Vacation Ideas And More
The Newport Plain Talk is proud to present its 9th annual Summer Fun edition, which features local Independence Day celebrations, grilling tips, summer fun and much more. We hope you enjoy this edition, as it showcases some of the best summer festivals and activities in and around the area. We also are appreciative to each of our advertisers in this special section and we hope you visit their business this summer.
The annual White Pine Fourth of July Parade will be held on Friday, July 4. Parade lineup will begin at 9 a.m. at White Pine School off Roy Messer Highway.
The parade will start promptly at 10 a.m. and proceed to the White Pine Community Center off Maple Street.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade should complete a registration form which is available at whitepinetn.gov. All parade registration forms should be submitted by noon on June 30.
The forms can be dropped off at town hall, mailed or faxed.
Town hall is located at 1548 Main Street, White Pine. The mailing address is P.O. Box 66, White Pine, TN 37890. The town hall phone number is (865) 674-2556.
Independence Day Parade in the country. Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 4, the parade will make its way through downtown Gatlinburg.
The parade will begin at Baskins Creek Bypass and will end at Traffic Light #10. The parade has been recognized by National Geographic Traveler as a “Top 10 Parade to See in the U.S.”
Thousands of people make their way to Gatlinburg for this annual event.
The annual Independence Day Celebration presented by Hamblen County Government and The Terry Law Firm is set for the Fourth of July at Cherokee Park, which sits on the banks of Cherokee Lake off Floyd Hall Drive in Morristown.
Admission is free. Gates will open at 5 p.m. There will be food vendors on site.
Live music is sponsored by Food City. At 6:30 p.m. Tony Justice will take the stage. The headliner will be 1990s country music star Mark Wills, who will perform starting at 8 p.m.
The 50th annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade will be the first
Country music star Logan Crosby will serve as the parade grand marshal. Crosby is known for his soulful songs and his appearance on Claim to Fame.
The parade features creative, patriotic themed floats, marching bands from around the U.S., military salutes and honor guards, giant balloons, street performers and family-friendly entertainment along the Parkway.
Pigeon Forge will mark Independence Day with the city’s annual fireworks on Friday, July 4, kicking off the holiday weekend.
This year’s Patriot Festival will be headlined by multi-platinum hitmaker and country powerhouse Dylan Scott, and a full lineup including singer/songwriter Alana Springsteen, former American Idol hopeful and Seymour Tennessee native Bryson Quick and the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus.
Festivities begin at 2 p.m. with various food vendors for guests to explore.
From the main stage, the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus will begin the night’s entertainment with a veterans tribute at 4 p.m. Veterans are invited to attend the event and be recognized during the tribute ceremony.
Dylan Scott takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. Patriot Festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.
Patriot Festival guests are welcome to
bring lawn chairs and blankets. Umbrellas, tents, and coolers are NOT permitted. Hot dogs, tacos, pizza, funnel cakes, lemonade and so much more will be available from vendors for purchase.
Limited parking will be available at Patriot Park. Free parking is provided at the Teaster Lane Municipal parking lot, and a free shuttle operates every 20 minutes between the lot and festival site.
PARROTTSVILLE - The annual Parrottsville Fourth of July celebration is set for Saturday, July 5, at Parrottsville School.
Festivities get underway at 3 p.m. There will be food trucks on site. According to Parrottsville Mayor Gayla Hommel there will be activities for the children, including inflatables.
“We invite everyone to come out for a fun-filled afternoon and evening,” Hommel said. “It is a lot of fun and we are looking forward to another
successful event.”
She said the Fourth of July celebration is always popular and there is always a large turnout.
The event, sponsored by the Town of Parrottsville and local businesses, will conclude with a fireworks display at dark.
The Miss and Master Firecracker Pageant will be held at Parrottsville Elementary School.
“Leave the pageant dresses at home and bring your red, white and blue
Rhythm on the River has become an anticipated annual summer family oriented music festival in Newport.
Now in its 11th season, the music series from the Cocke County Partnership’s Chamber of Commerce draws people from across the Smoky Mountains to the scenic Riverwalk along the famous Pigeon River in downtown Newport behind Newport City Hall.
The 2025 edition of Rhythm on the River remains a free event and features band performances, games and food vendors.
“All concerts are free to the public, and we’re proud to provide a fun, welcoming space for the community to enjoy,” Director of the Cocke County Chamber of Commerce Lynn Ramsey. “It’s a tradition we look forward to every summer.”
This year’s festival opened on May 29, and summer visitors to the Smokies can still catch plenty of music through the end of July. The biweekly concert series is presented every other Thursday.
The remaining band lineup represents a crosssection of musical variety.
patriotic attire,” said Pageant Director Angel Fowler. “It can be a costume or off the rack as long as it is red, white and blue.” Pageant applications are available at Diana’s Beauty Shop in downtown Newport or Cheveux Salon, which is located off Cosby Highway.
A new award this year is the Smoky Mountain Humane Humanitarian Award, which involves raising money for the animal shelter. All money raised will be donated to Smoky Mountain Humane Society.
JULY 10
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Newport Speedway roared back to life this summer, bringing plenty of acclaim and notoriety as visitors and racers from all over the country have sought it out.
Before its official reopening this summer, the track had not hosted a race since 2017. But since new owner Chuck Ward purchased the track in April of 2024, the venue has seen a complete overhaul.
New paint glitters under the lights each weekend, as its return has generated comments from local racers and visitors and even NASCAR
legends such as Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The speedway’s official reopening came on May 24, hosting the Ted Caldwell Memorial Race to great acclaim.
More recently, the venue has hosted the Food Country USA 300 — bringing the best late-model drivers from across the country — and the country music band “Sawyer Brown” in the speedway’s first ever concert during the first weekend in June.
Each event has generated plenty of buzz, as concertgoers even sat through torrential rain the night of the concert.
A packed racing schedule is set to unfold this summer at the 4/10 mile, high-banked paved oval track with grandstanding seating of 4,000.
The South Atlantic Pro Series on June 21 will be sandwiched between a couple of East10 Drift events on the 13th and 27th, along with a “Test and Tune” event on the 20th.
After that, local racing will precede the Drew Ramsey Memorial — named for the speedway’s previous owner — on July 4.
More racing and drifting will finish out the month of July (11-12, 25-
26), then the action will continue into August, September and even November with more weekly racing, a fireworks night and the 2025 ARA OverMountain Rally event
Altogether, the jam-packed schedule offers a promising form of entertainment.
For more information, visit the Newport Speedway’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ thenewportspeedway.
Fireworks have been integral components of celebrations for centuries. These pyrotechnics originated in ancient China, with their earliest forms thought to be made from bamboo stalks thrown into a fire. Fireworks ultimately evolved into gunpowder-filled paper tubes. Modern fireworks still largely use traditional gunpowder as well as additional ingredients like aluminum and iron to create flashes, bangs and sparks. Additional elements are blended to create the colors that make for vivid fireworks displays.
To celebrate safely, the CPSC urges consumers to follow these tips:
• Make sure fireworks are legal where you live and only purchase and set off those that are labeled for consumer use. Never purchase fireworks that are designed for professionals.
• Children should not be allowed to play with or ignite fireworks. This includes sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures that can reach or exceed 2,000 F, which is hot enough to melt some metals.
Fireworks can be a wonder to behold, but there is no denying that shooting them off can be dangerous business. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks occurred in 2023. Of the eight deaths, five were associated with misuse of fireworks and two with a device malfunction. Fireworks injuries increased between 2008 and 2023, which underscores the importance of fireworks safety.
• Stay sober when using fireworks. Alcohol or drug impairment can cause
people to act recklessly and make mistakes when handling fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or another mishap.
• Only light one firework at a time, then move away from it quickly.
• Soak malfunctioning fireworks in water. Do not try to relight them.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.
• Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
• Douse spent fireworks with water before tossing them in the trash.
Spectators should remain at a distance from any fireworks being ignited. Fireworks should be lit away from buildings or trees. Many times it is safer
to let professionals handle the fireworks since they are trained in the proper safety precautions.
Fireworks are integral components of many large celebrations.
Pyrotechnics may rise into the sky right after midnight at the start of a new year, during sporting events, and of course to mark Independence Day festivities.
Although fireworks can be impressive displays with their aweinspiring designs and colors, they are best left to professionals and ideally avoided by amateur enthusiasts. In 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 9,700 individuals were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. The CPSC indicates that the majority of fireworks injuries are burns that affect hands, fingers, head, face, and ears. Leaving fireworks to professional pyrotechnics experts can reduce injuries and even deaths.
That leaves the question of what revelers can do to make their celebrations festive without relying on fireworks? There are plenty of options and fun alternatives to fireworks.
• Confetti: Throwing confetti can simulate the different colors of fireworks displays. Choose recycled paper that will not have a detrimental effect on the environment, and clean up thoroughly after the celebration.
• Noisemakers: Children can bang pots and pans or use other items to make noise in celebration to simulate the pops and bangs of fireworks.
• Sprinklers: Instead of sparklers, kids can use sprinklers and water features for fun. Some pools have water return jet add-ons that spray water up in the air or out over the pool. When paired with colorful underwater lights, this can make an impressive display to swim through on a hot evening.
• Snappers or caps: Depending on the area where you live, smaller popping novelty items that make a loud popping noise when thrown or stepped on may be sold. They are generally safer to handle than traditional fireworks.
• Balloons: Everyone can play games involving water balloons or even regular balloons. Sitting or stomping on balloons can create loud pops reminiscent of fireworks.
• Fiber optic novelties: Celebrants can wave fiber optic wands or other novelties that cast bright lights. Additional options are glow sticks that also can light up the night.
Although fireworks can be impressive, it’s best to watch them from afar and leave their handling to professionals. Safer alternatives are best for home celebrations.
BY ANDREA UPDYKE
RVShare reports 44% of vacationers plan to do more domestic travel in 2025, a nine-point increase from 2024. More families now trade rustic for resort-style campgrounds and enjoy the best of both worlds.
The Great American Road Trip got an upgrade. RV parks, once a stop along the journey, are now the primary destination due to resort-style amenities and luxurious experiences. Added accommodations like glamping tents, cabins and RV rentals mean you don’t have to own a recreational vehicle to kick back and relax with your family.
Whether you want to travel crosscountry to see the Grand Canyon, spend a week in Key West on the water or enjoy
wine tasting in the Blue Ridge Mountains, luxury accommodations may be more accessible than you think.
While the beauty of nature remains, roughing it is now optional. Today’s RV resorts offer more flexibility than a traditional hotel room. Plus, they entertain campers with lazy rivers, onsite restaurants, bars and live music. You’ll also find more conventional campfires, outdoor movies, bicycle and kayak rentals.
Even as family-friendly resorts remain popular, luxury RV parks seamlessly blend multiple travel preferences into one location. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort has long known that the secret to the ultimate camping experience is taking great care of each family member. Now,
campgrounds nationwide seek to create unique experiences for guests of all ages that will keep them returning year after year.
Waterfront campgrounds like Anchor Down in Dandridge, Tennessee, or the
brand-new Lagoon Ranch in Onalaska, Texas, offer water sports in the warmer months. Both provide additional amenities, like onsite brick fireplaces or
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a massive mid-pool jumbo television to appeal to campers.
The Ridge RV Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., offers RV sites with private hot tubs. That’s in addition to a clubhouse and two pools, one with a lazy river.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort, Lanier Islands in Georgia, offers boat rentals, glamping tents, cabins and, yes, margarita deliveries. “At Margaritaville RV Resort in Georgia, you don’t have to leave your site to get into vacation mode because they bring the margaritas to you. Yes, a cocktail golf cart cruises around the resort, serving up icy drinks with a smile,” says Mary Walker of Life in the RV.
As campgrounds follow this trend with firewood delivery, meal service and roving dessert trucks, camping feels more like a luxury. Entertainment and activities fill the summer days with new ways to enjoy each campground beyond the local sights.
Some resorts offer adults-only sections or quiet pools for family and friends who want to be nearby but still have privacy. A stay at Hilton Head National RV Resort makes multi-generational travel a breeze. Those with children can stay in the main campground and enjoy the main pool with a lazy river, playground, private cabanas with food and bar service and televisions. Adult travelers can take advantage of the same amenities or can choose the adults-only side with a quiet pool. Not to mention the award-winning golf course next door.
Find a clubhouse with fireplaces, onsite food trucks, live music and a nightly cash bar at Talona Ridge RV Resort in Ellijay, Ga. Relaxation and sunset views are the perfect end to a fun day of hiking and shopping. Upcoming expansions include a restaurant and a quiet pool, making this North Georgia wine country resort even more desirable.
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Games can enhance any outdoor function. Whether at the beach or in one’s backyard, activities can keep guests entertained in between the food and other refreshments. And the good news is that most games designed for these types of functions are appropriate for players across a wide range of ages.
The following are eight games that can add to the excitement of any outdoor gathering.
1. Ladder toss: Also known as ladder golf, this game requires players to toss string-attached balls onto a ladder-shaped target. Points are awarded depending on which rung the ball lands on.
2. Kubb: Pronounced “KOOB,” this Swedish lawn game believed to have originated during the era of the Vikings and is best described as a blend of bowling and horseshoes. Two teams compete to knock over their opponents’ wooden blocks by throwing batons.
3. Cornhole: Many people have played cornhole, which involves tossing bean bags at the cornhole board. The objective is to get the bag into the hole or on the board to score points. The game can be played as singles or doubles. The first team to reach 21 points wins.
4. Spikeball™: Also called Roundnet, this two-on-two sport is played by hitting a ball off a net with the goal of preventing the opposing team from returning the ball
within three touches.
5. Ring toss: This is another game that tests hand-eye coordination. Players take turns tossing the rings onto the target pegs. Each peg is worth a different number of points. The first player to reach the agreed-upon amount of points wins.
6. Connect four in a row: Giant versions of familiar tabletop games also are available for yard use. With this game, players need to get four chips in a row, either up and down or diagonal.
7. Kan Jam®: Similar to cornhole or horseshoes, Kan Jam® features two teams of two that alternate between throwing a frisbee and trying to deflect it. The goal is to get the frisbee into the can.
8. Rollers: Goals are placed 25 feet apart and then players roll wooden discs to try to get closest to the goal. Each side of the disc has a different number to determine the point value.
Backyard events can be enhanced with some game play. There are plenty of fun options for your next gathering.
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RV resorts have long been considered one of the best places to stay with pets. Many campgrounds offer dog parks and dog wash stations; some even have private fencing on specific campsites to keep everyone safe and nearby.
If planning a stay in one of the cabins, ensure it’s pet-friendly before booking to avoid unwanted surprises. Resorts also require current pet vaccinations and may ask for paperwork.
Many families own an RV and enjoy the benefits. But there are also options for those who don’t own a camper. Guests can choose from traditional RV spaces, cabins, tiny homes, yurts and glamping tents. Or, you may rent an RV if you don’t have one. Many campgrounds will have them set up and ready upon arrival.
“Outdoor travel should be easy, exciting and accessible,” says Outdoorsy cofounder and CMO Jen Young. For those who don’t want the hassle of driving and setting up an RV, book through
Outdoorsy Escapes and allow them to do the heavy lifting at one of their partnered locations.
Nightly rates are higher than traditional campgrounds but lower than a resort hotel stay. Camping at a luxury RV resort can save money for budget-conscious families, even with the added amenities.
Cooking some meals yourself while enjoying the beauty of the campground cuts overall costs without sacrificing quality. Added costs like golf cart rental
and food delivery can be fun splurges, but aren’t required.
Family camping trips aren’t what they used to be. With added amenities, space and entertainment throughout a luxury campground, an RV resort vacation is the perfect mix of summer camp and spa retreat that will have you on the road to relaxation.
Andrea Updyke is a food and travel writer at Just is a Four Letter Word, where she shares easy recipes and family travel tips. When she isn’t traveling, Andrea loves spending time with her husband and two teenage sons in Raleigh, N.C.
Hamburgers are a staple of backyard barbecues. When summer arrives, few foods embody the laid back vibe of the season better than grilled hamburgers.
There’s nothing wrong with a traditional approach to hamburgers, but
going the extra mile and augmenting the flavor with some special ingredients can make these beloved summertime staples even more popular. If that’s your goal, then consider this recipe for “Hamburgers with Stilton Cheese, Caramelized Shallots and Mushrooms,” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS AND MUSHROOMS
Makes 4 servings
FOR CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1⁄2 lbs. fresh shallots, peeled and sliced
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon sugar
FOR MUSHROOMS:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1⁄2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 clove of garlic, minced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
FOR HAMBURGERS:
1 1⁄2 lbs. ground sirloin, chuck or round
Coarse salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices Stilton cheese
4 hamburger rolls or sandwich rolls
1 tablespoon melted butter
Lettuce leaves
FOR CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS:
1. Melt butter with olive oil in a thick-bottomed pan until the oil is shimmering. Add the sliced shallots and stir to coat. Cook, stirring on occasion, for 7 to 10 minutes. Do not let the shallots burn or dry out. Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the shallots.
2. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently. If shallots seem to be drying out, add a little water or oil to the pan. Shallots should be brown but not burned. Continue to cook and stir; scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, until the shallots are a deep, rich, browned color.
FOR MUSHROOMS:
Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in balsamic vinegar, garlic and mushrooms. Saute for 20 minutes, or until tender.
FOR HAMBURGERS:
1. Moisten your clean hands with cold water and divide the ground beef in 4
equal portions. Form into a flattened ball. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
3. Prepare the grill and preheat to high. Brush the grill grate with oil.
4. Place the prepared burgers on the hot grill grate. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side for medium, or until an instant read thermometer inserted through the side of the burger into the center reaches 160 F.
5. Brush the rolls with melted butter and toast them on the grill for about 45 seconds. Assemble the burgers, with lettuce leaves, Stilton cheese, caramelized shallots, and mushrooms. Serve.
Mabry-Hazen House is hosting its annual old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration on Friday, July 4 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Gather with the museum to celebrate Independence Day, the Declaration of Independence, and community. Enjoy great views, good food and beer, live music, fun games, great company and tours of the 1858 house. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and spread out on seven acres of green space near downtown Knoxville and right off I-40. The day recalls the spirit of 19th century Independence Day celebrations when communities gathered for patriotic revelry and enjoyment. Tickets are required to attend the event.
Overlooking downtown Knoxville to
the west and the Great Smoky Mountains to south, historic Mabry’s Hill enjoys a spectacular view of the fireworks around the city and county. Take it easy with this laid-back celebration.
Take in the surrounding natural beauty and history while savoring food from food trucks and beer from a local brewery.
The museum will have activities for kids and the young at heart including face painting, sack races, watermelon seed spitting contests, three-legged races, bocce, croquet, corn hole, tug-of-war, cake walk, Victorian festival games and much more.
There’ll be a live band for attendees to groove and enjoy. Kelsey Tiara Photography will be available to strike your image on a tintype! There will be a reading of the Declaration of
While most Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, the Museum of Appalachia, located in Clinton, Tennessee, marks the occasion with an old- fashioned “anvil shoot.” Every Fourth of July, the museum uses gunpowder to launch a 200-pound anvil hundreds of feet into the air.
Anvil shoots were once a common way for pioneers to commemorate holidays, elections, and other special occasions.
Independence. Purchase tickets to join in a cake walk and possibly take home a delicious cake from a local bakery! And the historic house museum will open for self-guided tours.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks.
Tickets for adults (16+) are $15 (includes two drink tickets), children (ages 5-15) are $5, members of Mabry-Hazen
House are $10, and children under 5 are free.
More information and link to purchase tickets available at www.mabryhazen. com/fourthofjuly. There is a small fee for online purchases. Pre-sale tickets sell out and there will only be a limited number of tickets available at the door. All proceeds benefit the museum’s educational and preservation missions.
The anvil shoot is the centerpiece of an all-day celebration that includes a national bell-ringing ceremony, flag procession, live music, southern food, demonstrations from blacksmiths, beekeepers, dulcimer makers, spinners, weavers, rail splitters, and more.
Anvil shoots will occur at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
For ticket information go to www. museumofappalachia.org.
