If this dont bring in the teams.........I dont know want will. ;0)
'Dukes of Hazzard' reunion, plus Merle Haggard, coming to Sevierville this summer
By DEREK HODGES
dhodges@themountainpress.com
Feb 25,2009
SEVIERVILLE ? Fans of early-1980s television may want to start dusting off their CB radios and washing their cutoff jean shorts ? the "Dukes" are coming.
The first ever Smoky Mountain Fan Fest, slated for July 18-19 at Smokies Stadium, will feature the stars of the television series "The Dukes of Hazzard," as well as a special concert by country music legend Merle Haggard. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at
www.concertsinthesmokies.com or by calling 286-2320.
Among the cast members set to appear: Catherine Bach, who played Daisy Duke and was one of the show's main draws for countless adolescent males; and Ben Jones, who parlayed his small-screen success as Cooter into time representing Georgia in Congress. Additionally, James Best (who played Sheriff Rosco P. Coletrane), Sonny Shroyer (Enos), Rick Hurst (Cletus), Byron Cherry (Coy Duke) and Don Pedro Colley (Sheriff Little) will take part in autograph and photo sessions.
Fans will be able to submit questions for the cast to answer during one part of the event, while a number of cars used in the show ? including the famous Dodge Charger known as the General Lee ? will be on display. There will also be children's activities, live entertainment and food.
"My kids played "Dukes of Hazzard' when they were growing up, which makes me very excited about this event," Sevierville Mayor Bryan Atchley said. "To have cast members from "The Dukes of Hazzard' and Merle Haggard at the stadium is tremendous."
Haggard's performance will be the second one he's done at the stadium in three years. He appeared in 2007 with Willie Nelson and Ray Price. He'll take the stage Saturday evening.
With tourist numbers down throughout the county, local officials are hoping the event will help boost summer visitation.
"We are expecting a big crowd for the event, which will help to bring additional tourist business to Sevier County," County Mayor Larry Waters says.
The hope may not be misplaced. For its run on television, marketing efforts, a recent movie and other reasons, the "Dukes" brand has a massive following. Proof of that can be seen in the attendance at other fan events, as well as at Cooter's in the Smokies store in Gatlinburg.
"They have had thousands of people turn out when they've had events like this before in other places; it's unbelievable the following this still has," Allen Newton, Sevier County Economic Development Council executive director, said. "Certainly we hope this will provide some economic stimulus and get some people into town for that weekend."
The council operates the stadium and plans big-ticket shows like Fan Fest each year.
"That's one of the main reasons to have that stadium," Newton says. "We're always working to create events that will help drive our economy there."
General admission and reserved tickets can be purchased, and ticket packages are available starting at $65 for a two-day pass with a reserved seat for the concert. Sunday-only tickets are available for $20
