Cosby in the Park May 17

COSBY – The annual Cosby in the Park event is set for May 17, 2008 at the Cosby Campground of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A celebration of culture and heritage, this is the eight year for the event. The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4p.m. This year, Grady C. Webb, a life-long Cosby resident will be honored for his service to the Park. A dedication ceremony will begin at 11 a.m at the Amphitheater in the Campground.

10 a.m. -- 11:00 a.m. Lost Mill String Band, old-time music.
11 a.m. -- 11:15 a.m. Dedication of Event/Proclamation (Dale Ditmanson, Illif McMahan, Kent Cave, Linda Lewanski)
11:15 a.m. -- Noon Boogertown Gap Band, old-time music
Noon -- 12:30 p.m. “Civil War Tales from Cosby” by Duay O’Neil, historian and columnist with the Newport Plain Talk
12:30 p.m. -- 1:00 p.m. Faye Wooden, storytelling
1:00 p.m. -- 1:45 p.m. The Green Family Band, traditional/bluegrass music
1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Robby Land, fiddler
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. David McClary and Friends, traditional/old-time music
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Curtis and Lynn Osteen, old-time music

Picnic Area Activities: Children’s Activities: Sack races, children’s crafts and games. 10 a.m. and ongoing throughout the day
“Ella V. Costner—Poet Laureate of the Smokies.” The life of an extraordinary Cocke County mountain woman by Sheila Evans, Jordan Costner, and Claudia Konker. 1:00 pm -- 1:30 pm in picnic area pavilion
“Hug a Tree and Survive” with Joey Holt, 2:00 pm -- 2:30 pm near picnic area pavilion
Children’s Storytelling with Faye Wooden, 2:30 pm – 3:00 p.m., picnic area pavilion

Hikes:
Cosby Nature Trail, 11:00 a.m. One mile hike, moderate difficulty, led by Morgan Briggs (meet at amphitheater)
Hike to Ella V. Costner grave and reading of poems, 1:30 pm. Two miles roundtrip, moderate difficulty. Meet at picnic area pavilion. Led by Judy and Shane McGaha and Pam Rodgers

Crafter’s Demonstrations—Picnic Area (ongoing throughout day): Bill Alexander, mountain berry baskets Maria Holloway, quilting Len Landrum, knife making and blacksmithing Clayton Sharp, blacksmithing and mountain tools Ellen Ogle, quilting Connie Clabo, basket making John and Sherry Holt, introduction to beekeeping Sherry Jennette and Sydney Frey, pine cone bird feeders

Thanks to Keep Cocke County Beautiful, this will be a Litter Free Event. For more information, contact Tourism Director Linda Lewanski at 423-625-9675. All events and times are subject to change.

Civil War Trails

Tennessee has invited all 95 counties to join the multi-state Civil War Trails program.
The initiative already is popular in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, and West Virginia also is joining the program.
Linda Lewanski, Tourism Director for Cocke County, says the Trails program is being promoted by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. "All of the counties have been asked to identify historic Civil War sites in their communities and a state grant will pay for 80 percent of the signage cost at each location," Lewanski said. State funding for the project comes from a grant of $537,420 from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
The state has contracted with the Virginia Civil War Trails program to design, erect and maintain the signage. Each "trailblazer" sign is a four-color interpretive marker with a map, illustration and text of 250 to 300 words in length.
Each community will provide the 20 percent matching funds for the sign and then be responsible for maintaining the site itself.
The signs have already been installed at more than 700 previously unrecognized sites.
In 2001, the National Trust for Historic Preservation identified the Civil War Trails program as one of the most successful and sustainable heritage tourism programs in the nation. In addition the Federal Highway Administration has recognized the program's role in boosting local economies through tourism.
Lewanski said area residents who are familiar with a location that can be documented as a Civil War site, should contact the Tourism Office in their county.

Town Hall Forum on Sustainable Tourism

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development will host its second Town Hall Forum on Sustainable Tourism on Feb. 25, 2008 at Whisperwood Retreat in Cosby at 2:30 p.m.

They will be updating the community on their plans for the April Summit as well as facilitating discussion to identify a sustainable tourism project for each Gateway Community. These projects will be announced at the Summit in April.

You may fax the form to Patricia Gray by Feb 20th at 615-741-9071 or you can email her at patricia.gray@state.tn.us.

Blizzard at Fall Creek Falls

Linda Lewanski with Pigeon Forge's Lila Wilson attending the TACVB"s Blizzard at Fall Creek Falls in late January.

METTC and ETMP merge

Members of the Cocke County Partnership's Tourism Council at the press conference announcing the merger of East Tennessee Marketing Partnership and Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council.

From left, METTC Director Molly Gilbert, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Susan Whitaker, CCP's Tourism Director and Vice Chair of METTC Linda Lewanski, Tourism Council member Kevin Flint and Tourism Council Chair Marie Bittinger.

(Click the photo for a larger version)

5th Annual Red, White & Bluegrass celebration

This year’s celebration will be held in Cosby on July 6th & 7th, 2007. Join us for high quality, hand made art & crafts, great food, and lively music.

This year the show will be hosted by The BBQ Garden & Café and The House of Douglas Scottish Bakery. There will be plenty to eat including Wanda’s special smoked ribs, BBQ pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches as well as plenty of side items to choose from. And they offer two dining areas. One is a large screened in pavilion for open air, cafe style dining, the other is a fully enclosed, air conditioned dining area for those who prefer it. And of course you may order your food "to go" if you want to wander the show while you eat. 20% of the profits from food sales will be donated to the local Red Cross, who will be on-site to talk about their programs.

Live Music
Local bluegrass musicians join us to entertain you with toe tapping bluegrass and old style mountain music. This music will be offered on the indoor stage of the BBQ Garden dining pavilion, so you can sit and eat or enjoy a cool beverage while you listen regardless of weather.

Art & Crafts
Crafters from around the region will be displaying their hand made art and fine craft works, some will be demonstrating as well. This Treasures of Appalachia, Inc. Art & Craft Gathering features a variety of area artists who produce their own hand-made goods.

Special Exhibits and Workshops
We’re planning some extra entertainment as well, so drop in and check out the show, Friday July 6th and Saturday, July 7th. The show opens at 10:00 AM. Arts & Crafts will be available until at least 5:00 PM, later if the artist wishes. The BBQ Garden will be open with music and food until 10:00 PM.

The BBQ Garden & Café is located right on Hwy 321 in Cosby, along the route designated by MSNBC as the 3rd most scenic byway in the nation, across the road from the Cosby School. Free, off street parking is provided. For directions call (423) 487-3220.

New Tourism Council Chairperson Named

By: Duay O'Neil

Source: The Newport Plain Talk 06-14-2007

NEWPORT-Marie Bittinger was unanimously elected chairperson of the Cocke County Tourism Council during its meeting on Monday at the Sagebrush Restaurant. Bittinger replaces Brenda Shultz, who resigned recently to devote more time to her family's rafting business. Shultz will retain her position as council member.

Three Star Recertification

Newport/Cocke County again received the Governor's Three-Star Certification during a recent presentation in Nashville. The award signifies the community's high ranking for economic and industrial preparedness. From left are Tenn. Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber, Cocke County Partnership President Don Hurst, local EDC Executive Assistant Sherry Butler, Governor Phil Bredesen, Tourism Director Linda Lewanski, State Rep. Eddie Yokley, Regional ECD Specialist Shan Harris, and Assistant ECD Commissioner Rick Meredith. Source: Associated Press 04-21-2007

Click the photo for a larger version, click the title to read the whole article in The Newport Plain Talk.

William Nash Award

Keep Cocke County Beautiful received the prestigious William Nash Award at the Keep America Beautiful conference in Orlando, Fla. Accepting the award on Dec. 7 was Board Chairman C. David Veridal.

“I am so pleased to be able to accept this award on behalf of the Board of Directors of Keep Cocke County and the citizens of the county,” said Veridal.” This was a surprise for us and it validates all the hard work we have put into the organization. Of course, I want to thank former KCCB Director Carla Sexton for all her hard work and the board members, too. We will continue to strive to be worthy of this recognition.
“We also want to thank the City of Newport, Cocke County and the City of Parrottsville for their support. Finally, we want to thank Edith Heller, state leader for Keep Tennessee Beautiful for all her support. Her knowledge and help has been invaluable.”

The award is given to a new affiliate of three years or less for the best implementation of KAB’s strategies. The nomination was made by Heller.

“This is the top honor that Keep America Beautiful gives to new affiliates,” she said. “It shows outstanding leadership by the new board in implementing KAB’s strategy for community involvement and community enhancement. It speaks very highly of Cocke County for their active participation and business and government leaders that support this non-profit. We are so proud of Keep Cocke County Beautiful.”

Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan, Jr. knows how important the KAB message is.

“When I came into office four years ago, KCCB was on the inactive list,” McMahan said.” In a beautiful county like ours, this was unacceptable! So I gathered some folks around the table to create a board that would embrace the spirit of this community and continue to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage traditions.

“And, that is what we got! This is another example of what you can achieve when you gather together with a common dream and make a plan to realize that dream.

“Congratulations to David, to the Board and to all the hard working volunteers that came together to realize the full potential of what a KAB affiliate can do.”

City of Newport Mayor Connie Ball is proud of KCCB.

“The City of Newport congratulates KCCB for receiving this outstanding award,” Ball said.

”Their hard work keeping Cocke County beautiful is truly making a difference. Community beautification is the beginning of attracting new businesses to our city and county. Cleanliness has a great impact on how our citizens and visitors feel about our community. The progress KCCB and the volunteers have made over the last few years is tremendous and they are to be commended on a job well done.”
Cocke County Partnership President Donald Hurst added his congratulations.

“The Partnership supports all of its 13 organizations and is proud of the work they do,” said Cocke County Partnership President Donald Hurst.” Beautification and community cleanliness both play an important role in economic and community development. We have watched Keep County Beautiful’s progress, they have made tremendous strides and we applaud their efforts. We appreciate the support of our City and County and community businesses,” he added.

Award of Excellence

The Cocke County Partnership’s Tourism Director Linda Lewanski accepted Middle East Tennessee Tourism’s prestigious Award of Excellence for Advertising and Promotion last week.

The Tourism Excellence Awards were created to recognize outstanding programs that promote travel to and within the Middle East Tennessee region.

The Partnership’s entry was the regional billboard campaign between Cocke County and Gatlinburg. This “groundbreaking” partnership implemented an advertising program by purchasing billboards along the 1-40 and 1-81 corridors and urging travelers to use Newport’s 435 exit as the “Best Route to Gatlinburg.” The effort has resulted in an increase in traffic of almost 35 percent at that exit.

“Joint efforts like the billboard program between Cocke County & Gatlinburg are great way to make marketing dollars go further,” said METTC Executive Director April Montgomery. “Visitors to the Smoky Mountains don’t see different communities but one, beautiful area to explore. I am so proud of Linda and this award and I congratulate her.”


“With a small budget, you have to get creative” said Cocke County Partnership’s Tourism Director Linda Lewanski. “The Tourism department collaborated with the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism in an effort to promote Cocke County’s Interstate 40 - Exit 435 as the “Best Route to Gatlinburg”. Leveraging a small amount of marketing dollars, we have been able to benefit from Gatlinburg’s hefty marketing campaign. By offering cultural and heritage based tourism venues, Cocke County has an opportunity to capture some of the tourist dollars being spent by those visitors. AAA is now promoting this exit as well as in fulfillment marketing pieces. I am so pleased to have our efforts recognized by METTC.”

Entries were open to hospitality organizations or entities located in the Middle East Tennessee region and must have been produced or published between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006.

Entries were judged on presentation, quality, efficiency and community or economic impact. Size of staff and operating budget of entity were considered and entries were divided into large hospitality organizations, with annual budget over $1 Million, and small hospitality organizations, with budgets under $1 Million.

Gatlinburg Department of Tourism won in the large market category. Walter Yeldell, Tourism and Public Relation Manager for the Department accepted the award.
“This billboard campaign has proven beneficial to everyone involved,” Yeldell said. “Naturally, it has been good for Cocke County and Gatlinburg. Best of all, the Gatlinburg visitor has found a new and quicker entryway that has less traffic and can shave as much as an hour off the drive time, especially on busy traffic days!”

“In the category of Special Projects, this small hospitality association took a problem and made it into an opportunity,” said WBIR’s John Becker, who emceed the program, held at Magnolia Manor in Loudon County.
“Because of the mass quantity of visitors to the Smoky Mountain Area, state & federal highways can sometimes turn into a parking lot. The project has led to a refreshing break from the traffic congestion found at other gateway exits and resulted in a cooperative effort between two East Tennessee tourism departments,” said Becker while presenting the award to Lewanski. ”Congratulations.”

Cocke County Partnership President Donald Hurst is proud of the recognition.
“It is always good to be recognized for your efforts,” Hurst said. “The Partnership continually looks for opportunities to work regionally. We make it our mission to implement projects intended to spur economic development in our county and our region. I think this effort is a good example of that. With a traffic increase of almost 35 percent at exit 435, we can count this as a very successful project. I appreciate METTC’s recognition of our work and our thanks go to our City and County officials for their support of our programs.”

County Mayor Iliff McMahan, Jr. is also proud of the department’s achievements.
“Having served as a member and chair of Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council, I know how important this council take its mission to promote our beautiful natural resources and our cultural heritage traditions,” McMahan said.” I congratulate our Tourism Director Linda Lewanski on this prestigious award and thank her and the Council for all the hard work that went into making this award possible.
“This award is proof that dreams can be achieved, “he added.” And shows what a council of fine folks can do when they put their heads together. If not for the vision of Linda, our Tourism Council and the fine folks in Gatlinburg, this program would never have happened.
“Again, congratulations.”

City of Newport Mayor Connie Ball added his congratulations.
“On behalf of the City of Newport I congratulate the Tourism department for receiving this outstanding award,” Ball said. ”The Cocke County Partnership is always working to make or community a better place to live. It is very important that all citizens and groups join forces with each other as a team to better promote our great resources.
“I greatly appreciate the efforts of the Tourism Council and Tourism Director Linda Lewanski. ”Hard work, organization and dedication always pay off in the end,” he added.