Pigeon Forge Veterans Parade to Honor America’s Heroes

One of Pigeon Forge’s most popular and meaningful events will return this summer. On August 19, our Smoky Mountain city will host the Veterans Homecoming Parade on the Parkway. This annual tradition honors the brave heroes who have risked their lives defending the United States and her allies. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Visit My Smokies has put together a guide to everything you need to know about the Pigeon Forge Veterans Parade.

Date and Time

The Veterans Homecoming Parade will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2017. The event will begin at 9 a.m. on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Pigeon Forge Veterans Parade Route

The parade route will start near Traffic Light # 8 on the Parkway, close to Dollywood Lane. Then, the parade will move northbound along the Parkway to Traffic Light # 5, which is located near Jake Thomas Boulevard.

What to Expect at the Veterans Homecoming Parade

The Pigeon Forge Veterans Parade is sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages. In years past, the parade has included military vehicles, marching bands, color guards, motorcycles, floats and trucks from area attractions, and, of course, numerous veterans. Many spectators bring lawn chairs so they can comfortably watch the parade make its way up the Parkway.

The first Veterans Homecoming Parade in Pigeon Forge was held in 2013 as the “Welcome Home from Vietnam Parade”. The parade aimed to give Vietnam veterans the hero’s welcome that they did not receive when they first returned home from the war. This year’s parade honors all of America’s military veterans, with a special emphasis on those who served in Vietnam.

Free Patriotic Concert at Country Tonite

Beginning at 1 p.m. on the day of the parade, the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge will host a free patriotic concert for everyone to enjoy. The concert will star James Rogers, a singer-songwriter who has performed with famous musicians like Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, and Alabama. Rogers’ song “I Guard America” was chosen as the official theme song for the Enlisted Association of the National Guard. Although he hails from Chattanooga, Rogers has deep roots in the Smokies, having performed at the Music Mansion and Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge for nearly 30 years.

(See Also: Top 4 Places to Hear Live Music in Pigeon Forge)

Celebrate Freedom Discounts

Pigeon Forge honors veterans throughout the month of August with its annual Celebrate Freedom discounts. From the 1st – 31st, many area attractions, restaurants, shops, and lodging providers offer special discounts to veterans, active military personnel, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders. To take advantage of the discounts, head to the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center at Traffic Light # 0 with relevant identification.

More Events in Pigeon Forge

Looking for more great things to do in the Smokies in addition to the Pigeon Forge Veterans Parade? Bookmark our Pigeon Forge Events Calendar to stay up to date on everything going on in the area!