Pigeon Forge, TN - Country superstar Dolly Parton is known for many things, her unprecedented song writing skills, award-winning movie and television projects, and sincere charm and down-home personality just to name a few. But it's her unique relationship with children that brings the East Tennessee native some of her most special moments.

So for the 2003 season at Dollywood, Dolly's dedicating the entire summer to children of all ages by hosting the South's largest children's festival at her Pigeon Forge theme park.

Dollywood's Kidz FunFest, scheduled for June 20 - Aug. 10, brings world-class entertainment to the park in typical Dollywood one-of-a-kind fashion, including Veggie Tales(TM), and other icons of children's entertainment.

Fresh from launching their first major motion picture, "Jonah," Veggie Tales(TM) characters Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber will join Dolly as she kicks off the event. Throughout the seven-week festival, the popular duo will headline their own stage production show in Dollywood's Showstreet Palace Theatre.

Dollywood's Kidz FunFest will also rev up the summer with an extreme sports show featuring a combination of stunt skateboarding, roller blading, and BMX biking teamed with some high octane street song and dance.

The summer-long festival will also showcase street performances, hands-on activities, and food made just for the young or young at heart.

"I love kids," said Dolly. "I was never able to have any of my own, so I kind of feel a special connection to all children. Things are so much bigger and brighter when seen through the eyes of a child, and our new Kidz FunFest at Dollywood is going to be the biggest you'll find anywhere. We'll have all kinds of fun and exciting things for kids whether they're three or ninety-three. Families are really going to love this."

The Kidz FunFest begins June 20 and ends August 10, and all of the festival's activities are included the price of a one-day Dollywood admission. Further announcements regarding the event are expected in early 2003 as Dollywood's Special Events team continues to schedule "kid favorite" entertainment and activities.

Dollywood will open for the 2003 season on Saturday, April 5 with the its annual Grand Opening weekend, when Dolly Parton will again welcome the world to the Smokies with the park's 3rd Annual Festival of Nations.

For more information, contact Dollywood Information at (865) 428-9488, or toll free at (800) DOLLYWOOD.