Held March 14-17 (classes begin Tuesday, March 13) this year, the 2012 Mountain Quiltfest has lots to offer . If you enjoy quilting itself, you’ll get a chance to learn from the best in the world. More than eighty-five sessions for instruction and master classes will be taught at this Pigeon Forge quilt show. There are courses for anyone from the beginning quilter to the long-time master. No matter who you are or how much experience you have in quilting, you’ll love learning from the well qualified, experienced instructors at A Smoky Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

This year, join us for the First Night Sneak Peak at the Music Road Convention Center on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 beginning at 6:00 pm. Instructors, vendors and sponsors will be on hand for questions and to meet your quilting needs. Enjoy a special showing of the quilts and shop for unique items prior to the public opening.

You can register for these quilting classes online at the Mountain Quiltfest website. Classes are first come, first served when it comes to registration, and may fill up quickly! Some entry fees are charged for courses as well, and range from $20-$60, depending on the materials supplied by the instructor. However, it’s worth it when you think about how much you’ll learn.

Learn about everything from designing a quilt to fixing an antique, and get tips on different classic quilt types, as well as table runners and more. Classes start on March 13th, so you may need to get there early. Take a free trolley ride between class sites so you know you’ll be on time.

In addition to classes, quilters will be able to enter their own works in the Smoky Mountain Quiltfest Quilt Show. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are or how fancy or simple your quilt is – you can enter. The only limit is that each person may enter no more than three pieces.

This show is judged professionally. A single viewer’s choice ribbon will be awarded, along with ribbons and cash prizes to other winners. Find the guidelines here: http://www.mountainquiltfest.com/guidelines.pdf and submit your masterpiece!

If you’d like to experience the best that quilting has to offer, A Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is the place to do it. Find out more about this great event at http://www.mountainquiltfest.com, or call 1-800-251-9100. This really is the event for anyone who loves to see, collect, or make quilts.

If you are looking for Pigeon Forge lodging, be sure to check out our list of Pigeon Forge cabins and our list of the best Pigeon Forge hotels. If you would like to stay in Gatlinburg, TN we also have a list of Gatlinburg, TN cabins as well as a list of the best hotels in Gatlinburg.

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A Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge TN

The four-day festival includes a variety of entertainment, presented the cowboy way, from cowboy poets to concerts by Western musicians.

The Saddle Cats are back for another go-round at Pigeon Forge's 12th Annual Saddle-Up festival.

“It’s become a really big western-themed event,” said Lila Wilson, Pigeon Forge special events coordinator. “People who grew up watching old western shows and movies seem to really be drawn to the festival, which is now in its tenth year.”

From genuine chuckwagons from the Southeast and beyond at the annual chuckwagon cookoff to Western swing dances, there looks to be something for the Western enthusiast in all of us.

“It’s not that one event is more popular than the next, they’re all pretty popular,” Wilson said. “We bring in the cowboy poets, the western artists and then we wrap up the weekend with a Sunday morning chuckwagon breakfast followed by cowboy church. The chuckwagon cook off is always a big event because each entrant in the cook off competes for prizes.”

With last year’s festival drawing upwards of 2,000 people, Wilson believes Pigeon Forge is likely to see  around the same number of visitors this year.

“People love it, they just love it,” she said. “It’s a niche event and people who are into the old west really turn out for it. It’s an opportunity for people who have fond memories of days gone by when they were kids growing up watching those western shows and reading about cowboys. The excitement is there and we expect a great weekend this year.”

Schedule

Wednesday February 22

10AM-Noon: Dutch Oven Cornbread Sampling
Kent Rollins
Old Mill Square
Free

Thursday February 23

6PM: Intimate Evening Concerts
R.W. Hampton: Partridge & Pear: $50
Stephanie Davis: Mama’s Farmhouse: $40

Friday February 24

10AM: “Stories & Strings” : Smoky Mountain Guitar Shop

Bobby Black
Richard Chon
Stephanie Davis
Ray Doyle
T. Scot Wilburn
David Wilkie
Keri Lynn Zwicker

“Stories & Strings”: $15 includes Chuckwagon sampling

3PM: Concert: Tennessee Shindig Theatre: $15

Andy Nelson
Ray Doyle
Cowboy Celtic
Chuck Pyle
Saddle Cats

7PM: Concert: Tennessee Shindig Theatre: $15

Andy Nelson
Cal Farley Youth Performer
Kent Rollins
Saddle Cats
R.W. Hampton
Stephanie Davis

Saturday February 25

9AM-2PM: Buckaroo Round Up!: Clabough’s Campground:
FREE: Mechanical bull rides and other activities for the whole family
Tickets for Chuckwagon Cookoff lunch: $10

10:30AM: Entertainment Food Tent: FREE

Andy Nelson
Cal Farley Youth Performer
Ray Doyle
Chuck Pyle

Open mic for cowboy poets

6PM: Concert Tennessee Shindig Theatre: $15

Andy Nelson
Chuck Pyle
Stephanie Davis
Cowboy Celtic
R.W. Hampton

8:30PM: Cowboy Dance: Spirit of the Smokies Condo Lodge Ballroom: Featuring Stephanie Davis and the Roadrunners and special guests: $5

Sunday February 26

8:30AM: Chuckwagon Breakfast at Stages West: $5

10AM: Cowboy Church at Stages West

R.W. Hampton
Andy Nelson
Cal Farley’s Performer
And others

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“Saddle-Up!” Western Festival Gears Up for 12th Annual Pigeon Forge Event

If you love the outdoors, then Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge is your dream event. Don’t let the “Wildlife” part fool you…this event covers all aspects of the Great Smoky Mountains and the great outdoors worldwide. The event has grown from a single-day “get-together” to a multi-day expo with numerous classes, vendors, activities, and more. There are hikes, field trips, photography contests, and several classes presented by a long list of experts. Many of the classes and activities are designed for children, so this event is perfect for the entire family. There are various levels of hikes ranging from beginner to expert. These hikes are guided by experts of the area and they’ll show you the best places to explore through the Great Smokey Mountains. I first attended this event in the late ’90s and it amazes me every year to see the number and quality of classes & activities grow. The people that you meet and the things that you learn are simply priceless. Perhaps that’s why this event is free of charge!! That’s right…you can attend the classes and experience Wilderness Wildlife Week for free. Like I said, if you like anything about the outdoors, then you owe it to yourself to attend the Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, TN.

New for 2012:

*Photography Contest featuring 7 divisions:

– Amateur
– Professional
– Wildlife
– Landscapes/Seascapes
– Youth & Young Adults (ages 17 and under)
– Great Smoky Mountain Landmarks
– Nature’s Wonders in Black & White

Also new to the contest is the implementation of the Judges’ Choice Award.

*Cades Cove Heritage Track – Experts in the history of Cades Cove bring the past back to life with their historical presentation.

*Echoes of the Smokies! Wilma Durpo presents the history of the Great Smoky Mountains.

*Smoky Mountain Heritage Track – A guided history of Pigeon Forge, Sevier County and the Great Smoky Mountains.

When?
January 7-14,2012

Where?
Music Road Hotel & Convention Center in Pigeon Forge

Official website:
Winterfest Wilderness Wildlife Week

For a brochure outlining all the activities of Pigeon Forge Wilderness Week, call 1-800-WINTERFEST or the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events at (865) 429-7350.

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Wilderness Wildlife Week

Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights (Jan. 1-13) – Fun Time Trolley Station at Patriot Park. Tours start at 6:30 PM and run Monday – Friday only, costs $5 per person. (865) 453-6444

22nd Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week™ (Jan. 7-14) – Pigeon Forge’s ultimate Smoky Mountain experience, this eight-day, award-winning event with over 200 classes, lectures, workshops and daily hikes into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (865) 453-8574

Titanic’s 2nd Annual Pigeon Forge Regional Ice Carving Competition (Jan. 14) – Titanic Museum Attraction 1-800-381-7670 or www.titanicpigeonforge.com

Behind the Scenes of James Cameron’s Titanic (Jan. 23 – Dec. 31) – Titanic Museum Attraction 1-800-381-7670 or www.titanicpigeonforge.com

February

12th Annual Saddle Up! (Feb. 23-26) – Our celebration of the American West features concerts by western musicians and cowboy poets, a chuckwagon cook-off, cowboy church, western swing dance and more. (865) 453-8574

March

17th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest (March 9-13) – This award-winning event preserves the timeless art of quilting with a quilt show, vendor mall and classes taught by top quilting instructors. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration begins December 2010. For information call 1-800-251-9100 or visit MountainQuiltfest.com

Dollywood’s Festival of Nations (March 24 – April 30) – Dollywood; for information call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com

April

Easter Egg Hunt (April 7) – Pigeon Forge Community Center. 1-865-429-7373

Easter Bunny Brunch (April 7) – Old Mill Square. 1-865-428-0771

Easter Bunny (April 7) – The Incredible Christmas Place. 1-865-453-0415

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament (April 7-8) – For information call Greg Ward at 865-661-3474 or visit smokymountaintrouttournament.com

Grand Spring Rod Run (April 12-15) – Grand Resort Hotel Convention Center; for more information call 1-800-251-4444

3rd Annual “Rally in the Forge” Bikefest 2012 – Grand Resort Hotel Convention Center. 1-800-251-4444

May

11th Anniversary Yellow Mustangs Show (May 3 – 5) – Inn at Christmas Place; for more information call 1-888-465-9644

Southern Pedal Car Show (May 9-11) – Smoky Mountain Convention Center for more info call 1-800-223-6707

27th Annual Dolly Homecoming Parade (May 11) – Grand marshal Dolly Parton leads this parade, a spring tradition that features floats, entertainers, marching bands and more. 6 p.m. (865) 453-8574

Shrine FunFest Parade (May 12) – Pigeon Forge Parkway. Begins at 9am

34th Annual F-100 Supernationals & All Ford Show (May 17-19) – LMC Truck/SUV Parts and Accessories presents the 34th annual F-100 Supernationals and All Ford Show. Lots of great events at this 3-day-long car show including a meet and greet with Sam Memmolo “The Voice of the F-100 Supernationals” The event will take place in the City of Pigeon Forge Municipal Lot. (423) 623-4644, (423) 623-1871, or (423) 465-5855, www.f100supernationals.com

Chevy Classics Car Show – Inn at Christmas Place. 1-888-465-9644

Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass (May 26 – June 10) – For more info call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com

June

Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Classic Car Show (June 8-9) – Music Road Hotel & Convention Center. (865) 379-9595

All Chevy Supernationals (June 15-16) – LMC Truck/SUV Parts and Accessories presents the all new All Chevy Supernationals III at the Pigeon Forge City Municipal Parking Lot. (423) 623-4644, (423) 623-1871,or (423) 465-5855, www.autoshows.cc

Dollywood’s KidsFest (June 22 – July 29) – Dollywood, 1-800-DOLLYWOOD

July

22nd Annual Patriot Festival (July 4) – Patriot Park. Celebrate America’s independence with food, fun and entertainment. Games, concerts and fireworks round out this free event. (865) 4543-8574

Dollywood Nights (July 30 – Aug. 12) – Celebrate the end of summer at Dollywood with extended hours up until the start of school. 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or www.dollywood.com

August

Tax Free Weekend (Aug. 3-5) – Enjoy tax-free purchases on certain back to school items. Visit tn.gov/revenue/salestaxholiday

Stringtime in the Smokies (August 4) – Old Mill Square

3rd Annual Smoky Mountain Championship Cornhole Tournament (August 4) – Old Mill Square. (865) 428-0771

Pigeon Forge Midnight 8 K Road Race (August 4) – Pigeon Forge Parkway. (865) 607-8717 or www.ktc.org

September

Shades of the Past Rod Run XXX (September 7-8) – Dollywood’s Splash Country. (865) 995-2009 or www.shadesofthepast.com

Grand Fall Rod Run (September 15-17) – Grand Resort Hotel Convention Center. 1-800-251-4444

Dollywood’s National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration (Sept. 28 – Oct. 29) – Dollywood. 1-800-DOLLYWOOD

9th Annual Old Mill Heritage Day (September 22) – Old Mill Square. (865) 428-0771 or visit oldmillsquare.com

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament (September 29-30) – (865) 661-3474 or visit smokymountaintrouttournament.com

Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Craft Fair (Sept. 29 – Oct. 27) – Patriot Park for more info call 865-909-3446

October

17th Annual Harvestfest (October 1-31)

November

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 10 – December 30) – Dollywood. 1-800-DOLLYWOOD

23rd Annual Winterfest Kickoff (November 6) – Patriot Park.

Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights (November 6 – December 31) – Fun Time Trolley Station at Patriot Park. Tours start at 6:30PM and run Monday – Friday only, costs $5 per person. (865) 453-6444

Old Mill Square Annual Holiday Open House (November 10) – Old Mill Square. (865) 428-0771 or www.oldmillsquare.com

Turkey Strut Square & Round Dance Festival (November 16-17) – Grand Resort Hotel Convention Center. 1-800-251-4444

Pigeon Forge Community Chorus Holiday Concert (November 18) – For information call 1-800-251-9100 or visit mypigeonforge.com.

December

31st Annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza (December 31) – Grand Resort Hotel Convention Center. 1-800-251-4444

New Year’s Eve Celebrations (December 31) – 1-800-251-9100 or (865) 453-8574

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Pigeon Forge 2012 Calendar of Events

If your lucky enough to secure one of the balconies from one of the hotels on the opposite side of the street from the space needle, you’ll be privy to an exceptional fireworks display. There are also some parking garages located nearby that are good viewing spots if you can get up top. In essence, just make sure you can clearly see the top of the space needle and you’ll be fine. Park along River Road or on either end of town if you’re planning on leaving town that night… just stay away from downtown. The closer you are to the space needle, the more likely you’ll stay the night. Besides, that might be more fun anyway!!!

More Gatlinburg info:
Local Phone: (865) 430-4148
Toll-Free: 1-800-588-1817

Have a blast and HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us in Pigeon Forge, TN!

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New Years Eve in Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg

This incredible event in Pigeon Forge has received honors from the American Bus Association as being one of the top events in the entire country! You don’t have to take a bus to see why this is an incredible event, though. Just pack up the car and bring the family to Pigeon Forge, TN for the weekend, week, or even month! You’ll soon see why the Pigeon Forge Winterfest is the time to be in the Smokies during the holidays.

As you enter Pigeon Forge, you’ll see light displays from one end of town to the other. The lights throughout the town sparked an idea in the mid-80′s when a couple of city officials visited a town in Virginia that featured light displays that drew in thousands of visitors toward the end of the year. They brought the idea to Pigeon Forge and implemented Winterfest and a program to add more lights each year. What started out as a few thousand lights as grown to over 5 million lights today! The displays seem to get bigger, more detailed, and more awe-inspiring each and every year. The lights are so fascinating that they actually have trolley tours so that people do not have to worry about keeping their eyes on the road! It’s simply an experience that you won’t find hardly anywhere else.

Along with the enormous display of lights, there are also numerous events and festivities taking place in Pigeon Forge, TN throughout the winter. Winterfest officially kicks off this year on November 8 with a ceremony that has traditionally been held at Patriot Park There are numerous events in Pigeon Forge throughout the winter such as Wilderness Wildlife Week, Saddle Up, Cowboy Symphony, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival, New Year’s Eve Celebrations, AppalachiaFest, and many more! Be sure to check out our Pigeon Forge Calendar of Events for more information.

So let’s hear from you! What is your favorite thing to do in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Tennessee during the winter? Scroll on down this page and post your thoughts in the section below.

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Pigeon Forge Winterfest (Nov. 8 – Feb. 26)

In all, the park is draped in 4 million lights, and if you’ve never seen that many Christmas lights you don’t know what you’re missing. The warm glow sets the scene for a winter wonderland like no other. As for the shows, you’ll recognize a number of classic holiday tunes including Dolly’s perennial favorite Christmas in the Smokies. This is one of the best family experiences in the Smokies during the holidays.

Be sure to visit Santa’s Workshop, where larger-than-life-sized toys are on display as well as an 18-foot-tall Christmas tree. You’ll be amazed when you see the giant wagon, sailboat, dollhouse and more sitting under the tree. Watch and wonder as Santa and his helpers ready for their big night and finish off the naughty and nice list! If you don’t happen to catch Santa here, he’s also the star of the Parade of Lights, along with a cast of brightly lit floats and colorful characters.

Be sure to catch the following exciting events as well during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas:

Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice
The Ice Theater of New York performs Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice. More on Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice

Christmas in the Smokies
Featuring a 12-member cast and seven-piece band, this Christmas tradition at Dollywood includes performances of local holiday favorites that celebrate the joy of the Christmas season. More on Dollywood’s Christmas in the Smokies

Appalachian Christmas
The Back Porch Theatre puts on an acoustic Chrsitmas show every year called Appalachian Christmas that is not to be missed. Everyone loves Christmas music that takes you back to a simpler time. More on an Appalachian Christmas

Carol of the Trees
Thousands of lights synchronize with holiday music each night during the holiday season to transform our Rivertown Lake into a symphony for the season. More on Carol of the Trees

Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs
The Kingdom Heirs lift your spirits as they perform a Southern Gospel Christmas with your favorite Christmas hymns and songs. More on Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs

Dolly’s Christmas Chapel
The Robert F. Thomas Chapel hosts worship services at 5:30 p.m. each Sunday throughout Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. More on Dolly’s Christmas Chapel

O’ Holy Night
Live out “The Christmas Story.” Three wise men help a little girl looking for an angel. More on O’ Holy Night

Parade of Lights
Dollywood’s daily Parade of Lights features Christmas floats of every shape and size adorned with brightly colored Christmas lights. Don’t miss this parade! More on a Parade of Lights

“The Polar Express 4-D Experience”
THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D EXPERIENCE is the popular book set to life at Dollywood. A young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole and along the way discovers the true meaning of Christmas. More on The Polar Express 4-D Experience

Santa’s Workshop
What will we find this year in Santa’s Workshop? There’s something for everyone. More on Santa’s Workshop

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
A mysterious, white-bearded stranger helps one family find a Christmas miracle in this delightful musical featuring a five-piece band and a 12-member cast. More on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

For a few helpful tips on Dollywood, check out our suggestions for Dollywood visitors. Whether you’re riding the coasters or lounging in the lazy river during the summer, or checking out Santa’s workshop in December, they’re applicable for the season ticket holder and first time guest alike.

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Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 5 – Dec. 30)

Watch visiting crafters at work throughout the park as the country’s most talented artisans showcase their artistry with up-close demonstrations.  Handmade treasures for the home, unique collectibles and stunning artwork create an impressive craft exhibit you won’t find anywhere else.

Special dishes, all prepared with a taste of fall, showcase some of the harvest season’s most celebrated recipes, including a booth devoted to Dollywood’s signature fried green tomatoes.

2011 National Gospel & Harvest Celebration Craft Demonstrations & Crafts

Harvest Celebration Gospel Performers

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Dollywood’s National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration (Oct. 1-29)

Click here for current information on WonderWorks

During the week of September 25 – October 2, 2011 WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge, TN will be hosting Teacher Preview Days in which teachers and school staff can get up to two free passes by simply showing their school ID at the ticket office. If you’re a teacher or staff at a school, this is a great opportunity to see what WonderWorks has to offer and to discover what it can offer as a potential field trip for your class.

RSVP is required! Teachers +1 guest are free, and any additional guest are $9.99 + tax. Call to reserve today because space is limited! (865) 868-1800.

If you have more than 2 people going or you’re not a teacher or staff member of a school system, you can use one of their official coupons to receive a discount at the door: http://www.wonderworkstn.com/coupons.htm
Website:
http://www.wonderworkstn.com

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WonderWorks Free Teacher Preview Days

For one week, Aug. 8-14, 2011, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge will operate on extended hours till 10 p.m. each evening. Each day, Dollywood will open at 10 a.m. during the Dollywood Nights celebration (except Saturday when the park opens at 9 a.m.) Most rides will operate during the extended hours. Aside from the evening hours during the park’s wintertime Smoky Mountain Christmas festival, Dollywood Nights offers a rare occasion to enjoy Dollywood’s rides, including the award-winning coasters Thunderhead, Mystery Mine and the new Barnstormer thrill ride — in the dark.

“Before school starts and everyone gets back into their routines, we thought Dollywood Nights would be a great time for families to visit Dollywood after work and enjoy the lazy dog days—and nights—of summer in the park,” said Barbara Joines, Dollywood Vice President and General Manager.

A special $25 (plus tax; no discounts apply) admission ticket will be offered exclusively for Aug. 8-14 which provides entry into Dollywood at 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Dollywood season passes and valid park admission tickets will entitle ticketholders to the extended hours as well.

The number one ticketed attraction in Tennessee, Dollywood is an award-winning 150-acre family adventure park located in Pigeon Forge near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Open nine months a year, Dollywood hosts four of the South’s largest festivals and offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including the new Barnstormer, Thunderhead, twice named the world’s No. 1 wooden coaster, and Mystery Mine coaster, Theme Park Insider’s 2007 Best New Attraction.

In addition to the 2009 Golden Ticket Award for Best Shows, Dollywood is the recipient of 15 Big E Awards in recognition of the park’s live entertainment which features country, bluegrass, gospel and Appalachian music. The Golden Tickets’ 2007 Publisher’s Pick for best theme park, Dollywood also is a two-time winner of the Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event. In addition, a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region demonstrate daily. For more information, visit www.dollywood.com. Dollywood’s operating days and hours vary. Visit www.dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD for more information.

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Dollywood Nights