Our Annual Members Appreciation Weekend, which is set for Sept. 13-15, most likely in Townsend, Tenn., are in the planning stage now, with lots of room for suggestions and ideas.

“Because this is our 60th year of supporting the park, we want to host an extra special weekend for YOU - the members who make our mission possible,” said Lisa Duff, GSMA’s marketing and membership director.

Sam Venable, storyteller, humorist and columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel, has been confirmed as our speaker on Friday night, after everyone has enjoyed a BBQ dinner. New to the Friday night lineup will be a cakewalk and auction.

We’re asking anyone who enjoys baking to bring a cake, pie, cookies or anything sweet for our first-ever Members Cakewalk. After an exciting round of merriment, will get to the other good stuff  - live and silent auctions of items donated by generous business folks in the area.

Saturday’s activities are still being planned, but several aspects of the day have already been confirmed, including hikes, geocaching and activities for the kids. That’s right – We want to extend a special invitation to children and grandchildren because we know the future of national park will one day pass to them to nurture. Getting our young people excited about the Smokies now means support from them down the road.

On Saturday night we plan to go back in time to the year our organization was established. Freshen up your pedal pushers and poodle skirts because we’re heading down memory lane, all the way back to 1953. The after-dinner evening’s entertainment will feature a local band that plays 1950s music and an ice cream sundae dessert bar.

Survive all that and you’ll have the opportunity to choose from three half-day activities, including a hike, a bike ride or church service.

Stay tuned for more general information and registration specifics as it becomes available. And THANK YOU for being a GSMA member!