PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Celebrate Freedom!, a tribute to America’s veterans, patriots and heroes, returns to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Aug. 14-21. Headquarters for Celebrate Freedom! 2004 will be located in the lobby of the Veterans Memorial Museum, 110 Showplace Boulevard.
Celebrate Freedom! will feature a concert by the Grammy award-winning Charlie Daniels Band on Sunday, Aug. 15. The popular country band, first formed in 1970, has spent countless hours entertaining American troops. Daniels’ current CD, on Blue Hat Records, is “Freedom And Justice For All.” Performance time is 2 p.m. at Country Tonite Theatre. Tickets are $22 plus tax and are available at 1-800-792-4308.
Other Celebrate Freedom! entertainment includes free performances of “Celebrate Freedom! The Musical,” Aug. 17-21 at the Louise Mandrell Theater. This original production is a heartfelt musical journey through our nation’s military history. Other activities include canteen dances on Aug. 17 and 19 at Music Road Convention Center featuring orchestras playing music from Big Band era; the Telling of America’s Story and a Young Patriot’s Parade for the youngsters on Aug. 14.
Freedom Works, a fireworks display that will span the length of the city’s Parkway, will cap off the event on Aug. 21.
With the exception of the Charlie Daniels concert, Celebrate Freedom! activities are offered free of charge. Veterans and active military personnel, as well as firefighters, and law enforcement and emergency medical personnel are entitled to Celebrate Freedom! discounts at participating Pigeon Forge businesses.
Eligible personnel who present proof of service at the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism Welcome Center or the Pigeon Forge Visitor Information Center will receive a special Celebrate Freedom VIP card that can be used to receive discounts at a number of city businesses during the eight-day event.
Celebrate Freedom! received the 2001 Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals & Events Association and recognized again in 2003 for its educational and community outreach efforts. For more information call 1-800-365-6993 or log on to www.mypigeonforge.com.