On Saturday, September 9th, Dollywood was the host setting for the 25th Annual Golden Ticket Awards, considered by many as the "Oscars" of the amusement park industry. Dolly Parton, East Tennessee's crown jewel and the namesake for the award-winning entertainment destination in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, was on hand for the presentation and surprised the night's guests in the Showstreet Theater at Dollywood.
At the end of the evening, Dollywood picked up five Golden Ticket Awards for:
Best Park
Best Christmas Event - Christmas in the Smokies
Best Guest Experience
Best Kids' Area - Wildwood Grove
Best Family Coaster - Big Bear Mountain
The Golden Ticket award for Best Park was accepted by Eugene Naughton, President of the Dollywood Company. Dolly Parton brought the crowd to their feet when she walked out on stage to congratulate Naughton and the entire Dollywood family on this prestigious win.
Accepting the Golden Ticket Award for Golden Ticket Legend with Dolly Parton were Jack and Pete Herschend of Herschend Famly Entertainment. Parton partnered with the Herschend family to bring Dollywood to the East Tennessee area in 1986. Since that time, Dollywood has had a significant economic impact on the area, turning the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville and Gatlinburg areas into a signature family entertainment destination.
The Golden Ticket Awards are presented by Amusement Today with many corporate sponsors.
Story and Photos by Curtis Hilbun
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