Sevierville City crews are installing lights for the Winterfest celebration. (Source: Kyle Grainger, WVLT)

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Sevier County is getting ready for winter, by putting up holiday decorations before the start of Smoky Mountain Winterfest.

This is the 24th year the towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg have had a 4 month display of lights. Community leaders the campaign has helped draw more visitors during a slow period.

"There's just so much to see and do here, and of course there's all that great Christmas shopping, so we see a lot of visitors coming in that time of year," said Amanda Maples Marr with the Sevierville Chamber. "We started Winterfest as a way to bolster our winter season and we've really seen tremendous increases November and December in terms of visitation. people really coming here. It's really helped to extend our tourism season."

This completely free event annually draws around 7,000 spectators who enjoy entertainment, free food, kids’ games, fireworks and plenty of great surprises.

Kickoff to Winterfest is November 5,2012 3-8pm in the Sevierville Municipal Complex at 110 Gary Wade Blvd. Live entertainment, kids’ games, free food, fireworks and more! Call (865) 453-6411 for more information.