tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134838642024-03-07T11:32:22.704-08:00What's Happening in Cocke County TNSpecial current events you'll want to know about.Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-76240727221541911792011-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:002011-10-07T08:51:36.567-07:00<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
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<span style="color: #717273; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #717273; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 24pt;">"Autumn
in the Smokies Fall Festival!"</span></span><span style="color: #717273; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #717273; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #717273; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #717273; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 10pt;">WHEN:
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 28-30, 2011 - 5pm-10pm<br /><br />WHERE:
Adventure Island @ Rafting in the Smokies Outpost, Hartford, TN<br /><br />COST: $3 per person (Please bring a
canned food item or boxed food item to be donated to the Bread
Basket)</span></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #717273; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #717273; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 28pt;">ACTIVITIES</span></span></u><span style="color: #717273; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #717273; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 28pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #717273; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #717273; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 14pt;">Story-Telling
by the Bonfire<br /><br />Pumpkin Carving Contest (Bring your carved & decorated
pumpkin)<br /><br />Games<br /><br />Food<br /><br />Live Music <br /><br />Zipline for $10 per
person<br /><br />****Costumes Are Welcome!**** </span></span><span style="color: #717273; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #717273; font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 28pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #717273; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #717273; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14pt;">For more
information call 1-800-PRO-RAFT</span></span><span style="color: #717273; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #717273; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 10pt;"></span></span></div>
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dougbittingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16300010344346598091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-66897171344566328152011-03-22T08:22:00.000-07:002011-03-25T10:17:19.304-07:00Music of the Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmqcWNwUO279U7Roa2SBslU2vaA-SVba8HtVI-m70mh3lOatiCXwQUQdTlK_NkVcq-45h4qAOUTnC1_QvxAj08QnSPMoi8Lq16XiclLbENx99KNC18tYmiVbuv5L3tN3QD4Vl/s1600/Banjo+Player.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmqcWNwUO279U7Roa2SBslU2vaA-SVba8HtVI-m70mh3lOatiCXwQUQdTlK_NkVcq-45h4qAOUTnC1_QvxAj08QnSPMoi8Lq16XiclLbENx99KNC18tYmiVbuv5L3tN3QD4Vl/s320/Banjo+Player.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24pt;">Music of the Mountains</span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Heritage, Harps and Hymns</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Presented by the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Cocke</placename> <placetype w:st="on">County</placetype></place> Partnership's Tourism Council</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Sunday, April 10, 2011</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">2:00 - 4:00 p.m.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Smoky <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Visitors</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Center</placetype></place></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">On Cosby </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">(corner of Hwys. 321 and 32)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Admission -$4.00</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">200 tickets available at Chamber/Tourism office beginning </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Monday, March 28, 2011</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Or</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">At The Door</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Featuring <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Cocke</placename> <placetype w:st="on">County</placetype></place>'s own - </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Mountain Strings, Spirit of Smoky, Ransom Hall and Hall Friends and Family, Kay Keener-O'Neil, Beth James and Judy Bryant. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Presented by <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Cocke</placename> <placetype w:st="on">County</placetype></place> Partnership's Tourism Council</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Thanks to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">NEWPORT</place></city> PAVING, Smoky Mountain Home Health and </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Hospice,</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">National Bank of <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Tennessee</place></state>, Smoky Mountain WordWorks,</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Manes Funeral Home, Newport Federal Bank, & <placename w:st="on">Baptist</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Hospital</placetype> of <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Cocke</placename> <placetype w:st="on">County</placetype></place> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Call the Tourism office at 423-625-9675 for more information</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div>dougbittingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16300010344346598091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-83239286021033347352011-01-05T13:55:00.000-08:002011-01-05T13:55:29.104-08:00MLK National Day of Service 2011<div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal">MLK National Day of Service 2011</div><div class="MsoNormal">Monday, January 17, 2011</div><div class="MsoNormal">A Day On, Not A Day Off!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Currently seeking individuals non-profits, religious groups, business and civic leaders to organize community service projects as part of the MLK National Day of Service.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The goal is to have more than 100 projects performed throughout Cocke County.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do what you already do, but do it on January 17. </div><div class="MsoNormal">For more information call Shedenna Dockery – 423-289-3107</div><div class="MsoNormal">tannercai@yahoo.com</div></div>dougbittingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16300010344346598091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-50686400678827925052011-01-01T15:27:00.000-08:002011-01-01T15:27:36.137-08:00Cultivating Farm Revenue Conference<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The sixth statewide conference for agritourism will be 2011 Agritourism Cultivating Farm Revenue held January 12<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup> at <a href="http://state.tn.us/environment/parks/PickwickLanding/"><span style="color: blue;">Pickwick Landing State Park</span></a>. The conference will include exciting educational sessions, opportunities for networking and the annual meeting of the Tennessee Agritourism Association.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Agritourism Conference details</strong>: </div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://cpa.utk.edu/level2/agri-tourism/2011agritourconf/agenda-tentative.html"><span style="color: blue;">Tentative Agenda</span></a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://cpa.utk.edu/level2/agri-tourism/2011agritourconf/sessions.html"><span style="color: blue;">Session Descriptions</span></a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://cpa.utk.edu/level2/agri-tourism/2011agritourconf/registration.html"><span style="color: blue;">Conference Registration</span></a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://cpa.utk.edu/level2/agri-tourism/2011agritourconf/lodging.html"><span style="color: blue;">Conference Location and Lodging Information</span></a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="https://utconferences.outreach.utk.edu/ei/cm.esp?id=182&pageid=_32O0JU3WB"><span style="color: blue;">Trade Show Exhibitor Registration</span></a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://cpa.utk.edu/level2/agri-tourism/2011agritourconf/showyourstuff.html"><span style="color: blue;">Agritourism Entrepreneurs — "Show Your Stuff"</span></a></li>
</ul>For questions about the agritourism conference, please contact:<br />
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<place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Megan</placename> <placename w:st="on">Bruch</placename><br />
<placetype w:st="on">Center</placetype></place> for Profitable Agriculture<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:mlbruch@utk.edu"><span style="color: blue;">mlbruch@utk.edu</span></a><br />
Phone: <span class="skypepnhprintcontainer">(931) 486-2777</span><span class="skypepnhmark1"> </span><span class="skypepnhdropartspan"> </span><span class="skypepnhtextspan">(931) 486-2777</span><br />
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Pamela Bartholomew<br />
Tennessee Department of Agriculture<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:pamela.bartholomew@tn.gov"><span style="color: blue;">pamela.bartholomew@tn.gov</span></a><br />
Phone: <span class="skypepnhprintcontainer">(615) 837-5160</span><span class="skypepnhmark1"> </span><span class="skypepnhdropartflagspan"> </span><span class="skypepnhdropartspan"> </span><span class="skypepnhtextspan">(615) 837-5160</span><br />
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<span class="skypepnhrightspan">Source: <a href="http://cpa.utk.edu/level2/agri-tourism/2011agritourconf/welcome.html">http://cpa.utk.edu/level2/agri-tourism/2011agritourconf/welcome.html</a></span>dougbittingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16300010344346598091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-83934055917861303012010-11-05T09:01:00.000-07:002010-11-05T09:28:32.576-07:00The Sunnyside Trail Opens in East Tennessee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3Xd78ZznSxSswYOgIZ48IUnMFQlVGgzKydlJ3y2n5YquNNIc7FHkpxK-bY0Pi6g9s3_fDIxbnAS5IPzabtaJpKnhGtBoR1CHGdVK9Yhz8opAgwKHge66wg9sAFEP1VfZXy6N/s1600/SunnySideTrail.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3Xd78ZznSxSswYOgIZ48IUnMFQlVGgzKydlJ3y2n5YquNNIc7FHkpxK-bY0Pi6g9s3_fDIxbnAS5IPzabtaJpKnhGtBoR1CHGdVK9Yhz8opAgwKHge66wg9sAFEP1VfZXy6N/s1600/SunnySideTrail.png" /></a></div>A new scenic byway is open to motorists who plan to visit the Great Smoky Mountains region of East Tennessee and would like to do some scenic driving and exploration. The Sunnyside Trail winds along Smoky Mountain back roads through lush Appalachian countryside. Jump-start your journey by outlet shopping in Sevierville, hometown to Dolly Parton. See the work of blacksmiths, carriage makers, potters, and glassblowers in Gatlinburg's Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Stop at the Newport/ Cocke County Museum to view Appalachian and Native American artifacts and Carver's Applehouse Restaurant for lunch then check out the Briarwood Safari Park.<br />
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Just a few of the many other sights along the trail are the Trotter-water House, New Salem Church, Wonderworks and the Titanic Museum, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, the Foothills National Parkway, Holloway’s Country Home (quilts), the Valentine Sevier Home, the Doak House Museum.<br />
<br />
For many more details as well as suggestions on lodging and dining, visit the <a href="http://tntrailsandbyways.com/?gclid=COSRyaaBiqUCFQJe7AodokMPOw#sunnyside">Sunnyside Trail</a> page of the Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways web site.dougbittingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16300010344346598091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-13109801426331056972010-08-05T12:25:00.000-07:002010-08-05T12:42:18.608-07:00First Civil War Trails Sign Location<a href="http://www.civilwartraveler.com/WEST/TN/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502011318068310722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 64px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bvMse9H8h0ttnk1FMZGwOQ8E9Uv9kZRxlykQwhWx_8ZCjjG_xCt5CMrUu4xoZGg0NvinHHrNwewOX7g02-8NIwrOmCD28RhwjAoMgxioIStUEUhanZvPddyT7JXpf8uP3jAR-Q/s200/CivilWarTrails-Logo-sm.gif" border="0" /></a> The official location for the first marker <a href="http://www.newportplaintalk.com/story/32603">sign</a> on Cocke County's <a href="http://www.civilwartraveler.com/WEST/TN/">Civil War Trails </a>was announced on Thursday, July 29th. One of two signs sponsored by the <a href="http://www.parrottsvilleruritanclub.com/">Parrottsville Ruritan Club </a>will be placed on the lot where the late Charles and Aileen Cureton once operated a store in downtown Parrottsville.<br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZGyDAoqph50dMgXdILG5ZrFcmcuUbcib6KaEzEMMcBqT4cxjjHdkKWcyx4njDE30SSLYv1YlkSilGmaiEIm0HILPuviaNoJ3Xjo459j6cce1CblXDhcwzEOlkSVeXvizg4aT-g/s1600/CivilWarTrails_Franklin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502011542206968882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZGyDAoqph50dMgXdILG5ZrFcmcuUbcib6KaEzEMMcBqT4cxjjHdkKWcyx4njDE30SSLYv1YlkSilGmaiEIm0HILPuviaNoJ3Xjo459j6cce1CblXDhcwzEOlkSVeXvizg4aT-g/s200/CivilWarTrails_Franklin.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Cureton's daughters, Charlene and Barbara, volunteered to have the sign placed there within sight of where <a href="http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=nancc&id=I03854">Peter Reece </a>was hanged during the Civil War. The hanging occurred across the street and up the hill from where the sign will be located. The sign is expected to be erected in time for next year's sesquicentennial of the American Civil War<a href="http://allandouglasdesigns.com/">.</a></div>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-51148123182448315852010-03-12T06:31:00.000-08:002010-03-12T06:36:43.403-08:00PARK SPRING FACILITY SCHEDULEThis season, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be undertaking a number of projects to improve Park roads and facilities that includes campground/picnic restrooms, trailheads, and a popular campground. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has benefitted tremendously from funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as previously-authorized Federal Lands Highway Program funds. As a consequence, the scheduled work will result in the temporary closure of several popular roads and delayed opening of some facilities. The Park’s website (www.nps.gov/grsm) provides a map outlining the project areas and details the schedule of work and timetable for each project to help visitors better plan their visit.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.cockecounty.com/GSMNPSpringOpening2010.pdf">Click Here</a>] for a snapshot of this year’s facility schedule in PDF format.Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-76415233818406445222009-10-26T10:56:00.000-07:002009-11-24T10:12:27.808-08:00Rock Slide Closes I-40<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ss2ON1tjS-DvmiVp7CAMUnP2RX8YoLtQXqyNSEQyt9HTuOTaHagJDn_rsLY2jRyVtNJqMIGIAxxaP66viGAaqemE183iK1cmt9qn-Zwed_2rFPz8MoBbmeilYw9kVKE6Q1UFIA/s1600-h/Rock_Slide2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396969473913493042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ss2ON1tjS-DvmiVp7CAMUnP2RX8YoLtQXqyNSEQyt9HTuOTaHagJDn_rsLY2jRyVtNJqMIGIAxxaP66viGAaqemE183iK1cmt9qn-Zwed_2rFPz8MoBbmeilYw9kVKE6Q1UFIA/s200/Rock_Slide2.jpg" border="0" /></a> WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (from WATE TV web site) -- A massive rockslide that happened early Sunday has blocked a portion of Interstate 40 in both directions. The blockage occurred at mile marker 2.6 in North Carolina, near the Tennessee state line. Both east and westbound lanes are blocked. Authorities discovered the rock slide just after 2 a.m. after a driver notified them of being struck by falling rock.<br /><br />The rubble from the slide is 50 feet high and stretches at least 100 feet long. Authorities say there were wrecks with minor injuries relating to this incident. The Tennessee Department of Transportation and North Carolina Department of Transportation have set up barriers to reroute traffic. Engineers on site are initially estimating several months to complete the cleanup and have traffic flow back to normal. Crews will have to work from the top of the rubble, down to the bottom.<br /><br />It's leaf season and since you already are being forced to take a long detour, why not take the scenic route and enjoy the view? (see video below for details and map of routes)<br /><br />If heading East into North Carolina, Cocke County suggests that folks use I-40 Exit 432 or 435 and take Highway 25/70 (scenic route) to North Carolina. Fall leaves are reaching peak and Newport businesses are waiting to welcome you.<br /><br />Heading west from Asheville on I-40<br />1) Take Exit 27/US 74/Great Smoky Mountains Expressway.<br />2) Turn right onto US 441 North (toward Cherokee).<br />3) Follow US 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.<br />4) In Gatlinburg, turn right onto US 321 and follow to I-40.<br />5) You'll rejoin I-40 near Newport, TN, just across the NC/TN state line.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.cockecounty.com/Rockslide_brochure.pub">Click Here</a>] to download a brochure containing information and maps relating to the rock slide.<br /><br /><object id="flashObj" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=" height="412" width="486" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="_cx" value="12859"><param name="_cy" value="10901"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/30293795001?isVid=1&publisherID=29913744001"><param name="Src" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/30293795001?isVid=1&publisherID=29913744001"><param name="WMode" value="Window"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value=""><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com"><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="ShowAll"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value="FFFFFF"><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="0"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/30293795001?isVid=1&publisherID=29913744001" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=47034836001&playerID=30293795001&domain=embed&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="486" height="412" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" swliveconnect="true" allowscriptaccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-74294026736004666102009-10-21T12:06:00.001-07:002009-10-21T12:06:11.234-07:00Joining America's BywaysU.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces America's Byways R<br>Designations for 2009.<p>Details are <a href="<a href="http://www.easttennesseecrossingbyway.org/">http://www.easttennesseecrossingbyway.org/</a>">HERE</a>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-65613487701074572402009-08-21T13:40:00.000-07:002009-08-21T13:44:41.126-07:00Bill Landry to speak in Newport<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZbg1qQkBmev4jOvib5ojQFcSCBbijm3rOt-yGski_egy0N76IFc4mrOfMCmxhItAuXXUBspSu4gG7jLgUnZu6GrnoZ832xrIs7k2v-V4OCcxmgIFN2xRm_XTKSc3aF05NwU7cg/s1600-h/Bill_Landry_PhotoMD.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372520390595446562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZbg1qQkBmev4jOvib5ojQFcSCBbijm3rOt-yGski_egy0N76IFc4mrOfMCmxhItAuXXUBspSu4gG7jLgUnZu6GrnoZ832xrIs7k2v-V4OCcxmgIFN2xRm_XTKSc3aF05NwU7cg/s200/Bill_Landry_PhotoMD.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bill Landry has been the voice, host/narrator, and co-producer of The Heartland Series since it was conceived on WBIR-TV, Channel 10 in 1984, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This year marks the 25th. year of “The Heartland Series. Since it began, over 1,900 short features have been produced, including over 150 half-hour specials. The program, which started as a series of five-minute features about the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains, continues to celebrate the people and the land of the entire Appalachian region. Bill has written and directed many of the episodes.<br /><br />In 1999, Bill received an Emmy Award for directing and an honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from Lincoln Memorial University. In 2000, he received the “Education in Appalachia” award from Carson Newman College, and his second Emmy Award in directing.<br /><br />Bill’s recent work, “William Bartram – An Unlikely Explorer” is being presented in 2009, and he continues to speak regularly, ‘Untold Heartland Tales - Told Again!,” and on the people and the land of the Appalachian region.<br /><br />On September 20, 2009 Bill Landry will be speaking at Newport Presbyterian Church at 9:30 AM. The public is welcome, admission is free. More information is available at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.NewportPresbyterianChurch.org">www.NewportPresbyterianChurch.org</a>.Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-12068717925436284192009-07-27T12:27:00.001-07:002009-07-27T12:32:12.694-07:00An Afternoon in the Park with Luke<p>The Tourism Council will host <strong>"An Afternoon in the Park with Luke"</strong> on August 2nd at 2 p.m. at the Cosby Campground's Amphitheater. Selections will include traditional Appalachian music along with Broadway show tunes and opera.</p><p>Luke Grooms is a native Cocke Countian who has performed at The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall.</p><p>Hope to see you there!</p>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-30623040654354168322009-04-14T08:42:00.000-07:002009-04-14T09:00:17.290-07:00Rocky Top Car Show<div align="center">Click the title above to go to their web site for full details.<br />Click the image for a larger version.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXDveQq6hULpp3ZEkQVsrQu3zxWjYt3Sxur3X4OAQw4c9ArmSDWZ3vcF6AQZZBMgCZ0cf-yphfzSV2EYi_a4t9PEMUYUfa6oAJPpxXperityR-UkWCfTNs-Ej_sBdaYZYThcINw/s1600-h/RockyTopCarShow.bmp"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324573846630394770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXDveQq6hULpp3ZEkQVsrQu3zxWjYt3Sxur3X4OAQw4c9ArmSDWZ3vcF6AQZZBMgCZ0cf-yphfzSV2EYi_a4t9PEMUYUfa6oAJPpxXperityR-UkWCfTNs-Ej_sBdaYZYThcINw/s400/RockyTopCarShow.bmp" border="0" /></a>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-46246155922831070312009-03-02T11:36:00.000-08:002009-03-02T11:40:59.816-08:00First Saturday Mountain Strings Gathering<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Fiddlin With Music<br />“First Saturday Mountain Strings Gathering”</span></div><div align="left"><br />You are invited to our Old-time Mountain Music Gathering, <strong>Saturday, March the 7th at 12 noon</strong> Until, at the East Tennessee Coffee Co., 238 E. Broadway Newport, Tn. 37821, across from the Newport Hardware store. Parking available behind the coffee shop. Bring your instrument and join in or have fun watching, everyone is welcome. </div><div align="center"><br />Contact Info:<br />David McClary 423-487-0479 <a title="http://fiddlinwithmusic.com/" href="http://fiddlinwithmusic.com/">http://fiddlinwithmusic.com/</a><br /><a href="http://tncoffeeco.com/">East Tn. Coffee Co</a>. 423-532-8041 <a title="mailto:havacup@tncoffeeco.com" href="mailto:havacup@tncoffeeco.com">havacup@tncoffeeco.com</a> </div>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-41399911431957188832009-02-13T12:44:00.000-08:002009-02-13T12:59:33.307-08:005.6 Km SEAL Extreme Off-road Challenge<strong>Who:</strong><br />Smoky Mountain Endeavors, Inc. Owners Dan and Colleen Schreder<br /><br /><strong>What:</strong><br />5.6Km SEAL Extreme Off-road Challenge and 2.2Km Mini-Challenge<br />Multiple age and gender categories. G&B 12 and Under mini-challenge categories.<br />Several awards will be presented.<br /><br /><strong>When:</strong><br />Saturday, April 4th, 2009<br />7:00-9:00 sign in / registration<br />9:00 Mini-Challenge Event<br />9:30 Extreme Challenge Event<br /><br /><strong>Where:</strong><br />Cosby, TN (map and directions on website)<br /><br /><strong>How/Why this came about:</strong><br />Recently retired US Navy SEAL relocated his family to the Smokies. Wanted to provide a unique race/fitness event to this beautiful area. A portion of the proceeds will assist a local interest; SME has teamed up with Head Coach Tyler Shelton of the Cosby Eagle high school football program.<br /><br /><strong>Event Description:</strong><br />Off-road running/fitness event. The course is challenging both physically and mentally. Designed and hosted by a retired Navy SEAL. Jeep, ATV, and hiking paths wind participants through woods, across mountain tops, slogs them through shallow ponds and creek beds, puts them up against both natural and man-made obstacles such as hop-over walls, log balances, log hurdles, and a near vertical hillside rope climb. The course boasts nearly 2,400ft of combined ascent and descent. This is a course like no other… participants should come prepared to get dirty, wet, muddy, sweaty, and tired!<br /><br />Website for race and contact information: <a href="http://www.smokymountainendeavors.com/">http://www.smokymountainendeavors.com/</a><br />Phone: (423) 200-9935Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-41165090675645025172008-09-19T12:34:00.000-07:002008-09-19T12:35:27.620-07:00Music Festival<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>A music festival will be held at Dibs Crossing on Sept. 27. Grand Opening at 12: 30 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>The line up is: The Cameron's, Heavenly Grass, Locust Ridge Boys, Mountain Edge, Barry Scott and Second Wind.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Their number is 423-237-8141 or 423-487-5507 The address is <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">3519 Cosby Highway</st1:address></st1:Street>. </span></font><o:p></o:p></p> </div> Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-22058940419427692712008-08-20T18:09:00.000-07:002008-08-20T18:21:47.699-07:00Cookin' On Cosby<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VFjq4oku6fZn4yqlPQp2lvDxqvEukugDHTeKA8D79XKUeSmlNQfqduKFOkIEwfHkTNQCIf3E6muab_sxO4GekYpUtEAiw_mGrk18LDqlNhyvW9NVDUdspWx00m7eaASvs4fLZQ/s1600-h/Cookbook.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236773209193533682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VFjq4oku6fZn4yqlPQp2lvDxqvEukugDHTeKA8D79XKUeSmlNQfqduKFOkIEwfHkTNQCIf3E6muab_sxO4GekYpUtEAiw_mGrk18LDqlNhyvW9NVDUdspWx00m7eaASvs4fLZQ/s200/Cookbook.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Author: Duay O'Neil</div><div>Source: The Newport Plain Talk</div><div><br />COSBY-Plans to celebrate Great Smoky Mountains National Park's 75th anniversary next year are really starting to cook.</div><div>On Tuesday, Cocke County Tourism Council members announced plans to publish a cookbook featuring stories and recipes from the Cosby area of the park. Portions of six counties, including three in East Tennessee, form Great Smoky Mountains National Park. </div><div>For the past year and a half, committee members from the six counties have worked diligently planning next year's celebration of the Park's 75th anniversary. </div><br /><div>Several Tourism Council members met Tuesday afternoon with Sandra Foster, Cosby Community Library Director, to sketch out plans for the book.</div><div>"We all know that our county abounds in good cooks," said Tourism Council chair Marie Bittinger. "What better way to celebrate this momentous milestone than by focusing on the good foods and history from this portion of the park?"</div><div><br />Tourism Council members also announced that a portion of the book's profits will go to the building fund of the Cosby Community Library.</div><div>Currently the Cosby Community Library shares space with the Cosby Volunteer Fire Department near Cosby High School.</div><div>"Our community has grown so much, and continues to grow rapidly," said Foster, "and we are in desperate need of larger quarters. We are very grateful to the Tourism Council for including us in this project."</div><div><br />At Tuesday's meeting, committee members settled on the book's format, opting to divide the publication into twelve parts, one for each month of the year.<br />Included in each section will be stories from Cosby pertaining to that month and a menu for a meal typically served in the Cosby community. "For example, the January section will feature New Year's traditions and recipes for a New Year's meal," said Bittinger.</div><br /><div>Anyone wishing to submit recipes for the book may drop them off at the Cosby Community Library or mail them to the library at 3292 Cosby Highway, Cosby, TN 37722.<br />Recipes can also be e-mailed to the Cosby Community Library at <a href="mailto:cosbylib@planetc.com" target="_blank">cosbylib@planetc.com</a> or to the Cocke County Tourism Council at <a href="mailto:tourism@cockecounty.com" target="_blank">tourism@cockecounty.com</a>.<br />The Cosby Community Library is open Mondays-Wedesdays-Fridays from 12-6.<br />For further information about the project, call the Cosby Community Library (423) 487-5885 or (865) 322-0239.</div>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-4756623155600900612008-05-08T03:54:00.000-07:002008-05-08T04:05:09.357-07:00Cosby in the Park May 17<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNC-MNV1kV2jcw8b_AGdAwe5x82aIqHWZFYuh3TkC1H-7HDnTwERNBP7L4unj3s8OAKPUVKSFoS7L4vfRoNRnZNQIngn2gRbU0iqtxpU6TaKmFgD4O6RX7Di-xU3Ms83rPfQbQ/s1600-h/iliff_and_superintendent_dale_ditmanson.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197959411564109490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNC-MNV1kV2jcw8b_AGdAwe5x82aIqHWZFYuh3TkC1H-7HDnTwERNBP7L4unj3s8OAKPUVKSFoS7L4vfRoNRnZNQIngn2gRbU0iqtxpU6TaKmFgD4O6RX7Di-xU3Ms83rPfQbQ/s200/iliff_and_superintendent_dale_ditmanson.jpg" border="0" /></a>COSBY – The annual Cosby in the Park event is set for May 17, 2008 at the Cosby Campground of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A celebration of culture and heritage, this is the eight year for the event. The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4p.m. This year, Grady C. Webb, a life-long Cosby resident will be honored for his service to the Park. A dedication ceremony will begin at 11 a.m at the Amphitheater in the Campground.<br /><br />10 a.m. -- 11:00 a.m. Lost Mill String Band, old-time music.<br />11 a.m. -- 11:15 a.m. Dedication of Event/Proclamation (Dale Ditmanson, Illif McMahan, Kent Cave, Linda Lewanski)<br />11:15 a.m. -- Noon Boogertown Gap Band, old-time music<br />Noon -- 12:30 p.m. “Civil War Tales from Cosby” by Duay O’Neil, historian and columnist with the Newport Plain Talk<br />12:30 p.m. -- 1:00 p.m. Faye Wooden, storytelling<br />1:00 p.m. -- 1:45 p.m. The Green Family Band, traditional/bluegrass music<br />1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Robby Land, fiddler<br />2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. David McClary and Friends, traditional/old-time music<br />3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Curtis and Lynn Osteen, old-time music<br /><br /><strong>Picnic Area Activities:</strong> Children’s Activities: Sack races, children’s crafts and games. 10 a.m. and ongoing throughout the day<br />“Ella V. Costner—Poet Laureate of the Smokies.” The life of an extraordinary Cocke County mountain woman by Sheila Evans, Jordan Costner, and Claudia Konker. 1:00 pm -- 1:30 pm in picnic area pavilion<br />“Hug a Tree and Survive” with Joey Holt, 2:00 pm -- 2:30 pm near picnic area pavilion<br />Children’s Storytelling with Faye Wooden, 2:30 pm – 3:00 p.m., picnic area pavilion<br /><br /><strong>Hikes:</strong><br />Cosby Nature Trail, 11:00 a.m. One mile hike, moderate difficulty, led by Morgan Briggs (meet at amphitheater)<br />Hike to Ella V. Costner grave and reading of poems, 1:30 pm. Two miles roundtrip, moderate difficulty. Meet at picnic area pavilion. Led by Judy and Shane McGaha and Pam Rodgers<br /><br /><strong>Crafter’s Demonstrations</strong>—Picnic Area (ongoing throughout day): Bill Alexander, mountain berry baskets Maria Holloway, quilting Len Landrum, knife making and blacksmithing Clayton Sharp, blacksmithing and mountain tools Ellen Ogle, quilting Connie Clabo, basket making John and Sherry Holt, introduction to beekeeping Sherry Jennette and Sydney Frey, pine cone bird feeders<br /><br />Thanks to Keep Cocke County Beautiful, this will be a Litter Free Event. For more information, contact Tourism Director Linda Lewanski at 423-625-9675. All events and times are subject to change.Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-48151012085086218052008-02-22T15:38:00.001-08:002008-02-22T15:38:59.361-08:00Civil War TrailsTennessee has invited all 95 counties to join the multi-state Civil War Trails program.<br /> The initiative already is popular in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, and West Virginia also is joining the program.<br /> Linda Lewanski, Tourism Director for Cocke County, says the Trails program is being promoted by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. "All of the counties have been asked to identify historic Civil War sites in their communities and a state grant will pay for 80 percent of the signage cost at each location," Lewanski said. State funding for the project comes from a grant of $537,420 from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.<br /> The state has contracted with the Virginia Civil War Trails program to design, erect and maintain the signage. Each "trailblazer" sign is a four-color interpretive marker with a map, illustration and text of 250 to 300 words in length.<br /> Each community will provide the 20 percent matching funds for the sign and then be responsible for maintaining the site itself.<br /> The signs have already been installed at more than 700 previously unrecognized sites.<br /> In 2001, the National Trust for Historic Preservation identified the Civil War Trails program as one of the most successful and sustainable heritage tourism programs in the nation. In addition the Federal Highway Administration has recognized the program's role in boosting local economies through tourism. <br /> Lewanski said area residents who are familiar with a location that can be documented as a Civil War site, should contact the Tourism Office in their county.Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-3778081980764647212008-02-22T15:35:00.000-08:002008-02-22T15:36:31.969-08:00Town Hall Forum on Sustainable TourismThe Tennessee Department of Tourist Development will host its second Town Hall Forum on Sustainable Tourism on Feb. 25, 2008 at Whisperwood Retreat in Cosby at 2:30 p.m.<br /><br />They will be updating the community on their plans for the April Summit as well as facilitating discussion to identify a sustainable tourism project for each Gateway Community. These projects will be announced at the Summit in April.<br /><br /> You may fax the form to Patricia Gray by Feb 20th at 615-741-9071 or you can email her at <a href="mailto:patricia.gray@state.tn.us">patricia.gray@state.tn.us</a>.Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-26668157376854045032008-02-07T16:31:00.000-08:002008-02-07T16:34:14.849-08:00Blizzard at Fall Creek Falls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpwlnEX6UMc9Fv-q4oxkc0xOzNQkyCS6W1QmPBUS1EGjkKmCQ418J-NZ0xQ8a6hEeu6YEK1X8CLn_yuu1JAtkC5keWoEeAKmg34aarfvR3x6HfBqCOFXz1gp9mLIMeL40GoIH9A/s1600-h/Blizzard+08+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164401033592588530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpwlnEX6UMc9Fv-q4oxkc0xOzNQkyCS6W1QmPBUS1EGjkKmCQ418J-NZ0xQ8a6hEeu6YEK1X8CLn_yuu1JAtkC5keWoEeAKmg34aarfvR3x6HfBqCOFXz1gp9mLIMeL40GoIH9A/s200/Blizzard+08+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Linda Lewanski with Pigeon Forge's Lila Wilson attending the TACVB"s Blizzard at Fall Creek Falls in late January.</div>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-21996178823326972672008-02-06T09:16:00.000-08:002008-02-06T10:11:16.698-08:00METTC and ETMP merge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKMRd92hXA_8rNi2gwRkMHcIQP1NE1m82HPyLZH8lkIRrOOrQ68xvkR435u1VndRrTpbnXYMWZUhvUPhcwQm9elOnM9zCgqaF-FKeT8QrKW69ZB18klrZ3dujuGVYpfco0rjs2Q/s1600-h/METTC+Conference.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163922020185032930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKMRd92hXA_8rNi2gwRkMHcIQP1NE1m82HPyLZH8lkIRrOOrQ68xvkR435u1VndRrTpbnXYMWZUhvUPhcwQm9elOnM9zCgqaF-FKeT8QrKW69ZB18klrZ3dujuGVYpfco0rjs2Q/s200/METTC+Conference.jpg" border="0" /></a> Members of the Cocke County Partnership's Tourism Council at the press conference announcing the merger of East Tennessee Marketing Partnership and Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council.<br /><div><br />From left, METTC Director Molly Gilbert, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Susan Whitaker, CCP's Tourism Director and Vice Chair of METTC Linda Lewanski, Tourism Council member Kevin Flint and Tourism Council Chair Marie Bittinger. </div><div>(Click the photo for a larger version)</div>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-41549661896219447882007-06-15T23:56:00.000-07:002007-06-16T00:05:09.856-07:005th Annual Red, White & Bluegrass celebration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMA75Kfrr7zLdFTXoxAfPrAMzhjKLUQeLXsawEMdkR8yteY_7gp7GfPiX0wHQX04yKX3Hm1mhATmNhWoI7J0d40FWg2pulKNLtAcJoeJndlU9kDMvGYmMWTQTh8PF56SR0Rl_Ww/s1600-h/RWB_ClipArt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076553842590402706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMA75Kfrr7zLdFTXoxAfPrAMzhjKLUQeLXsawEMdkR8yteY_7gp7GfPiX0wHQX04yKX3Hm1mhATmNhWoI7J0d40FWg2pulKNLtAcJoeJndlU9kDMvGYmMWTQTh8PF56SR0Rl_Ww/s200/RWB_ClipArt.jpg" border="0" /></a> This year’s celebration will be held in Cosby on July 6th & 7th, 2007. Join us for high quality, hand made art & crafts, great food, and lively music.<br /><br />This year the show will be hosted by The BBQ Garden & Café and The House of Douglas Scottish Bakery. There will be plenty to eat including Wanda’s special smoked ribs, BBQ pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches as well as plenty of side items to choose from. And they offer two dining areas. One is a large screened in pavilion for open air, cafe style dining, the other is a fully enclosed, air conditioned dining area for those who prefer it. And of course you may order your food "to go" if you want to wander the show while you eat. 20% of the profits from food sales will be donated to the local Red Cross, who will be on-site to talk about their programs.<br /><br /><strong>Live Music</strong><br />Local bluegrass musicians join us to entertain you with toe tapping bluegrass and old style mountain music. This music will be offered on the indoor stage of the BBQ Garden dining pavilion, so you can sit and eat or enjoy a cool beverage while you listen regardless of weather.<br /><br /><strong>Art & Crafts</strong><br />Crafters from around the region will be displaying their hand made art and fine craft works, some will be demonstrating as well. This Treasures of Appalachia, Inc. Art & Craft Gathering features a variety of area artists who produce their own hand-made goods.<br /><br /><strong>Special Exhibits and Workshops</strong><br />We’re planning some extra entertainment as well, so drop in and check out the show, Friday July 6th and Saturday, July 7th. The show opens at 10:00 AM. Arts & Crafts will be available until at least 5:00 PM, later if the artist wishes. The BBQ Garden will be open with music and food until 10:00 PM.<br /><br />The BBQ Garden & Café is located right on Hwy 321 in Cosby, along the route designated by MSNBC as the 3rd most scenic byway in the nation, across the road from the Cosby School. Free, off street parking is provided. For directions call (423) 487-3220.Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-75269187870306912222007-06-15T23:45:00.000-07:002007-06-15T23:51:29.368-07:00New Tourism Council Chairperson Named<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kMpED3HBpuUmTNA_dEEP0vnRd01IxaZ68fLugwsY_ZHB35GT4lMyhID38KPFqzEBZCB_mECj7iopN-Z4tgPtMPqwmnOv8RD1I0x1Ke4opFQ7yab_htQOx-Hxx14Ni1_boE6qvA/s1600-h/MarieB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076550827523360898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kMpED3HBpuUmTNA_dEEP0vnRd01IxaZ68fLugwsY_ZHB35GT4lMyhID38KPFqzEBZCB_mECj7iopN-Z4tgPtMPqwmnOv8RD1I0x1Ke4opFQ7yab_htQOx-Hxx14Ni1_boE6qvA/s320/MarieB.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><br />By: Duay O'Neil</div><div align="center">Source: <a href="http://cocke.xtn.net/" target="_top">The Newport Plain Talk</a> 06-14-2007 </div><div align="left"><br />NEWPORT-Marie Bittinger was unanimously elected chairperson of the Cocke County Tourism Council during its meeting on Monday at the Sagebrush Restaurant. Bittinger replaces Brenda Shultz, who resigned recently to devote more time to her family's rafting business. Shultz will retain her position as council member.</div>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-3234822784765002262007-04-23T16:50:00.000-07:002007-04-23T17:03:59.150-07:00Three Star Recertification<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4GjN-yfvpSWDZJKCTHjHcavn4X_xF2oCxeoCn5lsnyPE-qfi7GD5930U_43M5TQaUF_9TVVmdfoImOprgTr4_SWsjw78FinlWLJHsMlhXIQ1DyDbwuCl-hMfr25fM3Q-cFopYg/s1600-h/CockeCo3Star.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056776521789172722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4GjN-yfvpSWDZJKCTHjHcavn4X_xF2oCxeoCn5lsnyPE-qfi7GD5930U_43M5TQaUF_9TVVmdfoImOprgTr4_SWsjw78FinlWLJHsMlhXIQ1DyDbwuCl-hMfr25fM3Q-cFopYg/s320/CockeCo3Star.jpeg" border="0" /></a> Newport/Cocke County again received the Governor's Three-Star Certification during a recent presentation in Nashville. The award signifies the community's high ranking for economic and industrial preparedness. From left are Tenn. Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber, Cocke County Partnership President Don Hurst, local EDC Executive Assistant Sherry Butler, Governor Phil Bredesen, Tourism Director Linda Lewanski, State Rep. Eddie Yokley, Regional ECD Specialist Shan Harris, and Assistant ECD Commissioner Rick Meredith. Source: <a href="http://wire.ap.org/" target="_top">Associated Press</a> 04-21-2007<br /><br />Click the photo for a larger version, click the title to read the whole article in The Newport Plain Talk.<br /><div></div>Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13483864.post-1166548669576514682006-12-19T09:09:00.000-08:002006-12-19T09:17:49.580-08:00William Nash Award<a href="http://www.cockecounty.com/Images/DavidAward2.jpg"><img src="http://www.cockecounty.com/Images/DavidAward2.jpg" width="200" align="left" hspace="5"></a>Keep Cocke County Beautiful received the prestigious William Nash Award at the Keep America Beautiful conference in Orlando, Fla. Accepting the award on Dec. 7 was Board Chairman C. David Veridal.<br /><br />“I am so pleased to be able to accept this award on behalf of the Board of Directors of Keep Cocke County and the citizens of the county,” said Veridal.” This was a surprise for us and it validates all the hard work we have put into the organization. Of course, I want to thank former KCCB Director Carla Sexton for all her hard work and the board members, too. We will continue to strive to be worthy of this recognition.<br />“We also want to thank the City of Newport, Cocke County and the City of Parrottsville for their support. Finally, we want to thank Edith Heller, state leader for Keep Tennessee Beautiful for all her support. Her knowledge and help has been invaluable.”<br /><br />The award is given to a new affiliate of three years or less for the best implementation of KAB’s strategies. The nomination was made by Heller.<br /><br /> “This is the top honor that Keep America Beautiful gives to new affiliates,” she said. “It shows outstanding leadership by the new board in implementing KAB’s strategy for community involvement and community enhancement. It speaks very highly of Cocke County for their active participation and business and government leaders that support this non-profit. We are so proud of Keep Cocke County Beautiful.”<br /><br />Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan, Jr. knows how important the KAB message is.<br /><br />“When I came into office four years ago, KCCB was on the inactive list,” McMahan said.” In a beautiful county like ours, this was unacceptable! So I gathered some folks around the table to create a board that would embrace the spirit of this community and continue to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage traditions.<br /><br />“And, that is what we got! This is another example of what you can achieve when you gather together with a common dream and make a plan to realize that dream.<br /><br />“Congratulations to David, to the Board and to all the hard working volunteers that came together to realize the full potential of what a KAB affiliate can do.”<br /><br />City of Newport Mayor Connie Ball is proud of KCCB.<br /><br />“The City of Newport congratulates KCCB for receiving this outstanding award,” Ball said.<br /><br />”Their hard work keeping Cocke County beautiful is truly making a difference. Community beautification is the beginning of attracting new businesses to our city and county. Cleanliness has a great impact on how our citizens and visitors feel about our community. The progress KCCB and the volunteers have made over the last few years is tremendous and they are to be commended on a job well done.”<br />Cocke County Partnership President Donald Hurst added his congratulations.<br /><br />“The Partnership supports all of its 13 organizations and is proud of the work they do,” said Cocke County Partnership President Donald Hurst.” Beautification and community cleanliness both play an important role in economic and community development. We have watched Keep County Beautiful’s progress, they have made tremendous strides and we applaud their efforts. We appreciate the support of our City and County and community businesses,” he added.Cocke County Tourism Dept.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02973715248051097740noreply@blogger.com