GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Gatlinburg Christmas parade celebrated a milestone on Dec. 5, marking 50 years of the iconic event.

Hundreds of people have made their way down the parkway in December, including Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes from the Show "Moonshiners."

"I've come and watched this parade probably 40 years ago. I was a spectator, and it's a big honor to get to be in it, be part of it," Ramsey said.

Manes said the parade is 20 minutes from his home since he grew up in Gatlinburg.

While the parade is known to many, James and Brittany Godwin said they just stumbled on it in 2024.

"We planned on it this year, but we literally stayed in Pigeon Forge till Wednesday, then moved down here for the rest of the week, just so we could see the parade," they said.

A parade that has now reach

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