Springtime in the Smokies. It’s synonymous with wildflowers, fireflies, and…hot rods? That’s right! Every spring, the Smoky Mountains play host to the biannual Pigeon Forge Rod Run! Scheduled in the spring and the fall, this Rod Run is one of the largest car shows in the South and one of the most anticipated events in Pigeon Forge. And the good news is, you’ve still got plenty of time to get your engines revving and join the action for 2017!
This year, the Spring Rod Run, presented by Tennessee Moonshine, is scheduled for Thursday, April 6, through Saturday, April 8. Plan to show up early and view hundreds of show cars and rare autos from vintage Chevelles and Camaros to Thunderbirds.
For a better idea of what you’ll see at the Rod Run, here’s a list of last year’s “Ultimate 5” winners:
- 1970 Silver Chevelle
- 1957 Black Ford-300
- 1970 Red Nova
- 1969 Pewter C-10
- 1969 Green Camaro Z28
Along with the Ultimate 5, the Spring Rod Run presents awards to the Top 25 and Special Awards for longest distance (last year it was 1,485.9 miles), Coolest Camaro, and People’s Choice (last year’s winner: 1977 Black Trans-Am). The total cash giveaway for the 2017 show is $8,000, and extra cash is available for those who pre-register! (Call 865-687-3976 or visit rodrun-pigeonforge.com for more information.)
Of course the Spring Rod Run is home to dozens hot rods, you say, but did you also know they offer door prizes and host a huge swap meet? Come see new products and interactive displays from a variety of vendors at the Spring Rod Run in Pigeon Forge!
Celebrity Guests at the Spring Rod Run
More exciting news: the celebrity guest for the 2017 show is Stacey David, the host of the TV series GearZ and MavTV and Velocity. All 3 days, David will have on display his 1941 Military ½-ton Dodge 4×4 Pick-up Truck. With custom bumpers, bed, and exhaust stacks, this unique vehicle pays tribute to World War II veterans and every other man and woman who’s served in our U.S. Military. If you don’t come for anything else, come to see this truck that’s truly unlike any other in the world!
Another celebrity guest to the Spring Rod Run is Scottie D as seen on the Scottie DTV YouTube channel. Scottie D will be presenting his “Dirty Dozen”—12 hand-picked cars especially for this event—and will be available to visit with Pigeon Forge guests.
To visit with Stacey David (Thursday and Friday) and Scottie D (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), to see hundreds of vintage vehicles you won’t see anywhere else, to potentially walk away with hundreds of dollars in cash prizes, be sure to join the action at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge for the Spring Rod Run. Admission is only $12 per day—a small price to pay for the full day of hot rod fun that awaits!
Facts Facts about the Spring Rod Run
What: Spring Rod Run in Pigeon Forge (hundreds of show cars, cash prizes, huge swap meet)
When: April 6–8, 2017 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday)
Where: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge (2986 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)
Who: Special guests Stacey David and Scottie D
How Much: $12 per person, per day
Other April Events in the Smokies
April 1–2, 2017: Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
The 19th annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to anyone who wants to compete, including guests, locals, adults, and children. Cash prizes will be awarded to the one who catches the biggest and smallest trout, and a valid fishing license is required to participate. For more information, please call 865-661-3474.
April 11–15, 2017: Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
The 67th annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is a chance to celebrate the rich floral heritage of the Smoky Mountains. Join guided wildflower walks, photographic tours, art classes, and more during this 5-day event in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information, visit the event’s website directly at springwildflowerpilgrimage.org.
April 12–15, 2017: Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show
Join the largest group of independent artisans in North America—the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community—for their 2017 Easter Arts & Crafts Show in Gatlinburg! Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, this FREE event features the craftsmanship of more than 100 artists and is your unique chance to take a piece of Smoky Mountain art back home.
April 22, 2017: Tanya Tucker in Concert
A country superstar, Tanya Tucker had her first hit in 1972 when she was only 13 years old. Over the years, she had a remarkable streak of Top Ten and Top 40 hits, including “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane” and “Some Kind of Trouble.” Don’t miss Tanya during the Celebrity Concert Series at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge. Call 865-453-2003 for more information.