The 27th Annual 2012 Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade in Pigeon Forge, TN will be held on May 11 starting at 6 p.m. The parade will travel along its traditional route on the Pigeon Forge parkway between traffic lights #3, Wears Valley Road through #6, Pine Mountain Road and will feature over 100 different entries including marching bands, cheer and dance teams, performers from various Pigeon Forge shows, car clubs, and much more! The star of the parade is, as always, the Grand Marshal, Ms. Dolly Parton! This Parade is considered Dolly’s homecoming back to her hometown. She may even make a surprise appearance at Dollywood while she is in town. You think she will ride the Wild Eagle?
If you are looking for something fun and free to do while in Pigeon Forge, this parade is the perfect event. The kiddos will enjoy the clowns, animals, music and more, you will enjoy the fact that you were able to entertain the kids for free; everyone loves a parade and saving money.
Things to know before you come:
Pigeon Forge expects more than 50,000 visitors to turn out and line the parade route along the Parkway for this annual event. The city shuts down the parkway and re-routes folks during the parade and this causes traffic to back up. You may want to consider coming in the day before the parade to get settled and avoid the traffic. Check out these great deals on vacation rental cabins.
For spectators, the parade route fills up extremely fast with chairs and people well before the Dollywood Parade starts at 6 pm. Consider saving your spot with some lawn chairs and put them in a spot you want to “hold” or bring a picnic and something to entertain the kids and sit out on the parkway people and vehicle watching until the parade starts. Whatever you do be sure to get there early to get a great view of the parade and Dolly.
