Monica Wells Live Painting Interview – Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
Last year we shot a very special interview at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair with artist Monica Wells. We've been sitting on it for a long time, and now that this year's fair is underway at the Gatlinburg Convention Center (July 10–19, 2026), it's the perfect time to share it!
This is an unusual episode of What's Up Gatlinburg! You'll want to actually watch this one instead of just listening, because Monica is painting a waterfall scene live as we talk. Think Bob Ross with a few bear scat jokes and none of the family drama. Enjoy! If you're in town for the Craftsmen's Fair, don't forget to grab tickets to Impossibilities, the Smoky Mountains only interactive comedy magic and mind-reading show - IMPOSSIBILITIES MAGIC SHOW
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Is Impossibilities the Most Interactive Show in the Smokies?What does a failed wrestling dream, a random shopping mall in Upstate New York, a magic show, and a ventriloquist's dummy have in common? Believe it or not, they're all part of the origin story behind one of the most unique live entertainment experiences in the Smoky Mountains. BearFacts of the Smoky Mountains recently sat down with Master Mentalist Erik Dobell to find out how he went from stumbling across magic by chance to becoming one of the longest-running performers in the Smoky Mountain area. It's a story that includes a single magic trick that changed the course of his life, a twist of fate that brought him to East Tennessee, and years of building something that no other show in the region quite replicates. From Upstate New York to the Smoky MountainsErik's path to performing wasn't exactly a straight line. A detour through a wrestling dream, a mall magic show discovery, and an unexpected move to Tennessee all played a role in shaping what Impossibilities eventually became. What Makes Impossibilities Different?Located in its own dedicated theater at 1548 Parkway in Sevierville, Impossibilities blends comedy, sleight of hand, audience participation, and live mind-reading into something that's hard to put in a single category. It's not a dinner theater. It's not a passive sit-and-watch experience. Audiences don't just observe the show, they become part of it. That's the element that keeps people talking after they leave. Whether it's a volunteer from the crowd whose thoughts get read in real time, or a moment where the entire room can't figure out how something just happened, Impossibilities is built around making every seat feel like a front-row seat. Family-Friendly, But Not Just for KidsOne of the most common questions people searching for things to do in Pigeon Forge ask is whether a show works for everyone in the group. Impossibilities consistently gets high marks from families, couples, and groups of adults alike. Because mentalism and comedy land differently depending on who's watching, and Erik has spent years calibrating that balance. If you're planning a Smoky Mountains vacation and trying to find live entertainment that doesn't split the group, this is a strong answer to that problem. One of the Longest-Running Shows in the AreaLongevity in the Pigeon Forge entertainment market is no accident. Shows come and go, but Impossibilities has built a loyal audience over years of performances. When you're sorting through Smoky Mountain attractions and trying to figure out which ones are worth your time and money, a show with that kind of staying power is worth paying attention to. Ready to See It for Yourself?If you're visiting Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville and want a live show that's genuinely interactive, consistently surprising, and different from everything else on the Parkway, Impossibilities deserves a spot on your itinerary. Check show times and grab your tickets at impossibilitiesshow.com, or stop by the theater at 1548 Parkway in Sevierville, Tennessee. Have you seen Impossibilities? Drop your favorite moment in the comments. 
To celebrate the opening of Buford's Big Time Variety Show at the Impossibilities Theater, we are doing a big giveaway contest.How to Enter
All you need to do is head over to our Facebook post at this LINK, share the post and comment what you love most about the Smokies in the summertime and you’ll be entered into a random drawing.
What You Can Win
This is one of the biggest prize packages we've ever put together. One lucky winner will receive:
Sevier County Days at the Impossibilities Theater
From May 23rd to June 14th, 2026, locals can see a show at the Impossibilities Theater for $10
This discount applies to performances of the Impossibilities Magic Show and Buford's Big Time Variety Show!
To take advantage of Impossibilities Theater Sevier County Days special, you must present some sort of proof that you are a Sevier County resident. This can be a photo ID or proof of residency such as an electric bill. How do I reserve my tickets to see a show at the Impossibilities Theater?
Give us a call at 865-229-8226 and we'll get you all set up.
What is the show schedule for the Impossibilities Theater?
You can see our full schedule by clicking THIS LINK.
Megan Ownby from Above the Mist Weddings and Events
In this episode of What's Up Gatlinburg!, hosts Erik Dobell and Mike Fowler sit down with Megan Ownby and her daughter Ryan to talk about building a wedding business in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
About Above the Mist Weddings
Above the Mist Weddings and Events was founded with one mission: making your wedding day truly exceptional. Based in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, Above the Mist specializes in personalized, Christian wedding ceremonies offered at affordable prices. Whether you're dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony overlooking the Smokies or an intimate elopement in a quiet chapel, Megan works with couples to find the setting that reflects exactly who they are.
What You'll Hear in This Episode
Connect with Above the Mist WeddingsLearn more about What's Up Gatlinburg |
Special Online Offer
Save $15 on each Adult, Senior & Military Ticket
Use coupon code at checkout
SUMMER
Or call 865-229-8226
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