Events – Inside Sevierville

Roots & Boots Tour

Sevierville will be one of the tour stops this year for the popular “Roots & Boots” tour featuring country superstars Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, and Aaron Tippin. The stop is scheduled for May 24 at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge.

These three men have placed over one hundred songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart over the years and stand behind 0ver 40 Top 10 hits. Last year’s inaugural “Roots & Boots” tour resulted in one of the most successful tours for the country signers so it was a no-brainer that the tour re-up for 2013.

Kershaw, whose hits include “Cadillac Style” and “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” says, it’s a very loose, fun tour and he didn’t give a second thought to going back on the road.

People come for the music and get to see a more intimate side of the artists as they interact with each other and fans during each show. All three are on stage at the same time. They play their hits songs one after the other.

Diffie had previously done similar tours with Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence called the ‘Rockin’ Roadhouse Tour.’ That tour was complete with a full band. Fans attending the Roots & Boots Tour get to see a side of the artists they might not normally see. Diffie reiterates that there is some goofing off mixed in with a little talking and storytelling.

“Workin Man’s P.H.D.” and “You’ve Got To Stand For Something” are two of Tippin’s signature songs that you’re bound to hear at each tour stop, which is consistently selling out no matter the venue

Every show is unique, with a set list that changes from night to night. The trio are even making plans to collaborate on a new album that will feature each artist doing three songs separately – as well as three songs together, with plans to work the new material as possible singles.

“Who knows, maybe radio will give three country singers a shot,” said Kershaw, who added that he thinks the tour is working so well because of the unique vocal styles of the three men on stage.

“I think that’s what we all loved about country music. I think Joe Diffie is the greatest country singer in Nashville. When you hear Aaron Tippin on the radio, you know exactly who it is. And, he can deliver those songs like nobody else. I am such a fan of his. He’s a great live singer. Some singers have great records, but can’t sing live. That’s the truth.”

For more information, call (865) 453-2003 or visit www.firstclassconcerts.com.

Southeastern Select Alpaca Show

If you’re planning on bringing the kids into town, especially during the first weekend in March, a unique way to spend one of the days would be stopping by the Southeastern Select Alpaca Show.

Alpacas will be shown, and their fiber sold during the Southeastern Alpaca Association’s (SeAA) Southern Select Alpaca Show. The show will be held at the Sevierville Events Center March 1-3, 2013. Admission is FREE and open to the public. Friday, doors open at 8 a.m. and festivities will conclude Sunday at 6 p.m.

Alpacas from all across the south including all states that border Tennessee will be featured in the show ring competition. Alpaca enthusiasts, mark this on your calendar! Again, bring the kids to the show! The show will be comprised of classes judging and fleece quality judging in categories for both Suri and Huacaya alpacas.

Saturday morning will feature the halter classes, then the performance classes will be judged before things get started with the costume classes. If you decide to come out, the costume class judging is a great event to take in. Four age groups (under 9 years old, 9-11 years old, 12-14 years old and 15-19 years old) will strut their stuff with their costumed alpacas in the main show ring. This will all occur before lunch by the way.

The way this part of the judging works is that alpacas will be graded on the covering of the animal, the comfort of the animal with foreign objects on their head, legs and feet, how imaginative the costume is, as well as the story. Participants in this class must write in informing judges about their costume, the story, etc.

After the costume competition, fleece show winners will be presented at a special luncheon. Attendance is key if you are interested in learning more about the focus of the alpaca business.

Also on Saturday, an alpaca auction will begin at 6 p.m. Admission is free and appetizers will be served. A cash bar will be available. This auction is sure to keep you on your toes, showcasing top quality herd sires and a room full of energy and anticipation!

Throughout the weekend, artisans will showcase alpaca fiber and examples of felting, fiber arts and more. Dozens of vendors and farm displays will sell the latest alpaca fashions and hand-crafted items.

Smoky Mountain Springfest

Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Springfest begins in early March and goes to June 7 throughout the Smoky Mountain region.

This year spring just can’t seem to get here fast enough.

That’s why Sevierville is ready to get things started going in that direction. Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Springfest celebration begins mid March and continues through June 7. People can witness the town’s transformation into spring when the streets are lined with baskets of beautiful blooming flowers and plants. Pansies, daffodils, tulips, bougainvilleas, and wave petunias are among the many varieties of flowers that will be seen throughout town.

Marked as the beginning of springtime in the cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, Springfest is a 3 month celebration packed with events like the Mountain Quiltfest, Great Smoky Mountain Arts & Crafts Show, the Dollywood Parade, Dollywood’s Festival of Nations, Ribfest & Wings, the Spring Grand Rod Run, Bloomin BBQ & Bluegrass Festival, the Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, Gatlinburg’s Scottish Festival & Games, and many more.

As you can see, Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass is just one of many exciting events. From shopping events to baseball games to car shows and helicopter events, Smoky Mountain Springfest will be in full bloom in Sevierville.

Outside Sevierville, on Easter morning, join in the local tradition and attend Ober Gatlinburg’s 16th Annual Easter Sunrise Service. Free tram rides to the mountain top begin at 6 a.m. and continue in 15 minute intervals until the service begins at 6:30 a.m. Complimentary parking at the resort will be provided for those who prefer to drive. A breakfast buffet will be waiting and available at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7 a.m. Until 10:30 a.m.

Members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will display unique handcrafted wares as they gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to host their annual Easter Arts & Crafts show April 4-7.

The smell of hickory-smoked barbeque will fill the air as folks roll up sleeves and dive in to sample their secret sauces on delectable ribs and wings from vendors from all over the Southeast on Thursday, April 26 at Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings. This festive street party features live entertainment, lots of fun and barbeque ribs and wings on the open grill just for your tasting.

The 64th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage & Greener Living Expo, set to run April 25-29, is another great event, especially for hikers and nature lovers who love to see delicate wildflowers in bloom. Hosted by the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the University of Tennessee Botany Department, this five-day program offers more than 150 different hiking tours of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, exhibitions, demonstrations, classroom lectures and delightful motor excursions into the wonderful season of spring in the Smokies.

The Knoxville RV Super Show in Sevierville

This year’s Knoxville RV Super Show in Sevierville is packed with star power, and we’re not just talking about all the brand spankin’ new RVs and campers on the floor at the convention center. Event-goers will have a chance to meet and talk with Greg Remsburg of the Discovery Channel’s popular show “Gold Rush”, and Paul Bedard from the Animal Planet’s “Gator Boys”.

This year’s show is going to be something special. Though it’s called The Knoxville RV Show, it’s actually put on in Sevierville, TN at the state-of-the-art Sevierville Events Center. Top dealers in Tennessee will be on hand with RVs stretching over a mile long, all under one roof. And when we’re talking about RVs, we’re talking about travel trailers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, toy haulers and so much more. Everything you’re looking for if you’re in the market for a new RV will be in one location for 3 entire days. There’s no need to go anywhere else. All the new 2013 models will be on display and all the 2012 models will be marked down to some of the best prices you’re likely to find on the retail market.

Not looking for an RV, but some accessories? The Knoxville RV Super Show leaves no stone unturned. All the brand name vendors will be there from camp grounds to generators to parts. And don’t forget about Paul Bedard from Animal Planets “Gator Boys” as well as Greg Remsburg from Discovery Channel’s “Gold Rush”, they’ll be serving as celebrity hosts as well.

As part of the show’s theme, there will be a NASCAR Experience for all the event-goers to participate in. This FREE interactive feature complete with a full size NASCAR Vehicle, racing simulator, dueling dragster simulator and full size tire changing station, will be set up all weekend so that everyone can get a feel for how the big boys work in the show. There’s not much they don’t cover at the 2013 Knoxville RV Show.

If you’re looking for suggestions, start in the middle aisle and work your way out. Also, over $5,000 in retail prizes will be given away during the show. You have to register to win at the show and be present to collect your prize. Prizes are given away every hour on the hour after the show begins each day. Only one entry per day and no duplicates entries are allowed.

So come on out of the wintery weather and into the 2013 Knoxville RV Show, January 11–13, at the Sevierville Events Center in Sevierville, TN. There is plenty of food, beer, and entertainment as well as RVs as far as the eye can see inside.

50th Annual Sevierville Christmas Parade

The 50th Annual Sevierville Christmas Parade is back this year with a number of favorites as well as new, unique entries.

The 50th Annual Sevierville Christmas Parade (Dec. 1) has it all this year – baton twirlers, marching bands, pageant winners and all kinds of floats. Of course, this is all leading up to the appearance of the parade’s Grand Marshal – Santa Claus!

This year, the parade will begin at 11 am. For those looking for a premium spot, the parade can best be viewed by finding a spot along Forks of the River Parkway and Court Avenue in historic downtown Sevierville.

Other entries include a 1949 Dodge wrecker that looks like “Tow Mater” from the Disney movie “Cars,” the General Lee showcar from the “Dukes of Hazzard,” Slugger & Diamond mascots from the Smokies, Bloomie the Pig, WIVK the Frog and U.S. Rep. Phil Roe.

The Sevierville Christmas Parade will wind through downtown Sevierville and feature a number of unique entries including the Lumberjack Feud – a float demonstrating the woodcutting skills of your everyday lumberjack. The Lumberjack Feud is a Smoky Mountain dinner show that pits two lumberjacking families against each other for the right to stay in the Smokies. Continue reading “50th Annual Sevierville Christmas Parade”

Sevierville’s Harvest Festival & Halloween Happenings

The annual Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is just one of a handful of events happening in October as Sevierville celebrates fall and the oncoming Halloween holiday.

October in the Smokies means a crisp, clean breeze, leaves beginning to change color, and the arts & crafts community really begins to come alive. Fall in the Smokies is a time of year like no other. If you have never experienced the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area during spring or summer, then you don’t know what you’re missing! Get to Sevierville before October 31 and before the colors disappear for another year!

The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is a county-wide celebration that includes Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge. The event lasts through Halloween on October 31. It’s a celebration of all things autumn and numerous local businesses in the Smokies participate. Throughout Sevier County you will find an assortment of “fall displays” with scarecrows, stacks of hay, pumpkins, cornstalks, and all sorts of other fall decorations aligning the streets, in business windows and around every corner.

In Sevierville, you will experience traditional Appalachian music along with gospel and bluegrass. Artisans with the local arts and crafts community share their wares and promote their talents which include; basket weaving, candle making, jewelry, quilting, pottery, doll making, leather, stained glass, scrimshaw, fine photography, various art works, and more. This isn’t a month long “made in (insert foreign country here)” tourist trap either… this is genuine, mountain-made, good ‘ole folks crafts and artwork! Here, you’re able to meet and talk to the artists face-to-face as they demonstrate their craft before your own eyes. Numerous visitors come back to the same shops every year to add to their collection of jewelry, pottery, art, etc. Nothing this unique and personal can be found anywhere else. It’s a Smoky Mountain tradition.

If you’re going to be in town closer to Halloween, head on up to BassPro in Kodak for their It’s The Great Pumpkin Halloween Event. From October 19-31, you’ll get a chance to shop for the latest in outdoor equipment while the family enjoys a number of Halloween festivities including: Continue reading “Sevierville’s Harvest Festival & Halloween Happenings”

Winterfest in 3D

Get your special 3D glasses and enjoy Sevierville’s Winterfest in an all new way – in 3D!

How about seeing Winterfest in Sevierville in 3D? Seeing millions of Christmas lights and snowflakes like they’re coming right at you. That’s something that will get the kids excited and looking forward to November in Sevierville.

Not only is the 3D Winterfest experience a great way to get in the holiday spirit, it’s great fun! Before coming to Winterfest in Sevierville, stop by the Sevierville Visitor Center on Hwy 66 (1.5 miles from I-40 Exit 407). It’s there that you can purchase a pair of Winterfest in 3D glasses while supplies last for only $1. The glasses shift each point of light into a snowflake, and when you think of all the Christmas lights that went into making Sevierville Winterfest, that’s a lot of snowflakes.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium – one of busiest events of the season, is the perfect place to put the 3D glasses to the test. This one-mile drive through LED light experience is made up solely of Christmas lights. This year, Shadrack’s features even more opportunities for the kids. Get out of the car and enjoy an on-site petting zoo, camel as well as pony rides, a chance to get your photo taken with Santa Claus himself and a Christmas tree lot (after Thanksgiving) if you haven’t already picked out that perfect tree for your home.

Winterfest brings more people to Sevierville every year. And not only for the lights, but to do some Christmas shopping at the Tanger Outlet, take in one of the many area shows and visit their favorite attractions. The Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall will not only be decorated in its holiday best, sales and deals aplenty will flow through its nearly 150 name brand stores that include everything from Polo Ralph Lauren to Starbucks.

This year, Winterfest in Sevierville can also be brought home with you…. And we’re not talking about the 3D glasses. Stores like Country Christmas and Christmas Done Bright will sell Winterfest-style lighting displays and other custom displays. Come to Sevierville for Winterfest! It’s something you have to see – literally, to believe!

Sevierville First Baptist’s Judgement House

Judgement House is back at Sevierville Baptist Church this October.

Sevierville’s First Baptist Church Judgement House is back again this October to minister to the Smoky Mountain community. It’s a ministry that has changed hundreds of lives since Sevierville Baptist began the annual event in 2002.

This walk-through drama provides people with a yearly opportunity to view performers making serious life choices and see the consequences that take place because of those choices. It’s an eye-opening experience whether you’ve been before or this is your first time. Each year the performances change, so if you came last year, this year will be a totally different experience.

In years past, Judgement House has centered around the heaven vs. hell theme. People come at Halloween to experience more of the hell portion, though they might be surprised that the focus is just as great on the heavenly portion that Judgement House is about.

Many churches on the area put on Judgement houses, and most start up around Halloween. And for the most part it is part-haunted house, part-sermon, part-choice, part-consequences. What they’re all getting at is the choice of saving one self before it is too late and choosing the path toward righteousness. Judgement house-goers sometimes face questions about their own faith and people are there to help them find answers while encouraging them to accept the Christian way of life.

Judgement houses first came about at New Creation Evangelism in Clearwater, Fla., and were used as an evangelical tool for the church’s congregation. This was almost 30 years ago. Many ideas and practices that went into that first Judgement House have since changed.

Still, it hasn’t kept people from forming opinions on the practice, or from just being downright too scared to attend. Some contend that Judgement houses get a bad reputation as a hellish interpretation of life. Others think they go hand in hand with hell houses that tackle such issues as abortion and murder, often times in a very graphic nature. Not so with Sevierville First Baptist’s Judgement House. Though many fears become realized through each adaptation, it’s the ending of mercy and redemption being offered that sets the Sevierville First Baptist Church version apart.

Come see for yourself and make your own decision this year. Visit Sevierville First Baptist’s Judgement House and come away with a clearer picture of heaven and hell than you had before.

Seveirville First Baptist Church
317 Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: (865) 453-9001

Sevierville Orvis to Offer FREE Fly Fishing Classes

Free fly fishing classes will be offered at Orvis in Sevierville from July to September 2012.

Ever see those Smoky Mountain pictures of people holding up huge trout in some secluded stream and wish that were you? Well, here’s your chance. If you’ve ever wanted to learn fly fishing from some of the most experienced anglers in the Smokies, from July through September, Orvis in Sevierville, TN is offering free fly fishing lessons through their retail store.

These free classes, Fly Fishing 101 and 201, are aimed at getting even more people introduced to the sport of fly fishing. These classes are a great way for families to interact with one another and make new friends in the area who also love fly fishing.

“The past two years’ success of Fly Fishing 101 is truly amazing and encouraging,” said Tom Rosenbauer, marketing director of The Orvis Company. “Based on the success of the program, we’ve been delighted to welcome many thousands of novice and advancing students to the joys of fly fishing through Fly Fishing 101 and 201. Our goal is to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to come learn more about the fascination of fly fishing. The classes are unique opportunities to enjoy a new sport and the success of the program speaks volumes to what folks are seeking in terms of healthy outdoor recreational activities for themselves and their families.”

Volunteers with Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) will lead the event and offer free memberships to their organization for attendees. Trout Unlimited and the FFF are two of the top organizations in the fly fishing world and offer unlimited resources to its members.

For those unfamiliar with the class, Fly Fishing 101 will consist of two parts – an hour of casting instruction followed by an hour of rigging instruction. The majority of participants are first time fly fishers, so focusing on the basic angling skills is the step in learning the sport. Fly Fishing 201 classes take the student out in the stream, and it’s a lower instructor/student ratio. There, students are helped along to the next step of fly fishing which is fly fishing in local streams and rivers – a great place to catch your first fish.

Upon completion of the course, each student will receive a $25 coupon off any purchase of $50 or more and other coupons good toward Orvis gear. Attendees will also receive a certificate for a
FREE Trout Unlimited membership and a FREE membership to the Federation of Fly Fishers—a $70 value. That’s a total package valuation at over $150.

To get started in fly fishing and to make it more accessible to start in the sport, participants will also receive discounted offers on a fishing lanyard with tools and a beginner’s rod outfit—all the basics needed to hit the water after the class.

Event Dates:

Fly Fishing 101:
Saturdays: 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/04, 8/11, 8/18, 8/25, 9/01, 9/08, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29.

Wednesdays: 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29, 9/05, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26.

Fly Fishing 201:
Saturday, 9/29

Sunday, 9/30

The Orvis company was founded in 1856 and pioneered the mail order industry in the United States. Orvis currently operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S. and the U.K. including its Flagship store in Manchester, VT; and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide. Orvis donates five percent of pre-tax profits each year to protecting nature. You can read more about Orvis on their website at www.orvis.com.

Local Orvis Store
Orvis Company Store, Sevierville
136 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862
865-774-4162
Kris Maurer, Manager
David Carson, Fishing Manager

(www.orvis.com/sevierville)

Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival

September brings a unique bluegrass festival to the Smoky Mountains. The Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival combines camping, bluegrass music, games and of course fun for a great show and people come early and stay late. The site is set up to host RVers so bring your rig to the show. This year June 11th through 13th Dumplin Valley will bring the best of Bluegrass to east Tennessee.

September brings a unique bluegrass festival to the Smoky Mountains. The Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival combines camping, bluegrass music, games and of course fun for a great show and people come early and stay late. The site is set up to host RVers so bring your rig to the show. This year September 13th through the 15th, Dumplin Valley will bring the best of Bluegrass to East Tennessee.

Located at 525 East Dumplin Valley Road in Kodak, Tennessee, this event center has plenty of room for camping in RVs, fellowshipping with friends and, of course, room for the concerts themselves. Starting Thursday, you’ll see performances from the likes of Paul Williams and The Victory Trio, Jimbo Whaley & The Greenbrier, and Lou Reid & Carolina. Friday, bands taking the festival stage include Little Roy and Lizzy, Monroeville, and Rhonda Vincent and The Rage.

Saturday usually brings in a bigger crowd for the weekend performances, and before it slips by, there is a potluck dinner scheduled for Wednesday, September 12 at the pavilion for all the campers coming in on Wednesday. Now, on with the week’s performances:

Thursday, September 13

Cordle, Jackson & Salley
Paul Williams & The Victory Trio
Lou Reid & Carolina
Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier

Friday, September 14

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
The Little Roy & Lizzy Show
Balsam Range
The Crowe Brothers
Monroeville

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Gibson Brothers
Lonesome River Band
Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice
Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s
Shadow Ridge

Along with the music and friendship, there may be ballgames, bubble wrap dancing and much more. You never really know what a bunch of bluegrass fans will do to pass the time. If you are a bluegrass fan you don’t have an option–you have to be there. There are very few times in the year when you have the ability to see this many groups all at one time.

A weekend pass for this event will run you $70 (in advance) – $85 dollars depending on when you purchase your ticket, either before-hand or at the gate. Day prices are as follows – Thursday: $20 (adv) $25 (gate), Friday: $25 (adv) $30 (gate), Saturday: $25 (adv) $30 (gate), children 12 & under get in FREE. These are great prices to see 14 bands and spend time with other people who share your interest. Check out their website: www.dumplinvalleybluegrass.com for updated information. Check Smoky Mountain Lodging sources if you are coming for this event.