Published April 9, 2004


The attempts of Chickamauga leaders to attract more tourism to the Civil War city have apparently paid off in a big-ticket entertainment act for the annual Downhome Days in a few weeks.

Southern rocker Charlie Daniels, best known for hits like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” will be the headline act on Saturday, May 1, for the 33rd annual celebration.

Chris McDaniel, formerly of Confederate Railroad, will also sing at the festival. The Clark Family Experience, the Rounders, the Ascotts and Steven Owens will perform. Vendors will have plenty to sell, and visitors will have plenty of tasty treats to choose from, like funnel cakes and homemade ice cream.

Chickamauga leaders have constantly looked for ways to capitalize on the city’s historical prominence and make the town a Civil War showplace. The potential is there between attractions like the Gordon Lee Mansion, Lee and Gordon’s Mills, the nearby Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and other historical landmarks.

The city’s annual War Between the States Day in September and Christmas in the Streets in December may also attract tourists, but having Daniels performing 25 years of hits will undoubtedly bring enthusiastic crowds from all over the region, and more importantly, further sharpen Chickamauga’s tourism and economic profile.

We look forward to Daniels putting on a smashing show