- This event has passed.
Salamander Ball 2021
October 23, 2021 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
Join us at the Parkway Drive-In Theatre in Maryville for our annual salamander bash, featuring live music, screening of freshwater nature films, silent auction of adventure packages, and more! All proceeds from this fundraising event will support Discover Life in America and its work to conserve the biodiversity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Announcing Double Feature:
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes
Just in time for Halloween, we’ll screen the 1978 parody film about tomatoes becoming sentient and revolting against humanity!
Featuring beautiful films from Freshwaters Illustrated on the big screen!
RiverWebs
RiverWebs is an award-winning documentary about the interconnectedness between freshwater habitats and the forests that surround them. In Freshwaters Illustrated‘s gorgeous style, it features incredible underwater footage of the fish, amphibians, insects and other creatures that inhabit river systems woven together by the story of the scientists that explore these fascinating worlds. (56 minutes)
The Last Dragons
The Last Dragons is the story of Appalachia’s hellbender salamanders. Get an up-close look at these giant, bizarre looking Southern Appalachian natives. (10 minutes)
Image credit: Freshwaters Illustrated.
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
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.
Special reading of The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball by author Lisa Horstman
Our beloved annual fundraiser gets it name from this delightful tale. In The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball, written and illustrated by Lisa Horstman, we meet Sara, a young girl who is on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. Wandering from her tent late one summer night, Sara discovers an invitation she can’t resist, inviting her to the Salamander Ball! This book can be purchased here.
Adventure Auction
The auction is now live! Bid on exciting adventure packages online or the night of the event!
Take a guided nature hike from knowledgeable locals, see the synchronous fireflies at DLiA’s Fireflies Event at Norton Creek and spend the night at the luxurious venue, and much more. All auction proceeds will help us better study the biodiversity of the Smokies.
Halloween Car-stume Contest
Take a ride on the wild side at the Salamander Ball on Wheels! With Halloween right around the corner, let your creativity shine and give your car a makeover with our Halloween Car-stume contest. The top best dressed cars will receive some great prizes. Categories include spookiest, funniest and most unique.
Tickets
- $50 per carload of people
- local beer provided with ticket purchase
- concession stand will be open with food items available for additional purchase