Pigeon Forge, TN – Pigeon Forge’s newest major retailer and one of the top names in American crafts have scheduled a first-time basket event to bring more family fun to the Smoky Mountain region for the Fourth of July holiday.
Basket Fest, July 2-10, is a project of Boyds Bear Country and the Longaberger Company, maker of carefully handcrafted baskets, each of which is signed by its maker. Longaberger basket makers will demonstrate their art daily and will oversee a “Longaberger Make-a-Basket” experience.
“We’ve created this as an opportunity for families to interact during their summer vacation, to experience the Boyds and Longaberger products, and enjoy everything Pigeon Forge has to offer,” said Will Edwards, manager of Boyds Bear Country.
Basket Fest will allow shoppers two special opportunities at Boyds Bear Country, the 120,000-square foot retail store in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Longaberger artisans will sell the company’s Dresden tour baskets while in Pigeon Forge, and Boyds Bear Country will offer a teddy bear normally sold exclusively at the Longaberger facility in Ohio, which is known as the Homestead. Longaberger baskets are typically available only through home parties and at the company’s home in Frazeysburg, Ohio.
At Basket Fest, however, novice basket makers can create their own baskets with the guidance of a Longaberger artisan.
All Basket Fest activities are at the four-story Boyds Bear Country barn-like store, which is perched high on a hillside overlooking the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. It opened last November, bringing the name of “the World’s Most Humongous Teddy Bear Store” to Pigeon Forge. Boyds Bear Country features collectible teddy bears, gifts, figurines and home décor. It also has locations to make or adopt your own Boyds Bear, plus family dining and free entertainment.
Basket Fest information is available at www.boydsbearcountry.com or by calling 888-654-6215. Information about Longaberger, including its headquarters building that is shaped like a giant basket, is available at www.longaberger.com.
Visitor information about Pigeon Forge is available at www.mypigeonforge.com or by calling 800-251-9100.