Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains
Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S., boasting 9 million visitors in 2008? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat or an exciting excursion, there are many destinations you can visit this summer. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, “The Gateway to the Smokies,” is an affordable and easily accessible family vacation destination with something for everyone. From celebrating the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to visiting a world-class theme park to enjoying all-American family attractions, you can embark on an enjoyable, family vacation without breaking the bank.
Leon Downey, Executive Director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism; and Holly Burcham, Marketing Manager of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, discuss the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the peak time for summer family vacations and highlight year-round activities taking place at the park. They also talk about how Pigeon Forge is known as the “Gateway to the Smokies,” and is a convenient area for lodging, dining and attractions that is close to the national park.
Talent/Guest: Leon Downey, Executive Director of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
Leon Downey is executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. He has worked for the department for more than 25 years and has been involved in East Tennessee tourism for 35 years. He’s an avid hiker in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has a great view of the mountains from his farmhouse home. One of his great pleasures is having nurtured an event called Wilderness Wildlife Week from its infancy to its 20th anniversary in 2010. Wilderness Wildlife Week offers eight days of nature-based programming every January as a salute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Talent/Guest: Holly Burcham, Marketing Manager of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Holly Burcham is marketing manager of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a private-sector organization that supports projects, programs and volunteer efforts in the park. She’s been with Friends of the Smokies for six years. The signature project for Friends of the Smokies that celebrates the park’s 75th anniversary is building a $4.6 million endowment for “Trails Forever”, a program that will maintain all hiking trails in the national park.
