Debbie Reynolds, Todd Fisher, Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Hammond to Help “Top Off” Pigeon Forge’s Belle Island Village in Celebration Event May 27

Topping Off Ceremony Celebrates Construction Progress Milestone,

Marks Countdown to a Fall Grand Opening of Major Southeast Tourism Hot Spot

WHO        Belle Island Village is a $114 million, multi-use, pedestrian-friendly development coming to the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., in fall 2008, encompassing entertainment, attractions, shopping, restaurants and accommodations for the entire family.  The development will be one of the largest themed destinations in the Southeast, expected to attract in excess of two and a half million visitors a year. Key attractions include:

§         Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Motion Picture Museum – Estimated to be the largest private collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world, this 44,000-square-foot Museum includes an immersive presentation of thousands of original costumes, props, posters, vintage production equipment and other items, with nearly every Academy Award-winning film represented in the collection since the Academy’s inception.

§         Darrell Waltrip Racing Experience – This highly interactive, 27,000-square-foot attraction will bring the auto racing experience to visitors from all vantage points

§          Otter Cove – In partnership with the Knoxville Zoo, this attraction will house and display five very playful North American River Otters in their natural habitat, with daily shows that highlight their personalities and natural instincts.

WHAT       The Belle Island Village Topping Off Ceremony is an invitation-only event to celebrate a major construction milestone by placing the final piece atop the vertical steel structure at the construction site.  The ceremony also recognizes key partners who have contributed to the project.

§         The event will include extensive media-friendly visuals as well as interview opportunities with film star Debbie Reynolds and her son and Museum CEO Todd Fisher (Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Motion Picture Museum), Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Hammond (Darrell Waltrip Racing Experience) and Jim Vlna, executive director of the Knoxville Zoo (Otter Cove). 

§         All media should respond in advance for press credentials to this invitation-only event. Visit  http://belleisland.mediaroomshowcase.com/ to register for attendance, schedule interviews and download background information materials, graphics and photos.

WHERE

 & WHEN Belle Island Village (at construction site), One Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

§         Topping Off Ceremony, Tues., May 27, 2008 at 2:00-3:30 p.m., After-Party, 3:30-5:30 p.m.  Please plan to arrive at 1:30 p.m.   Parking will be available in the areas surrounding the construction site.  Staff will be on hand to direct parking.

[Back to Press Releases Main]