Dolly’s Homecoming Parade To Feature Firefighting Theme

  • Thursday, April 24, 2014
  • Tom Adkinson

Firefighters, fire trucks and Dolly Parton are in the combustible mix on May 2 when Pigeon Forge salutes the world-famous entertainer with the annual Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.

The parade, which will travel on the Parkway through the center of town, will carry the theme of the Dollywood theme park’s newest thrill ride, the FireChaser Express roller coaster.

Traveling right behind Ms. Parton on her own FireChaser Express float will be Pigeon Forge’s newest piece of firefighting equipment, a massive 100-foot ladder truck.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. at Traffic Light 6 and goes north to Traffic Light 3. Spectators are invited to line both sides of the route.

“Dolly’s Homecoming Parade is a rite of spring for us. We want to salute Dolly for the many wonderful contributions she makes to our community, and the parade lets fans shout out their support, too,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, which organizes the parade.

More than 110 floats, marching bands, vehicles and organizations will be in the parade, including the marching bands from Pigeon Forge High School and Sevier County High School.

A special participant is the 190-member Crossroads Christian Church Choir from Newburgh, Ind., which will perform at the Dollywood theme park the next day.

Others in the parade include Girl Scouts, twirling groups, Shriners, veterans groups, the Boys and Girls Club, equestrian clubs and the Friends of the Smokies, the private sector support group for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“It’s a big parade with a small-town flavor and an international superstar in the lead float. It’s quite an event,” Mr. Downey said.

For information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge and other city-sponsored events, visit MyPigeonForge.com or call toll-free to 800 251-9100.

Travel
DeSoto State Park Cuts Ceremonial Ribbon For Upgraded Pool Facility
  • 7/2/2025

Local leaders gathered to celebrate the construction of a new pool house facility at DeSoto State Park. Local government and tourism officials joined State Parks personnel to cut a ceremonial ... more

Tennessee Aquarium Welcomes Newest Penguin Chick Just In Time For The 4th
  • 6/30/2025

A fluffy, impossibly cute addition to the Tennessee Aquarium’s penguin colony has waddled into view just in time for Fourth of July weekend. The adorable — and currently unnamed ... more

Lake Winnepesaukah Continues Centennial Celebration With Ramped Up Fireworks And Synchronized Music Display On July 4
  • 6/26/2025

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park will continue its centennial celebration with a fireworks extravaganza on July 4, at 10 p.m. Lake Winnie has annually celebrated Independence Day with fireworks ... more