The LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge
It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!
Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.
1. Dollywood Harvest Festival
If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.
3. Wears Valley Fall Festival
The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.
No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!
Pop quiz, hotshot. What do the following have in common:
- Hundreds and hundreds of awesome hot rods
- Christian youth groups
- Master classes in groove dancing
- Quilts that could win people money
- A national championship by the Eastern Cheer & Dance Association
- An invasion of the best jeep vehicles in America
- A huge and popular anime convention that brings top voice acting talent from American localization companies to the Smokies and
- Convenience to both The Island and walking distance to The Old Mill
You probably guessed it - The LeConte Center in downtown Pigeon Forge!
Pigeon Forge is a major center of reunions and events in our region of the country, but one thing we sorely missed for so long was having our own official conference center that was easy to find, get to and operate from therein. In 2013, such void was filled with the LeConte Conference Center being finished and opening for business in October of that year between the main Pigeon Forge parkway and the parallel Teaster Road, a location that is just about perfect for many matters of convenience and most staying in Pigeon Forge for any special events they want to participate at LeConte.
Convenience alone isn't what makes LeConte something worthy to write a blog about - this is a $50,000,000 project that was to "serve as a catalyst for development in the city, stimulate investment, create jobs, and create economic vitality and impact through scheduled functions that attract large numbers of out-of-town visitors" according to www.lecontecenter.com. It is a 232,000 square foot property with a 100,500 square foot "clear span" exhibit and event space. It has a main hall with a seating capacity for over 12,000 patrons and participants. The location shares the enormous parking lot with The Island, so occupancy should rarely be a problem and parking fees absolutely not (parking is free). Free WiFi internet is available for guests, patrons and event staff, and with all the technical marvel presented by the conference center, LeConte has won Green Certification by Skye Con Environment Consulting.
And what kind of events does LeConte Conference have? We hinted at some above, but now you have some ideas on it, here's some more information:
* Corvette Expo *
March 2nd - March 3rd
"Corvette lovers are converging in Pigeon Ford for the Spring Corvette Expo. The expo has been one of the most popular car shows in the area for more than 40 years. The Corvette Expo will feature dozens of show cars and vendors as well as a sales corral. In total there will be over 500 cars and more than 100 vendors attending the event. This year’s Corvette Expo will include flight judging by NCRS members of the southeast chapter." - LeConte website.
* Groove Dance Nationals *
March 10th - March 11th
"Join us at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN to EXPERIENCE our events, learn how to improve, compete with the BEST and to let your dancers GROOVE in our electrifying master classes! Like all GROOVE events, the GROOVE Dance Nationals at LeConte Center attracts all star dancers from near and far." - LeConte website.
* Shabbach Youth Conference *
March 16th - March 18th
"The Shabbach Youth Conference attracts young attendees from all over the country that want to build their commitment to live for Jesus. The mission is to reach a whole generation in a new way. Each year more than 2,000 people participate in the Shabbach Youth Conference. The conference welcomes attendees of all ages, even as young as two years old. Attendees learn to forge the path that God has laid for them, to trust in his plan and renew their faith. The conference features fun games, faith-based activities and inspiring discussions with guest speakers." - LeConte website.
* A Mountain Quiltfest *
March 20th - March 24th
"A Mountain Quiltfest™ is a five-day long event taking place March 20th through the 24th." - LeConte website.
* Pentecostal Fire Youth Conference *
April 5th - April 6th
"Get fired up about your faith at the Pentecostal Fire Youth Conference! This two-day event promotes Christian morals and living among today’s youth. The Pentecostal Fire Youth Conference also includes an expo where ministries are able to share their missionary work, Christian CDs and information on bible schools. All those who are interested in attending are encouraged to show up." - LeConte website
* Great Smoky Mountain Open National Championship *
April 7th
"Cheerleaders and dancers can compete against the best of the best at the Great Smoky Mountain National Championship. It’s one of six national events held by Eastern Cheer & Dance." - LeConte website
And many more that are listed up to the end of 2018.
Get to know more about LeConte Conference Center Events
