New Activities Spring into Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is springing into a new season of fun. Consider these new activities the next time you visit:

After a soft opening over the winter, this is the first full season for Zorb Smoky Mountains, that peculiar humans-inside-a-giant-beachball-zooming-down-a-mountainside attraction. It’s the latest extreme sport imported from New Zealand and is the only Zorb site in North America.

Spin City, a high-tech roller skating center with a rink measuring 11,000 square feet, flashy lights and a booming sound system, is ready for its first tourism season. It updates the old question of “how low can you limbo on skates?” to “how low can you limbo on skates while the video camera captures your technique?”

Dollywood plans to board the first passengers on a $5 million water adventure ride called River Battle on March 21. As the willing-to-get-wet adventurers navigate a circular river, they aim powerful soaker guns at other rafts and at more than 100 targets along the way—and spectators have soaker guns, too. For the crowd that wants to stay dry, Dollywood’s special touch for spring is the annual Festival of Nations. This year, the theme is the “World of Dance,” and troupes of colorful folkdancers from Russia, Mexico, Ecuador, the Philippines, Spain and elsewhere will be in the spotlight.

Expected to draw major attention is “Rhythm of the Dance” featuring the stunning stepdancing of Ireland. Festival of Nations runs from March 21-May 5 and includes food, music, crafts and other arts as well as the colorful dancers.

Other entertainment news includes the return of Lee Greenwood, winner of multiple Country Music Association Awards, to the Smokies. He has booked 72 shows (36 dates) at the 600-seat Smith Family Theater. Dates are spread from April through December.

More new entertainers in town include a herd of powerful Texas longhorns, the centerpieces of a show’s new opening segment at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.

A totally new show, “Swing Time,” plans to open in May. It’s a trip back in time to the Big Band era of the early 1940s in the Grand Majestic Theater (formerly the American Jukebox Theater).
“Pigeon Forge’s ever-changing choice of activities is one of its great appeals. Spring 2008 in Pigeon Forge is a fine change of pace for people who have been cooped up for the winter,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

For more information on Pigeon Forge businesses—hotels, theaters, campgrounds, attractions and restaurants—visit ReservePigeonForge.com.

Information courtesy of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism