French Lick Resort Launches $10,000 Country Band Challenge
Midwest destination to host talent contest throughout May & June; entries can be uploaded to YouTube

FRENCH LICK, IN (March 30, 2009) –The next big country music band just may have French Lick Resort to thank in their GRAMMY® acceptance speech. The Midwest destination is putting out the call for groups to enter the $10,000 Country Band Challenge. This month-long battle of the bands will give country acts the chance to compete for the $10,000 cash prize.

Bands are encouraged to submit a CD or DVD to the resort with a photo or to upload a video onto YouTube.The deadline for entries is April 24 and the 16 finalists will be announced on April 29. The finalists will perform live on the casino stage for 30 minutes on weekends May 22-29. Fans and supporters, 21 and over, are encouraged to be at the casino during the performances since bands are judged by crowd applause until the final round.

The eight top bands will move on to round two and will perform again on June 5-6. The four semi-finalists will all compete on June 12. The competition will come full circle when the final two groups perform live in front of a panel of judges on June 13.

For the finale, the groups will put on a live show at the resort. Just like Kenny Rogers, Lee Ann Womack, and Clint Black (concert is on May 30) came before them, these finalists will have a chance to strut their stuff on the French Lick stage. This special performance will be in the Sports Center.

Preliminary round performances are free for casino guests. Tickets for the final showdown are $10 and may be purchased at the Hoosier Sugar Company in the French Lick Springs Hotel, on Ticketforce or at the door the night of the show.

To enter groups may send a CD or DVD and photo to:
French Lick Resort
10k Country Band Challenge
8670 W. State Road 56
French Lick, IN 47432

Or, simply upload a video to French Lick Resort’s Country Band group page on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/group/FLRCountryBands

Fans can follow all the action on the resort’s Facebook page and through Twitter updates.

Important Dates

April 24
Deadline for entries

April 29
Finalists Announced

May 22, 23, 24 &29
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
First group of bands perform live at casino

 June 5-6
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Round two, eight bands perform live at casino

June 12
 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Four semi-finalists will compete live at the casino

June 13
10 p.m.-midnight
Final two bands battle it out in front of the judges for the title and $10,000 cash prize

For complete contest rules, please visit www.frenchlick.com.  For help with planning your trip to French Lick Resort please call our reservation specialists at 888-936-9360.

#

French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and the new French Lick Casino. This premier resort and casino destination features 686 guest rooms and suites; a 51,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick (opening Spring 2009); two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 115,000 square feet and an array of dining and entertainment options.

Crappie USA Northern Regional Coming to Indiana's Patoka Lake

Crappie USA Inc., “America’s Premier National Crappie Fishing Tournament Organization” will hold the Northern Regional Event on Indiana’s Patoka Lake on June 5th & 6th. These anglers have qualified from local events held in Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Oklahoma. The prequalified anglers will be fishing for a 7-fish limit of crappie both days, which could net them a check along with the opportunity to advance to the Cabela’s Crappie USA Classic, the most prestigious event in crappie fishing today.  The Crappie USA Northern Regional event is sponsored by the Orange County CVB and the Dubois County Visitors Bureau.

A pre-tournament seminar will be held for the anglers qualified for the event on Thursday evening at Paoli Peaks in Paoli, Indiana. Sign up will begin at 5:00pm with the meeting and a National Sponsor Field Test Product Drawing starting at 7:00pm local time. This seminar is open to the public. For those not fishing the event, we encourage you to come out to this meeting and meet the top crappie anglers in the region.

The tournament weigh-in will be held on Friday and Saturday the 5th and 6th beginning at 3:00pm at the Hoosier Hills Marina, off Hwy. 545 on the west side of the lake.

This is the perfect opportunity for non-competitors to come and learn how the big ones are caught by the top crappie anglers in the Northern Region. Interviews of the top 5 teams will be conducted after the weigh in.

The Orange County CVB and the Dubois County Visitors Bureau would like to welcome all Crappie USA anglers and their guest to the area and hope they take the opportunity to enjoy the many attractions in the area. For more information on the area call: Orange County CVB at: 1-877-422-9925 or visit their website at: www.orangecountyin.com. For the Dubois County Visitors Bureau call: 1-800-968-4578 or visit their website at: www.visitduboiscounty.com.  Host lodging for the event will be the Days Inn, 272 Brucke Strasse, at the corner of Brucke Strasse & South Newton in Jasper, IN. For reservations call: 812-482-6000 or 1-800-742-7482. Rooms are limited so make your reservations early and mention Crappie USA.

Crappie USA "Crappie Kids Rodeo"

Held in conjunction with the tournament will be the Crappie Kids Fishing Rodeo to be held Saturday morning at the Hoosier Hills Marina. Sign up for the Kids Rodeo will be at 8:00am with the rodeo from 9:00am till 11:00am. The Crappie USA Kids Fishing Rodeo is a chance for children of the area to get out and enjoy nature, do a little fishing and win some prizes. The event is free to all children 12 and under with all participants eligible for a chance to win one of the six, Crappie USA $2,000.00 scholarships to be awarded at the Cabela’s Crappie USA Classic.

Crappie USA and our anglers have contributed nearly $270,000.00 to the “Crappie Kids” Scholarships since 1997. We are very proud to be a part of the education process for the youngsters who participate in our tournaments as adult/youth teams and those who fish in the Crappie USA “Kids Fishing Rodeos”.

National Sponsors of Crappie USA are: Cabela’s, Rebel Yell, Ranger Boats,  Evinrude Outboards, Tite-Lok Rod Holders and Acc., Cruiser RV, B ‘n’ M Poles, Minn Kota, Humminbird Electronics, Adventure Products EGO Nets, J.R. Mad’s, Eagle Claw, Eagle Claw Bait and Scents, Charlie Brewer’s Slider Co., Food Source Lures, Big Bite Baits, TTI-Blakemore Road Runner, Vicious Fishing Line, Flip Stick Co., Southern Pro Tackle, Anglers Unlimited, AWD Baits, ANPAC ("American National"), Porcupine Fish Attractors and Ron Gooding Insurance.

The following companies furnish product to help make these events possible: Kodiak Fish Attractants, Keep Alive, and Hydro Glow.

For more information please call Crappie USA Inc. at 270-395-4204. Please visit our website at www.crappieusa.com.

FRENCH LICK RESORT ANNOUNCES 2009 PETE DYE GOLF PACKAGES
Popular golf destination ready to showcase new golf product

French Lick, IN (January 2009) - Golf Aficionados, pack your clubs and get ready to experience one of “Hall of Fame” architect, Pete Dye’s greatest designs, as well as one of America’s top golfing combinations. French Lick Resort, located in southern Indiana, announces that the new Pete Dye Golf Packages for the 2009 golf season are available for booking.

Many already believe that Pete Dye has created one of the most breathtaking and exciting 18-holes of golf in the country. The course, which features vintage Pete Dye characteristics, was carefully carved into the dramatic hillside offering a variety of elevation changes, rugged and dramatic terrain, narrow fairways and ever changing bunkers, along with spectacular views from every hole that stretch for over 40 miles.

Opening April 24, 2009, the new Pete Dye course will combine with the newly restored Donald Ross course to offer a top-notch golf experience. Guests who stay at the luxurious West Baden Springs Hotel will have priority access to golf packages and tee-times at the new Pete Dye course.

Pete Dye Golf Experience

Golfers will be excited to play arguably Pete Dye’s most spectacular inland design. This golf package includes an overnight stay at the historic West Baden Springs Hotel and two 18-hole rounds of golf on the new spectacular Pete Dye golf course. In addition, the package includes use of driving range and practice facilities, bag storage, and shuttle transportation. Gratuity and caddy fee not included. Package prices start at $810.00 per person based on double occupancy.

Hall of Fame Golf Package

Savvy golfers will look forward to experiencing the only resort in the world that combines the classic history of Donald Ross and the modern day design of the legendary Pete Dye. This package includes an overnight stay at the historic West Baden Springs Hotel and 18-holes of golf on the new spectacular Pete Dye golf course and 18-holes on the recently restored and historic 1917-designed Donald Ross Course. In addition, the package includes use of driving range and practice facilities, bag storage, and shuttle transportation. Gratuity and caddy fee not included. Package prices start at $550.00 per person based on double occupancy.

Donald Ross Golf Experience

Take a walk back in time and experience the game the way it was meant on this classic historic layout. This golf package includes an overnight stay at either the historic West Baden Springs Hotel or the French Lick Springs Hotel and two 18-hole rounds of golf on the newly restored Donald Ross golf course. In addition, the package includes use of driving range and practice facilities, bag storage, and shuttle transportation. Package prices start at $249.00 per person based on double occupancy.
For more information or to book one of the Pete Dye golf packages or Donald Ross package, please visit www.frenchlick.com or call our reservation specialists at (888) 936-9360.

About French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and the new French Lick Casino. This premier resort and casino destination in Southern Indiana features 689 guest rooms and suites; a 51,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick (opening 2009); two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 115,000 square feet and an array of dining and entertainment options. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Fact Sheet, Additional Photos or a Site Tour:
Vickie Lincks
Director of Marketing and Communications
Valley of the Springs
P.O. Box 192
French Lick, IN
Phone (812) 936-6930
Fax (812) 936-3931
vlincks@valleyofthesprings.com
www.bigsplashadventure.com

Valley of the Springs Resort Now Open!

French Lick, Indiana (March 2, 2009) - It is time to break out your bathing suit!  Valley of the Springs Resort, French Lick, Indiana’s new family destination is now open to guests.

“WOW!” is likely to be a commonly heard exclamation as guests enter the beautifully themed lobby for the first time. The atmosphere transports visitors to the tropics, complete with a boatyard, beaches and pirates.

The exciting new property combines a 154 room, family friendly hotel with Big Splash Adventure, a remarkable 40,000 square foot water park that is full of unique and exciting features.  The property invites guests to enjoy a tropical atmosphere year round.  Valley of the Springs and Big Splash Adventure are already gaining industry attention as “The greenest large water park project to date” for its innovative & environmentally friendly design.  The water park is housed in a glass structure that features a retractable roof, one of the few in the world.    Upgraded filtration systems will ensure excellent water and air quality.

Families will explore a wonderland of water park activities. 

• Buccaneer Bay, a three story water play structure featuring a 1,000 gallon dumping bucket welcomes kids to a pirate themed adventure. 
• The 40 foot slide tower provides a launch site for 2 body slides and 2 tube slides providing twists, turns and thrills. 
• Lost River, our pirate themed lazy river, will float guests into a land of adventure. 
• The Splish Splash Pool will be a safe haven for toddlers, offering bouncy chairs for dipping tiny toes in the water and water play features perfectly sized for the smallest water park guest.
• Lost River Lagoon, a large activity pool, will challenge swimmers with a lily pad course, vortex pool, and basketball hoops.
• Parents will find rest and relaxation at Palm Cove, a large whirlpool surrounded by palm trees.

Land -lubbers will find entertainment in The Treasure Chest Arcade & Redemption Center and Comfyland, an award winning interactive play and leaning center for children ages 1-5. 

On Friday, February 20th, the Valley of the Springs Resort opened its doors for the first time to overnight guests.  The 154 room hotel is in the “soft” opening stage in order to prepare to welcome guests to Big Splash Adventure, the 40,000 square foot water park. “In coming days we will be opening additional amenities in the hotel, including The Boatyard Restaurant, The Galley Grille, and Treasure Chest Arcade,” shares Director of Operations, Steve Stewart. 

 “We are busy putting on the finishing touches, testing systems and training our staff.  We will be opening our doors for water park guests on March 13th.   I am tremendously excited to show our guests this beautiful new facility.” continues Stewart.    “We are encouraging guests to make Spring Break Reservations early to assure availability!”

Reservations can be made at (877)936-3866, or  reservations@valleyofthesprings.com.

For Additional Information:
Vickie Lincks
Director of Marketing and Communications
Valley of the Springs Resort
PH: (812)936-6930
Mobile:   (812)630-7779
www.bigsplashadventure.com

###

For Immediate Release
For More Information, Photos or a Site Tour, contact:
Vickie Lincks
Director of Marketing and Communications
Valley of the Springs
P.O. Box 192
French Lick, IN
Phone (812) 936-3866
Fax (812) 936-3931
vlincks@valleyofthesprings.com
www.valleyofthesprings.com

New Indoor Water Park Earns Green Award

What is good for the environment is good for business!  This statement is particularly meaningful for Jerry and Carolyn Fuhs, owner/developers of Valley of the Springs Resort and Big Splash Adventure Water Park. 

“This has been most green project I have worked on to date,” quoted Jeff Nodorft, in the most recent issue of Tourist Attractions and Parks Magazine.  Jeff Nodorft is the Studio Director for Councilman-Hunsaker, the lead design and engineering firm for Valley of the Springs Resort.  The new resort and water park will also be featured in the upcoming “green” issue of Waterpark Resorts Today.

The unique design of this new resort is immediately noticeable, even from a distance.  Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park is housed in a clear panel aluminum structure designed by OpenAire, Inc.  The building is not only beautiful, but is a primary component of the energy efficient design.  This glass structure allows for natural light, offering a significant reduction in energy consumption.  The unique retractable roof and perimeter of windows promotes natural ventilation and air flow.  Natural lighting and ventilation will provide a superior environment for guests.

The latest technology in water filtration “The Defender” by Neptune-Benson will allow for a substantial reduction in water usage by virtually eliminating the backwash that comes with traditional sand filtration systems.  “The Defender” also provides state of the art water filtration and superior pool water quality, which allows a reduction in the use of chemicals.  Efficient motor design also contributes to overall energy savings.

Ultraviolet Disinfectant Systems and high efficiency boilers round out the sustainable and energy efficient design of Valley of the Springs Resort and Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park.  Whenever feasible, recycled materials were used in the construction process.

The laundry center will be equipped with Ozone Laundry.  This system will reduce the need for hot water by up to 95%, while producing a superior result and increasing linen life.

Green solutions are also found in the IT department of Valley of the Springs Resort.  David Gramelspacher, Director of IT, has designed a system utilizing a virtualization solution.  This allows a reduction in the amount of power needed to operate the system.  “Less power equals less heat and less need for air conditioning to maintain server room temperatures – the savings really add up over time.” states Gramelspacher.

“Following through with ‘green’ solutions as the project is finished and moves into daily operations is also important,” shares owner Carolyn Fuhs.  “As we move forward, we will continually monitor where we can incorporate energy savings, recycled materials and environmentally friendly practices.”

Creating a partnership with guests will bring the project full circle.  “The final step will be to include environmental education into our themed programming for children.  We will offer field trips and programming that share our resort’s initiatives in a fun filled environment,” adds Marketing Director Vickie Lincks.  “We will also be asking guest to participate in our towel and linen re-use program and to conserve energy by turning off the lights and television as they leave the guest room.”

As construction nears completion, the next step will be to start the process of pursuing LEED certification. 

Good for the environment, good for business, good for guests.  At Valley of the Springs Resort, that is a winning combination

For More Information, Photos or a Site Tour, contact:
Vickie Lincks
Director of Marketing and Communications
Valley of the Springs
P.O. Box 192
French Lick, IN
Direct Line: (812)936-6930
Resort: (812) 936-3866
Fax: (812) 936-3931
vlincks@valleyofthesprings.com
www.valleyofthesprings.com

###

We are happy to announce we are now taking reservations and our gift certificates are available for purchase. For more information please call 1-877-936-FUNN (3866) or visit our site at http://www.valleyofthesprings.com or http://www.bigsplashadventure.com

The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort Will Join America’s Best
New dramatic Dye course will open April 2009

French Lick, IN – (January  2009) – Not since the opening of Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, has there been a more anticipated golf course opening in the Midwest until now, and “Hall of Fame” architect Pete Dye is responsible for both. The new Pete Dye course at French Lick Resort will open to the public on April 24, 2009.

Situated atop the rolling hills overlooking the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana is French Lick Resort, one of America’s premier resort destinations. This historic resort is located in the small town of French Lick, where for over two centuries the Pluto Mineral Springs has attracted visitors. (It is also known as the hometown of basketball legend Larry Bird.)

Soon the town will be known as one of the great golf destinations in the country. Since the early 1900’s, golf has been an integral part of this resort area. Tom Bendelow designed the first course here in 1907 followed by the great Donald Ross ten years later. In 2009, however, French Lick moves to an entirely new level with the opening of the spectacular new Pete Dye course.

Dye, an Indiana native who recently was inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame, is famous for his innovative course designs. In 1982, Dye gave us the concept of stadium golf at TPC Sawgrass in Florida. What followed were a series of Dye signature designs including the Ocean Course at Kiawah, PGA West in California, Whistling Straits in Wisconsin and now this new course at French Lick Resort.

“I have spent the past five decades designing golf courses all over the world, including courses on great coastal sites,” Dye explains. “This new project at French Lick Resort brings great excitement to Alice and me because the course is on arguably the best inland site I have ever worked on.”

Many already believe that Dye has created one of the most breathtaking and exciting 18 holes of golf in the country. The course was carefully carved into the dramatic hillside offering a variety of elevation changes, rugged and dramatic terrain, narrow fairways and ever changing bunkers, along with spectacular views from every hole that stretch for over 40 miles.

Acknowledging the advances in modern equipment, golf balls and player fitness, Dye has designed a golf course that stretches over 8,100 yards from the professional tees. However, this new creation welcomes all levels of players. With five sets of tees, yardages begin at 5,100 yards from the forward tees. Most players will probably play from either 6,100 or 6,700 yards.

This new course is already gaining recognition. In 2010, the PGA of America will play its PGA Professional National Championship on the new Pete Dye course. This is expected to be the first of several high profile professional events to be hosted here. 

Complementing the new Pete Dye course at French Lick Resort is the historic Donald Ross course, which has just undergone a $4.6 million restoration project that has brought the course back to Ross’s original plans. French Lick is now the only resort in the world that combines the classic history of Donald Ross and the modern day design of the legendary Pete Dye. This combination is a spectacular opportunity for golfers to experience two of the best designers who ever shaped beautiful landscapes into golf courses.

 About French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and the new French Lick Casino. This premier resort and casino destination in Southern Indiana features 689 guest rooms and suites; a 51,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick (opening 2009); two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 115,000 square feet and an array of dining and entertainment options. 
For more information or to book a stay, please visit www.frenchlick.com or call our reservation specialists at (888) 936-9360.