Pigeon Forge, TN (Dollywood Official Website) - Fall has never sounded better than it will this year at Dollywood with the introduction of the park's new
National Music & Harvest Celebration. The 38-day concert series features free country, bluegrass, Americana and Southern gospel concerts.
"I'm a fan of every kind of music, but I wanted our new music festival to reflect the music that has been a part of my life growing up here in East Tennessee," Dolly Parton said.
More than 47 artists (complete lineup printed on opposite side of page) perform throughout the festival from multiple stages, in addition to Dollywood's own bluegrass band Naomi & the Wood Brothers and the award-winning gospel quartet The Kingdom Heirs. All concerts are included with park admission.
Visiting artisans from across the country share their unique crafts during the festival. Woodcarvers, basket weavers, musical instrument makers and more join Dollywood's own master craftsmen who demonstrate centuries-old craft techniques like blacksmithing, hand-tooled leather and glass blowing.
Dollywood's lavish fall décor is the perfect setting for sampling some of the newest and tastiest dishes on the menu. The Stream & Barnyard booth offers a hushpuppy-breaded catfish platter, while the Dessert booth features a tasty Dollywood Smore. Also new is the quarter-pound hickory smoked barbequed bologna sandwich at the Hickory House along with many more new recipes to tempt the taste buds.
Other festival highlights include the Caricature Carvers of America's 2005 National Caricature Carving competition and exhibition (Sept. 23-Oct. 29) at Heritage Hall Museum. Hundreds of the best caricature woodcarvings from around the world are featured as these creative carvers compete for the prestigious national title and cash awards.
Dollywood's 14th annual Woodcarving Showcase and Competition, one of the southeast's top wood carving events, is slated for Sept. 30-Oct. 2. See demonstrations by master carvers each day as they showcase this unique art form through a variety of carving styles. Each day features a special event including whittling contests and the Great Pumpkin Carving Competition.
For additional information, concert times, and a complete listing of visiting craftsmen, please visit www.dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD
