click here to read the message.

News from The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee - The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee will host a bird walk at Queens Branch with Jack Johnson on Friday, June 3rd at 8 a.m. The Queen Branch parcel, which is a restoration site for mitigation purposes, was gifted to LTLT by Duke Power in June 2004. The property is 16 acres with 1,600 feet of Little Tennessee River frontage just upstream of the Lost Bridge Tract acquired by LTLT in September 2003. The floodplain parcel has open meadows and wetlands and a significant archeological site.To get to Queens Branch take HWY 28 S (Bryson City Road) and go past Cowee Community, the parking lot with sign will be on your left hand side. For more information contact Jill at 828-524-2711 ext 209 or outreach@ltlt.org. www.ltlt.org

For more Smoky Mountain Events contact the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, 210 Main Street in Bryson City, North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountain News and Events: May 26 - June 1

Weekly Events Update:

It's a Girl Thing grand opening -  Grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting, It’s a Girl Thing, Friday, May 27, 2 p.m. Pursenality owner Matt Kirkland has worked his magic again with a great new shop located only a couple of doors down the sidewalk. Come out for a look at all the cute things and enjoy refreshments and in store discounts. It's a Girl Thing, 225 Everett Street in Bryson City NC

Thumbnails on greatsmokies.com   -  We have a new option for your listing on greatsmokies.com. We will soon have the capability of adding a thumbnail photo or logo to your listing. The cost is $50 annually. You will be billed on your next membership invoice which you should be receiving in a couple of weeks. If you are interested please send jennifer@greatsmokies.com  a jpeg of your logo or photo. The image should be at least 400 pixels wide and horizontal if possible. Please respond by Friday, May 27, if you can. The website format is being updated, so the thumbnails should appear with your listing in a few weeks.

New artwork for the Chamber office -  Charles Heath presented the Chamber of Commerce with a framed picture to add to the collection of his art in the Chamber office. Pictured: Charles Heath, Chamber Board President Ron LaRocque, Chamber Executive Director Karen Wilmot



Great Smoky Mountains National Park News -  Visits into Great Smoky Mountains NP dropped by 18.7% for April 2011 compared witrh April 2010, but that decline is due to the 2010 Interstate 40 rockslide at the TN/NC state line that closed the Interstate. That funneled heavy traffic through the Park via Newfound Gap Road until the slide was finally cleared on April 25, 2010
Year to date entries into the Park are down by 9.2% from Jan-Apr, 2010
By entrance the April 2011 visitation was as follows:
Gatlinburg: -21.5%
Townsend: +16.4%
Cherokee: -35.6%
Outlying Entrances: -10.3%
All the stats are available on-line at:
http://www.nature.nps.gov/stats/viewReport.cfm

The Lone Ranger at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad  - America’s favorite legend brings law and order to the mountains of western North Carolina at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad this June. This exciting special event will take place June 11, and 12, 2011 at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Bryson City Depot.  Click here for more information.

News from the Marianna Black Library -  Family movie day features the animated film "Up." Classic movie day features a James Stewart film.  Click here for more information.

Memorial Day Weekend at Fontana Village Resort  -  Fontana Village Resort begins its official summer kick-off with the annual Memorial Day Weekend celebration. This year’s schedule includes live music on both Friday and Saturday nights.  Click here for more information.

Craft festival at the Old Mill 1886 -  On June 18 artists from all over the Southeast will gather to demonstrate and sell their hand crafted works. Artists will include: Cherokee artists, wood carvers, blacksmith, quilters, jewelry designers, Appalachian crafters and authors. Smoked BBQ, kettle corn, homemade ice cream and music. The mill is located at 3082 U.S. 441. A mile south of Cherokee. Festival hours are 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free. 828-497-6536

Artists/Farmers/Flea Market this weekend -  160 Main Street, Bryson City, Beside Rotary Park (in the building formerly used by No Faux Pas) Friday, May 27th & Saturday, May 28th 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. Some of you might be interested in renting a space to sell your art, produce or flea market items. Or you might just want to go and check it out during the Heritage Festival downtown Bryson City this weekend, May 27 and 28. Call 488-8597 or 736-0857 to reserve your space or for more information.

Gold coin raffle for memorial wall  - Grand Prize of a 1 ounce gold coin currently valued at $3,000. Other prizes will be available as well from merchants that are members of the Swain County Chamber of Commerce. All monies collected will be used for the building of the Historic Wall at the Swain County Admin. Bldg. Ticket sales will be limited to 2,000 with $5.00 for one or $10.00 for three. The drawing will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 12:00 noon. Raffle ticket sales will kick off at the Heritage Festival beginning May 27 at Swain County Riverside Park in Bryson City For further information about the Wall or for ticket sales please contact Richard Allison, P.O. Box 386, Bryson City, NC 28713
For more Smoky Mountain Events contact the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, 210 Main Street in Bryson City, North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountain News and Events

Events and happenings in the Smoky Mountains May 5-11. Click here for a printable flyer.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park News -
Storm damage causes trail closures. Press release.
Park celebrates Tourism Week with local communities. Press Release.

Corridor K Coalition -
Invitation to a pre-hearing open house and cooridor public hearing on May 17. More information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Cabin Raffle -
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is raffling off a custom-built log cabin located near Bryson City on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Perfect as a family vacation getaway, the 2000 square foot cabin has a hot tub, pool table, sleeping loft, two bathrooms, and a 1,400 square foot wraparound porch with majestic views overlooking beautiful Deep Creek Valley. Tickets are $100 and help BBBS of WNC further its mission of matching children and teenagers with mentors. Purchase tickets at www.logcabinraffle.org by June 24, 2011. The drawing for the cabin will be held on July 4, 2011.

Endless River Adventures Fundraiser -
May Fundraiser for Victims of the Tornado Disaster. For every guest we book for rafting during the month of May we will donate $1/guest to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Bryson City Bicycles Bike Rack Offer -
Bryson City Bicycles is offering to order bike racks at wholesale for Bryson City Merchants wishing to purchase them. More information.

Events at Fontana Village -
Click here for more information on upcoming events at Fontana Village Resort.

Mountain BizWorks Offering an Excel Course -
Mountain BizWorks is offering a 3-week Advanced Excel course at the Center for New Mountain Business located at 673 Siler Road in Franklin, just before the library. The class will begin May 12. Click here for more information.

Historical Memorial Wall -
Memorial to honor the approximately 600 families displaced by the World War II war effort. Click here for more information.

Music Jam at the Marianna Black Library -
The Music Jam at the library is this Thursday, May 5. Click here for more information.

Ponie Express for Breast Ride/Hike -
Enjoy a fun filled day of riding and hiking to raise money for women with breast cancer. Click here for a printable flyer.

Events at Swain County Center for the Arts -
Click here for the schedule of upcoming events at Swain County Center for the Arts.

Shakespeare in Swain County -
Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing‘ will be in Swain County. There will be four performances at Smoky Mountain Community Theatre. Click here for more information.

For more Smoky Mountain information and events visit the 
Swain County Chamber of Commerce