Smoky Mountains RV Campgrounds Newsletter April 2008 (Issue #2008 - 02) The weather has been very strange here. Warm and 60 degrees one day - cold and snowy the next. But we know spring is coming soon. Some of the Dogwood trees have buds on them already. Really looking forward to my favorite time of the year. I have been reading a lot of reviews that folks have left in regards to their stay here in the Smokies. I need to offer the following advice. Make sure you ask questions. If there are things you really like to enjoy - for example - campfires - you need to make sure the campground allows them. EVERY campground is different. Some allow campfires - some do not or cannot. Please do not assume that because you could have a campfire at one campground - you will be able to at a different campground. The majority of complaints I have read deal with things that where assumed. Also, if you are planning on a family vacation - make sure you are staying at a "Family Campground". It is also important to understand that ALL of the state park campgrounds in the Smokies area DO NOT have full hook-ups. So, unless you have a "self contained" Travel Trailer or RV, plan on experiencing a more "roughing it" style stay. I believe most of the sites in the state parks do have at least water. The purpose of this Newsletter this month is to make sure you ask questions and do not assume anything. Why ? Because we want you to enjoy your stay so you will come back and see us !!! Make sure you plan on attending the Dolly Parade on the 11th. This is the OFFICIAL season opener. It is a big event for the area. They shut down the north bound lane on the parkway to have the parade. Dolly Parton always shows up on a float somewhere in the parade. Get there early to get a good spot. Our Highlight for this months Newsletter is Pigeon Forge's "WONDER WORKS" We are highlighting one of Pigeon Forge's newest attractions this month. If you have driven down the parkway and happened to see a huge house UPSIDE down - yes - I said upside down- then you have seen the new "Wonder Works" attraction. It is a combination of science - fun - art - exercise. An amusement park for the mind with 150 interactive exhibits in a 5,500 sq ft building. Their is so much to do I'll try and list the mains. Downstairs has small amusement type rides and a lot of interaction items. There are flight simulators, fast ball pitching, bubble makers, music dance wall, and roller coaster simulators where you can design your own ride. Upstairs is an art gallery with things I guarantee you have never seen before. At the end of the art gallery is a laser tag area and large game room where you can get points to get prizes and a small snack bar. They also have a birthday party room available. This is a great place to spend a day, especially a rainy day, or trying to escape the heat. They also offer a Dinner and Show program which we did not get a chance to review. At the end of your tour you walk into a very nice gift shop. This is a thumbs up attraction and worth the money. Visit there website at www.wonderworkstn.com and print off your discount coupons. MARCH CALENDAR can be found HERE!   APRIL CALENDAR Friday April 4th - Saturday April 5th Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament All ages, prizes - 5K Fish will be stocked for the event. More info contact Rocky Top Outfitters 865-661-3474 Friday - April 11th, 2008 In Pigeon Forge: 23rd Annual Dolly Parade. 6PM. For more Information Call (865) 453-8574 / (800) 251-9100 Thursday - April 17th, 2008 ~ Sunday - April 20th, 2008 In Pigeon Forge: Grand Spring Rod Run Location: Grand Resort Hotel & Convention Center For More Information Call (800) 251-4444 Thursday - April 17th, 2008 In Gatlinburg: Ribfest & Wings Location: Downtown Gatlinburg - One of Gatlinburg's rites of spring is this street party with live entertainment and finger-lickin' ribs & wings! Fee For Sampling Food Thursday -April 24th, 2008 ~ Saturday - April 26th, 2008 In  Pigeon Forge: Goldwing Riders Association Location: Grand Resort Hotel & Convention Center For More Information Call (800) 251-4444 Friday April 4th - Wednesday - April 23rd, 2008 Dogwood Festival starts. Knoxville TN More info www.dogwoodarts.com UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS Saturday -May 17th, 2008 & Sunday - May 18th, 2008 In Gatlinburg: 4th Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival A family oriented fine arts festival featuring juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music on River Road at Aquarium Plaza Thursday June 18th, 2008 - Saturday June 21st,2008 In Knoxville 15th Honda Hoot More For More Information Call 1-800-347-1289 Thursday - July 3rd, 2008 & Friday - July 4th, 2008 In Gatlinburg: Midnight Independence Day Parade Presented by Red Barron Pizza For the 33rd consecutive year, Gatlinburg will kick off America's Independence Day celebration with the nation's first parade which will lead off at midnight to the cheers of 80,000 to 100,00 spectators. Friday - July 4th, 2008 In Gatlinburg: Stand Here Fireworks Finale "Stand Here" will be the best advice for visitors as Downtown Gatlinburg's skyline will transform into a flood of brilliant colors on the night of Friday, July 4th, 2007 when the sights and sounds of a spectacular fireworks display will fill the night sky in commemoration of America's independence. The fireworks show, is scheduled to begin shortly after sunset Saturday - August 23rd, 2008 In Bristol - Sharpie 500 Night Race - Bristol Motor Speedway For More Information Call (423) 764-1161 Friday - September 5th, 2008 & Saturday - September 6th 2008 In Pigeon Forge: Shades Of The Past Hot Rod Roundup XXVI. Location: National Parks Resort Lodge & Smoky River Ranch. For More Information FAX: (865) 995-9097 Thursday - September 11th, 2008 ~ Sunday - September 14th, 2008 In Pigeon Forge: Grand Fall Rod Run Location: Grand Resort Hotel & Convention Center For More Information Call (800) 251-4444