In 2014, many people are looking forward to the Smoky Mountain Springfest. There are several reasons why so many people look forward to this beautiful event. The Smoky Mountains are known for their amazing beauty. This event signals the beginning of springtime, and it takes place inside of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It would be an understatement to say that it's a celebration because it's much more than that. The event takes place over the span of three months. The springfest offers a variety of ways to save, and it's filled with plenty of home-spun activities, which are extremely fun and engaging. The Events The Smoky Mountain Springfest contains a variety of events, and every event is meant to entertain visitors while serving a greater purpose. The Synchronous Fireflies, Bloomin' BBQ, Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, Dolly Parade and Spring Pigeon Forge Rod Run are some of the main events. This fun and exciting event starts on March 19th and continues through June 8th, 2014. The Dolly Parade One of the main activities is called the Dolly Parade, and it will take place on May 2nd, 2014. The parade starts at 6 p.m. What really makes this parade special is the fact that Dolly Parton rides through the parade on a float. She plays the role of the Grand Marshal. This parade contains local celebrities, marching bands and festive floats, so there is no shortage of interesting things to look at. The atmosphere around the parade is greatly enhanced by the abundance of colorful flowers, which line the Parkway. Put simply, it is Dolly's special Homecoming parade. The Pigeon Forge Rod Run Another major event is the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, which serves to reunite many different types of classic cars. These vehicles come from many different areas of the country. The cars at this event are there for competition and show. This event starts April 11th and continues through April 14th, 2014. Anyone who attends this event will find Gold Wings, classic GMCs, Chevys and Fords. Although it's exciting to watch these vehicles drive by, most people get more enjoyment from looking under the hood and peeking at them while they're parked. The thousands of individuals walking the Parkway can enjoy these beautiful classic cars. The Music of the Mountains During this event, music is allowed to flow throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are three different locations in the park where the music is played. Anyone who attends the Music of The Mountains will be able to enjoy modern bands and authentic instruments. The purpose of the music is to celebrate the powerful spirit of the local mountains. The Bluegrass and Bloomin' BBQ Visitors can expect this event to start May 16th and continue through May 17th, 2014. In 2013, this single event attracted nearly 27,000 individuals. The event is held in Sevierville, Tennessee, and it attracts a massive mixture of tourists and local residents. The purpose of this event is BBQ-related frolicking and fun. During this event, visitors can enjoy tasty food, games, mountain crafts, a cook-off and much more. There is even the chance for adults to win tickets to popular bluegrass concerts. The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage The Smoky Mountain Springfest offers visitors the chance to enjoy the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. Every year, this event takes place over a period of five days. It starts April 15th and continues through April 19th, 2014. The pilgrimage takes place throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it includes indoor seminars, art classes, photo tours, motorcades, history walks, fauna and wildflowers. The majority of the programs contained in this event are outside. However, some of the seminars take place indoors. Cornbread and Beans Blast This event takes place inside of Gatlinburg, and it gives people the chance to try some of the tastiest cornbread and beans in the area. It also features live entertainment. During this event, the Gatlinburg Parkway becomes a Street Fair, which enables visitors to celebrate the Appalachia's rich culinary history. Many different vendors must compete with each other, and they use their unique recipes for beans. An inexpensive entry fee is all that is required, and visitors can sample beans from all of the vendors. The Weddings Aside from all of the other interesting events, the Smoky Mountain Springfest features several weddings. Spring happens to be an excellent time to enjoy the mountain beauty, and during this time, many couples take advantage of the atmosphere by getting hitched. Smoky Mountains turn into a massive wedding bouquet. As trees begin to sprout flowers, the air becomes filled with a memorable scent, and inside this incredible environment, there is no shortage of couples getting married. It doesn't matter if you plan on getting married here or just want to watch others get hitched; this event is sure to be one that is memorable. The Synchronous Fireflies If all of the other events don't sound appealing, there is a good chance that this one will. The Smoky Mountains are home to something very special. They're filled with synchronous fireflies, and these fireflies are very special because they blink simultaneously. This phenomenon only occurs in a handful of places throughout the entire world, so it's no wonder why it's an event that draws thousands of spectators. Inside the Smoky Mountains, there is a place called Elkmont, and this is the area where the synchronous fireflies hang out. The nighttime display produced by these magnificent little creatures is something to remember. However, the event only occurs during the first few days of June. Since the rules and viewing hours for this event are strict, it's important to plan ahead. A ticket system must be used to pre-register for the event. All of these events are contained within the Smoky Mountain Springfest. Anyone who wants an immersive experience that will be remembered for a lifetime should consider attending. photo credit: bulliver via photopin cc
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