Dollywood Parade to kickoff opening of Dollywood
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dolly Parton is Sevier County’s favorite daughter. Her life began deep in the Smoky Mountains and her humble beginnings didn’t stop her from the climb to stardom that she has today. Many of her best songs echo of the hardships and love she has for this area. Dolly Parton has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Nashville Star Walk. She has 25 songs that reached number one on the Billboard country charts, with 110 charted singles and 41 Top 10 albums, which is an achievement to be very proud of. This talented entertainer has also gone on to star on the silver screen in movies such as; The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Straight Talk, Steel Magnolias, Nine to Five and Rhinestone. In 1999, Dolly Parton was given the highest of honors and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Yet all this success hasn’t taken the small-town girl out of the talented singer. Every year, Dolly Parton returns to the city of her birth to grand marshal the DollyWood Parade that celebrates the season opening of her theme parks; DollyWood and DollyWood Splash Country.

Every year locals and visitors alike line the main parkway of Pigeon Forge to watch the festive procession, wanting to get a glimpse of the country singer that has retained a heart of gold. To some she is a world renowned star, and to some she is a girl they went to high school with. Adults and children both will be bedazzled by the festive floats done by local businesses and civic groups and talented local entertainers, as well as skilled marching bands from area high schools. The marching bands are the best of the best, as they are judged for their performance in the parade for the Pigeon Forge Music Festival.

Annually, an estimated 60,000 people gather to watch the DollyWood parade. For some it is a rite of spring, traveling from across the nation with their families to visit all this area has to offer. For some the parade comes as a pleasant surprise, having no idea that they had chosen to visit during such a time. There are numerous shops and amusements to duck into before and after the parade and Pigeon Forge boasts a vast array of restaurants to cool your heels at with your family. Spring into Pigeon Forge, TN and see all the Smoky Mountains has to offer.