Pigeon Forge, Tn., will host its 13th annual Saddle Up, Feb. 21-24, 2013. The four-day event, a tip of the hat to the American West, features concerts by cowboy musicians and poets, a chuck wagon cookoff and other activities designed to entertain the entire family.
Saddle Up is part of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, a four-month season of activities that begins in November and continues through February.
Performers for 2013 include cowboy poets Waddie Mitchell and Chris Isaacs, along with musicians Brenn Hill, the Quebe Sisters Band, Sourdough Slim, Dave Stamey, T. Scot Wilburn and the Shut Up -N- Playboys, and Wylie & the Wild West. Concerts at Grand Majestic Theater (3 and 7 p.m. on Feb. 22; 6 p.m. on Feb. 23) are $15 each.
Two Intimate Evening dinner shows are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 21. Wylie & the Wild West perform at Partridge & Pear restaurant, while the Quebe Sisters Band entertains at Mama’s Farmhouse Restaurant. Tickets for Intimate Evening dinner shows are $50.
“Stories & Strings,” Feb. 22, features performances by a select group of Saddle Up musicians sharing favorite tunes and stories. The noon concert ($15) at Smoky Mountain Guitar Shop includes a chuck wagon sampling, beginning at 11 a.m. “Stories & Strings” won a 2012 Gold Pinnacle award from the International Festivals & Events Association.
A chuck wagon cookoff, sponsored by Pigeon Forge Hospitality Association, takes place Saturday, Feb. 23, at Clabough’s Campground. Chuck wagon cooks prepare lunch for guests and evaluation by a panel of judges. Tickets for the noon luncheon are $10. Beginning at 9 a.m., visitors can hear cowboy entertainers and participate in cowboy-themed activities free of charge.
A Cowboy Dance ($5), with music by T. Scot Wilburn and the Shut Up -N- Playboys, is Saturday night at Spirit of the Smokies Condo Lodge Ballroom. Cowboy Church, a non-denominational service at Stages West, is Sunday morning at 10 a.m., preceded by a chuck wagon breakfast that begins at 8:30. Breakfast tickets are $5; Cowboy Church is free.
A detailed schedule of Saddle Up activities and event tickets are available at www.MyPigeonForge.com/saddleup. Remaining tickets also may be purchased onsite during the event.