Come and be a part of Pigeon Forge’s 2nd annual Salute to Veterans and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for America and those who are still serving today. The parade is scheduled for Nov. 6 and is the official start of Winterfest in Pigeon Forge. For those who came out last year, you’ll remember the salute to America’s veterans, appearances by a number of local entertainers and the illumination of 5 million Christmas.
Now, if you’re unable to attend the Salute to Veterans, Winterfest and all that it entails continues through Feb. 28, 2013, with all the Christmas shows of the past that everyone loves, the town’s biggest lighting display and so many events that it’s impossible not to be able to catch at least a few.
The Salute to Veterans parade starts at 4:30 pm at the south end of town and travels along the Parkway to Patriot Park. If you decide to take in more than the parade, Patriot Park is a great place to continue the experience. There will be a number of vintage and current military vehicles on display at Patriot Park, which is also where the Winterfest kickoff celebration will commence with the lighting of Pigeon Forge’s winter display and a performance by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus.
Winterfest Kickoff begins at 4:30 p.m. when the inaugural Pigeon Forge Salute to Veterans Parade steps onto the Parkway, proceeding north to Patriot Park. In all, the parade lasts about one hour.
Cub Scouts will present the colors and lead spectators in the Pledge of Allegiance at Patriot Park following the parade. Kids will be able to play in the park and food vendors will be hand for those in attendance to purchase food from. The proceeds go to benefit local charities. Bring your lawn chairs for the Patriot Park performances. The Winterfest display lighting is expected to begin soon after 8 p.m.
Pigeon Forge’s Fun Time Trolleys will offer complimentary rides on the Trolley Tour of Lights that night.
A part of the town’s winter season since 1990, Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest has been named a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event and has transformed Pigeon Forge into a Southeast winter destination.