Gatlinburg Hosts First July 4th Parade in Nation

While most of America was still waiting for sunrise, Gatlinburg was already marching into Independence Day.

The Smoky Mountain city once again claimed bragging rights as home of the “First Independence Day Celebration in the Nation,” with its annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade stepping off at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 4.

More than 80,000 people turned out to celebrate. Watch video below:

Gatlinburg officials describe the tradition as part of a larger holiday celebration, declaring, “No other city is as Patriotic as Gatlinburg during the 4th of July as we celebrate in a big way with the very first Independence Day Parade in the nation.”

This year’s parade carried extra meaning as the nation marked its 250th anniversary. The Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau invited visitors to “Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this 4th of July in Gatlinburg,” promising “family-friendly activities, live music, festive food, dazzling fireworks, and a spectacular drone show.”

The midnight procession featured more than 100 entries, including “patriotic floats, military honors, marching bands, and specialty performance groups,” organizers said.

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