Update On Gatlinburg

PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee -Pigeon Forge tourism officials are reinforcing that the city’s many attractions, theaters, restaurants and lodging properties are operating as usual after recent wildfires in the area. The announcement comes after Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner encouraged visitation to the area as a show of support.

“If you really want to do something for Gatlinburg, come back and visit us,” Werner said in a Nov. 30 press conference.

“Many of our city’s 6,000 residents, as well as those of our friends and family in Gatlinburg, are dependent on the tourism industry for jobs to care for themselves and their families,” said Leon Downey, Pigeon Forge executive director of tourism. “As our communities move forward, our industry has an obligation to our residents and employees to encourage visitation to the area and sustain our businesses.”

Pigeon Forge businesses were not damaged during this week’s fires, and businesses are operating as usual. The city’s Winterfest festival continues, including several Christmas shows at various theaters. Dollywood theme park reopens on Friday, Dec. 2. Restaurants and lodging properties are operating on normal schedules.

City-wide support includes 30 Pigeon Forge firefighters currently stationed in Wears Valley.

Of the 500 evacuees in Pigeon Forge, fewer than 20 remain in the Pigeon Forge Community Center shelter.

“We are heartbroken by the devastation we’ve seen in Gatlinburg,” said Pigeon Forge City Manager Earlene Teaster. “But I speak on behalf of all our Pigeon Forge tourism partners when I say that we offer our constant prayers and encouragement for everyone affected and stand alongside them as they work to rebuild.”

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TN VOAD) have set up a call center to provide information for those who would like to donate goods and volunteer to help survivors. For a list of the most-needed items, please visit http://mypf.social/pfdonationneeds. The call center is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; the phone number is 866-586-4483.

To support displaced residents and visitors, Pigeon Forge established a distribution center to disperse donated food and supplies. Located just off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge in the former Boyds Bear building at 149 Cates Lane, the facility is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Chronicle Was At Creekside 2016

Chronicle is from Denham Springs, Louisiana. We formed the group in April 2009 and thank God that we have had the opportunity to sing and minister across the southern United States. Group members are Tim Kinchen, Missy Kinchen and Wendy Lowe. The trio Chronicle will bring great southern and country gospel music along with praise and worship to it's audiences. We use tracks along with saxophone and acoustic guitar.
It is such a privilege and honor for us to work with our producer Ricky Atkinson and Resting Place Music. This partnership along with much prayer has allowed the group to attain great success at radio.
We all attend local churches in the Livingston Parish area, and all have conservative christian values. We believe that salvation only comes through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We want to thank all who have contributed to the growth and success of Chronicle. Mostly we thank God for opening the doors and providing the means needed, to spread His glorious gospel. Looking forward to ministering at your church or function. 

Find Chronicle HERE