The 2011 “Spring Fling” Tennessee Goldwing Road Riders Association Rally & Show

The 2011 “Spring Fling” Tennessee Goldwing Road Riders Association Rally & Show will be held at the Sevier County Fairgrounds.

Honda Gold Wing motorcycles will take over Sevier County Fairgrounds on April 14-16 for the 2011 “Spring Fling” Tennessee Goldwing Road Riders Association Rally & Show. This year the event is hosted by the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort. In a weekend full of excitement, attendees will get the chance to attend seminars and discussion groups, participate in parades and win prizes, all the time spending time with other Gold Wing enthusiasts. This year the theme is Davy Crockett Days. Stop by and get to see some of the best looking motorcycles in East Tennessee.

The Tennessee Gold Wing Road Riders Association, the hosting organization, is the largest single-marquee social organization for owners and riders of Gold Wing motorcycles. This group will spend time getting to know each other better and learning about the interest that they share, the Honda Gold Wing. They will have seminars on everything from stress management to listening and communicating. They will also have the ability to visit vendors that have come in just for this conference. Products ranging from gear for their bikes to clothing will be available to the members throughout the weekend.

Goldwing Riders will compete for the Grand Prize of a Bushtec Performance Sport Trailer, as well as the Second Place Grand Prize of $1,000 and two Chapter Prizes of $250 each going to the largest Tennessee Chapter and the largest representing chapter from outside the state of Tennessee. Cash prizes will also be awarded to winners of this year’s talent show in the categories of comedy, serious, and the outside Tennessee combined category.

The weekend’s main events schedule is as follows:

Thursday, April 14th:

  • Amateur Night & Campfire! 6-9pm –  Join us at the Fair Grounds for some ole fashion country fun!  Campfire Stew is from 6pm-7:30pm. Bring your lawn chairs, listen to the music, and dance in the field. You won’t want to miss the FUN of the Chapter Challenge from 7-9pm as Chapters vie for the title of “King of the Frontier!”  Their frontier skills will be tested in a variety of ways! (See below for more information re competing in this FUN but Dirty event!)
  • Bike Light Show at 9pm – (after Campfire and it’s dark) Classification to be held from 6:30-8pm. At the North Gate (Service Entrance).  Bikes will circle the fairgrounds/vendor area.

Friday, April 15th:

  • TN Couple of the Year 2011 SelectionDon’t miss this opportunity to come out and show your support for YOUR chapter Couple of the Year.  Selection starts at 11am sharp and doors will be closed at 11am.
  • Frontier RodeoOpening ceremonies will be held in the Exhibit Hall beginning at 6:30pm. Then join us at 8pm at the outdoor Arena for a professional RODEO! See the cowboys ride the bulls, watch the horses race for times, and enjoy the rodeo clowns!  FREE to first 1,000 FULLY registered event participants.

Saturday, April 16th:

  • ALL Best Dressed Competitions – No advance sign up required. Be at the Red Barn by 9:45am for sign in if you wish to compete.  Categories include Best Dressed-Parade, Best Dressed-Show, Best Dressed-Riding, and Best Dressed-Theme.  Both Individual and Group categories.  See www.tngwrra.org for guidelines.
  • Bike Show – Onsite at the Fair Grounds this year (weather permitting). Classification from 11am-12:30pm with Judging beginning at 1pm.
  • Talent Show – Talent Show will be held at 3pm in the Red Barn.  CASH PRIZES – OUT of STATE CATEGORIES!
  • Farewell with Awards/PrizesAfter a day filled with activities including field events, bike show (onsite at the fairgrounds), seminars galore, and more, join us as we say thank you to all of you for attending.  Closing will be in the Exhibit Hall at 5pm.  Chapter Awards, TN Member of the Year, Chapter Educator of the Year, and more to be presented as well as Grand Prizes!

SPECIAL NOTICE:

~CHAPTER CHALLENGE – Will be held Thursday evening from 7-9pm in the outdoor Arena. Be sure you wear your ‘dirty’ clothes/shoes!  Each team will consist of five (5) members.  Chapters may have more than one team and teams may be all male, all female, or co-ed.  Out of State teams welcome to join the fun!  Come cheer on your favorite team(s).

Questions????? Call Julie at 865-774-7740 or email her at mrszahn@yahoo.com

Santa Sightings in Sevierville – He’s Out There!

Santa is sure to found around Sevierville before Christmas!

Catching a glimpse of Jolly Old St. Nick isn’t the easiest task, especially around Christmas Eve, but for those of us out and about this month, Sevierville offers more than few chances to meet and greet Mr. Claus himself.

Here’s a listing of places you’re liable to spot Santa before he comes calling in a few weeks:

Bass Pro Outdoor World – Address: 3629 Outdoor Sportsmans Place Kodak, TN 37764, Hours: Weeknights Now through Dec. 10 5-8pm; Weekdays Dec. 13-23 10am-8pm; Saturdays through Dec. 19 10am-8pm; Sundays through Dec. 19 Noon – 5pm; Dec. 24 10am-5pm, Santa Photo Fee: No Charge for 4×6 photo; Additional photo packages available for purchase. Bonus: Santa’s Wonderland games and activities are open every day until December 24 during regular business hours.

Wilderness at the Smokies – Address: 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy Sevierville, TN 37876, Hours: Dec. 3rd & 4th 3-7pm; Dec. 10th 6-8:30pm; Dec. 11th 1:30-4:30pm; Dec. 17th 6-8:30pm; Dec. 18th 1:30-4:30pm; Dec. 21st, 22nd & 23rd 6-8pm; Dec. 24th 11am-1pm. Santa Photo Fee: Call for more information – 877-325-WILD (9453). Bonus: Catch carolers performing Christmas tunes in the lobbies of River Lodge and Stone Hill Resort on Friday Dec. 3rd 6-8pm, Friday December 10th and 17th 4-8pm and Friday December 24th from 11am-1pm

Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium – Address: 3540 Line Drive Kodak, TN 37764, Hours: 6-10pm daily, Santa Photo Fee: $10 per photo. Lights: Drive your vehicle through a maze filled with hundreds of thousands of LED lights dancing in perfect synchronization with Christmas music on your radio. Light tour prices vary Bonus: Enjoy additional activities in Santa’s Village including a free petting zoo, camel & pony rides ($5), great food (between $1-$3) and a Christmas tree lot (prices vary based on tree size).

Dollywood – Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Get a great photo with Santa in Santa’s Workshop now through Dec. 24 during park operating hours. Santa Photo Fee: Prices vary based on package / Guests must purchase a park admission to enter. Dollywood Lights: See four million twinkling Winterfest lights throughout Dollywood. Bonus: A Classic Coca-Cola Santa also spends the day at Dollywood’s Aunt Granny’s Restaurant where guests are welcome to snap a quick photo with the Jolly Old Elf himself.

The Great Smoky Mountain Autofest

The Great Smoky Mountain Autofest starts on September 23 in Sevierville, Tennessee.

In East Tennessee, you’re about as likely to see a car show on the weekend as you are to see footballs flying through the air on a fall Friday night. Simply put, people around these parts love their classic cars and like showing them off even more.

Sevierville and The Diner Rats Car Club will get into the act later this month (September 23, 24, and 25) with their annual Great Smoky Mountain Autofest, held yearly at Smokies Stadium, just off Interstate 40. It’s a great show for those of you who don’t want to battle the crowds at the Pigeon Forge Rod Runs, but still want to take in a car show that reflects the vast genres seen at the yearly Rod Runs and Shades of the Past car shows. Autofest registration is open to the first 800 cars and by the looks of things last year, the lot fills up quick.

As in years past, this is an open event to all years, makes and models from classics, antiques, street rods, customs, originals and special interests. There will also be cars for sale, car vendors promoting their products, a swap meet, a craft sale, food, as well as shopping opportunities – basically something for everyone. Continue reading “The Great Smoky Mountain Autofest”

Sevierville 2010 Calendar of Events

2010 Sevierville, TN Calendar of Events

For those of us looking for a fun afternoon outside the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you don’t have to look further than Sevierville. Sevierville is packed with family events in 2010 beginning in March with a Smoky Mountain Springfest to the town’s 48th annual Christmas Parade on December 4th. There’s literally something for everyone in 2010!

MARCH 2010

March 6 to  8 – Norton’s Apparel, Jewelry & Gift Market – Sevierville Events Center 865-436-6151

March 11 to June 7 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Enjoy spring decorations, mountain wildflowers and plenty of great events during Smoky Mountain Springfest. For more information call 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378) or www.VisitSevierville.com

March 13 – The Diner Rats 2nd Annual Shamrock Saturday Cruisin’ for Food – Bring canned or boxed non-perishable food for Sevier County Food Ministries or Wears Valley Ranch. Cruise begins at noon at Smokies Stadium and proceeds to The Diner, rain or shine. (865) 908-1904 www.thediner.biz

March 20 – Smoky Mountain Thunder Motorcycle & Car Show – Sevier Co. Fairgrounds (865) 654-1851

March 26 & 27 – Corvette Expo & Auction – Sevierville Events Center 865-687-8303 www.corvetteexpo.com

APRIL 2010

April 17 – Master Gardener’s Event – Buy plants and get gardening tips from Sevier County’s master gardeners at Sevier Co. Fairgrounds. (865) 453-3695

April 24 – The Diner’s Spring Fling Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

MAY 2010

May 11 to 13 – Sevierville’s BBQ Boot Camp – Learn BBQing techniques from Champion BBQ Cookers during the three day BBQ Boot Camp in Sevierville, TN. Sign up for 1, 2 or 3 days of cooking. Registration is $50 per day or $125 for all three days. Register at www.BloominBBQ.com.

May 14 & 15 – Sevierville’s 6th Annual Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass – The largest event in Sevierville! Tennessee State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, FREE bluegrass concerts from rising stars and bluegrass legends (2010 includes Audie Blaylock, Tony Rice Unit and Dan Tyminski), kids games, great food and authentic mountain crafts. Admission is FREE. For more information, contact the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce 1-888-889-7415 or visit www.BloominBBQ.com

May 22 – The Diner’s Loves of Your Life Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in (865) 908-1904 www.thediner.biz

JUNE 2010

June 5 to 7 – Norton’s Apparel, Jewelry & Gift Market – Sevierville Events Center (865) 436-6151

June 10 to 12 – Dumplin Valley June Fest – Top Bluegrass artists in a 3 day festival. (865) 397-7942

June 10 to 12 – Parker’s Greatest Knife Show – Large-scale collectable knife show at Sevierville Events Center (423) 892-0448

June 26 – The Diner’s Cruise In Jam Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in (865) 908-1904 www.thediner.biz

JULY 2010

July 2 – July 2 Tanya Tucker in Concert at Country Tonite Theatre – 1-800-792-4308

July 24 – Diner’s Hot Nights, Cool Cars Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

AUGUST 2010

August 6 to 8 – TN Tax Free Weekend – Shop tax free on select items throughout Tennessee. www.tntaxholiday.com

August 28 – The Diner’s Back to School Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

SEPTEMBER 2010

September 6 to 11 – Sevier County Fair – Traditional hometown fair with a midway, carnival rides, games, contests and concerts at Sevier Co. Fairgrounds. (865) 453-0770

September 11 to 13 – Norton’s Apparel, Jewelry & Gift Market – Sevierville Events Center 865-436-6151

September 11 & 12 – Weekend Tea Party & 9-11 Memorial Events – The Diner (865) 908-1904

September 16 to 18 – Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival – Enjoy three days of music from the nation’s best Bluegrass musicians. (865) 397-7942 www.dumplinvalleybluegrass.com

September 17 to October 31 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – Enjoy the sites, sounds and smells of a Smoky Mountain Harvest. Leaf looking, special events, shows, shopping and attractions make this a great time of year to visit Sevierville. For more information call 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378) or www.VisitSevierville.com

September 22 to 25 – Great Smoky Mountain Annual Auto Fest at Smokies Stadium – See a wide variety of autos, attend the swap meet and car corral, enjoy cash and prize giveaways, a Thursday night cruise in and downtown block party. Registration is limited to the first 1500 cars. Registration $30, Gate Admission $5 – Gates open 8am-6pm daily (865) 850-4806

OCTOBER 2010

October 1 & 2 – 31st Annual Circle Your Wagens VW Show – Sevier County Fairgrounds 865-654-8009

October 2 & 3 – Robert Tino’s Smoky Mountain Homecoming – Located at the Robert Tino Gallery and Farm off Hwy 66, next to Buddys BarBQ. Smoky Mountain Homecoming unveils Robert Tino’s latest mountain print. This event will feature two days of art, bluegrass music, story telling, mountain crafts and displays, kids games, petting zoo and pony rides, kids art classes, antiques, and a farmers market. Admission is free. (865) 453-6315 or 1-800-675-6961 www.smokymountainhomecoming.com

October 15 & 16 – Corvette Expo and Auction – Sevierville Events Center 865-687-8303 www.corvetteexpo.com

October 23 – The Diner’s 7th Anniversary Cruise In – Open car show and Cruise In – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

NOVEMBER 2010

November 5 & 6 – Genealogy Conference – Historic walking tour of downtown Sevierville, special heritage preservation presentations and a dinner gala. (865) 908-7988

November 6 – The Diner’s Veterans Day Cruise In – Open car show and Cruise In – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

November 8 – Sevierville’s Winterfest Kick Off Music, Lights & Magic – Free food, local entertainment, kids’ games and fireworks make this event fun for everyone! The evening wraps up with “flipping the switch” on the area’s first Winterfest lights. Call 1-888-738-4378. www.VisitSevierville.com

November 8 to February 28 – Smoky Mountain Winterfest – Enjoy millions of twinkling lights throughout the Great Smoky Mountains area. 1-888-738-4378

November 8 to February 28 – Smoky Mountain Winterfest in 3D Glasses Available – Winterfest in 3D Glasses are available at the Sevierville Visitor Center on Hwy 66 while supplies last. These glasses help you see Winterfest in a whole new light as every point of light shifts into a snowflake. 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378)

November 13 to 15 – Norton’s Apparel, Jewelry & Gift Market – Sevierville Events Center 865-436-6151

DECEMBER 2010

December 4 – Sevierville’s 48th Annual Christmas Parade – A traditional hometown parade with baton twirlers, pageant winners, marching bands and floats leading up to the appearance of the Grand Marshal – Santa Claus! Parade begins at 11am and can best be viewed on Forks of the River Parkway and Court Avenue in historic downtown Sevierville, TN. 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378)

December 9 to 11 – Parker’s Greatest Knife Show – Large-scale collectable knife show at Sevierville Events Center (423) 892-0448