Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced the 33rd annual "Festival of Christmas Past"celebration on Saturday, December 13, 2008, from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. The event is free to the public and will take place at Sugarlands Visitor Center, just outside of Gatlinburg.

Festival of Christmas Past is an annual celebration of the culture of the Great Smoky Mountains, with an emphasis on that special time of year, Christmas. "Mountain people worked hard all year, and looked forward to the religious significance of Christmas and the chance for social interaction in the various communities," said Park Ranger Kent Cave. "These folk gathered in churches, homes, and schools during the holidays, while also meeting others along roads and trails in the mountains. The holidays allowed people to combine religion, work, and social interaction in the mountain communities," he continued.

The festival at Sugarlands Visitor Center will feature a blend of mountain music, storytelling, crafts, and skills demonstrations ongoing throughout the day. The event schedule includes the following activities:

Sugarlands Visitor Center Theater

9:30 am - 11:00 am - Old Fashioned Harp Singing
11:15 am - 12:00 pm - Lost Mill String Band
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Storytelling with Cuz and Jan Headrick
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Stories of the Past (panel discussion with area residents)
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Bill Proffitt and South of the River Boys
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Boogertown Gap Band

Other Activities in and around the visitor center

"When the Park Was New" (portrayal of first park superintendent J. Ross Eakin by park staff - 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Recitation of "The Night Before Christmas" by Morgan Briggs - 2:30 pm to
3:00 pm
Blacksmithing with master blacksmith Clayton Sharp
Domestic Arts and Fabric Spinning with Dale Liles and Jenny Bennett
Quilting and Weaving with Effie Suttles and Ellen Ogle
Mountain Basketweaving with Connie and Mack Clabo
Broom Making with David Higgins
MountainBerry Baskets with Bill Alexander
Lye Soap Making with Sallie Swor
Fabric Dyeing with Park Ranger Lisa Free
Christmas Craft Table with Vicki and Liza Law
Traditional Pine Cone Bird Feeders with Sherry Jennette and Sydney Frey

"Festival of Christmas Past" is sure to provide something for almost every interest in Appalachian skills and history, and everyone is cordially invited to attend this free event. For more information, please phone the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 865-436-1291.

Information courtesy of Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce