PIGEON FORGE, Tenn., June 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A $5 million thrill ride at Dollywood, a brain-teasing attraction called the Tomb and a music and stunt show rooted in a famous American mountain feud are among the new attractions and activities in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., this summer.
"We offer family fun to the max, and the list of new diversions grows every year. We have a bumper crop this summer," said Leon Downey, executive director of tourism for the 6,200-population city that sees more than 10 million guests a year. It is a gateway to America's most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Dollywood's $5.5 Million Barnstormer Ride
Dollywood, now in its 26th season, has added the Barnstormer, a $5.5 million family thrill ride in a barnyard-themed setting that also includes play areas for younger guests.
Taking its name from the daring aerialists and stunt pilots of the 1920s, the Barnstormer features two pendulum arms with seating for 32 riders. Seated back to back, riders travel progressively higher on each swing, reaching 45 miles per hour and 230 degrees of rotation. The Barnstormer goes 81 feet in the air, high above the treetops.
Through the heart of summer, June 17-Aug. 7, Dollywood presents KidsFest, the South's largest children's festival. Two special programs are the "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 4D Experience" and the "Gazillion Bubble Show.
'Hatfields and McCoys'
"The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show" is a new show in a theater known for staging the "Black Bear Jamboree" since 2002.
A multi-million dollar renovation of the theater provides the setting for a new, original show loosely based on the true story of the famous Hatfield and McCoy feud. The audience is divided into Hatfield and McCoy seating areas, and the show extends throughout the theater as the audience participates in a good-natured rivalry.
Daring and comical stunts are performed throughout the show to add a special excitement. Singers, dancers, actors, musicians and specially trained stunt people round out the cast.
Exploring the Tomb's Secrets
Visitors are invited to release their "inner Indiana Jones" at a new attraction called the Tomb.
As the story goes, the Tomb rose up overnight in the Walden's Landing shopping area to provide visitors a chance to solve the mysteries and riddles of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Succeed, you are told, or face being the pharaoh's permanent guest in the darkness of the Tomb.
Philly and Motown Unite
The Grand Majestic Theater has added a show that combines two strains of American pop music. It is the third production in the theater's 2011 lineup.
"The Stylistics – Motown and Philly Back Together Again" features three members of the national touring "Temptations Review" cast in a tribute to the distinctive Philadelphia sounds of the Stylistics, who had 10 No. 1 hits. Among them were "Betcha By Golly, Wow," "Break Up To Make Up" and "You Make Me Feel Brand New."
The new show is offered Saturday, Sunday and Monday and complements "America's Hit Parade" and "Masters of Magic."
Great Smoky Mountains Lumberjack Feud
A $10 million attraction that combines the traditions and history of Appalachian timbering with modern-day lumberjack athletic competition is under construction on the Parkway.
The 1,000-seat Great Smoky Mountains Lumberjack Feud has scheduled an August opening. It will be a multi-faceted attraction/event with a picnic meal, a storyline about two families feuding over timber rights, tree-climbing clowns, log-pulling horses, log-rolling bears, chainsaw carving, fishing contests and genuine competition between professional timber athletes.
Information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge is available online at www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.
Contact:
Tom Adkinson, APR/ 615-341-8796 / tadkinson@bohanideas.com
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