Christmas is Coming Early to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Excitement builds as the first annual Celebrate Santa Convention and Expo approaches.

Gatlinburg, TN (PRWEB) February 15, 2009 -- It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and it is not even March yet! Christmas is coming early to Gatlinburg, Tennessee as Santas, Mrs. Clauses, elves, helpers and reindeer from around the world prepare for the jolliest event ever seen - Celebrate Santa 2009 (www.celebratesanta.com).

Sleigh bells will be ringing as the Celebrate Santa Convention kicks off on March 16, 2009 at the W.L. Mills Auditorium and Convention Center (www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com) with the opening ceremonies. The convention will continue until Wednesday March 18. For three days, workshops, exhibits, entertainment, vendors showcase and even a parade fill the agenda.

"Our workshops feature subjects that are important to Santas." Said Tim Mack, Executive Director of Celebrate Santa. "We have everything from history to hair care and beyond. There are even eight workshops for Mrs. Clauses and three for reindeer handlers. We are very pleased to have the Reindeer Owners & Breeders Association joining us with their own convention."

Special exhibits will be brought in from the National Christmas Center's (www.nationalchristmascenter.com) curator Jim Morrison. Cases of historic artifacts of Santa Claus, Indiana will be on display from the Candy Castle's (www.santascandycastle.com) owner Kevin Klosowski. In addition, Santa memorabilia from the private collection of Santa Phillip L. Wenz will also be on display.

There will be entertainment offered by the local theaters of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Shows include The Black Bear Jamboree, The Comedy Barn, and the Dixie Stampede Dinner Show. "A lot of the shows will be putting on their "Christmas Shows" during our convention." Mary Moore, co- coordinator of Celebrate Santa stated. "The whole region is rolling out the red carpet for us!"

The local public is invited to attend the spectacular Santa Showcase on the main floor of the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The showcase runs for the course of the convention. Everything from Santa suits to a personalize painting and Christmas related items will be featured. The Santa Showcase is open to the general public and admission is $3.00.

St. Nick meets St. Patrick in one of the most unique parades you will ever see. On March 17 the Holly and Shamrock Parade (www.hollyandshamrock.com) steps off in downtown Gatlinburg at 4:30PM. The parade will have floats, Santas, Mrs. Clauses and even Santa's spectacular Cyber Sleigh (www.cybersleigh.com).

"We look forward to all the excitement that Celebrate Santa will provide for our attendees and the regional communities." Commented Joe Moore, co-coordinator. "If you have Christmas in your heart, then you will want to be at 'Santa Central' in beautiful Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the most fun and the best experience any Santa or Mrs. Claus could ever have!"

About Celebrate Santa
Celebrate Santa (www.celebratesanta.com) is an annual gathering and exposition for those who bring joy and happiness to children young and old through the portrayal of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. This annual event begins 2009 on the 70th anniversary of the very first official gathering of Santas in New York in 1939.

The three day event includes over 30 comprehensive workshops for those who wish to learn and improve upon their personification of Santa and Mrs. Claus. The in-depth educational sessions are conducted by seasoned Santa Claus professionals. Open during the event will be Santa's Showcase - a unique exhibition open to the public featuring thousands of Christmas and Santa Claus related products and services.

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