This event is jam-packed with amazing things to see! Some of the main attractions that you can look forward to are extravagant parade floats, marching bands, horses, and entertainers. You might even see the Grand Marshal herself, Miss Dolly Parton! Over 50,000 visitors travel to the Smoky Mountains every year for this exciting event. People line the streets of the Parkway annually to watch the Homecoming Parade. The parade route begins at stoplight #6 and then travels north of the Parkway continuing to stoplight #3. For almost thirty years, this parade has been an annual event for Pigeon Forge locals, Gatlinburg locals, and tourists. Beginning at 6 p.m., Dolly’s Homecoming Parade will make its way along the route for spectators to enjoy. Dolly’s Homecoming Parade is the kickoff to the Pigeon Forge Springfest!
People from all over the country attend this parade because it is a fun, interactive, and FREE event, like many of the other Dollywood activities. This local annual event is loved by many and is sure to be an event that will continue for many years. The locals love this event because it displays all of the things that are so special to them. The tourists that visit Pigeon Forge each year enjoy this parade because it shows them all of the things that they love so much about visiting the Smoky Mountains!
If you love taking pictures, this will be a great event for you! Take time to get some great photographs of all of the entertainers, local celebrities, and floats! Can’t get enough of Dolly? If you’re looking for even more Dolly Parton entertainment, go to dinner and a show at Dixie Stampede on your next Pigeon Forge vacation or experience the South’s most famous theme park – Dollywood! The park’s newest coaster, the Firechaser, is something you have to try!
Helpful Tips: It would be a good idea to arrive at Dolly’s Homecoming Parade early because there will be so many people eager to watch. If you arrive early, you will be more likely to find an ideal place to sit or stand for the duration of the parade. With such a large crowd, getting to the parade early will ensure that you and your children will have a great view.
Since it is likely that you will be in the outdoors for several hours, you should be mindful of certain things to bring with you. Don’t forget…
Food and Drink: Whether you are bringing children or that special someone, you will need sustenance to keep you focused on the parade festivities! Hydration is a must, so bring along bottled water or a sports drink to keep you cool and refreshed.
Sun Protection: Be sure to wear sunscreen. Having the sun on your skin is a great feeling, but not when you aren’t protected! Whether you wear SPF 100 or SPF 15, just be sure to have some sort of sun protection. Another good idea would be to wear a hat. Hats help block the sun from your face and eyes. Protecting your eyes will be good for them and also for your parade viewing experience.
Clothing Options: Make sure to keep yourself updated with the impending Smoky Mountain weather changes. You never know what could happen in the mountains! Keeping up-to-date with the weather will allow you to dress accordingly and pack if you are not local to the area.
Don’t forget to stop by the national park while you are in town! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is gorgeous this time of year. With the spring flowers blooming, there isn’t a better way to experience the true beauty of Pigeon Forge. Unless you are at Dolly’s Homecoming Parade, of course! With so many things to see and do while you are in town, you will create memories that last a lifetime.
If you are planning your vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains, choose Cabins For You! With beautiful cabins and an abundance of amenities, choosing our company to book your vacation is the best decision! Call us today at 1.800.684.7865 to speak to one of our dedicated reservation specialists!