Dollywood's New Barnstormer Opening For The 2011 Season

DOLLYWOOD THEME PARK ANNOUNCES NEW BARNSTORMER 2011;


$5.5 MILLION PROJECT CREATES FUN-FILLED BARNYARD-THEMED AREA                        


PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.— High-flying high jinks take to the sky at Dollywood for the 2011 season with the new Barnstormer ride, a $5.5 million family thrill ride situated in a barnyard-themed area which also includes play areas for younger guests.

“I remember my daddy and granddaddy talking about the old barnstormers that used to do all kinds of crazy stunts above the fields where they’d work crops,” Dolly Parton said.  “My new Barnstormer ride offers folks those same breathtaking moments, high in the sky above Dollywood.  And I’ve recreated a critter-themed barnyard that reminds me of growing up on the farm here in the Smoky Mountains!”  

Taking its name from the daring aerialists and stunt pilots of the 1920s, the Barnstormer features two pendulum arms with seating for 32 riders.  Seated back to back, riders travel progressively higher on each swing of the Barnstormer’s massive arms, reaching a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour and 230 degrees of rotation.  At its peak, the Barnstormer reaches a staggering 81 feet in the air, taking riders high above the barn’s rooftop and the area’s treetops.  Situated in the lush foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Barnstormer rests amid a traditional red barn on the Owens Farm, a nod to Parton’s family’s rural upbringing.   

Click for More info on Dollywood and the Barnstormer

Spring Grand Rod Run - April 15-17, 2011

Springfest in Pigeon Forge brings thousands of classic cars from around the country for the show and competition. 

The Spring Grand Rod Run is April 15 – 17, 2011 it kicks off the car show season with classic Fords, Chevy/GMCs and Gold Wings. These cars and trucks are exciting to see drive by but are even better to sit in or take a look under the hood, which is what some of the thousands of visitors do as they walk the Parkway.

The participants in these car shows are so eager to get the weekend started that the Parkway and hotel parking lots begin to fill with classic cars on Tuesday of that week. The events feature more than just rare and unique autos, though. Throughout the event weekend, visitors can enjoy interactive displays presented by vendors from all over the country.

Those who enjoy the mechanical aspects of the auto world will savor the opportunity to participate in workshops and get answers to technical questions here at the Rod Run.

Dollywood Opens Saturday March 26, 2011

After weeks of anticipation, Dollywood’s 2011 opening day is just days away on Saturday, March 26, 2011!

Things will be in full swing at Owens Farm where the new Barnstormer family thrill ride takes to the sky. On stages throughout the Park, Dollywood’s Festival of Nations fills the Park with international songs, dances and artistry. This year’s festival welcomes three all-new shows - Samaia: Legend of the Caucasus, Los Pampas Gauchos, and Oisre.

We’re ready to entertain you and your family so mark your calendar and plan to join us for opening day at Dollywood on March 26. (View operating schedule here.)

Festival of Nations  at Dollywood 2011 Season Dates: March 26 - May 2