Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights is back this year with a unique event on opening night. On Friday, Nov. 17, Rock City will turn on over half a million Christmas lights high atop Lookout Mountain for the spectacular holiday display.
Opening night will also host live music from rising bluegrass artists Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain, as well as a booksigning event with author David Magee, who will be onsite to sign copies of his first edition collector's book on the MoonPie.
Following in the footsteps of Alison Krauss, Etta James and Patsy Cline, Ms. Hassler has received countless accolades, even prior to the September release of her debut album. Terry Herd of the Bluegrass Radio Network says of the rising star, "Without question, Carrie Hassler is the most promising new female vocalist in bluegrass. The future is waiting for her to take it wherever she chooses."
Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain just released their self-titled album, along with their first radio single "Seven Miles from Wichita." A native of Tennessee, she was born into a family of musicians and knew the heart and soul of bluegrass music was her calling. The band plans to tour nationally and internationally in 2007. Rock City is excited to have this acclaimed talent perform at the opening night of the Enchanted Garden of Lights.
David Magee is an award-winning newspaper columnist and author of several non-fiction works. His latest book, MoonPie: Biography of an Out-of-This-World-Snack (Jefferson Press; November, 2006) notes the history and appeal of one of the South's most beloved and nostalgic snacks. Mr. Magee will be available to sign copies of this first edition book, a collector's item that would make a great holiday gift.
The 12th Annual Enchanted Garden of Lights runs nightly from 6-9 p.m. from Nov. 17-Jan. 6, 2007. The award-winning light extravaganza features more than 25 holiday scenes and nearly a million lights. Guests can enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa and moon pies with nightly entertainment. Southeast Tourism USA Society calls Rock City's EGL "one of the top 20 events in the South."
Just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tn., Rock City is an enchanted, 4,100-foot walking trail showcasing lush gardens and soaring rock formations. More than a half million people from all over the world visit this natural attraction each year. For more information, please visit www.seerockcity.com.