Former Ridger's Comedy Barn bonuses are no joke

Former Ridger's Comedy Barn bonuses are no joke

By: J.J. KindredThe Mountain Press

(Sevierville)PIGEON FORGE - Twelve employees who have worked at The Comedy Barn Theater in Pigeon Forge for its 10 years of existence are having their loyalty pay off - literally.

It will be a very merry Christmas for them and their families as well, as Comedy Barn owner David Fee - a former Oak Ridge resident - shared this year's profits from his theater, giving a Christmas bonus of $10,000 to each of the employees for their long-term employment and dedication.

Fee is the son of Gordon and Miriam Fee of Oak Ridge. Gordon Fee is retired as president of Lockheed Martin Energy Systems.

Fee told his employees about the bonus on Dec. 2, and presented the checks on Dec. 5. The employees, including the ones who have had a lesser tenure at the theater, will also travel next month on an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas.

The bonus is reportedly the largest given to the cast of any Pigeon Forge theater and crew.
Fee said he called the employees to the theater for a special meeting on Dec. 2, and informed them they were getting the bonus. He said they all reacted very ecstatic, and some even cried.

"We wanted to take care of the employees that were so loyal and have stayed here through good times and bad," said Fee. "Our employees have medical bills and families to take care of, and we wanted to reward them, no matter what their position was.

"We started with nothing when we came to Pigeon Forge," Fee continued. "These employees have been with us since the beginning, and they are a big part of the success we enjoy. It's great to be in a position to do this for them."

Fee added that he did not expect any resentment or jealousy from the other employees who have had lesser tenure at the theater.

"Everyone got cash bonuses," said Fee. "We've hardly had anyone who has been here for a year, and they're still going to Las Vegas."

Kathy Lapp-Kearney, Fee's secretary who has served in nearly every position at the theater, said she was one of the ones that cried when she received news of the bonus.

"It was just so unbelievable," said Kearney. "Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought they would have done this."

Kearney said she and the other long-time employees have done everything such as painting, cleaning floors, selling tickets and concessions, working with the video taping and performing.
"There's nothing any of us didn't do to help," said Kearney. "We gave our heart and soul to everything in this building."

Kearney added that her husband and family didn't believe her when she told them about her bonus. She has already put the money to use, purchasing a new van.

Wes Herrick, who works the animatronic character of Grandpa Duffy at the theater, said he was surprised and had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

"He just presented it. There was no forewarning," said Herrick. "The bottom line is we have a great man. We have tons of faithful customers that keep coming back, and it enables us to do clean, family entertainment."

Herrick said he will use the money to continue projects he has been working on to help military veterans.

Audio engineer Frank Ziepiela said he expressed major shock upon news of the bonus. He said his family shared in his shock, and he will simply put the money in the bank and pay off some bills.

"You don't expect that from an employer," said Ziepiela. "It is unheard of for an employer to do this. You never know if you will have a job tomorrow. It's a sign that we've done well. I'm very thankful."

Steve Curry, who plays guitar in the theater's band, expressed his joy in one word.

"Yee-Ha!" shouted Curry. "It will be nice to have a good Christmas and pay some bills.

"I've been here from the first rehearsal until now," Curry continued. "I've worked (in Sevier County) since the mid-60s. There's not many here who have had a 10-year run at the same place."

**** Mary's comment
It must be real wonderful to be able to get that bonus and acknowledgement from their boss.. WOW! Multimillionaires companies don't do a great thing like this.. That's unfortunate!