Category: Sevierville Chamber of Commerce

Vocal Competition Honoring Dolly Parton Makes Final Call for Entries

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 26, 2013

Sevierville, Tenn. – The ninth annual Mountain Soul Vocal Competition is calling for entries.

This unique competition honors the songwriting of Sevierville native Dolly Parton by encouraging contestants from across the nation to sing one of the more than 3,000 songs she has penned — in his or her own vocal style.

Contestants may enter in the 13 and up age division or the 12 and under division for this competition.

“The Mountain Soul Vocal Competition does a great job showcasing new talent while also proving that Dolly’s songwriting is incredibly versatile and can easily cross musical genres,” says Chamber Marketing Director and event organizer Amanda Marr. “Since Dolly Parton is Sevierville’s hometown girl, holding a competition that honors her songwriting ability was a natural fit for us. We are honored that Dollywood sponsors the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition each year.” As far as event organizers know, this is the only vocal competition in the world that specifically honors the songwriting of Dolly Parton.

The entry deadline for the preliminary round of The Mountain Soul Vocal Competition is Friday April 12, 2013. Audition tapes, sent by mail, will be judged by a panel of entertainment professionals. Thirty finalists (20 in the 13+ category and 10 in the 12 and under category) will be invited to perform during the final rounds at Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass on May 18, 2013 in downtown Sevierville, TN. Winning competitors will take home cash and prizes including a recording session in Nashville, Tennessee and a guitar autographed by Dolly Parton.

For a complete list of the songs Dolly has written, competitors – and those that are interested – should visit www.dollymania.net. Contestants may submit up to two songs written by Dolly Parton per entry. All songs written by Dolly Parton are eligible for the competition this year. It is not necessary, nor is it encouraged, to impersonate Dolly Parton, either physically or vocally during the competition.

Interested vocalists may obtain an application and complete set of rules online at www.BloominBBQ.com or by calling the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce at 1-888-889-7415. Entries must be postmarked by April 12, 2013.

The Mountain Soul Vocal Competition is part of Sevierville’s ninth Annual Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass event May 17-18, 2013 and is sponsored by Dollywood. The Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass festival is the current Southeast Tourism Society Festival of the Year, Division 1. For more information about the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition or Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass, visit www.BloominBBQ.com.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Featured by TODAY.com Travel

Posted by Ryan Willis – August 9, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. – The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce’s Girlfriends’ Getaway travel packages were recently featured by the TODAY travel team.

Article link: http://todaytravel.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/08/08/13054185-girls-just-want-to-have-fun-on-girlfriend-getaways?lite


Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville, Tenn., is one destination that has become a trendy spot for these trips.

Packages include everything from photography classes to whitewater rafting to shopping and even getting complete makeovers.  Along with a variety of activities, each package includes a stay at one of Sevierville’s best hotels.

More detailed information on these packages can be found at www.officialgirlfriendsgetaway.com.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Unique Girlfriends’ Getaway packages now offered in the Smokies

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 18, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. – Sometimes ladies need more than one dinner, one drink or one night out together.  This is apparent as the popularity of “Girlfriends’ Getaway” vacations continues to grow.  Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville, Tenn., is one destination that has become a trendy spot for these trips. Last year, the area played host to a national Great Girlfriends’ Getaway contest and now this lively destination is introducing unique and specially-tailored vacation packages for these ‘female-only’ trips.

Packages include everything from photography classes to whitewater rafting to shopping and even getting complete makeovers.  Along with a variety of activities, each package includes a stay at one of Sevierville’s best hotels.

“Thanks to our location, we are able to offer a wide variety of unique and enjoyable experiences in one place that you would typically only be able to enjoy by traveling to multiple destinations,” said Amanda Marr, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director.  “We give the ladies the opportunity to go ziplining and tour the Smoky Mountains via helicopter one day and then enjoy shopping and a personal style makeover the next.”

The following packages are available along with the option to create a customized getaway:

  • Different Point of View – helicopter tour, safari, photography class
  • High Flying Adventure – ziplining, helicopter tour, Lumberjack Feud show
  • Beat the Heat – whitewater rafting, river tubing
  • Back to Nature – Ripley’s Aquarium, photography class, safari
  • Be a Kid Again – NASCAR Speedpark, minor league baseball game, WonderWorks
  • Shopping Safari – Cirque De Chine show, personal makeover/shopping, safari
  • Laughter is the Best Medicine – Comedy Barn Theater, miniature golf

More detailed information on these packages can be found at www.officialgirlfriendsgetaway.com.

Along with the introduction of these girlfriends’ getaway packages, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce is also releasing a series of webisodes featuring last year’s Great Girlfriends’ Getaway contest winners and the experience and the activities they shared during their trip.  These webisodes will be released every week via fb.com/Sevierville and on www.OfficialGirlfriendsGetaway.com.

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If you would like more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550 or rwillis@ackermannpr.com.

Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Releases 2012 Lineup

Posted by Ryan Willis – February 28, 2012

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – The two-day lineup for the 8th Annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass festival is finalized.  The event will be held on May 18 and 19 in Sevierville, Tenn. and has been named a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 event for the month of May. 

The Travelin’ McCourys will be the headlining act of this year’s festival and will perform on Saturday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m.  The group features Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob McCoury (banjo), sons of Del McCoury, a popular bluegrass legend. Two additional band members include Jason Carter (fiddle) and Alan Bartram (bassist), forming a powerful group playing both traditional and progressive music. 

“This is always an exciting time of the year for us as we finalize our lineup and begin final preparations for the festival,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director Amanda Marr. “The talent level of this group of performers is amazing, and they will certainly provide a full weekend of great entertainment for everyone in attendance.” 

The lineup is listed below:

Friday, May 18, 2012
Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s / Just Us / Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier / The Quebe Sisters Band

Saturday, May 19, 2012
Mountain Ruckus / Ken Mellons / Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper / Rockin’ Acoustic Circus / The Travelin’ McCourys 

For ticket information, or general information on this year’s festival, please visit http://bloominbbq.com/.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
rwillis@ackermannpr.com
(865) 584-0550

Sevierville announces winner of national search for an amazing and inspiring woman for Girlfriend’s Getaway

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 16, 2011

Julie Pease (left) and Barbie Bricker

Sevierville, Tenn. –  After receiving more than 600 nominations from all parts of the country for Sevierville’s “Great Girlfriend’s Getaway” search, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce has announced that Julie Pease of Arlington, Texas was selected as the “amazing and inspiring” woman to represent Sevierville in their national Girlfriend’s Getaway ad campaign.  Pease had a surprise visit at her home from representatives of Sevierville and her friend – Barbie Bricker – who nominated her.

Bricker wrote a glowing nomination of Pease, who is the central point of support among their group of friends. During the past decade, Pease has helped her best friend Laurie Jones as she battles cancer, including taking time off work to help her recover from surgeries and transport her to and from chemotherapy. During this time Pease also lost both of her own parents and her husband.  According to Bricker, “Through all of her losses, Julie finds the good. She puts others first and cares for everyone else.”

“This group of girls is so special in my life,” says Pease. “They are my encouragers, my safe place and the people that I can be myself around. I know I can trust them. In the good times and bad times, there will always be laughter! I love these girls.”

Along with three other friends from church – Sandy McNutt, Laurie Jones, and Stephanie McVay – the women will now get an all expenses paid, “over-the-top” Girlfriends Getaway to Sevierville, Tenn. in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.  While in Sevierville later this month, the group will enjoy high-end shopping at the Tanger Five Oaks with the help of a fashion consultant, luxurious cabin accommodations at Oak Haven Resort, gourmet in-cabin meals, ziplining, winemaking at Hillside Winery, relaxing treatments at Oak Haven Spa, and much more.

“There were so many nominations telling us about incredible women overcoming difficult situations and inspiring others that choosing just one was very difficult,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director Amanda Marr. “We chose Julie because she epitomizes the selflessness of true friendship and I really think other women will relate to her because of that.”

In addition to the free trip Pease and her friends will receive, they will also have the starring role in Sevierville’s new national Girlfriend’s Getaway advertising campaign.

To learn more about organizing a Sevierville Girlfriends Getaway, go to www.OfficialGirlfriendsGetaway.com.  Sevierville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, and is surrounded by hundreds of restaurants, high end outlet shopping, shows and attractions, and is Dolly Parton’s hometown.  Sevierville is The Official Destination for Girlfriend’s Getaways™.

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Time is running out to nominate that special woman for a starring role in ad campaign and a free Girlfriend’s Getaway

Posted by Erin Freeman – August 10, 2011

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Do you know a woman who makes a positive impact everywhere she goes?  Right now, you could send that woman (even if she’s you) on a free, over-the-top Girlfriend’s Getaway and land her a starring role in a national ad campaign simply by telling us about her.  But you need to hurry because nominations close on Monday, August 15, 2011.

The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce has launched The Great Girlfriend’s Getaway Search, an opportunity to nominate an inspiring woman for a chance to win a Girlfriend’s Getaway to

Sevierville, Tenn. (in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains) and a starring role in Sevierville’s new national Girlfriend’s Getaway advertising campaign.

The winner will share her Sevierville Girlfriend’s Getaway experience with three of her closest gal-pals from September 25-October 1, 2011 and be featured in the city’s 2012 advertising campaign.

“A Sevierville Girlfriend’s Getaway can be a high-end outlet shopping trip, a confidence boosting outdoor adventure, a golf excursion with the ladies, and so much more,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director Amanda Marr. “Our destination offers a tremendous variety of activities so your getaway can be whatever you love to do. We want to focus on that while also reminding women that it’s important to make time for themselves guilt-free.

To nominate an amazing woman in your life, go to www.OfficialGirlfriendsGetaway.com.  Nominations may be submitted from now until August 15, 2011.

Sevierville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is Dolly Parton’s hometown and is The Official Destination for Girlfriend’s Getaways™.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Nominate inspiring woman for free “Girlfriend’s Getaway” and she could be featured in national ad campaign

Posted by Erin Freeman – August 2, 2011

Sevierville, Tenn. – August 2, 2011 – Do you know a woman who makes a positive impact everywhere she goes?  Right now, you could send that woman (even if she’s you) on a free, over-the-top Girlfriend’s Getaway and land her a starring role in a national ad campaign simply by telling us about her.

The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce has launched The Great Girlfriend’s Getaway Search, an opportunity to nominate an inspiring woman for a chance to win a Girlfriend’s Getaway to Sevierville, Tenn. (in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains) and a starring role in Sevierville’s new national Girlfriend’s Getaway advertising campaign.

The winner will share her Sevierville Girlfriend’s Getaway experience with three of her closest gal-pals from September 25-October 1, 2011 and be featured in the city’s 2012 advertising campaign.

“A Sevierville Girlfriend’s Getaway can be a high-end outlet shopping trip, a confidence boosting outdoor adventure, a golf excursion with the ladies, and so much more,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director Amanda Marr. “Our destination offers a tremendous variety of activities so your getaway can be whatever you love to do. We want to focus on that while also reminding women that it’s important to make time for themselves guilt-free.”

To nominate an amazing woman in your life, go to www.OfficialGirlfriendsGetaway.com.  Nominations may be submitted from now until August 15, 2011.

Sevierville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is Dolly Parton’s hometown and is The Official Destination for Girlfriend’s Getaways™.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com