Press Release: Dollywood
December 8, 2000
PIGEON FORGE, TN -- Dolly Parton will welcome a ``whole new world'' to her Dollywood theme park in 2001, as she
introduces Dollywood's Festival of Nations, an international celebration of authentic entertainment, food, and
culture. More than 400 entertainers from over 15 countries will take part in the festival, which debuts with Dollywood's
Grand Opening April 7, 2001.
From Ireland and Russia to Ecuador and Puerto Rico, visitors to the park will have the opportunity to ``travel''
to a variety of countries to experience each culture first-hand. A group of Irish dancers and musicians will perform
the popular Irish step-dancing; Russian ``Cossacks Fighters'' will display the strength and courage required to
perform their traditional dance; members of an Indian village from the Andes Mountains of South America will play
their traditional handmade charangos, flutes, and drums; and dancers from the National Folkloric Ballet of Puerto
Rico will showcase the musical folklore of their country. Other countries expected to be represented at Dollywood's
Festival of Nations include Germany, India, Spain, Trinidad, Australia, and Vietnam.
``I'm so excited to bring the Festival of Nations to Dollywood,'' says Dolly Parton. ``I've always treasured my
Smoky Mountain heritage, so it's going to be great to see all of these wonderful performers from all over the world
sharing their heritage with us here in East Tennessee.''
In addition to international music, dance, and entertainment, Dollywood's Festival of Nations will also serve up
an array of cuisine from around the world. Food items from Mexico, Greece, Germany, China, and France will be available
at a variety of restaurant locations throughout the park. The special activities at Dollywood's Festival of Nations
will coincide with all of Dollywood's regular season entertainment shows and attractions, so guests will still
be able to enjoy park favorites such as Paradise Road, and Let the Good Times Roll, as well as the Tennessee Tornado,
Daredevil Falls, and Smoky Mountain Rampage. Returning for its second season in 2001 is Dreamland Forest, Dollywood's
15,000 square-foot interactive area, which also proved to be a winner with families in 2000.
For more information on Dollywood's Festival of Nations, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD, or visit the park's website at www.dollywood.com .
Media: For more information on Dollywood's Festival of Nations, contact Dollywood Publicity at (865) 428-9486
SOURCE: Dollywood