Duggar Family Helps Kickoff Pigeon Forge Winterfest

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (October 27, 2009) – The kickoff event for the 20th anniversary of Pigeon Forge Winterfest on Nov. 5 (Thursday) will feature multiple special guests.

In addition to the expansive Duggar family from TLC’s “18 Kids and Counting” TV show, the kickoff event in Patriot Park will feature Santa Claus—complete with reindeer and a photographer—plus choral, band and dance groups, the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and bluegrass music from Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier.

“This is the start of a great time of year for Pigeon Forge that is acknowledged far and wide. In fact, the 2009-2010 Pigeon Forge Winterfest is a Top 100 Event in North America, according to travel professionals assembled by the American Bus Association,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

Activity begins at 4 p.m. with entertainment from several community groups. Comments from civic leaders and introduction of the Duggar family will precede the ceremonial flipping of the switch to turn on the city’s five million Winterfest lights at about 6 p.m.

The Duggars—Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 18 children, plus one on the way—will be in Pigeon Forge for the second time this year. They visited in May for production of two episodes of “18 Kids and Counting.”

Bob Fowler, the Pigeon Forge Special Events Volunteer of the Year, also will participate.

The evening’s featured entertainment, the Pigeon Forge Community Community Chorus followed by and Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier, will cap off the stage presentation.

Santa Claus and his reindeer will add to the festivities. A professional photographer will take pictures of guests with Santa and deliver complimentary photos on site.

Also complimentary that evening are rides on the Fun Time Trolley system’s Trolley Tour of Lights, which showcase Winterfest light displays throughout the community.

The afternoon groups performing are the Elizabeth Williams Dance Troupe, the Pigeon Forge Middle and High School Dance Teams, the Pigeon Forge High School Choir, the Pigeon Forge Middle School Honor Band and the Pigeon Forge High School Marching Band.

Five food vendors will be on hand with a variety of offerings. They will raise money for the American Legion, Pigeon Forge High School, Relay for Life and the Salvation Army.

Information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, including Wilderness Wildlife Week in January and Saddle Up! in February—is online at MyPigeonForge.com.

7 Places to Visit in the Smoky Mountains

Within a short radius of Brasstown along the state lines of North Carolina and Georgia - lies a treasure of daily jaunts for mountain enthusiasts. From shopping to wineries to waterfalls to dining, we have gathered a few of our favorites. Read more

Signature Color in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Fall color in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is at its peak from mid-October through early November. Get best viewing tips from this video:

Hike the Smokies!

Participate in a picturesque hike to Andrews Bald on Saturday, October 17th. Naturalist Liz Domingue will escort you on this 4-mile round-trip adventure. The trail is steep and rocky, going downhill to the Bald and uphill coming back. Experience the aroma of Christmas as you brush past stands of spruces and firs. On arrival at the Bald you should experience a bird's eye view of Fontana Lake and a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains in all their Fall splendor.
Pack a light lunch, water, rain gear, and above all, good hiking boots. A hiking stick wouldn't be a bad idea either. This hike is limited to 15 people, so please sign up early to assure your spot. The charge is $15 per person. There is no rain date for this hike, it will take place rain or shine. Meet at 8:45 am in the Clingman's Dome Parking Lot. For reservations call 865-436-7318, extension 254. Come and enjoy the Smokies in the Fall!

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Maze in West Virginia!

Spend an evening on the farm where visitors can take a hayride through the patch to pick a fresh pumpkin and try their skills at the 10-acre corn maze. (A 2-acre corn maze is available for children.) Also on tap are antique tractor train rides, campfires, pre-picked produce, pony rides and a petting zoo.

Admission is $6 for the corn maze, $3 for the hayride and $2 for the antique tractor ride. Group rates are available. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 1-10 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, call 304-772-3131 or visit Wild and Wonderful West Virginia or www.ByrnsideBranchFarm.com

The Wilmington "Southern Style" Sweepstakes

Wilmington, North Carolina is a true coastal Southern city in the classic style: a charming tree-lined downtown, a long and colorful history, and world-renowned hospitality. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of pirates, soldiers, and movie stars… stroll the downtown riverwalk’s array of chic shops, eclectic galleries, and vibrant restaurants… or cast a relaxed gaze across the Cape Fear River onto one of America’s most decorated battleships.

Now, you can win a trip for four to experience the history, hospitality and style of Wilmington. The winner will receive:

• 7 nights of deluxe accommodations at the Fairfield Inn Wilmington, just minutes from the Historic Downtown District and Wrightsville Beach.
• Admission for four to the BATTLESHIP NORTH CAROLINA
• $200 shopping voucher
• $100 dinner voucher
• $200 gas card
• $500 travel voucher

Enter today at VisitNC.com!

Sweepstakes Ends October 31, 2009. Taxes and gratuities not included.
See complete listing of Official Rules.

October Draws Craft Lovers to Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountains

Two major crafts events highlight start of autumn leaf season

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (October 2009)—Scores of talented artists and craftsmen seem to take a cue from Mother Nature when the leaves start changing colors in the Great Smoky Mountains and appear in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., for two major autumn festivals.

Basket makers, carvers, painters and others are on hand for the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Craft Festival and Dollywood’s National Gospel & Harvest Celebration.

+ The Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Crafts Festival (Oct. 1-30) is one of the region’s biggest crafts events, attracting almost 50 craftsmen, artists and exhibitors from more than a dozen states. It takes place under a giant red and white tent at Patriot Park. Rotarians volunteer their time to run the festival, and proceeds benefit numerous charities.

+ Dollywood’s National Gospel & Harvest Festival (Oct. 2-31) complements the theme park’s regular operation with an array of traditional and contemporary craftsmen and adds scores of free gospel music concerts to the entertainment lineup. Among the featured crafts are spinning, weaving, sorghum making, fiddle making, rug hooking and woodworking.

Both events take place against the backdrop of Pigeon Forge’s Harvestfest season, which continues through Oct. 31.

During Harvestfest, businesses throughout the city erect fanciful fall displays of hay bales, scarecrows, cornstalks, pumpkins, gourds, sunflowers, mums and other symbols of the season.

The Pigeon Forge Travel Planner and information about all aspects of the city are available online at MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100. The travel planner includes the Pigeon Forge Value Card, which offers more than $300 worth of discounts.