PIGEON FORGE - October 1, 2002 -- It's been 25 years since folks in East Tennessee began honoring the pioneer days of bringing in the fall harvest. What was once a small affair called the National Crafts Festival has now become Dollywood's Harvest Celebration - the Smokies' largest outdoor crafts festival and one of the most attended premier events in the South.

To honor the anniversary of this popular event, a variety of "silver twists" have been placed on the festival, including the arrival of 25 new visiting crafters from across the country, 2500 square-feet of daily demonstrations by area craft guilds, roving musicians and storytellers, old-fashioned children's games and activities, and a splash of silver tin décor to accompany the thousands of pumpkins, mums, and cornstalks that fill the park during the month.

In addition to the crafts, Dollywood's Harvest Celebration also features the largest showcase of Southern gospel music in the country at the 7th Annual Southern Gospel Jubilee, and the park serves up a wide variety of Smoky Mountain fall favorites such as Fried Green Tomatoes, Fresh Baked Apple Pies, Grilled Chicken Kabobs, Skillet Potatoes, and Bread-Bowl Soups.

"As a little girl growing up in the Smoky Mountains here in East Tennessee, the fall harvest was one of the most special and important times of the year," says Dolly. "Since this is our 25th anniversary celebration, we're pulling out all the stops and giving folks more than ever before with lots of new craft demonstrations, activities for kids, great music, and of course my favorite - food."

The opening weekend of the festival also features the annual Woodcarver's Showcase. Full of dazzling displays of the country's finest woodcarvers, the three-day event includes Whittling and Team Carve-Around Competitions as well as a carver's choice Pumpkin Carving contest.

Visitors to the park can double their fall fun by combining the great variety of entertainment, rides, attractions, crafts, and food found at Dollywood all season long with the added bonus of the Harvest Celebration's many activities for a single Dollywood admission price.

Dollywood's Harvest Celebration takes place October 4 through November 2 (closed Thursdays). Park operating hours during this special event are Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Thursdays), and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD, or visit the park's website at www.dollywood.com.