The Spring Grand Rod Run is the kick-off event to a new season of car shows. Thousands of classic car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains each year.

Special Event Car Shows have recently been scheduled to come to the Smoky Mountain area this summer! Read on for a brief list:

May 15-17- The 30th Annual Chevy Classics Round-Up will be headquartered at the Music Road Convention Center.
May 6-7- The Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge car show will be held at Music Road Convention Center.
June 13-14- Music Road Convention Center will host The 20th Annual Camaro, Chevelle, and Nova Nationals. The event is sponsored by The Southern Nationals Association.
June 19-21- The Great Smoky Mountains F-100 Run will be held at Smoky Shadows Motel.
September 5-6- Shades of the Past Rod Run XXVI.
September 11-14- Fall Grand Rod Run.

Are you traveling a long way from home for the car shows? A variety of welcoming lodging options are available to delight any visitor. Enticing options include cabins, chalets, hotels, motels, campgrounds, condominiums, inns, luxury resorts, private suites and quaint bed & breakfasts.

Roll up your sleeves and dig into the tasty menu at Gatlinburg's 7th annual Ribfest and Wings festival on Thursday, April 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. on River Road and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. Come out and enjoy live entertainment and children's activities promising a lip-smackin' good time!

This year's event returns to the Aquarium area with the entertainment menu spiced up by the return of the Beat Daddys, featuring their soulful rock 'n roll blues. Awards will be presented to the best ribs or wings in six categories. All vendors will be vying for the coveted "People's Choice Award" chosen by popular vote. "We think this will be our best Ribfest & Wings extravaganza ever," said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for the Department of Tourism.

An armband for Ribfest & Wings may be purchased for $12 that allows as long as they last sampling, or shell out a "buck for a bone or two wings."