“Return with us now, to those thrilling days of yesteryear, … the Lone Ranger!”
Do you remember those old television programs, like the Lone Ranger, Marshall Dillon on Gunsmoke, Hopalong Cassidy, Lash LaRue, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry? Then you just might want to put on your chaps, boots, vests and cowboy hats, and mosey down to Pigeon Forge for the 3rd Annual “Saddle Up!” Celebration.
The Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism sponsors the “Saddle Up!” Celebration as a four-day event that turns back the hands of time through Western music, poetry and culture to one of America’s most romantic eras. From Thursday, February 6th through Sunday, February 9th, you’ll be thoroughly entertained by multi-talented cowboy poets and musicians, a number of “Silver Screen” look-a-likes, and two whole days of Cowboy Action Shooting competition, that will bring the Wild, Wild West to life.
At 7 a.m. Thursday through Sunday, the “Saddle -Up!” schedule of events kicks off with a Horseback or Hayride Breakfast Ride at the Walden’s Creek Riding Stables. Special guests each morning will include either R.W. Hampton, Randy Huston, Jim Bowman or Silver Sage. Call 429-0607 for reservations, since space is limited.
At 9 a.m. spectators are welcomed free throughout the day to watch either the Single Action Shooters Society (S.A.S.S.) Side Match on Thursday; or the S.A.S.S. Main Matches on Friday and Saturday, at the Walden’s Creek Riding Stables, with special appearances by Jim Bowman.
The Music Road Convention Center will host the Western Memorabilia Show & Sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; and from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Call 429-7350 for further information.
The Country Tonite Theatre provides more entertainment for the “Saddle Up!” Concert at 2 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday; 8 p.m. on Friday; and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, featuring a variety of talents, including R.W. Hampton, MC, Waddle Mitchell, Jim Bowman, Randy Huston, Silver Sage, Marshal Andy, Wylie & The Wild West, Don Edwards, and Riders of the Silver Screen. Tickets are $15 plus tax, and it’s highly recommended you call 800-792-4308 for your ticket reservations.
The Great American Steak & Buffet will be the backdrop for the 6 p.m. Authentic Western Chuck Wagon Supper Show on Thursday and Friday, featuring the Flying J Wranglers from Ruiduso, NM. Seats are $25 plus tax; or $20 plus tax per person each night for those attending both supper shows. Call 800-843-6686 to reserve your seats.
At 8 p.m. Thursday evening, The Music Road Convention Center will have a Western Swing Dance featuring Wylie & The Wild West. Tickets are $10, and can be reserved by calling 800-792-4308. A Special Concert there on Friday at 2 p.m. has free admission.
On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Smoky Mountain Jubilee Theater hosts a unique Songwriters Workshop, co-sponsored by American Songwriter Magazine and featuring a panel of professional songwriters.
Walden’s Creek Riding Stables will have a Hayride, Bonfire and Supper Show from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday evening. Tickets are $24.99 plus tax, and you should call 429-0607 for reservations.
Concluding the four-day “Saddle Up!” Celebration will be a Sacred Music and Stories program on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at The Music Road Convention Center, which features MC Johnny Ringo, R. W. Hampton, Jim Bowman and Randy Huston.
Pigeon Forge prides itself on being action packed. So “Saddle Up!” and move ‘em out. We’ll see ya’ there, pardner, … “driftin’ along with the tumbling tumbleweed.”

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