DAVY CROCKETT ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY IS HUGE HIT WITH FANS Fess Parker invites the public to send in memorable photographs of themselves as kids in coonskin caps

LOS OLIVOS, CA: Davy Crockett – the brave frontiersman and Tennessee congressman who later defended The Alamo in Texas’ fight for sovereignty – captured the roguish imagination of a whole generation of children thanks to former actor Fess Parker’s portrayal of him in the 1954-56 Davy Crockett movies and television series produced by Walt Disney.

Now, half a century later, fans still reminisce about the man they grew to love and admire, as evidenced by the submissions of pictures and fan letters to the Fess Parker website.

The Anniversary Photo Celebration, created in late 2004 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the television series, invites adults who grew up watching Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone (both characters Parker portrayed on television) to scan old photographs of themselves as kids wearing coonskin caps or frontier attire and email them to photos@fessparker.com. Fans are encouraged to share a Crockett or Boone memory, or write a short description of the photos they submit via email. The photos are then posted to the Shooting Gallery on the Fess Parker website every month between September 2004 and June 2005, with monthly drawings for memorabilia and festive prizes.

What fans are saying:

Fess Parker was a wonderful example to the kids who grew up watching his show and I am excited to be a part of this celebration. And even though it has been 50 years ago I carry those memories with me today.
Vicki Reed Redmon, San Antonio, Texas

Ben loved playing Davy Crockett so much that he wouldn't let his mother wash the outfit because he would never take it off!
Keith Morkel, father of Ben, Dayton, Ohio

To the horror of most of the neighbors, I sang the theme song as I played it on the piano. As I remember it, there were 105 verses!
John B.Newbold, New Jersey

My husband and I grew up living around the corner from each other and we would play together often as children. One of our favorite games was Davy and the Indians. Of course, he was Davy and I was the Indian who got tied up! We would watch every show you made on The Wonderful World of Disney.
Warren and Carrol McGee,

The first time I went to Disney land in 1958 or so, I thought I would see Davy Crockett there because I thought he really lived there.
Larry Butler, Edmond, Oklahoma

These are just some of many quotes from devotees who found “Davy courage” inspiring. The candor and homespun appeal of Davy Crockett spans generations as evidenced by Little Joseph – the grandson of Mary Flandez-Diaz, who won second place in a costume contest at age 18-months, dressed as Davy Crockett. It was his grandmother’s nostalgia for Davy that led to the costume idea.

Parker, now 80, looks back on his acting days with modesty. He remains recognizable despite his, now, white hair. People come up to him and say, “I grew up with you!” During the Crockett show’s run (1954 - 1956), Davy-mania made the coonskin cap one of the most sought-after items for kids — 5000 coonskin caps sold per day at the peak in 1955.

“A lot of little children, when they’re shown the show, they want the cap – even now,” says Parker.

With the upcoming 50-year anniversary of Disneyland, more children will have the opportunity to learn about the park’s history, its original draw and Americana. In fact, opening day at Disneyland featured Fess Parker as Davy Crockett riding along side Walt Disney on horseback.

In December 2004, Disney honored Parker with a tribute window located in the former “American Buffalo Hat Co.” façade. The Frontierland storefront was renamed “Crockett & Russell Hat. Co.” in reference to Georgie Russell, the devoted pal played by late actor Buddy Ebsen.

Back in April 2004, Parker donated his original Crockett coonskin cap, as well as his western costume and bowie knife from his starring role as Daniel Boone (1964 - 1970) to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. Now a winery-owner in Santa Barbara for the last fifteen years, Fess Parker and his family have over 600 planted acres in the county. Visitors to the Fess Parker website will find Anniversary Photos along with special winery merchandise in the Crockett General Store. Fess Parker wines, Davy Crockett DVDs and coonskin cap bottle toppers, among other items are available for purchase.

For more information on how to submit digital and print photos, visit www.fessparker.com/html/anniversary_celebration.html

Or contact: Laurie Carper, Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9465, lcarper@charlescomm.com