Although some of us have had a rough go of it in 2009 thus far, it’s uplifting to know that there are still reasons to celebrate. Some of the United States’ most beloved National Parks are commemorating significant anniversaries this year and invite you to join in the festivities—a monumental way to remember that some of the best things in life are, indeed, free.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which overlaps the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is ringing in its 75th anniversary with a yearlong series of activities and events. The anniversary weekend kicks off on June 13 at Cades Cove in Tennessee, with exhibits that explore the cultural history of the area, followed by an outdoor performance by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. The only thing you’ll need to pay for is the $25 vehicle pass, which allows you to bring up to 15 people in your (huge!) car.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NPS Photo)
The celebration continues June 14 at the Smoky Mountain Headquarters in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Be sure to check out the free open house that focuses on the park’s development, management and establishment in 1934. An exhibit, “Snapshots of 1934, the Establishment Year of GSMNP,” showcases both original and reproduction photos, drawings, datasheets, maps, artifacts and journal entries.
The weekend finishes up on June 15 in Oconaluftee, N.C., with a dose of history from the Cherokee perspective. A ceremony will symbolize the commencement of construction on the new Oconaluftee Visitor Center and history cultural museum.
If you can’t make this amazing weekend of nature and history, there are plenty of events throughout the year to participate in, including a rededication of the park at the Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap on Sept. 2, reminiscent of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s park dedication speech given in 1940. Other noteworthy events to attend include the Women’s Work Festival (June 20), the Mountain Life Festival (Sept. 19) and the Festival of Christmas Past (Dec. 12), all which boast arts, crafts and music.
Other National Park Anniversaries
Zion National Park in Utah is observing its 100th anniversary in a similar manner to Smoky Mountains
National Park, with a yearlong series of events, lectures, exhibits and
activities. Read more about the festivites in this week’s Zion National Park Centennial article.
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona celebrated its 90th anniversary with the opening of the Verkamp’s Visitor Center in February. For more information on the anniversary, visit www.nps.gov/grca.
For additional National Parks coverage, check out our special feature on 10 National Parks Treasures.
