May 19, 2013
A Local 8 Weather Alert has been issued for today. Because of the threat of rain, thunder and even hail, outdoor activities may be disrupted or inconvenienced. What's going on? An upper-level low will be moving across East Tennessee today, creating a more unstable atmosphere.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The Parkway in Gatlinburg was packed with thousands of people on Wednesday night for some winter magic as the city welcomed Winterfest.
Gatlinburg leaders also put together a chili kickoff for the event that happened right on the street.
Admission for the event was free, but a $10 wristband was required for chili sampling, with a portion of proceeds going to benefit Pi Beta Phi Elementary School PTA.
"It is a festival atmosphere, not only do we have 16 vendors who'll be selling you some of that best chilli in the world, but we also have different vendors who'll be here from different charity organizations telling you about what they do," said Vicki Simms with the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Winterfest is a 4 month celebration of winter in the smoky mountains full of lights and holiday entertainment.
