GSMA hosting two fun entertainment nights in January

GATLINBURG, TN — Members of Great Smoky Mountains Association will have two opportunities to gather together in January and enjoy a little nightlife.

First on Tuesday, Jan. 8, GSMA will host an evening of National Park Trivia to be presented by the The Trivia Guys and Cabin Café of Gatlinburg.

“While most GSMA activities are open to our members exclusively as a benefit of membership, we thought it would be fun to open this evening to all those interested in learning more about our organization’s mission to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Lisa Duff, GSMA’s marketing and membership director.

The evening gets under way at 7 p.m. with a short information session, followed by food, fun and National Park trivia. Participants are invited to test their knowledge of the National Park for free or contribute $5 join the more serious competition and be eligible for first-, second- or third-place prizes.

“We’re excited to be partnering with the Trivia Guys, who are well-respected in the area for offering quality trivia entertainment, and with Cabin Café owner Duane Langley, a long-time GSMA business member,” Duff said. “We wanted to offer a social gathering opportunity for our members at a time when the weather may not want to cooperate with an outdoor event.” Rarely seen by the average park visitor, owls are permanent area residents that respond well to a clearly hooted call from someone who knows the true meaning of the phrase, “Who cooks for you?” Kevin Burke is just that person.

“Many know Kevin as the manager of Gatlinburg’s Nantahala Outdoor Center,” said Duff. “We at GSMA know Kevin as one of our favorite bird guys.” In fact, Kevin has led many birding expeditions for GSMA this past year, the latest of which was during the organization’s annual Members’ Appreciation Weekend in September.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t take time to notice and identify the birds in my neighborhood or in town,” said Burke, who’s known for incorporating technology into his birding sessions. Yes, there’s an app for that, he said.

Cost to attend the Saturday, Jan. 18, “Owl Prowl” is $10 for GSMA members and $35 for non-members, which includes a complimentary personal or gift membership opportunity.

Great Smoky Mountains Association, the national park’s oldest non-profit funding partner, has provided more than $30 million to support the park’s educational, scientific and historical programs since its inception 60 years ago. Proceeds from the sale of official national park merchandise enhance the visitor experience, as well as benefit the educational and historical programs of the park, said Duff.

For more information about either event in January or how you can enrich your national park experience by becoming a GSMA member, visit SmokiesInformation.org or call 888-898-9102, Ext. 325, 222 or 254.

Published December 18, 2013