Ken Jenkins Receives “Friend of the Forge” Award During Wilderness Wildlife Week

Natural history photographer Ken Jenkins, the man who conceived the idea of Pigeon Forge’s annual Wilderness Wildlife Week, has received the city’s first “Friend of the Forge” award.

Pigeon Forge created the award to acknowledge individuals who have contributed to the city’s success as a tourism destination.

“Not only did Ken Jenkins bring us the idea for Wilderness Wildlife Week, but he also has been a driving force in its growth and development as an event to attract visitors in January. With the 2010 Wilderness Wildlife week, we have marked 20 years of a great idea,” said City Manager Earlene Teaster.

After the first year, which offered four programs on one day, Jenkins advocated expanding to an entire week, according to Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

“We made the jump immediately, and visitors really latched onto the idea. This year, we had more than 230 sessions, almost 60 hikes, dozens of volunteers and more than 150 expert presenters,” Downey said.

Wilderness Wildlife Week has become a major component of the city’s four-month-long Winterfest celebration, drawing visitors from many states for programs about Great Smoky Mountains National Park and scores of topics related to the outdoors.

Jenkins received an engraved “Friend of the Forge” award as the 2010 Wilderness Wildlife Week began. Later this year, a tulip poplar, the Tennessee state tree, will be planted in his honor along the Pigeon Forge Greenway.

“I was surprised and honored, and I must say that the tulip poplar is a very touching and appropriate gesture. Wilderness Wildlife Week thrives because of Pigeon Forge’s backing and the support of so many volunteers. It is a joy to see how it has evolved,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins, who photographs nature’s beauty around the world, says he is firmly rooted in the Great Smoky Mountains and that the mountains were his inspiration for Wilderness Wildlife Week.

He has two galleries – Beneath the Smoke and Heaven’s Eye – in Gatlinburg. You can see and purchase Ken’s work at his website, KenJenkins.com and at Ken Jenkin’s author page at Amazon .

African Black Footed Penguins Will Have New Home At Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has announced the opening of “Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse,” a new indoor/outdoor multi-million dollar habitat featuring a colony of African Black Footed Penguins. The exhibit is scheduled to open in March of 2010.

The 4,000-square-foot exhibit features a habitat that closely models the home of African Black Footed Penguins, also known as Jackass Penguins for the distinctive braying sounds they make. Naturalistic rockwork and plantings surrounded by more than 30,000 gallons of temperature-controlled saltwater depict the coastal island rookeries along the coast of South Africa.

“We are really happy and proud that we are able to debut this amazing exhibit during our 10th anniversary. We feel our “Penguin Playhouse” will soon become another iconic exhibit within the aquarium and will be at the top of must-see lists for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains,” said Ryan DeSear, manager of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

Aquarium guests will be able to view the penguins from both above and below water level. Visitors will also be able to crawl through clear underwater acrylic tunnels and pop up on the penguins’ private beach to view the birds nose to beak. At the same time, as visitors crawl through the tunnels, penguins swimming above and below them will be able to get a good close-up of the human species.

The highly interactive habitat will have two wave machines and multiple spa jets that will create continual water movements, which in turn will create an inviting watery playground for the birds.

Ripley’s Vice President of Husbandry, Joe Choromanski, who helped create the exhibit, notes that “we have studied penguin exhibits from zoos and aquariums around the world, as well as their natural habitat, and we are building what we believe to be the most realistic, interactive and fun exhibit in existence.”

The penguins that will be calling Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies home have all been bred at other zoos and aquariums and are a part of the Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. When these young birds reach breeding age, they too will contribute to the survival of this species in the wild.

The exhibit is the largest and costliest expansion ever at the aquarium, now celebrating its 10th year in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. More than 14 million visitors have visited the aquarium since its opening in December 2000.

The Aquarium of the Smokies is the second most attended attraction in Tennessee. For more information about the exhibit and the aquarium, you can check out the Aquarium’s website.

Wilderness Wildlife Week To Feature 230 Programs In 2010

So what’s an outdoorsman supposed to do? He wants to be on the lake or in the woods, but his wife and kids just don’t understand.

The answer is to get his family excited about the outdoors, too, and one solution is letting Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., generate that excitement.

Wilderness Wildlife Week is a January event with more than 230 programs spread over eight days. There are sessions about bears, elk, trout and other species, plus nature photography workshops, map and compass classes and even opportunities to meet a bald eagle or learn how to hoot like an owl.

Almost 60 hikes and excursions into the national park complement the indoor programs. In 2009, more than 1,000 hikers from 18 states logged a cumulative 4,656 miles.

“The range of topics is huge. I think virtually everybody can learn something, be entertained and get turned on to outdoor activities,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, which organizes the week.

Dates for Wilderness Wildlife Week’s 20th year are Jan. 9-16, 2010. More than 150 experts—outfitters, nature photographers, biologists, raptor rehabilitators, social historians and just plain folks who grew up in the Smokies—donate their time to the project.

“The week is extremely flexible. You can attend one lecture or take one hike, or you can participate day after day,” Downey said. “It’s a great way to introduce people to the outdoors.”

Here’s a sampling of program titles:

• Bears 101—Their Lives and Interactions with Humans
• Update on Elk in the Smokies
• Identifying Local Birds of Prey
• How To Use a Map and Compass
• Whose Scat Is That?
• Steam-Stocked Trout Fishing
• If You Were a Bear
• Fly Casting
• Bears We’ve Met—Stories of Encounters
• Returning the Osprey to Nest in Tennessee
• Six Months of Hummingbirds in Your Yard
• Tales from “Lost” (finding lost hikers)
• Hypothermia—I’m Not Cold
• Black Bear Management in Tennessee
• The Wolves of Bays Mountain
• Unusual Camping Tricks and Gizmos
• Hiking Tips for the Whole Family
• Wild Hog Biology

Wilderness Wildlife Week began 19 years ago as a half-day program on a January Saturday. January hasn’t been the same since then in Pigeon Forge. The Southeast Tourism Society has chosen it 10 times as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast.

Gatlinburg Rings In the New Year With a Unique Style

Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2010 in unique style with its 22nd Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show at the Space Needle late Thursday night, December 31.

At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2010, the Space Needle area will shine with a red glow from the surrounding rooftops at the beginning of a music program which includes selected songs followed by a choreographed fireworks show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee.

Leading up to midnight, live entertainment and music delivered by local favorite Kevin McGuire will be headquartered on the balcony of the Gatlinburg Convention Center at the Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road entrance. Performers will entertain the crowd prior to midnight at the free public event, with party favors provided by Mr. Tablecloth available near the base of the Space Needle.

“It has become a tradition for families from across America to come back to celebrate the New Year here in Gatlinburg,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager. “We expect to have another big crowd to help us usher in 2010 with their family and friends.”

The highlight of the evening is the ball drop from the Space Needle, signifying the old year is over and a new one has begun. Then music encouraging crowd participation and the fireworks show off the 342-foot structure will welcome the New Year in dazzling style.

The entire city of Gatlinburg celebrates New Year’s Eve in a big way with many restaurants and attractions offering special celebrations.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers a “Dance With the Sharks” party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. A ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast, fireworks viewing from Aquarium Plaza, and two dance floors, one with an 8-piece band, the other with a DJ. Kids arrangements and programs are also available.

Popular hotspots like Blaine’s Restaurant, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere. Lineberger’s Seafood Company and T.G.I. Friday’s are right in the middle of the fireworks area below the Space Needle and offer varying packages which may include music, buffets and a champagne toast.

For information on other New Year’s parties and activities as well as lodging and dining options, please call the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at 800/568-4748, or visit their website.

Flipping the “Green” Switch on Winterfest

During the winter months, Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains area sparkle with millions of twinkling lights during Smoky Mountain Winterfest (Nov. 3 – Feb. 28). Best of all a full 75% of the lights are LED lights meaning brighter colors, more variety and lower energy usage.

Now celebrating its 20th year, Smoky Mountain Winterfest has become a holiday tradition for many visitors who return year after year to enjoy the lights, shopping, shows,  luxury lodging and attractions. Viewing Smoky Mountain Winterfest lights with friends and family is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.

For added fun while viewing the lights, visitors are encouraged to make a quick stop on their way into town at the Sevierville Visitor Center on Hwy 66 (1.5 miles from I-40 Exit 407). There they can pick up a free pair of Winterfest in 3D glasses while supplies last. The glasses shift each point of light into a snowflake, adding even more interest to the intricate light displays. Winterfest lights are a huge draw, but once visitors arrive in Sevierville they also find incredible shopping, shows and attractions.

Sevierville features nearly 150 name brand outlet stores where shoppers can find everything from fine China and clothing to tools and furniture. Specialty retail shops featuring items like fine art, antiques and collectibles and outdoor items are also popular. Visitors can even take a piece of Winterfest home by visiting stores like Country Christmas and Christmas Done Bright where Winterfest style lighting displays are for sale and custom displays are built to order.

The fun continues through February with holiday shows and year-round attractions. For more information about visiting Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains during Winterfest, contact the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378) or (865) 453-6411

Cades Cove Loop Road Closed for Spraying

Managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced plans to close the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road to all vehicular traffic on Tuesday, December 1st, and to impose a partial closure on Wednesday, December 2nd. During that time, park forestry technicians will Read more..

Five Reason to Shop Sevierville This Christmas

Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville is a shopper’s paradise!

The 12 Days of Christmas can be daunting – especially for overwhelmed holiday shoppers. But popular shopping and vacation destination, Sevierville, Tennessee, can help you make the lords on your Christmas list leap with joy this holiday season. Here are five reasons to shop Sevierville this Christmas season.

1) With over 150 name brand outlet stores, Sevierville is the outlet shopping capital of the Great Smoky Mountains. Check out shopper favorites like Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Center (110 stores ranging from Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach and Old Navy to Kirkland’s and The Disney Store). Now through Christmas Eve shop the 25 days of Christmas sales event.

2) Location, location, location – Sevierville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is only a day’s drive from over one half the nation’s population. Want an added bonus? It’s right next to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, so your family and friends can enjoy a fun-filled vacation in all three cities.

3) Boutiques and specialty stores abound in historic downtown Sevierville. The Cherry Pit specializes in fabric, patterns and books for quilters and was chosen as one of ten featured shops by Quilt Sampler Magazine. Other downtown gems include gift shops like D Garden and The Common Good.

4) Something old, weird or just plain cool is waiting for you at flea markets like Flea Traders Paradise and the Great Smokies Flea Market. Together, these two flea markets allow you to browse nearly 200,000 square feet of amazing finds.

5) Find the perfect gift for the outdoorsman or outdoorswoman on your list at the all-new Bass Pro Outdoor World (one of the largest in the chain) , Orvis Company Store or Smoky Mountain Knifeworks.Smoky Mountain Knifeworks is an 88,000 square foot knife showplace that includes the National Knife Museum.

Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Smokies Stadium

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND AT SMOKIES STADIUM Presented by Shadrack Shadrack Watersports and RV brings Christmas Wonderland to Smokies Stadium in Sevierville, Tennessee during the 2009-10 Winterfest Celebration.

The lighting spectacular, which kicks off November 6, 2009, is one of America’s largest drive-through, fully computerized LED light shows. Hundreds of thousands of lights are included in this perfectly synchronized show filled with holiday tunes. The entire drive-through spectacular is nearly one mile in length and lasts approximately 20 minutes.

“Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium presented by Shadrack will be a great addition to Sevierville’s Winterfest Celebration this year,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director Amanda Marr. “There are already millions of people who come to our area during Winterfest but having a new attraction like Christmas Wonderland will give those visitors something new and exciting for this year as well.”

Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium presented by Shadrack will continue through January 2, 2010. Hours of operation are 6pm-10pm daily.

Admission:
$10 per car Monday-Thursday
$15 per car Friday-Sunday
$20 per Activity Van
$30 per Limo and $65 per bus
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve are weekend rates.

Proceeds will benefit area food ministries. For more information, call (423) 652-0120. Located at the Smokies Stadium – 3540 Line Drive – Kodak, TN 37764.

Paranormal Events for Fright Nights at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is celebrating its 11th annual Fright Nights show this year with “Phobias”, a show dedicated to fears of the human psyche! “We have been toying with this idea for a couple of years, but we wanted to really spend some time putting together just the right collection of phobias that we can portray in the largest sense,” says Suzanne DeSear, manager. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, best known for its year-round haunting, will become even scarier during this time as the number of performers multiplies and themed surroundings play on your sight, sound, touch, and even smell. There is no extra charge for the special Fright Nights shows which run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. Shows are kicked off nightly at 6:13pm with a character parade.

This year there will be added special events with the “Eat a Cricket for a Ticket” promotion in which people will be randomly picked on the street to see if they can truly eat a cricket to win a ticket to the Ripley’s Haunted Adventure Fright Night show. There will also be special visits from some of the creepy crawly bugs and reptiles from Rainforest Adventure for those brave enough to touch, pet, and hold. And what would a Fright Nights show be without a special horror celebrity? On the weekend of October 23rd and 24th in conjunction with The Grand AdventureCon, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure will be hosting two guest celebrities, Daeg Faerch and William Forsythe from Rob Zombie’s Halloween.

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a year round haunted house that was opened in 1999 by Ripley Entertainment on the site of what was once the Grimsby & Streaper Casket Company. The old casket factory was abandoned under mysterious circumstances during the early 1900s shortly after residents started disappearing. Until Ripley’s can decide the most beneficial development for the area, they continue to conduct tours of the facility.

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is one of the few haunted houses in the nation that is open 365 days a year. Tickets are $12.99 + tax for ages 12 and up and $7.99 + tax for ages 6-11. No one under the age of 6 is allowed due to the graphic nature of the facility, and those under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian. Wristbands for the celebrity autograph session will be an additional fee with the regular admission.

The Duggar Family Will Turn On The Millions of Winterfest Lights in Pigeon Forge

Twenty special guests will help Pigeon Forge kick off the 20th celebration of Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Collectively, they are the Duggar family from TLC’s “18 Kids and Counting” reality show.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 18 natural-born children—plus one on the way—will flip the switch to illuminate millions of lights and start the four-month winter event that runs through Feb. 28, 2010.

The grand illumination will conclude an opening event at the city’s Patriot Park on Nov. 5 (Thursday) at 5:30 p.m.

Pigeon Forge Winterfest, which transformed winter from a quiet season to one of the city’s busiest, is a Top 100 Event in North America, according to the American Bus Association

Expansive and elaborate Winterfest light displays are located throughout the city. More than five million lights are used, and several displays—including the celebration’s signature snowflakes along the Parkway—have been fitted with energy-saving LED bulbs.

Dollywood enhances the first two months of Pigeon Forge Winterfest with Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, a two-time winner of the Golden Ticket Award for the nation’s best theme park Christmas event. Dates are Nov. 7-Jan. 2, 2010.

Dollywood adds to Winterfest’s light displays with more than four million lights of its own and the nightly Lighted Christmas Parade. It’s musical entertainment lineup includes “Dollywood’s Babes in Toyland,” “Christmas in the Smokies” and “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” plus the Polar Express 4-D Experience, a multi-sensory cinematic experience based on the beloved Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.

Pigeon Forge has more than a dozen theaters, and most of them offer special Christmas show segments during November and December. While some do take a post-New Year’s break, several offer their signature shows in January and February.

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