Information from http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com
Join Nantahala Center’s Great Outpost and the City of Gatlinburg as they turn off the lights to celebrate Earth Hour, the world’s largest public environmental action. Family activities will take place in the Great Outpost parking lot from 6 to 10 p.m. with the observance of the “lights out” initiative from 8:30 to 9:30.
By taking part in this global “lights out” event NOC and Gatlinburg acknowledge their commitment to personal and operational actions that benefit the planet in the year ahead. NOC’s Great Outpost invites the Gatlinburg community to join their Earth Hour Celebration in what promises to be an amazing and inspiring global celebration of a collective commitment to the planet.
Join staff and community partners, both in-store and outside, beginning at 6 p.m. for an assortment of activities and to purchase candle lanterns and hand crank flashlights to light the night with earth-friendly lights. NOC’s Great Outpost will close at 8 p.m. to celebrate Earth Hour by turning off store and parking lot lights. From 8 to 10 p.m., the Earth Hour celebration will continue outside in the parking lot, lit by alternative energy sources, and featuring a full range of activities for the whole family.
Event highlights: • Join Tuatha Dea in a Drum Circle Facilitation and experience the magic of drumming. • Enjoy glow-in-the-dark disc golf course, star gazing and glow-in-the-dark face painting. • Ride the bike pedal generator and light up the human-powered display. • Make music on a recycled musical instrument. • Enjoy a performance by Donna’s Majorettes Flaming Baton Twirlers. • Visit display booths by the City of Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Goes Green, Friends of the Smokies, Discover Life in America, Great Smoky Mountains Association, Pi Beta Phi Elementary and more. • Sign up for a special twilight hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Parkentitled “Bears, Bats & Owls, Oh My! Experiencing the Woods at Night.” The hike will begin at 7 p.m. and return to the festivities for the big “lights out” at 8:30.
A complete activity schedule can be found at www.nocsgreatoutpost.com or call Debra Moye at 436-1158 for more information. To get a better sense of the magnitude and inspiring nature of Earth Hour, watch the 2011 video at www.youtube.com/earthhour
