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Gatlinburg cancels 4th of July parade
Press Release # State
Since 1976, Gatlinburg has entertained multiple generations of visitors with the only July 4th Midnight Parade in the Nation. In the interest of public health and safety, officials have made the hard decision to cancel this time-honored tradition. Over 45 years, the community parade has entertained tens of thousands of visitors and won many awards including being ranked one of the “Must See Parades in the Nation” by National Geographic Traveler.
“This is very disappointing for us, our participants and visitors. But in light of these unprecedented times, it is the right thing to do for everyone’s health and well-being,” said Mark Adams, President/CEO Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“The City plans to create new, reimagined patriotic events that account for families who may still wish to celebrate the holiday with new healthy travel standards.”
Gatlinburg is asking visitors who plan to return to the area to travel responsibly and institute new healthy travel practices while they are on vacation. Practices include:
- Wash hands often.
- Cough into your elbow and sneeze into a tissue.
- Consult with a doctor before traveling when sick.
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Avoid contact with people who are already sick.
- Avoid contact with animals while traveling.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Be aware of latest travel advisories from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. State Department.
