NEWPORT-The possibility of a cultural and heritage center being located in Cocke County appears to have taken a step closer to reality as a result of the recent Sustainable Tourism Summit in Knoxville recently, Cocke County Tourism Director Linda Lewanski told members of the Cocke County Tourism Council at their quarterly meeting recently at Sagebrush Restaurant.

"Ideas coming from the forums included one that Cocke County should conduct a feasibility study into a Heritage Center in the community. This would be a home for traditional music, arts and crafts, as well as an opportunity to help tell Cocke County's true story," Lewanski said.

Although no exact location for such a center has been identified, Lewanski said that Dr. Van West and Dr. Heather Bailey of the Middle Tennessee State University Center for Historic Preservation will "be lending their expertise to us as we move along the preservation process."

Local council members agreed that such a center would be an ideal venue for displays telling the story of Cocke County's heritage. The inclusion of seminar rooms for musical programs and lessons, lectures and discussions, and other events was mentioned, as well as an auditorium for theatrical productions.

Lewanski added, "At the summit, I was so proud and excited that our Thickety Creek Musicians were chosen to perform at the reception at the Knoxvile Zoo. They played music from their new CD, "The Tall Woman. What a treat!"

In other business, Tourism Council chair Marie Bittinger told the group that the conclusion of a by-laws project is "on hold" until a new Cocke County Partnership President is chosen.

David Veridal reported that prices on new signage for at the Newport/Cocke County Community Center are being collected.

Lewanski told members that both scenic highway projects - 321 and 25E - are moving closer to fruition.

She also informed the group that she and Duay O'Neil continue to work with members of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park committee planning the celebration of the Park's 75th anniversary in 2009.

Several local events have been officially sanctioned by GSMNP for inclusion in the year-long celebration. These include an original play, "Under the Apple Trees," which will tell the story of the Carver family and their orchard, a series of articles in the Newport Plain Talk, the Newport Harvest Street Festival, and the annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade.

Bittinger reminded the group that the annual gathering of the Christy Fan Club will be June 19 in Del Rio.

Lewanski announced that National Tourism Week will be May 10-18. "We will be at the Hartford Welcome Center on May 14 as part of the celebration," she said.

Kevin Flint showed council members plans for the proposed brochures promoting Cocke County as a tourist destination.