Butch Helton

Butch Helton, director of special events for the city of Pigeon Forge, has retired after more than 20 years of service to the community. Helton has been with the city’s events department since 2000, working his way up from an events coordinator to events manager before becoming the director of the department in 2010. During his time with the city, Helton has been the force behind numerous beloved local events including the city’s annual Veterans’ Day celebration, Patriot Festival, Wilderness Wildlife Week, and more. His leadership has also led to the city winning numerous national and international tourism and event awards.