Gatlinburg will welcome in the New Year in grand style with country music star Beau Braswell and the traditional New Year’s Eve Ball Drop from the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. Since 1987, this family friendly celebration is one of the largest organized New Year’s Eve events in the nation.
Platinum selling country music star, Beau Braswell and rising country music singer, Cassidy Diana will perform a free concert beginning at 10 p.m. in the area adjacent to the Gatlinburg Convention Center near traffic light number 8, which is the perfect vantage point for viewing the ball drop. Sponsored by Yamaha Motor Company, Braswell is a six time AMA National Motorcycle Champion and two time AMRA World Motorcycle Champion. His passion for motorsports is reflected in his energy on stage.
Nearly 50,000 people will gather around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Saturday night to ring in the New Year. Seconds before the stroke of midnight, the lighted ball will drop from the iconic Space Needle. Lit with rhythmic LED lights along the tower, it is a spectacular display.
“New Year’s Eve Celebration is a 29-year tradition in Gatlinburg. The outdoor entertainment and ball drop from the Space Needle create a unique experience for our visitors,” said Jim Downs, special events director for Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. “No doubt, we will have a big crowd to help us usher in 2017 in a big way.”
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the celebration specials offered by many Gatlinburg restaurants and businesses. For more information on New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg, call the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-588-1817 or visit www.gatlinburg.com/nye.