by Tom Adkinson
posted June 28, 2009
Pigeon Forge is ready to celebrate July Fourth with baton twirlers, swing dance music, country songs, rock ‘n’ roll, Motown melodies and, oh yes, a gigantic fireworks display that will light up the sky over this gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It’s the 19th celebration of the Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival, and guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets for festival seating in Patriot Park. Admission is free.
Entertainment starts at 1 p.m. with the Twirling Medallion Majorette and Drum Corps from Elkton, Va. (which once opened a show for Billy Ray Cyrus) and doesn’t end until the fireworks that start about 9:45 p.m.
The cast of “Swing Time,” a Pigeon Forge show that highlights the Big Band music of the 1940's, will set a patriotic tone with a tribute to America’s military and a stirring rendition of the national anthem.
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the stage will be filled by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus (more than 40 members), the Temptations Revue and three country artists—John Berry, Sarah Darling and Homer Hart.
The pre-fireworks act is Classic Rock All-Stars, a superstar group that includes Pete Rivera from Rare Earth, Dennis Noda from Cannibal and the Headhunters, Jerry Corbetta from Sugarloaf and Mike Pinera of Blues Image, Iron Butterfly and Alice Cooper. Members have been part of songs such as “I Just Want To Celebrate,” “Land of a Thousand Dances,” “Get Ready” and “Green-Eyed Lady.”
Knoxville’s WIVK-FM will broadcast a patriotic soundtrack to the fireworks show for observers throughout the city.
The toll-free phone number of Pigeon Forge information is 800 251-9100.
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