The two RV Gypsies at Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Show
3849 Parkway - Pigeon Forge, TN
October 2, 2023
|
This experience lasted about
1.5 hours. The admission price ($80 each) included the food and show
entertainment and was recommended for all ages. Parking was free.
The first thing the two RV Gypsies saw as the entered the building
was a big "book" and sign about Dolly Parton's Imagination
Library. |
|
 |
Below: Before the show, there
was a bit of cowboy entertainment for those who arrived a bit early.
The entertainment was mostly of the cowboy shown below in the red plaid
shirt who played a guitar and sang. Then he chose three men from the
audience to be part of the entertainment. He handed each of the men
a "stick" horse. (The big red dots at the bottom of that photo
is from the checkers set, mentioned a bit below). |
|
Below: The men rode their "stick" horses
around the wooden box while the cowboy sang. Then some children got
in the act with various things, but Karen Duquette does not post children
on this website, other than her own family.
|
|
|
During this time, guest could purchase drinks (moonshine)
and stand around tall tables to enjoy their drink (no seats except for
VIPs). There were a few giant sets of checkers on top of the tall tables,
so the two RV Gypsies spent some time standing up and playing checkers
while waiting for the above entertainment to begin. |
|
Below: Then the crowd was corralled inside
and shown to their seats. Polite cowboys asked if they wanted to purchase
alcohol. If not, he brought them their meal which consisted of a small
rotisserie chicken which had been quite overcooked, obviously ahead
of time as it was not too tender. The tiny piece of hickory smoked barbecued
pork loin was too tough to even cut (and of course only a fork was given
to customers - no knives). Dolly's original creamy vegetable soup was
served in a very small cup and was okay but was mostly broth (the two
RV Gypsies did not see any vegetables in the soup). The biscuit was
good, and there was also hot buttered corn on the cob, and a small herb
basted potato. The Dolly's Stampede special dessert was good. Each meal
came with unlimited soft drinks, tea or coffee.The food was nothing
to brag about, but service was excellent. |
|

|
Below: In the show itself, all performers
were skilled at their craft. But since the two RV Gypsies have also
seen this show in Orlando, Florida they were not overly excited about
it. (They are not even sure why they spent the money going there).
The show included lots of magnificent horses and fancy
dressed riders displaying trick riding, which was entertaining. Plus
some fun competition and some silly stuff. There was also special effects
such as a state-of-the-art sound and light system. The two RV Gypsies
had front row seats off to the side, and had an angled view of the mountain
and waterfall where thrilling pyro lit up the stage from time-to-time.
There was of course an aisle and low railing wall in front of the two
RV Gypsies. |
|
|
|
Below: The bright pyro displays threw out heat and was
great, but did not photograph well. Flash was not allowed. |
|
 |

|
 |
Below: The first cowboy driving a stagecoach. |
|
|

|
 |

|
 |
 |
Below: Several different cowgirls doing tricks on horses. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Below: Horses jumped through a fire hoop. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Below: Of course, Indians must be included in any good
cowboy, rodeo or western show. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Below: Indian dance |
 |
 |
Below: The aerial act was wonderful, but did not photograph
well. |
 |
 |
 |
Below: Time to round up the bulls |
 |
|
 |
 |
Below: Another aerial act |
 |
 |
 |
Below: Pig racing time (total boring) |
 |
 |
 |
Below: Small pony racing time (also boring) |
 |
 |
Below: Time for an extremely dumb act, which was supposed
to be funny. |
 |
 |
Below: the big chicken laid an egg |
 |
 |
 |
Below: The fancy cowboy introducing the patriotic act
ending the show. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |