Pigeon Forge Salutes Military

August 1, 2007

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. America's military personnel and civilian first-responders will get a community-wide salute throughout August in the Great Smoky Mountains resort town of Pigeon Forge, with an event called Celebrate Freedom!

More than 70 businesses are offering discounts and special programs to all branches of the active military, the reserves, the National Guard, retired military personnel and veterans, as well as to law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services. This is the eighth year Pigeon Forge has organized Celebrate Freedom!

"We truly appreciate all who serve us. Celebrate Freedom! is one way we as a city can organize a thank-you," said Assistant Director of Tourism Kay Powell.

A special Celebrate Freedom VIP tag will be given to any eligible visitor who presents proof of service at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center (located at Traffic Light #0 at the north end of the city).

Businesses participating in Celebrate Freedom! include hotels, motels, cabins, and campgrounds (some offering as much as 50 percent discounts or three nights' stay for the price of two), restaurants, attractions (including miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, Helicopter Whirl'd Adventures and the Dinosaur Walk Museum) and several of the city's musical theaters. Two theaters, the Smith Family Theater and Memories Theatre, will provide complimentary admission to VIP tag holders and discounts for their family members.

Eligible Celebrate Freedom! visitors will find a complete listing of all businesses' programs at www.MyPigeonForge.com. Additional Pigeon Forge information is available at that Web site, or by calling toll-free 1-800-251-9100. Also see the official Celebrate Freedom! Web site at www.celebrate-freedom.com.

A two-day bluegrass festival called StringTime in the Smokies coincides with Celebrate Freedom! on August 11 and 12. This is the fifth year for StringTime in the Smokies, a gift to all visitors from the City of Pigeon Forge.

Admission to StringTime in the Smokies concerts is free. Performers include Tony Rice/Peter Rowan Quartet, King Wilkie, the Claire Lynch Band, Grasstowne and Tim O'Brien. Concerts are from 1-7 p.m. in Patriot Park, and an open jam session at Old Mill Square will follow the StringTime festivities both days. Attendees are encouraged to bring their musical instruments and dancing shoes for the jam sessions.