A Smoky Mountain Spring

Monday, March 1, 2004

(NAPSA)—Spring break and spring fever—two situations in need of a great getaway. Many people appreciate springtime in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. More specifically: Springfest in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a well-known familyfriendly destination filled with activities and events just made for the season of rebirth. Start with a drive or hike into the nation’s most popular national park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mere stone’s throw from the center of Pigeon Forge. Beautiful in any season, the park is particularly stunning in the spring when wildflowers begin to emerge from under the moist soil and reach toward the warm sunshine. Valleys and hillsides resemble a virtual artist’s palette of color. The spectacle is best viewed by hiking one of the park’s manytrails. Mountain wildflowers helped inspire Springfest in Pigeon Forge. The city is filled with the sights and scents of blossoming flowers planted to reach their peak during the spring event. Mountain heritage was the inspiration for two of the special events that draw visitors to East Tennessee each March. A Mountain Quiltfest, March 10-14, 2004, is fun and educational for quilters and non-quilters alike. Event visitors can take in an outstanding quilt show and shop at the large vendor area, while master quilters teach classes for all levels of expertise. To celebrate the event’s tenth anniversary, Threads of America, a one-time-only display, will showcase more than 30 patrioticthemedquilts. Smoky Mountains Traditions focuses on the area’s Appalachian heritage. March 18 to 20, Pigeon Forge offers visitors an entertain- 1 i \ fF ' Ra ing history lesson through traditional mountain music, food, crafts and much more. April 2 marks the date for the 19th annual Dolly Parade. This Pigeon Forge tradition brings together area entertainers, marching bands and floats in a parade led by grand marshal and Smoky Mountain native Dolly Parton. After the parade passes by, the Dollywood entertainment park opens for the 2004 season on April 3. The park offers the finest in entertainment and rides for all ages and addsto the Springfest element with its fourth annual Festival of Nations. This international event brings hundreds of performers from around the world to East Tennessee to share their culture with park visitors. In addition to the special Springfest activities, travelers to Pigeon Forge will find the city’s music theaters, action attractions, shopping and restaurants to be the crowning touch to any spring visit. For more information about Springfest in Pigeon Forge along with other information about this popular destination, call 1-866258-8495 or log onto www.my pigeonforge.com.

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