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'18 Kids and Counting' Family Boosts Pigeon Forge Population for a Smoky Mountains Vacation

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- While many families across America still are planning their summer escapes, the expansive Duggar family from the TLC reality TV show "18 Kids and Counting" is getting a jump on the travel season with a pre-Memorial Day vacation inPigeon Forge, Tenn., and the Great Smoky Mountains.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090506/CL12512 )

A six-member production crew is capturing the Duggars' family vacation for a summer episode of "18 Kids and Counting," which airs on TLC Tuesdays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). Each episode chronicles the lives of anArkansas couple, Jim Bob and Michele Duggar, and their 18 natural-born children, who range in age from four months to 21 years.

The family includes two sets of twins and one daughter-in-law, making this a vacation for 21.

Meeting entertainment superstar Dolly Parton and riding on a special Duggar float in the 24th annual Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade on Friday will accent the week.

"We're having a great time inPigeon Forge building fun family memories," said Jim Bob Duggar, after racing go-carts until almost 10 p.m. on the arrival day.

"We've done everything from bungee jumping, to making pottery to rolling down a hill in a Zorb ball. We're looking forward to meeting Dolly and being in the Dolly Parade. This is definitely a favorite destination for future family vacations," he said.

Pigeon Forge Mayor Keith Whaley invited the Duggars to travel from their home inSpringdale, Ark., to enjoyPigeon Forge and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The national park is celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout 2009 and is on the Duggars' vacation agenda.

The national park and scores ofPigeon Forge attractions make this gateway city to the Smokies one of America's most popular destinations. The city welcomes more than 10 million visitors every year.

Complete information aboutPigeon Forge attractions and travel itineraries is available online at www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.

SOURCE Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism