Pigeon Forge Promises More Family Fun During Patriot Festival

Something old and something new will take the stage this July 4th weekend in Pigeon Forge, with the 18th Annual Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival rocking the city from July 4-6.

This year's theme, "A Family Affair-Then and Now," features music for the kids and their parents. Friday night's concert event will feature big name contemporary, rock and alternative bands like Good Charlotte, Metro Station, Menudo and Boys Like Girls. American Idol lovers can expect an appearance from finalist Ace Young as well.

The concert has been booked in Patriot Park and is free of charge to anyone who plans to attend.
Last year the city joined with Star 102.1, a Knoxville radio station, as part of their StarJams concert series, according to Deanna Sorge, special events supervisor with Pigeon Forge.
"This totally changed our demographic of what we normally do; traditionally we go with country acts. Now we can capture the younger families to patronize more of the Pigeon Forge attractions," Sorge said.

The bands will start their show around 5 p.m., Sorge said until about 9:45 p.m., when fireworks will fill the sky.

"This is an awesome event for the residents and tourists. It totally showcases our town to various groups who might not have otherwise come here," Sorge said.

With this year's event, Sorge projected around 60,000 to 70,000 people in attendance, based on crowd numbers from last year.

"We are offering the fireworks and concerts free of charge as a thank you to the citizens and tourists from Pigeon Forge," Sorge said.

During the day parents can take the children a little early for good seats and parking spaces around 1 p.m. when the Kids Karnival begins. The carnival will include a rock-climbing wall, a mechanical bull, a moonwalk, and bungee run, and other games and activities.

"We've received many calls from different states on this concert. A listener's concert from the radio station is win-win situation for both parties," Sorge said.

Festivities for the adults begin Saturday, July 5 at the Old Mill and Old Mill Square from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be tours of the Old Mill, built in 1830 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also pottery demonstrations at Pigeon Forge Pottery will provide a glimpse of the traditions, crafts and heritage of East Tennessee.

The Carolina Bluegrass Boys will perform at 6 p.m. and there will be "old-time" activities for children including ring toss, seesaws and much more.

"Family Community Christian Day" begins July 6 with a free concert event starting at 4 p.m. at the Smoky Mountain Jubilee Theater scheduled to feature the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and the Everette Hills Baptist Church choir from Maryville.

A concert will be held around 7:30 p.m. at the Miracle Theater feature Voices of Lee from Lee University in Cleveland. Tickets can be purchased through the theater by calling 1-800-768-1170.

Those attending the festivities are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for sitting. There will be food and refreshments available at the park.

Information courtesy of The Mountain Press