News Release

(Gatlinburg, Tenn., March 8, 2010) – “You better not shout, you better not cry. You better not pout; I’m telling you why … Santa Claus is coming to town.” Or in Gatlinburg’s case – hundreds of Santa Clauses are coming to town this March.

A sea of red coats, fluffy white beards, shiny black boots and jingling bells will stretch for as far as the eye can see this March in Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountain haven is preparing for hundreds of Santas in full regalia to descend on the downtown Parkway for the wacky and wonderful 2^nd Annual Celebrate Santa convention and Holly & Shamrock Parade from March 13-16.

Kicking off the annual event is the reunion of two legendary characters – the City of Gatlinburg hosts the “Holly & Shamrock Parade – the Meeting of St. Nicholas and St. Patrick” on the downtown Parkway at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 13. The largest parade of its kind, the Holly & Shamrock Parade features floats, carriages, decorated wagons, bands and singers in a colorful display of red and green Santas and Leprechauns alike marching down the Gatlinburg Parkway in a spirited display of holiday cheer. Carolers, an All-Santa Band and, of course, reindeer will join in the entertainment. The event is expected to draw as many as 40,000 spectators coming to witness the meeting of these two legendary holiday figures. Following the parade, Gatlinburg Convention Center will host the annual Celebrate Santa convention, trade show and gala from March 14-16. More than 400 professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses will celebrate and honor Father Christmas. This year’s event incorporates the upcoming motion picture, Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas, which chronicles the life and times of St. Nicholas, the original Santa Claus. The movie’s writer/director, Gerald Hartke and lead actor, Matthew Mesler are Grand Marshals of the Holly & Shamrock Parade and will be the guests of honor at a movie premiere party called “An Evening with St. Nicholas” honoring the movie and what it means to the overall Santa community. More than 30 states, three Canadian provinces and Australia are participating in the festivities.

Delight in the various styles of Santa fashion during a special Santa and Mrs. Claus Fashion Show featuring costumes from different time periods and cultures from around the world followed by the “Under the Mistletoe” themed Jingle Bell Ball.

And, in a jolly display of athleticism and the quest for the fastest Santa of all, an Olympic-style race of Santas tubing down the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg will add to the cheer. No sleighs and reindeer allowed!

Celebrate Santa is the second annual convention and festival bringing professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses for fun and serious class work together from all over the world. The 2010 events are themed “What a Wonderful World.” The Holly & Shamrock parade is the largest of its kind and is expected to draw more then 20,000 spectators this year along the half-mile long route. For more information or to register, visit www.celebratesanta.com or www.hollyandshamrock.com  or call (865) 244-5231. Visit www.eventsgatlinburg.com to view a video of the event.

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee boasts inspiration to all who visit, from the misting mountains, the trickling streams and the exquisite wildlife that call this mountain haven home. Wherever your adventurous spirit guides you, Gatlinburg delivers family fun, unique shops, and an extensive arts and crafts community. Explore the popular Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, ride the country's longest aerial tram, browse through hundreds of unique shops in search of the perfect treasure, and revel in the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains as you Reach Higher Ground in Gatlinburg. For more information, visit www.Gatlinburg.com or call 1-800-588-1817. For media information and digital images, visit www.gatlinburgpressroom.com. Visit us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/visitgatlinburg and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitgatlinburg.

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