After a one-year absence, a Christ In The Smokies Museum and Gardens is returning to Gatlinburg with an entirely new exhibition, responding to popular demand from visitors who mourned its loss. For over 49 years the popular Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg entertained and informed visitors about the life of Christ. But in 2008, the wax figure collection was sold to a Christian TV network and left Gatlinburg. The location had been marked for a condo development; however the impact of the economy for the past year, forced the development to be postponed for the foreseeable future.
“Hundreds, even thousands of visitors have expressed their sorrow about losing this major religious attraction. We are pleased to announce that the entire visitor and local citizens’ request and concerns will be satisfied with an entirely new “Christ In The Smokies Museum and Gardens” exhibition. Gatlinburg is very fortunate to have local people with the vision and financial commitment to re-open this type of attraction in town. There is a lot of interest from church groups and tour companies that wish to add this to their itinerary,” said Joe Waggoner, manager of Christus Gardens for the past 25 years. Joe will continue to assist in the new adventure.
“In talking with local Gatlinburg residents, we found everyone to be very excited about us bringing an attraction of a religious nature back to Gatlinburg,” said Charlie Moore, a long time local business person and principal of the project. Also joining Mr. Moore with the project will be Billy Proffitt, both men being long time residents of Gatlinburg.
The developers have been acquiring items from around the country for the exhibition. Several local artists are now helping to mold and design the new attraction. Mark Pedro, who has a vast knowledge in this subject matter, is now working along with Dale Gillespie, another local artist who sculptured the bronze Veterans Eagle statue that now stands with Dolly Parton’s statue on the front lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse.
Renovations to the building and grounds of the River Road location in Gatlinburg are already underway. “We expect to have a soft opening in early fall with a grand opening in spring 2010,” said Joe Waggoner.
For More Information Contact: Dee Lundy, LundyThomas (865) 522-1573
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