HARTFORD-Smoky Mountain Outdoors reached a milestone Saturday, celebrating its 50,000th customer of the 2012 rafting season.

The event marked the first time any rafting company in the county has reached the 50,000 mark and is another highlight of what's shaping up to be a record-setting year on the Pigeon River.

Kim Donahey of Taylor, Mich., which is just south of Detroit, was the lucky winner, receiving a plaque and free trip down the river for herself and eight other family members. Her brother-in-law, Chris Donahey, said it was the family's first visit to the area.

"We're staying in Sevierville and Kim had booked the trip."

While pleased with the milestone, Smoky Mountain Outdoors Owner Daniel Janette said the celebration isn't just about Smoky Mountain Outdoors.

For more details, see Tuesday's edition of The Newport Plain Talk