Thousands of people turned out in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to celebrate the silver anniversary of the Dolly Parton Parade on Friday May 7, 2010. The parade, which is produced by the City of Pigeon Forge, has been held every year since Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, opened its doors in the Smoky Mountains in 1986.
More than a hundred floats, including marching bands, dance teams, twirler groups, equestrian clubs, and a color guard from Boy Scout Troop 110 made their way down the two and a half mile route along the Parkway from River Road to Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge.
Sherri Kirby, the special projects coordinator for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, says this year’s parade has attracted even more attention than previous years. “Interest started bubbling up as early as January. People really want to be part of a silver anniversary.”
Dolly Parton’s Float in Homecoming Parade a Crowd Pleaser
While the colourful floats, marching bands and flamboyant members of the Red Hat Society are all very popular with the crowds, the most exciting float of the day is the one that carries Dolly Parton herself along the parade route.
Dolly grew up in a small cabin at Locust Ridge, just a few miles outside of Pigeon Forge. After going on to become one of the greatest country music recording artists of all time, and a popular movie star, Dolly put Pigeon Forge on the international tourist map by becoming involved in the local theme park, and changing its name to Dollywood.
Dolly’s theme park is now Tennessee’s most visited tourist attraction, and the area’s largest seasonal employer. Since opening the doors at Dollywood, Parton has also helped create the water theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, and the dinner theatre experience, Dolly’s Dixie Stampede.
Dolly Proud of the Family Vacation Destination Dollywood has Become
In 2010, the theme for the Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade was “Celebrate the Dreamer in You.” It’s a theme Dolly herself believes in.
Speaking in the lead up to the 25th anniversary, Dolly told Suite101 she’s proud of the dreams she has turned into reality, including Dollywood.
“Everything we do at Dollywood is about offering folks a special place to create memories that last a lifetime. When you hear our music, taste our food, visit with our crafters, you realize that Dollywood is truly a one of a kind place that has something for everyone.”
The Dolly Parade is part of Springfest, which runs from March to June in Pigeon Forge each year. Other Springfest events include the Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival, the Holly and Shamrock Parade, and a range of family oriented shows.
As well as the Homecoming Parade, Dolly says she will visit Dollywood throughout the Silver Anniversary year. This will include the recording of a television special in late May 2010, and a number of surprise, unannounced visits.
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