The wild west made a pit stop in Pigeon Forge Feb. 26-28 for the city’s fourth annual Saddle Up event. The event, headquartered at Music Road Hotel Convention Center, was a western-themed entertainment bonanza, including two performances by one of the premiere cowboy poets, Baxter Black, and brought thrill seekers to the area from all over the country.
“The turnout [for the festival] has been surprisingly good. A lot of people travel great distances because this is something they are really interested in. We have been very pleased with the attendance and our special events staff has been pleased,” said Kay Powell of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
Black, who is an accomplished author, syndicated columnist, and radio commentator, was a highly anticipated act at this year’s festival. “Wylie and the Wild West were here last year, and Black was here before and everyone loved him,” said Powell.
Wylie and the Wild West were also back by popular demand after taking their Washington-based western style around the world. The band, headed-up by Wylie Gustafson, plays a mix of western music influenced by swing and classic country. Other performers included cowboy singer, songwriter, poet and humorist Gary McMahan and vocalist Brenn Hill.
Festival-goers were treated to a cowboy action shooting competition hosted by the Smoky Mountain Shootist Society, a daily vendor mall, western songwriters, and western swing dance.
“The western lifestyle is experiencing newfound popularity and Saddle Up! offers everyone the opportunity to experience the best of the west,” said Lilia Wilson, director of special events for Pigeon Forge.

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