Pigeon Forge’s annual springtime salute to hometown superstar Dolly Parton has a special aura this year, and the name tells it all. Friday, May 7, is the date of the Dolly Parton 25th Anniversary Homecoming Parade.
“Interest started bubbling up as early as January,” said Sherri Kirby, special projects coordinator for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “People really want to be part of a silver anniversary.”
This is the 25th year of operation for the Dollywood theme park and the 25th parade honoring Ms.
Parton, which the City of Pigeon Forge produces.
A color guard from Boy Scout Troop 110 will lead the way along a two and a half-mile route on the Parkway. Behind the Boy Scouts will be more than 100 floats, bands, equestrian clubs, twirler groups, dance teams and other parade units.
Of course, the most anticipated float will carry Ms. Parton, who grew up just a few miles outside of Pigeon Forge and is the namesake of Dollywood, the area’s largest seasonal employer and Tennessee’s most visited tourist attraction.
The theme for the 2010 parade is “Celebrate the Dreamer in You.”
Marching bands from Pigeon Forge High School and Sevier County High School, Ms. Parton’s alma mater, are among the music providers, while Shrine groups from London and Shepherdsville, Ky., and members of the Red Hat Society will add their special flair.
Entertainers from many of Pigeon Forge’s theaters will ride on special floats. Other entrants include the Knoxville Zoo, Zorb Smoky Mountains, the Foothills Antique Tractor and Engine Club and a Wells Fargo stagecoach.
The parade will start at 6 p.m. at Traffic Light 6 and end at Traffic Light 3.
“Each year’s Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade is a grand celebration of what’s great about America. It’s Pigeon Forge’s way to publicly thank Dolly, and it’s also a way to celebrate family, neighbors and fun,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
Complete information about Pigeon Forge is available online at MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 800 251-9100.