Children definitely are part of the mix during Wilderness Wildlife Week, an annual salute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mother Nature in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Jan. 8-15, 2011.
More than 20 of the week’s 235 programs are geared specifically for children, and dozens more aimed at general audiences would inform and entertain the younger set.
Wilderness Wildlife Week’s eight days of programs are a gift to all visitors from the City of Pigeon Forge to honor its next-door neighbor, America’s most visited national park.
Among the child-friendly programs are “Those Ain’t Teddy Bears” (about the park’s iconic black bears), “Hug a Tree and Survive,” “O! Possum” and “Batteries Not Included” (about mountain children’s pre-electric games and toys).
In addition, there are several programs featuring live animals. Presenters include experts from the American Eagle Foundation, the Knoxville Zoo and Bays Mountain Park.
“Today’s young people actually need encouragement to get outdoors and play, and the ‘Kids Track’ programs during Wilderness Wildlife Week are one way to do that. We want future generations to appreciate the treasure that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is,” said Leon Downey, executive director of tourism for Pigeon Forge.
More than 200 experts volunteer their time to conduct the week’s 235 programs – 128 of which are new in 2011 – about nature photography, bears, butterflies, elk, camping skills, outdoor safety and scores of other topics.
New for 2011 is an all-day concentration on outdoor photography called “The Smokies Through the Lens” on Jan. 15. Nine seminars aimed at all skill levels are planned, and topics include equipment, shooting techniques and editing. Other photography instruction classes and numerous photo showcases occur throughout the week.
Other special programming includes
· AppalachiaFest – A musical celebration of mountain music and dancing (audience participation encouraged) featuring the Carolina Bluegrass Boys, Tony Thomas and Boogertown Gap on Jan. 11
· Cade Cove Memories – Five special programs on Jan. 15 organized by the Cades Cove Preservation Association that focus on this popular portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In addition to all the indoor programs, there are 48 hikes and excursions into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a llama trek. They range from easy walks to strenuous hikes, and Wilderness Wildlife Week provides transportation to and from each trailhead, plus experienced hiking guides. In 2010, hikers from 17 states participated. Hiking records have been kept for eight years, and the accumulated total mileage is 14,289.
This will be the 21st year for Wilderness Wildlife Week, a major part of the four-month-long Pigeon Forge Winterfest season. Admission to all programs is free.
“The week is extremely flexible. You can come just for one program, for one day only or for the whole week,” Downey said.
Wilderness Wildlife Week began 20 years ago as a half-day program and immediately grew into a weeklong activity. It has been a Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” 10 times.
Wilderness Wildlife Week details are updated frequently at www.MyPigeonForge.com/wildlife. Information about all aspects of visiting Pigeon Forge is at www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.
Escape to the Smoky Mountains 