Star-studded Festival coming

It’s coming, and is it really sensational! The City of Pigeon Forge will host a brand new three-day event called “Rhythm in the Hills” on May 27, 28, and 29 at the Patriot Park. Scheduled to perform in the festival are Loretta Lynn, Clint Black, Lee Ann Womack, Clay Walker, Lorrie Morgan, Joe Nichols, Julie Roberts, Buddy Jewell, Josh Turner, Jimmy Wayne, and Michael Combs. It is an event the whole family can enjoy. It will feature everything from the live music by the above performers to kids activities with appearances by The Power Puff Girls, Arnold, Tommie, Angelica and Chuckie from the “Rugrats”, Dexter and Scooby Doo. Jennifer Dyer, COO of Batten Productions and Rhythm in the Hills Event Coordinator said, “One ticket is all you need to experience the fun and excitement of the entire festival!” Arts and Crafts vendors from around the country will be demonstrating their skills and showcasing their work. A food court with local restaurants such as Texas Roadhouse, Up the Creek Fish Camp and Grill, the Steak Factory, and the Old Mill Restaurant will be nearby for the dining pleasure of event goers. A culinary event, “Chili in the Hills” will take place on Sunday, May 29, which is an authorized International Chili Society cook-off. It is the only ICS approved cook-off in the state of Tennessee. The winner will be eligible to attend the World Championship Chili Cook-off in the fall. A $5 donation will enable guests to participate in voting for the best chili. Money raised by the event will go to the Seymour Rotary Club. Lorrie Morgan will perform a benefit concert along with the Pat Patrick band on Thursday, May 26, at the Country Tonight Theater. $10 of every ticket will go to the Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic. Other area groups will benefit from the festival among whom are the Pigeon Forge High School, the Sevier County High School, Pigeon Forge First Baptist Church, Boys and Girls Club of Pigeon Forge, Safe Space, Sevier County Home Assistance Service, Pigeon Forge Lion’s Club, and the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club. 100 percent of the parking proceeds and 50 percent of the beverage concession proceeds will be donated to local projects. Gene Trotter, CEO of Batten Productions, LLC, the company that is producing the festival, said, “We want to give back to our community and show that we truly care about the people in Sevier County.” Adult tickets will be $65 until April 30, afterwards they will be $75. Children ages six to ten will cost $20 until April 30, and $30 afterwards. Children five and under are free with a paid adult admission. Group rates are available by calling 865-774-4507. A one-day ticket is available for $55 per day. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-800-585-3737, online at www.rhythminthehills.com or at any of the Book Warehouse and Christian Book warehouse locations in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Knoxville, and Bristol. The President of Batten Productions, LLC, Andrew Byrd stated, “We are committed to producing and promoting a family friendly festival that will compliment Sevier County and add to the many wonderful events already held in our area. That is precisely why we decided to have a non-alcoholic festival.”