Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Dollywood To Kick Off 2017 Season With Festival Of Nations
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on March 14, 2017
Guess what's happening this weekend in Pigeon Forge…
If you guessed that Smoky Mountain Ziplines would be open, you would be a winner! We're rockin' our way into the 2017 season, and it looks like we're going to have some warmer, sunny days this weekend for folks to enjoy our Pigeon Forge ziplines.
If you guessed that Dollywood theme park would be opening its gates for the 2017 season, you're also correct. The park officially opens this Saturday, March 18 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and gets things rolling with its annual Festival of Nations – a celebration of cultures from around the world that traditionally launches each Dollywood season. This year's Festival of Nations runs through April 9.
As always, the event will be anchored by live performances by entertainers who hail from around the globe. Highlights include:
Mother Africa – Comines skillful acrobatics, modern and traditional dance, comedy and colorful costumes, all set to the music of a renowned live band.
Slask – One of Europe's most prominent folk dance and music ensembles, Slask features more than 30 dancers in hundreds of richly embroidered, hand-made costumes that represent the various regions of Poland.
Atahualpa – These masterful musicians share the history and culture of the Andes Mountains through beautiful traditional songs, dance and fun.
Hodman & Sally – These loveable walk-around characters, who hail from the country of “Oblivia,” are sure to bring a smile to your face. They're also good for photo opps.
Darbhail Finnegan and Robin Slater – This Irish harp and flute duo (and married couple) weaves together beautiful music and engaging humor to bring you an unforgettable experience.
Streichmusik Alder – Experience the music and traditions of the Swiss Alps with this warm-hearted and talented group of musician who share the unique sounds of the alphorn and other folk instruments, yodeling and stories of Swiss mountain culture.
Invaders Steel Orchestra – This guest-favorite act returns with tropical sounds and amazing musicianship. They're one of the Caribbeans's most recognized steel pan orchestras.
Kelly Shipe – Kelly shares her award-winning skills and extensive list of tunes as she fills the streets of Dollywood with the beautiful and haunting sounds of the highland bagpipes.
These live international performers will appear at different venues throughout Dollywood, but theme park guests will also see Dollywood's usual lineup of shows and musical acts, ranging from country and bluegrass to gospel and oldies rock and roll.
During Festival of Nations, visitors can sample the cuisine of the participating nations and purchase works of art and other souvenirs from booths at the international bazaar. At the end of each day, all the visiting acts gather for a Parade of Nations that winds its way through the streets of Dollywood.
But that's just the start of what's in store for Dollywood's 2017 season. New to the park this year is Drop Line, a 200-foot-tall free-fall experience that towers over Timber Canyon and provides an incredible view of the park before guests drop to an exhilarating finish. The drop tower ride lifts passengers nearly 20 stories above the Canyon pool before plummeting them back to the ground in a thrilling rush.
Also new for younger guests is the Whistle Punk Chaser, a junior coaster full of thrilling twists and turns that prepares junior riders for the day they can join their parents aboard award-winning coasters like Thunderhead, Wild Eagle and Fire Chaser.
Meanwhile, Dollywood's Splash Country will open for the summer on Memorial Day weekend with a new slide attraction – TailSpin Racer. Full of wet and wild twists, turns and thrills, TailSpin Racer features unique spiraling, high-speed Aqua Tubes that carry riders to a splashdown finish.
