The theme for the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s 13th Annual Gala in Townsend is: “Bright Past, Brighter Future.” The event is a fundraiser for the programs at the center, a museum that celebrates the arts, cultural heritage, artifacts and history of East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains region. The gala includes food, music and live and silent auctions. The silent auction will begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and live auction at 7:30 p.m. Attire is dressy casual.