1940 Presidential Motorcade Reenactment To Lead Gatlinburg’s 4th of July Midnight Parade
GATLINBURG, Tennessee — The City of Gatlinburg announces the confirmation of Golden Globe-nominated actor and Tennessee native David Keith to portray President Franklin Delano 
Roosevelt in the reenactment of the presidential motorcade through Gatlinburg to dedicate Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Sept. 2, 1940. The recreation of this historical day will lead Gatlinburg’s 34th annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade, presented by Land O’ Lakes Half & Half.
WHO: David Keith is a widely recognized stage and screen actor who has appeared in 100-plus film projects.
WHAT: Organized by the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism, the reenactment of FDR’s renowned presidential motorcade through Gatlinburh will feature costumes, hair and makeup, and antique cars of the 1930s.
WHERE: Downtown Parkway, Gatlinburg.
WHEN: At precisely 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2009.
WHY: The FDR reenactment will be one of the most high-profile events of the year-long celebration in Gatlinburg, and throughout Tennessee, of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The mobile reenactment will lead the 34th Annual 4th of July Midnight Parade at 12:01 a.m. in front of 100,000 patriotic spectators in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 4th, 2009. The Presidential Motorcade will be reproduced in vintage style with period automobiles and costuming as along with vintage motorcycles to escort the motorcade. Stretching more than a mile in length, over 100 units will make their way through Gatlinburg, showcasing many elaborately decorated floats, helium balloons, marching bands, equestrian entries and a large contingent of our armed services men & women.
