Each year for the last 19 years, the cities of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville Tennessee have come together to put on what has become one of the regions most highly anticipated Mega Events, the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration. For roughly about four months beginning in November and ending in February for the last 19 years the region literally "lights up" with a collection of displays that include roadways, businesses and area attractions that are elaborately decorated with lighted displays. This years 19th Annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration kicked off November 6th, 2008 and will continue on to it's conclusion on February 28th, 2009.

Due to the fact that this Festival last over a four month period and takes place in such a large region, the number of events, happenings and things to do are literally endless. Since we're currently in the hight of the Holiday Season, which in and of itself holds some incredible can't miss events, the focus of this piece is to highlight three can't miss events taking place after the holiday season.

1- Wilderness Wildlife Week: First on our list is Wilderness Wildlife Week, which starts January 10th, 2009 and goes on for one week ending on January 17th, 2009. The event, as many of the series events that make up the all encompassing Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration, started innocently enough and on a small scale. Today, it's larger than life and really is a lot of fun, even for those that aren't the outdoor type. The mission of the Wilderness Wildlife Week is very simple. To create an interactive event that brings visitors to the region in contact with the beauty and majesty of the Smoky Mountains. This year's Wilderness Wildlife Week is extra special as it is considered the first official event for the calendar year that marks the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

At face value, the event seems a little boring, because much of what is offered, if you were to look at a calendar of events, during Wilderness Wildlife Week are seminars, lectures and other tutorial type of engagements. The thing is each seminar and lecture is interactive. Visitors are taken on tours and hikes by nature experts and see some of the most amazing sites you could imagine. This are of the United States is truly one place that has not been touched by urban sprawl. Further, the Wilderness Wildlife Week is very family friendly. Many of the individual lectures and seminars are geared toward the excitement and amusement of children. For example on Saturday January 10th, at the Music Road Hotel Convention Center, between 10:30am and 11:30am "Kids Track: Critters to You" a live animal show and exhibit and also, again on Saturday January 10th, between 1pm and 2pm, also at the Music Road Hotel Convention Center, "Through The Double Lenses: A 3-D Travel Adventure".

Be sure to call ahead to the event planning and reservations hotline as some of the best events of Wilderness Wildlife Week are available to only a limited number of participants. The events official hotline and reservations phone number is (865)429-7350.

2- Appalachia Fest: This is just a one night event, but has become a real favorite in the line up of events for the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration. Appalachia Fest is a music festival that bring out the best in a blend of blue grass and country music and of course mountain music that is truly unique to the Smoky Mountain region. This year Appalachia Fest takes place on Tuesday night January 13th, 2009 at the Country Tonite Theater. The festivities start off in the in lobby of the Theatre at 7pm and then concert sets off at 7:30pm. If your a fan of this brand of music Appalachia Fest is a must see. Featured performers for this years event are Riley Baugus, Boogertown Gap, Dirk Powell and Tim O'brien. It is advised that you call and reserve tickets as soon as possible should you plan on attending this event. For tickets call (800)792-4308.

3- Saddle Up!, A Celebration of the American West: This event is kind of the last major event of the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration. Also, this is one of the newer major events to take place at Winterfest. "Saddle Up!, A Celebration of the American West" will be celebrating it's 9th Anniversary when the festivities begin Thursday February 19th, 2009. This event is four-days of music, dancing, entertainment and great food. Highlights of the event include kicking it off with a Cowboy Symphony at the Country Tonite Theatre February 19th at 7pm, as performed by Wylie and the Wild West. Other great entertainment slated include the Quebe Sisters, Andy Wilkinson and Andy Hedges. "Saddle Up!" also features great food, as visitors will find at the Fiddlers' Feast Chuck-wagon Jamboree. Each year the Fiddlers' Feast Chuck-wagon Jamboree brings some of the best culinary masters of genre. Slow roasted pork, specialty franks and beans, and a full array of potato dishes. Not to mention the desserts that include ginger cake and molasses cookies.

If all of that isn't enough to entice you to check out "Saddle Up!", the event has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of it's Top 20 Events. A two day pass for Friday February 20th and Saturday February 21st is $50 and will get you into most events of "Saddle Up!", excluding the Cowboy Symphony. For more information or to reserve tickets for "Saddle Up!, A Celebration of the American West" call (865)429-7350.

All totaled The Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration is one of those many regional events throughout the United States that doesn't get a tremendous amount of media coverage but is no less first class. The festival is palpable and electric and worth a one time visit. The people of Pigeon Forge as well as the other towns including Gatlinburg and Sevierville should be saluted for their continued excellence.

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