2019 Pigeon Forge Destination Guide | Page 26

48 R E U N I O N S & R E T R E AT S R E U N I O N S & R E T R E AT S REUNITE, REMEMBER, CELEBRATE Pigeon Forge is the ideal place to gather with family and friends. Bring generations together to strengthen family ties. Reconnect with high school or college classmates. Reunite with military service members. Time spent together is what you make it, whether it’s enjoying the attractions, being entertained at a theater or dinner show, or simply getting reacquainted during a Smoky Mountain retreat. Whatever the reason for gathering, be prepared to create new memories with family and friends in Pigeon Forge. MILITARY REUNIONS You’ll find that Pigeon Forge is a very patriotic community. Red, white and blue runs deep in this Smoky Mountain town, making it a premier destination for military reunions. Extra efforts are taken to guarantee that these reunions are a fitting tribute to their special attendees. We offer everything from catering, transportation services and accommodations, to sightseeing tours and other amenities for America’s heroes. Each August, Pigeon Forge presents Celebrate Freedom!™, when participating businesses in town offer special discounts to active duty, National Guard, the Reserves and military veterans, as well as emergency responders. August also is the month of our Veterans Homecoming Parade, our annual tribute to the men and women who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces. FAMILY REUNIONS It’s heartwarming to hear many of our visitors say that coming to Pigeon Forge is like coming home. We invite you to have your next family reunion here, in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains. Bring generations of your family “home” to Pigeon Forge and make memories that will last a lifetime. Pigeon Forge Reunion Planning Calendar 24 Months Before • Form an organizing committee • Set the date and choose a location • Develop a budget • Contact the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism at 1-800-285-7557 • Start a mailing list • Scout hotels and meeting facilities 18 Months Before • Select and reserve hotels and meeting venues • Arrange for and hire services, such as entertainment and catering • Send a “save the date” mailer 12 Months Before • Mail reunion registration materials • Pay deposits • Plan leisure activities, such as sightseeing tours • Provide information on reunion to all websites that post reunion dates 6 Months Before • Confirm caterer, entertainment and other services • Select a menu • Meet with hotel and meeting venue staff 4 Months Before • Make payment arrangements with suppliers for group functions, including tours and meals 1 Month Before • Finalize last-minute details • Get excited and start packing 49