Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary Employee and Alumni Homecoming
April 30-May 2, 2009
The 75th Anniversary Employee and Alumni Reunion committee is planning an event fit for all who were and continue to be instrumental in Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s preservation and providing for the enjoyment by the millions of people that have come before and will come after. The homecoming is for anyone who is currently working or has ever worked at the park--National Park Service employees, partners, volunteers, concessioners, contractors, et al—and their families. This is a social opportunity for the park family to renew acquaintances, share stories, and see the changes that have occurred over the years.
National Park Service Director Mary Bomar said that:
"Places are the National Park System and People are the National Park Service, and this must be a time for our people."
This is the time for those at the Smokies to celebrate their involvement.
For more than 75 years, people have played an important role in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most beloved national parks in the country. Prior to its establishment in 1934, the drive to create this special place was due to hard working supporters who had the foresight and the ingenuity to bring this park to a reality. Then it was the people who cared for these majestic mountains under park protection. During this special anniversary Great Smoky Mountains National Park wants to honor those people who, in various capacities, have helped manage this precious resource. The committee is planning a wide variety of fun activities and interesting programs and social gatherings.
The three days will involve:
Thursday, April 30 – Open House
• Visit areas where you worked and be greeted with refreshments.
• Evening barbeque
Friday, May 1 – Field Day
• Participate in a variety of outdoor and indoor activities
• Evening banquet and silent auction
Saturday, May 2 – Day in North Carolina
• Enjoy a catered lunch and programs at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center and evening elk program at Cataloochee
Lodging - Park Vista and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts campus housing facilities in Gatlinburg.
Registration information to be posted on line January 2009. To be placed on mailing list, contact Nancy Gray at 865/436-1208 or nancy_gray@nps.gov.
