Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov
GATLINBURG, Tenn. – The winter season officially kicks off the 28th year of Smoky Mountain Winterfest with the annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff 5-8 p.m. Nov. 8 in downtown Gatlinburg at 715 Parkway.
City dignitaries will begin with a ceremonial lighting of more than 3 million lights throughout the city while visitors sample mouth-watering chili recipes from more than 20 area restaurants and businesses.
This year, visitors can expect to jam to renowned Journey tribute band, Departure 6:15 p.m. on the Bush’s Best Stage. Having performed in approximately 100 shows nationally per year, Departure is regarded as one of the most respected Journey tribute bands in the nation. The Greenbrier with Jimbo Whaley opens 5:15 p.m. at the Dixie Stampede Stage. The rock-bluegrass trio, Grassabillies are also included in the event’s entertainment lineup and will perform several times during the event.
Participants in the Chili Cookoff will compete for the People’s Choice Award, Best Booth Presentation and Best Apron. While the event is free, tickets for chili sampling are $10. Children under five years old are free. Ticket booth entrance points will be held at 715 Parkway and River Road. The River Road ticket booth entrance will be open at 4 p.m. on the day of the event. There will be also be a special edition t-shirt available for purchase.
Food vendors include: CiCi's Pizza, Gatlinburg Fire Department, Ober Gatlinburg, Collier Convention & Catering, Gatlinburg Police Department, Ole Smoky Moonshine, Courtyard by Marriott, Great Smoky Mountain Catering, Pop Culture, Crawdaddy's Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg, Puckers Sports Bar & Grill, D&S Distilling Co., Inn at Christmas Place, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Delauder's Smoky Mountain BBQ, IX Nubes Vape Lounge, Sevier County Utilities District, Farmer's Burger Barn, Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina, Sevierville Golf Club, Foxfire Mountain Adventures, Margaritaville Island Hotel, The Paula Deen Store, Mellow Mushroom/Landshark.
For more information, visit www.Gatlinburg.com or call 800-588-1817.
Sponsors for this event include Pi Beta Phi PTA, Bush Brothers and Co, Dunlap RV, All Sauced Up, Food City, Gatlinburg Rotary Club, and Dixie Stampede.
# # #
Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov