Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball
Have you ever marveled at the depth, breadth, and beauty of wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Then we invite you to our ninth annual Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball, one of the region’s premier fundraising events. We invite you to dress as your favorite Smokies critter at this family-friendly masquerade and to eat, drink and be merry. All proceeds help DLiA support research and conservation in our most beloved Park! So come one, come all, to the Salamander Ball!
Musical guest Bill Mize
“Guitars pine for the fingers of Bill Mize, who makes them weep, sing and roll
around like a cat at his feet. Thumpin’ good acoustic majesty.”– WDVX Knoxville
This year we are excited to feature a performance by local musician Bill Mize! Bill is a past winner of the Winfield National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition, and received a GRAMMY Award for his collaboration with musician and storyteller David Holt on the recording Stellaluna. Popular acoustic guitar compilations “The Windham Hill Guitar Sampler and “Masters of the Acoustic Guitar” by Narada Records include his music. In 2009, Bill’s music appeared in the Ken Burns documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” and will again be heard in the upcoming Ken Burns documentary ”Country Music.” Joining Bill on a few tunes will be Beth Bramhall on accordion adding her sublime stylings to Bill’s music. Find out more at billmize.com.
Honoring Jimmy Groton
Jimmy is a Wetland Ecologist and Environmental Scientist at EnSafe. Jimmy’s tireless work in regional conservation is legendary! He has worn many hats over the years in the name of protecting land and species. Much of his work has been through Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning.
Details
General information:
- Fun for the whole family
- Dress in your best masquerade attire (optional) to celebrate your favorite Smokies critter
- Free zoo admission with ticket purchase (details below)
- Hors d’oeuvres plus wine and non-alcoholic drinks
- Local beer provided by Elkmont Exchange
Timing: Friday, October 4th, 2019 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM
Location: Zoo Knoxville (map), under a fabulous tent behind the Kid’s Cove. This is a rain or shine event.
Parking: Free parking is available at the zoo’s upper and lower lots.
Food and drink: Ticket purchase includes food (vegetarian options included) and drinks (beer by Elkmont Exchange, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages).
Dress code: There is no dress code! Join us in your finest masquerade attire to celebrate our favorite Smokies critter, or in your favorite hiking attire; just join us!
Silent auction: The Ball includes an extensive silent auction full of biodiversity-themed items and exciting experiences (guided hikes, hotels stays, adventure packages, etc.). All proceeds help DLiA fulfill its mission!
Kids + science: We’ll have science tables where kids (and adults, too!) can talk to a scientist and learn about the critters of the Smokies! There will be kids activities at each table, face painting, and a scavenger hunt. We’ll also have some animal ambassadors from the zoo to touch and learn about!
Free zoo admission: Your ticket purchase includes free admission to Zoo Knoxville on Friday October 4th (the day of the event). Note that the zoo closes at 4:00 PM. We recommend that you visit the zoo from 2:00ish to 4:00 PM, then head over to the Salamander Ball at 4:30 PM.
Tickets and tables:
- Tickets: $60 earlybird special or $75 after September 2
- Tables (bundle of 10 tickets): $600 earlybird special or $700 after September 2
- Kids 12 and under: FREE
- All proceeds go directly to Discover Life in America
Sponsorships: Sponsorships are a great way to show your support for biodiversity conservation work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Todd at todd@dlia.org or (865) 430-4757.
Have questions? Contact us at (865) 430-4757 or todd@dlia.org
Thanks to our generous sponsors!
Featuring GRAMMY Award winning guitarist Bill Mize
This year’s Conservation Hero, Jimmy Groton
