By DEREK HODGES

Staff Writer

PIGEON FORGE — With fanfare, a flourish of fireworks and a famous family, Pigeon Forge on Thursday became the third and final city to kick off Winterfest’s 20th anniversary celebration.

The stage at the annual event in Patriot Park seemed almost too small as the Duggar family, stars of the TLC reality television Show “18 Kids and Counting,” joined city officials and Special Events Volunteer of the Year Bob Fowler in flipping the switch that marked the start of the four-months-long festivities.

“Anything that lasts 20 years is cause to celebrate,” Mayor Keith Whaley said. “We’re certainly doing that tonight and we’re so glad you’re all here to help us do that. It seems appropriate that we have a family that really understands the significance of the number 20 here with us.”

In the core group of Duggars there are 20 family members total, including 18 children and parents Jim Bob and Michelle. In all, there were actually 24 members of the Duggar family taking part in Thursday’s event, though. That includes eldest son Josh, his wife Anna and their new daughter and the family’s first granddaughter Mackynzie, all of whom surprised the rest of the family by flying in to be part of the vacation Thursday morning.

Also present was Jim Bob’s mother Mary, who moved in with the family after the February death of her husband J.L. Thursday would have been the couple’s 49th wedding anniversary and the family presented Mary with a vase of roses to mark the day.

“This is kind of a day for us to remember him and honor him,” Michelle said.

The family has made vacationing in Pigeon Forge and Sevier County a tradition, though it’s not been until recently that their trips have become so publicized thanks to the show.

“Over the last 15 years we’ve probably been to Pigeon Forge a dozen times,” Michelle told The Mountain Press earlier in the evening. “We have pictures from a time we came here when Josh was just a little guy and we went on a picnic in Cades Cove. We actually got to see a bear. This is just one of our favorite places. We think of this as a home away from home.”

The couple said the family has fallen in love with the area because it caters to folks like them.

“Pigeon Forge is a very family- and faith-oriented destination,” Jim Bob said. “We encourage people to come to Pigeon Forge as a family. This really is a community of faith and it’s a great place for families.”

His wife agreed with his sentiment.

“We’re careful about the influences that come into our children’s lives and this is the kind of place where we can find plenty for them to do. And the people here are just wonderful. It’s just like being at home,” she said.

After flipping the ceremonial switch with Fowler, the family stayed on stage for a while to serenade the crowd with Christmas carols. As they sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and the children played violins, snow machines cranked out fluffy white flakes over the crowd.

For those who waited – some for hours – in the cold for the chance to see the family, which has gained a considerable following in part because of the strong Christian faith they rely on in the raising of their kids, just the chance to snap a few pictures of the family and interact with Jim Bob was a thrill.

“We love them,” Molly Spurlock said.

“We really admire the way they’re raising their family and their values,” mother Jenni Spurlock agreed. “They’re just good people.”

The two, along with friend Haley Cole, met the clan on its May visit. Still, they said that wasn’t enough and came back to get autographed pictures and the chance to pass along a list of suggested baby names, which may come in handy since Michelle is pregnant with the couple’s 19th child.

“We watch them all the time,” Cole said. “We gave them a list of names they can use that has J names on the front and M names on the back because they only use J names for the kids and they’re using M names for the grandchildren.”

Though the hoopla surrounded the Duggars, there was plenty of other entertainment to round out the night. Local dance groups, choirs and bands took to the stage throughout the evening, while Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier capped off the event.

“It has been amazing,” Lila Wilson, director of special events, said. “The weather couldn’t be any more perfect. The crowd couldn’t be any better. The entertainment couldn’t be any more perfect. We’re kicking the 20th anniversary off in grand style.”

Wilson promised the flashy start will be mirrored in the coming years after a few years of somewhat meager Winterfest kickoff events in Pigeon Forge.

“It will continue in this style,” she said. “It will continue to be amazing. There will be surprises every year and something new to see.”

dhodges@themountainpress.com