Did you say Water Magic?

Unless you have been holed up somewhere, you have heard about the many changes Pigeon Forge is undergoing. The popular and much loved Memories Theater and Magic Beyond Belief are wrapping up their last season. Kick 'N Country closed their doors on November 27th. Then shortly after hearing word of the closings , a huge announcement came. John Joslyn and Mary Kellogg-Joslyn owners of the Titanic Museum purchased the 12 acres across the Parkway and are making a $40 million water attraction. Although construction is to start as early as spring 2011, it will not be open until the summer of 2013.

This is not going to be your average run of the mill water attraction either. It is designed to show you all the awesome things you can do with water and thrilling ways to play with it. Joslyn was quoted saying: "We are not a water park; we are not an aquarium," he said. "This is all about turning on your imagination. It's kind of like Willy Wonka, but with water." By the sound of it, Water Magic will be just that. The Titanic Museum, itself, was nothing short of colorful and creative. It set the bar very high by entertaining, educating, and fascinating the massive amounts of guests that visit it. There is no doubt Water Magic is in the best hands for the job.

The attraction sounds absolutely fantastic. It is estimate to employ at least 100 people and possibly more as it grows. It will include: a 40,00 square foot building,100-foot kinetic energy sculpture at the front topped by a 1,000-gallon water bucket that dumps over on a regularly,a Water Theater, a deep-sea exhibition area, and a Bubble Room. There will be fountains every shape and size imaginable that will spout water in time with music.

Visitors will especially love Emporium Square. Here, they can find a two-story atrium with various water-driven gadgets, fountains and other features. It will lead to portals which direct them to different galleries. Some of of these, will let people feel as if they are walking on water. Visitors might even get surprise bursts of water or get to wander through a maze of water and mirrors, and more.

There will be a Water Theater that will show a production called “Imagination Rhapsody”, featuring a musical cacophony of water jets and swaying water spouts. Visitors will be able to make musical symphonies but when they hit a wrong note, it will bring water down upon them.

Everything about this attraction sounds so new and refreshing. It is definitely going to be a success. Imagination is a good thing, Charlie....you don't even need a golden ticket this time!

Winterfest in Sevier County

If you just come to the Smokies during those warm Spring days and for those hot Summer vacations, you are missing out on some of the best times this area has to offer. The Winterfest Kick-Off was November 8th for Sevierville; the 9th for Pigeon Forge; and the 10th for Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg also held their oh-so-popular chili cook-off the same day. Crowds of people came out for all three events. Each year,"flipping the switch" of the Christmas lights is a HUGE attraction. Sevierville was giving away food at just about every vendor. There were games, music, and awesome fireworks. Pigeon Forge had Mrs. Claus handing out candy and great entertainment. Their lights are incredible. It was hard to fit all the fun and food Gatlinburg had to offer into one day, let alone make your way through the gobs of people that showed up. A BIG congrats to the Flying Saucer Italian Bistro for their 1st Place in the Chili Cook- off!!!!!!!

The Titanic Winter Kick-Off was a BLAST!

The cold weather did not deter the many folks packing into the ever-enthralling Titanic this past Friday. Although that seems to be the typical scenario for that business, Friday was extra special. It was their Winter Kick-off. There was a tent set up by the Kiwanis selling hot chocolate, cookies, coffee, drinks, and popcorn. Guests were entertained by carolers as they waited and mingled. There were camels as well provided by Noah's Ark and the Miracle Theater and much to everyone's great pleasure, snow started fluttering from out the bow of the ship. Brilliant Christmas lights lined the elegant vessel. It was a magical sight to behold.

Fireworks then began to sound off. They peppered the sky with their huge flower patterns and vibrant colors. The displays got better with each "boom." It was lovely seeing people brush the snow out of their smiling faces so that they can see up into the sky. People scattering around like mice to try to get the "best shot."

This was an AMAZING event! Many thanks to the Titanic and its owners for all your hard work. The crew was out in full costume to meet and greet guests. They were especially friendly. "Thank you" to those who showed up to the Kick-Off. David Fee of Fee Hedrick Family Entertainment and Diana Fuller of Collier Foods were in attendance as well as many other local figures.

YOU can experience snow off the Titanic's bow every Friday & Saturday from 7pm-8pm from now till November 26th. After November 26th, they will be offering it every night till January 1st. The Kiwanis will also be selling refreshments. Be sure not to miss out! While you are out, catch some of the other excellent festive attractions in town such as:the Black Bear Jamboree Christmas Spectacular, The Miracle, Comedy Barn, and The Smith's Family Dinner Theater.

Two Local Favorites Get Prestigious Awards

Sevier County offers many things: exceptional food, talent, fun, hospitality, lodging, and flawless beauty. It is not surprising that so many people choose to vacation here each year with large variety the area has. Each business brings something unique and special to the scene. Just recently, two of our most popular businesses were recognized for their excellence. Dollywood, celebrating their 25th year in operation, received the very prestigious Applause Award. The winner is chosen by a board of governors. This includes theme park professionals from around the world. The board is chaired by Mats Wedin, Liseberg Park's CEO. Since 1980, the award has been bestowed every other year upon the park whose "management, operations and creative accomplishments have inspired the industry with their foresight, originality and sound business development," according to a statement from Liseberg park in Gothenburg. Dollywood has done so much for their workers and our community and continues to do so. They make their guests' visit the memory of a lifetime. That was an award well deserved Dolly and Dollywood,CONGRATS!

Golden Coral,owned by Collier Restaurant Group, won the highly sought after Mountain Press Reader's Choice Award for 2010 and rightly so. They always have a huge variety of FRESH, delicious food piled up on their buffets and their staff is nothing less than sweet as pie. There prices are great! They hold quite a bit of the business meetings in the area there and do a spectacular job. We applaud them as well.

Thank you to these two businesses for all that you have done and to the many others in this County!We are so proud of you.

Farewell to Favorite

After nine wonderful and rewarding seasons, Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show and Black Bear Jamboree Christmas Spectacular are coming to an end. The Black Bear Jamboree Theater will offer an entirely new show: Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud and Stunt Show. Although the new production is sure to be a great success and sounds nothing short of action packed, it has big shoes to fill. For years now, buses of guests have been filling the parking lot just to enjoy some good, wholesome family entertainment and be served a delicious meal. The great variety of music and costumes, and the humor make both shows unforgettable for both adults and children. Then who could forget about those signature talking bears? They are the real stars! I went around asking people what it was that they would miss most about the productions. I was told everything from Raggedy Ann & Andy, the live Nativity, the live reindeer to the high energy music. I am going to miss how they pull all the kids out of the crowd and have them come on stage. I still have a video of when my son was little. His cowboy hat and boots were bigger than he was, but he marched right up on stage like it was nobody's business. I think it makes the kid's feel so special. He still watches that video. Overall, the show was a HUGE hit and will be sadly missed by everyone.

A great many thanks goes out to the cast and crew for all your hard work and effort through those many seasons. You guys are great! You touched hearts and brightened days for so many people. I am looking forward to your next show immensely:)

It's November!!!

We are one step closer to Christmas, wrapping up October with an action packed weekend. There was so much to do and not enough time to get it all done! On Friday, Oct. 29th, Pathways Church had their ribbon cutting for their new section for the youth called "The Hangar." Quite a bit of the community turned out to offer their support including two announcers from 105.5 FM. There was amazing fellowship and the passion the church has for their youth is unreal. They welcome everyone in as family. To learn more about the church please call (865)428-6312.

On both Friday and Saturday, Walden's Landing had live music. The bands were great and the shoppers enjoyed them immensely as they were walking about and standing in line for tickets at the new Forge Cinema. There were workers sifting through the crowds handing out samples of free, delicious yogurt from Tutti Frutti's and spirits were high. Families were laughing and playing at Firehouse Golf. Sunday provided children of all ages bouncing around in various costumes from store to store to receive goodies. It was a heartwarming experience.

Friday night was McClaren's 2nd Annual Halloween Bash. It was heavy on the fun with just a hint of scary:) The creativity with the costumes was unparalleled. There was, as always, food served to perfection, dancing, and a costume contest. They even played scary movies in the background. Where else can you see a surfer and a witch sit down to eat?

Well since it's November, there are some "must's" that you have to keep an eye out for: the shows change to their Christmas productions (totally rad), Winterfest Kick Off in Sevierville (Nov. 8), Pigeon Forge (Nov. 9), and in Gatlinburg (Nov. 10), and the Chili Cook Off (Nov. 10.) These are special not only to the locals but to our honored guests to the area as well. So come on out and join the fun!!!!

You can see pictures and videos of the events mentioned above on our Facebook.