The Great Smoky Mountains are filled with beautiful fall color and the sound of Southern gospel music as Dollywood's National Gospel & Harvest Celebration offers more than 250 free concerts and the artistry of visiting craftsmen through Nov. 1 (closed Thursdays)

"Fall at Dollywood conjures up some of my favorite Smoky Mountain memories," Dolly Parton said. "Soulful gospel music fills the air and lots of talented folks remind me of a simpler time and place. And of course, the good food just can't be beat!"

This year's concert lineup features The McKameys (Oct. 10 & 11), Karen Peck & New River (Oct. 14 & 15), Brian Free & Assurance (Oct. 17 & 18), Jeff & Sheri Easter (Oct. 19 & 20), Gold City (Oct. 26 & 27), Tony Gore (Oct. 31 &Nov. 1) and many more. Dollywood's own award-winning Kingdom Heirs perform daily. All concerts are included with Dollywood admission.

Visiting crafters from across the country showcase their handiwork throughout the park. Handmade items include stained-glass ornaments, gemstone jewelry, landscape art, jewelry, musical instruments, dried floral arrangements, oil lamps, games, textile art, herbal soaps and lotions, pottery, china, primitive home décor and baskets. Many crafters will be demonstrating their work, creating one-of-a-kind pieces while guests watch and learn. Demonstrations include spinning, weaving and dyeing; paper making and bookbinding; loom weaving; nostalgic tractors; wool rug hooking; sorghum making; fiddle making; bobbin lace and tatting; woodworking and storytelling; Windsor chair making; rug hooking; woodworking, bee keeping and treenware.

Filled with captivating stories about cowboys and the Western prairie, Rusty's Trailblazing Chuckwagon, a completely restored 1901 John Deere wagon, pulls into Dollywood. Rusty fans the campfire flames with fascinating facts as he demonstrates Dutch oven cooking techniques. From "tongue to tailgate," Rusty's working wagon is an accurate model of chuck wagons that date back to the 1860s. Rusty shares his campfire cooking techniques as he depicts the chuck wagon's crucial role in feeding cowboys on long cattle drives. Rusty draws a crowd as he shares the finer details of cowboy coffee, an age-old technique that renders a perfect brew under the stars.

The fall harvest is overflowing in Dollywood's kitchens with mouthwatering dishes served at restaurants throughout the park and special food booths to celebrate fall's arrival. Maters & Taters serves red bliss potatoes & fried green tomatoes, while the Apple Market features golden-brown fried apple pies.

Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Open nine months a year (March 21, 2008-Jan. 3, 2009), Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region.

Information courtesy of Cybergrass Newsletter