Each summer, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Service teams up with Cocke County Tourism to host the “Celebrating Cosby” community programming which honors the rich cultural and natural history of the Cosby area through storytelling, dance, music, and history walks.
“These programs offer incredible opportunities for visitors to discover Cosby by experiencing it firsthand with the people who live and work here,” said Chief of Resource Education Stephanie Kyriazis. “We are grateful to our friends from the local community who are leading these unique experiences.”
Plan your visit to the Smokies to include these fun, free events held in the Cosby Campgrounds.
June 21, 7 p.m.- 8 p.m. Mountain Edge Band
Enjoy traditional bluegrass music and stories of Cosby families during this musical night! Featuring musicians Judge Carter Moore (guitar and vocals), Andy Williams (mandolin and vocals), Kurry Cody (banjo and vocals), and Carty McSween (bass).
June 28, 7 p.m.- 8 p.m. Cherokee Storytelling and Dance
Learn about the Cherokee culture and stories through dance, music, and storytelling featuring members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee People, including Daniel Tramper, Dustin Tramper, and Sonny Ledford.
July 5, 7 p.m.- 8 p.m. Honoring Those Who Served
Honoring those who served and a presentation of Quilts of Valor. Join park staff to learn about community members’ roles in the military and public service, yesterday and today!
July 12, 7 p.m.- 8 p.m. People of the Mountains
Take a step back in time and learn from the locals about what daily life was like working and living in the Cosby community and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Learn directly from the families connected to the land.
July 19, 7 p.m.- 8 p.m. Moonshiners
White lightning, mountain dew, moonshine! Distill myth from fact as you learn details of making moonshine in the mountains from Moonshine Legends Mark Ramsey, Sally Clark, Digger Manes, and Kelly Williamson.