Emerald Expositions, LLC, a leading business-to-business trade show and conference producer, today announced its acquisition of The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES), from M&M Gift Shows. Started in 2000 by Susan Mills and Jerry Mayer, IGES is now one of the largest gatherings of wholesale souvenir, resort and gift buyers in the United States. The show encompasses two ...

Solar panels on the roof of a Sevierville business exemplify the company’s commitment to local air quality and renewable energy. Commercial Door and Hardware is excited to announce the addition of solar panels to the roof of their facility at 2784 Newport Highway in Sevierville. The system was commissioned and has been producing power since Tuesday, June 7, 2016. “I ...

Admission is just $10 for Tennessee residents to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and other Ripley’s Tennessee Attractions during a special event this month. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Ripley’s Tennessee Attractions announced today that all residents of Tennessee can buy tickets for admission to any of the 8 attractions for $10 per ticket Aug. 15–28, 2016. Special discount ...

The new Sevier County campus of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) will open on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 with a ceremony and ribbon-cutting beginning at 10 a.m. As a part of the strategic plan for Sevier County, recruiting a 4-year college and TCAT to the county was a priority. The governments of Sevier ...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the temporary closure of the Ramsey Cascades Trail due to a damaged foot log caused by a fallen tree that is blocking access along the route. The foot log spans a section of Ramsey Prong which is too swift and deep to allow hikers to safely rock-hop across river. The popular, four-mile trail ...

Dollywood’s Splash Country is partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Knoxville to raise money for families with critically-ill children being treated in area hospitals. The first 600 guests who mention Ronald McDonald House at Dollywood’s Splash Country before noon on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016 will receive 50% off a regular or child admission ticket. 100% of the monies raised ...

Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre in Gatlinburg was honored Friday night as State Senator Doug Overbey helped present the official Senate Proclamation recognizing the theatre’s 40th season of performing shows. Don and Pat MacPherson founded Sweet Fanny Adams in May of 1977, making it the longest running entertainment theater in the Smokies. Since then, it has become a staple family business, ...

Dollywood plans auditions for young male and female performers to join shows during the park’s award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. Auditions take place Aug. 27, 2016 from 9 a.m.–noon in the Connor-Short Center on the Sevierville campus of Walters State Community College. Performers who are able to play roles between the ages of eight and twelve are encouraged to attend ...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Inventory and Monitoring Branch has partnered with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and the School of Arts at the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville, to create a new web application called Species Mapper. Everyone from park managers to school groups can use Species Mapper to explore suitable habitats for more than ...

The sounds of some of the biggest hits in country, gospel and bluegrass music will resonate through the streets of Gatlinburg when Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival comes to town Aug. 24–28, 2016. The festival, now in its fifth season, will feature over 130 acts of songwriters and musicians who have shaped the top Billboard charts for generations as well as ...