The city of Pigeon Forge has traditionally hosted an evening of fireworks and music on Independence Day. This year, plans are set for a different sort of celebration - the Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival. The emphasis will shift away from country music into a three-day set of events that will cover a spectrum of music. The decision was made to go with a more diverse musical lineup after a radio station, Star 102, approached the city with a co-sponsorship offer.
"Their demographic is a younger market than what we'd normally reach," Pigeon Forge tourism director Leon Downey said. "We're really trying to draw in young parents with children."
There will be a variety of kid-friendly activities at Patriot Park on the 4th. Tennessee State Bank's "Kids Karnival" will feature a climbing wall, giant slide, toddler sandboxes, Velcro wall and a number of other games.
"There will be more kid-friendly activities for families to take part in," Downey said.
The music will be spread out over a four-day period. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday will include scheduled events.
On July 1 at 3 p.m., the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus will present "A Gospel Music Celebration" at the Smoky Mountain Jubilee Theater. Brian Free & Assurance will make a guest appearance in the show. Tickets are free, but must be ordered in advance at 429-7350.
The Old Mill Square will host Bluegrass Day on Tuesday. The concerts will begin at 3 and 7 p.m. and feature the Carolina Bluegrass Boys. A special performance of the Delaware Fife and Drum Corp will be held at 1 p.m. at the Old Mill.
On the 4th, there will be free games beginning at 1 p.m. followed by the Young Patriot's Parade. The parade features youth on bikes, tricycles or wagons. Registration begins at 1 p.m. and the parade will begin one hour later.
At 5 p.m. performances begin that will include Bowling for Soup, QuietDrive, Tiffany Affair and former "American Idol" contestant Kimberly Locke. Music-accompanied fireworks will conclude the concert.
"This is a different type of music than we'd normally have," Downey said. "But we think that while some people might not enjoy the show, others will really be drawn in by the music variety.
"It'll be a blend of music that should draw in a diverse group of people to Pigeon Forge."