Butch Helton, a 10-year veteran events coordinator for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, has been promoted to special events manager.
He now oversees the department that organizes and operates a year-round calendar of city-sponsored special events such as Wilderness Wildlife Week, Saddle Up!, A Mountain Quiltfest, Patriot Festival and the Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade.
“The special events office is a key component of Pigeon Forge’s tourism success. Its programs bring extra visitors to town at strategic times of year, and Butch’s experience with them means we can expect more growth and success in special events,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
Downey noted that Pigeon Forge’s special events have been recognized for excellence by outside organizations. Many city events have earned Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event status, the American Bus Association has named Pigeon Forge Winterfest to its list of the Top 100 Events in North America three times and the first Celebrate Freedom event won a Grand Pinnacle Award, the top award from the International Festivals and Events Association.
Helton, a Pigeon Forge native and a graduate of Sevier County High School, worked for the Pigeon Forge Parks and Recreation Department before transferring to the tourism department’s special events office in 2000.
“Pigeon Forge’s special events are a true team effort. In addition to the staff, scores of community volunteers contribute greatly to the organization and operation of our events. I look forward to working with all of them, plus working with other city departments and the many Pigeon Forge businesses that are involved with special events,” Helton said.
Helton has received multiple certificates of achievement from the International Festivals and Events Association and in 2006 was named the Lion of the Decade by the Pigeon Forge Lions Club.
