Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Dolly Parton’s hometown, Sevierville, Tennessee, and the USO recently teamed up to create a special moment for troops and Department of Defense civilian ID card holders serving in the Kaiserslautern, Wiesbaden, and Spangdahlem areas of Germany, by giving away tickets to Dolly’s “Blue Smoke” concert in Cologne, Germany. Little did they know that one of the winners, Tracy Hargus, would be from Knoxville, Tennessee.
“We felt partnering with the USO was a great opportunity to show our appreciation to our nation’s military and civilians serving in Germany,” says Sevierville CVB sales director Scott King. “The fact that one of the winners was from East Tennessee, made it even more special.”
Sevierville has actively partnered with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development – Germany for the past few years to promote itself as an American vacation destination, and has seen positive growth as a result. The new partnership with the USO is a natural one, because it reaches American servicemen and women living in Germany who may be returning to the states for vacations more often.
“I am truly thankful for the wonderful opportunity of winning the Blue Smoke Giveaway for Wiesbaden, Germany,” says Ms. Hargus, a Department of the Army Civilian (Budget Analyst) working for USAREUR G8 Tactical Execution Branch in Wiesbaden Germany. “The concert was wonderful. Dolly’s voice was amazing and beautiful. The seats were terrific. The hotel was amazing.” She continues in an email, “I am from Knoxville, Tennessee, so the event was even more special to me because I grew up listening to Dolly and going to Dollywood. Thank you for the wonderful memory. I will cherish it.”
A total of three grand prizes were given. The other winners were Mr. Gary Hoffman and SMSgt Matthew Console.
The sweepstakes offered active duty service members and DoD civilian ID card holders and their families in those regions the chance to win tickets to Dolly Parton’s July 5 “Blue Smoke” concert in Cologne, Germany, as well as a one-night stay at the four-star Dorint Hotel. The ticket giveaway was sponsored by the USO, as well as the Sevierville Convention and Visitors Bureau / Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development – Germany.
American Forces Network (AFN) Radio helped get the word out about the contest. Ahead of the launch of the contest, representatives from Sevierville participated in a radio interview on AFN to promote both the contest and the Sevierville and Smoky Mountains area as a travel destination.
USO Europe serves more than 2 million service members and their families annually at 15 locations throughout Europe. To find out more about USO Europe and this contest go to www.uso.org/europe.
For more information about Dolly Parton’s hometown, Sevierville, Tennessee go to VisitSevierville.com.
About the USO
The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
