Dixie Stampede - 2009  

Updated: 05/20/09

On our way to Fred and Becky's, Mary Lou wanted to go to the Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It was a very nice performance and the food was delicious. 

In addition to the large sign to draw attention to the show, horses in stalls faced the main street through Pigeon Forge. The sign next to the stall told us that horses bite. Fred remembers a story his grandmother told told about their horse biting her on the shoulder.

The shrubs were shaped like stars. Are we in Texas? ...  No ... Tennessee. 

Arriving for the show a little early, we visited the horses again, we watched these horses being led to work.

Quarter horse . . .

These 'book centers' could be seen all over town. When we visited Wal-Mart, one was in the entryway. This one was in the lobby of the Dixie Stampede.

Dolly Parton established a foundation to provide every Sevier County preschool child with a quality hard cover book every month from birth to age five.

The Carriage Room Show was included in your ticket to the Dixie Stampede.  It is a musical performance.

If you purchased this plastic souvenir boot in advance at the ticket booth, it was less expensive than purchasing it later. So, we just had to have one - thinking of the money we were saving. It could be filled with your selection of non-alcoholic beverage. We sipped ours during the entire show in the Carriage Room.

The menu was also a boot shape.

Mary Lou made friends with the guy at the end of the bar.

The night we were there the Mountain Ruckus were performing. The show lasted about a half hour.

This guy played the guitar, mandolin, and the fiddle.

On the main floor of the Carriage Room barmaids served snacks and drink.

We sat in the balcony where we served ourselves.

At the end of the show the guitar player was TP'ed.

Then, they opened the doors to the arena.

Photography during the performance in the arena was not permitted. So, we have very few photographs in the arena.

The backdrop was of a plantation mansion.

Dinner is served without silverware. Knowing this, Fred packed a salad fork in his pocket just like he did in the Medieval Times in Florida. It has to do with his 'two sticky fingers only' rule. The dinner was very good. We were seated at the end of the arena. Seats are not specifically assigned but in a section with ten chairs.

Fred told the server one of her jobs was to keep his glass filled; she brought him a pitcher of Sprite. It is hard to understand, but the server determined that she could have fun with Fred - ie: work for a large tip. Each course was served separately.

When she delivered the rotisserie chicken, she gave Fred only a tiny wing and continued down the row. She did return to give him the rest of his chicken.

When she delivered the warm moist towelettes after the meal, she tossed Fred's on his chest while carefully handing a towelette to others.

Everyone had to have their photograph made as they walk in. How can you resist purchasing it when they bring it to your table and you look so great?  We resisted.

Yes, it is not us.  

Let the show begin, we were treated to trick riding and competition, pitting North against South in a friendly and fun rivalry. There was music, dancing, special effects and family friendly comedy. The Patriotic Grand Finale featured Color Me America, written and recorded by Dolly.

The guy on the horse was the straight man for the comedy routines.

As the performance ended in the arena, Dolly thanked us by video for coming. As we exited the arena, a sign under a portrait of Dolly thanked us again for coming.

We enjoyed the Dixie Stampede. It is a recommended stop while you are in Pigeon Forge. Our tickets were $43 each. For show times and other information, visit their Web site at www.dixiestampede.com .

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