March Mania is Here

The arrival of Spring brings many things with it: evidence of new life everywhere, a rush of guests to the area, and an agenda packed and overflowing with fun things to do. The whole month of March was a fine example of this. Rarely was there a day with nothing to do. For instance, both The Miracle Theater and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opened back up this month. "Miracle" is in its 6th and final season and "Joseph" is in its 2nd and final season. They have a SPECTACULAR new cast this year and have gotten off to a super start. The two shows plan to make this their BEST season ever before closing their curtains thus scheduled for late October.

Speaking of great seasons...if the turnout and quality of entertainment at the NACMAI Annual Country Music Week is a prediction of the type of year they are going to have, Country Tonite is going to have a stellar year. The North America Country Music Association held their Int'l's Annual Country Music Week at the Country Tonite Theater on March 7-13.The general public had free admittance to the theater during the week for an awesome display of performances and memorabilia showcases. This is a yearly event that includes a variety of different features such as: inductions to the Hall of Fame and performances by up-and-coming stars. Several well-known artists stayed at the much loved Hotel Pigeon Forge, conveniently located next to the theater, and offered onlookers jam sessions in the evenings in the hotel's lovely lobby. See Pigeon Forge had the pleasure of attending one and it was a lot of fun. The guests seemed to really enjoy it and kudos to the owners of the hotel for putting something like that together for them for free. You can check out the pictures on our Facebook.

Another, exciting event march had to offer was the 37th Annual Winter Carnival of Magic. Presented by Knoxville I.B.M. Ring 58 at Country Tonite Theater on March 3-5, it was nothing short of "magical." The event included lectures, stage shows, close-up shows, and a dealer's room behind a mysterious black curtain. Magnificent performers such as: Carroll Baker, Ricky Boone, T.J. Shimeld (author of The Four-Foot GIANT and THE Vanishing Wheelchair), Scott Wells,Tom Craven, Aldo & Rachel Columbini, David Acer, Dennis Alm, Kyle Jarrard, Lance Johnson, Sandy Marshall, Troy Hooser, Banachek,Rick Merrill, Doc Eason, Michael Finney, Bryson Lang, Rhythm of Magic, Kozmo entertained the crowd. Certain parts of this event were closed off to just magicians; however, other parts were able to be attended
by the general public. It was astounding to be able to view magic so up close and personal. Everyone was friendly, informative, and the event was highly organized. A special Thanks goes out to John Hopper, President of Ring 58, and his group, T.J. Shimeld Ricky Boone, and ALL the others who went out of their way to make us covering the 37th Winter Carnival of Magic feel so welcome!

See Pigeon Forge just happened to get a sneak peek at what April and may has in store for you and it'll knock your socks off! Keep in touch!

A Labor of Love: Project Jose

Driving down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, there are certain "landmarks" if you will that stand out in our mind. These are fixtures that we have grown accustomed to seeing over the years that give us a since of comfort and location. Well, for the last nine years Jose Cahall has been very much one of these "fixtures." His heartwarming smile and glowing attitude pulled people in off the Parkway as he waved traffic into the Comedy Barn. He ALWAYS had on a crazy hat and was nothing less than radiant. It was almost as if he was the city's compass to laughter.

Jose,originally from Delaware, surprised his Comedy Barn family when he lost his right leg below the knee due to arterial disease and a hereditary clotting disorder in January. Word traveled fast, and before too long bosses and co-workers alike were calling to see how they could be of assistance. It was decided to remodel his home while he was in recovery at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville. Cahall’s bathrooms were fitted with handrails, a shower seat and more. Other modifications include:the home was thoroughly cleaned;all the walls were patched and painted;new flooring was installed, all new curtains and furniture was installed; a new bed was set up for Jose; and a new ramp entrance and deck were installed. His refrigerator was even filled with groceries. Besides paying for the renovation supplies, Hedrick and Fee,of Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment, are paying for Cahall’s prosthetic leg and remaining medical bills. To everyone's surprise, Cahall's doctor donated a new stove, washer and dryer.

Jose had a wonderful homecoming, complete with his Comedy Barn family. He loved his new home and is now learning to walk on his prosthetic leg. He is a WONDERFUL man who has given so much of himself to this community. Through it all , he has not lost his smile nor his positive attitude. I think it is humbling to see such strength in the human spirit and to also bear witness to people pulling together out of love for a fellow human being.