Video contest sets stage for finding five families to compete in Smoky Mountains resort

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn., April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pigeon Forge, Tenn., is seeking five families who are game for some offbeat and lighthearted competitions in this Great Smoky Mountains resort town.

The five families will become Pigeon Forge's first reality show stars, and the winning family will take home $10,000 from the Pigeon Forge Family Challenge.

"Choosing the families is a big part of the fun The first challenge is for families to nominate themselves with 60-second videos that we'll post at MyPigeonForge.com. Winners will be chosen by public vote on the website," said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

Families can submit videos – and lobby for people to vote for them – through May 17. The winning families will be invited to Pigeon Forge for the real competitions in mid-June.

"The challenges will be spread throughout Pigeon Forge at locations such as Dollywood, the Titanic Museum Attraction and the many action-packed attractions along the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Go-carts will be in the mix somewhere," Downey said.

The in-town competitions will be videotaped, and the resulting features will air as a series of webisodes at MyPigeonForge.com in July.

Families not inclined to enter the Pigeon Forge Family Challenge still can win Pigeon Forge vacations by registering at MyPigeonForge.com. Three vacations will be given away during the promotion, each for up to five people and including Dollywood tickets and admission to other attractions.

Pigeon Forge, which recently landed at #4 on TripAdvisor's inaugural Top 10 Best Family Destinations list, is a 12-month destination and a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited of all national parks.

It is a proponent of family vacations and in 2010 organized the "Taking Vacation Back" campaign that encouraged families to create memories and strengthen family ties – even during a bad economy.

"We really believe that vacations strengthen families, regardless of where they go. Of course, we want them to come to Pigeon Forge and the Smokies, but more importantly, we want them to develop family traditions. They'll come see us eventually," Downey said.

Details about the Pigeon Forge Family Challenge and all aspects of visiting Pigeon Forge are available online at MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.

Contact:
Tom Adkinson, APR
tadkinson@bohanideas.com
615-341-8796

SOURCE Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

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http://www.mypigeonforge.com