A limited number of free tickets will be released April 1 online

Those interested in attending the 64th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park on Sunday, April 21, will need a ticket to attend.

The Park’s top lot and other areas that are traditionally used for parking sustained damage from recent heavy rain storms, reducing the number of parking spots.

A limited number of tickets will be available for this event. Each ticket will give one vehicle no larger than a 16-passenger van access to the service.  Complimentary tickets will be released online on Monday, April 1, at ChimneyRockPark.com on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one ticket is allowed per household. Individuals with a handicap placard will also need a ticket for entrance to the service.

“Rather than cancel the event or alienate guests who come down to the Park in the early morning hours only to be turned away, we are going to issue advance tickets this year,” said General Manager Mary Jaeger-Gale. “It’s not the number of people that is the problem; it’s the parking capacity.”

Ticket holders can enter the Park from 5-6 a.m. Gates will close at 6 a.m., so that visitors can make their way to the top of the Park for the 6:30 a.m. service.

The interdenominational community celebration is coordinated and presented by the pastors of Hickory Nut Gorge and will feature live spiritual music by local musicians, an inspirational message and — with a little help from above — a beautiful sunrise with a 75-mile view.

Visitors are invited to a breakfast buffet at the Old Rock Café, located next to the Park entrance, after the service from 7-11 a.m. for $11.75 for adults and $6.99 for children ages 10 and under, excluding beverages. Guests  who bring their Old Rock Café receipt and Sunrise Service program to the Park’s Ticket Plaza can enjoy the Park on April 21 at no cost. The Ticket Plaza is open  from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; once you’re in the Park, you can stay until 7 p.m.

To get your free carload ticket, go to ChimneyRockPark.com, click on events, choose April, then Easter Sunrise Service.