A veterans tribute, including a Quilts of Valor presentation, plus musical performances from Bryson Quick and Carl Wayne Meekins, and fireworks on tap for Winterfest Kickoff Celebration.
PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (Oct. 27, 2024)— Pigeon Forge honors America’s veterans on Nov. 6 during its annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Kickoff Celebration. The festivities also include performances from country singer Carl Wayne Meekins and former American Idol contestant Bryson Quick.
Smoky Mountain Winterfest Kickoff begins at 3 p.m. with a veterans tribute in Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Park (186 Old Mill Avenue). The public and veterans of all branches of the U.S. armed services are encouraged to attend. The Pigeon Forge High School Chorus will begin the entertainment portion of the event at 3:15 p.m.
“Pigeon Forge’s Veterans Tribute honors the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed services,” said Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism Executive Director Leon Downey. “It’s important to our city to recognize our local veterans, but we honor and thank all of our nation’s veterans for their service and sacrifice.”
Carl Wayne Meekins performs at 4 p.m. followed by former American Idol contestant Bryson Quick at 5 p.m. ahead of the presentation of colors by the Pigeon Forge Veterans Military Honor Guard and Quilts of Valor ceremony at 6 p.m.
The event concludes with a special patriotic music presentation and fireworks display at 8 p.m. along with the illumination of the Smoky Mountain Winterfest holiday lights. Pigeon Forge boasts more than six million lights throughout the city, including over 20 large-scale wildlife-themed displays along the Wonder of Lights Walking Trail. The trail, a free outdoor experience, follows the city’s paved Riverwalk alongside the Little Pigeon River.
Quilts of Valor will honor two Sevier Country veterans. Bailey Murphy, a Vietnam U.S. Air Force veteran, and Mark Robbins who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1970 to 1978. Both will be awarded a quilt handmade locally by the Smoky Mountain Patriotic Quilters of Sevier County. Quilts of Valor, a national organization founded in 2003, honors veterans and service members for service, sacrifice and valor by covering veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts. Quilts are made according to various specifications, from size to stitching. A Quilt of Valor must be labeled as such and include the name of the veteran or service member.
All entertainment is free and part of Pigeon Forge’s annual Winterfest Kickoff Celebration. The evening culminates with the activation of six million lights throughout the city. Winterfest, one of the Southeast’s largest festivals, continues through Feb. 15, 2026.
The Wonders of Light Christmas Village is also open at Patriot Park during the event from 2 to 8 p.m. selling local handmade treasures. Free photos with Santa are available as well as from 4 to 8 p.m.
Free parking is available in the city’s Municipal and Mountain parking lots located off Teaster Lane. Food trucks will offer guests dining options for purchase throughout the event.
More information about Pigeon Forge and special events is available at MyPigeonForge.com or by calling 1-800-251-9100.
Winter Pigeon Forge video is available here.
—MyPigeonForge2025—
About Pigeon Forge: Pigeon Forge is in East Tennessee, approximately 35 miles from Knoxville and McGhee-Tyson Airport. Two-thirds of the nation’s population east of the Mississippi River live within a day’s drive, making it an easily accessible family vacation destination. The city’s neighbor is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the U.S. It also is home to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park, Tennessee’s most-visited ticketed attraction. More information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge is available at MyPigeonForge.com or toll-free at 1-800-251-9100.
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