Recapture the Rivalry between the North and South
Dolly Parton’s Show Brings Battle to Life
By Johanne Jean-Jacques, 10-06-04

The rivalry between the north and south ended in 1865, but at the Dixie Stampede in Tennessee, the battle is still alive.

In a 35,000 square foot arena in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. theatre lovers can recapture a piece of America’s past combined with stunt riding performances in a musical extravaganza known as the Dixie Stampede.

This dinner show is the brainchild of country music star Dolly Parton.

“I wanted to recreate the family fun of my childhood, when we’d gather for a friendly competition then enjoy a more than filling meal,” said singer Dolly Parton in a news release.

This is not a typical theatre program where audiences are mere observers.

Instead guests are part of the entertainment. They are drawn into a north/south rivalry, which includes chicken races, horse relays and other competitions.

Contest winners can win points for their teams. When the points are tallied at the end of the show, guests will know whether the north or south reigns supreme.

The show is also a hodge podge of musical scenes depicting early American life and features stunt riding too.

A cast of singers, dancers and riders dressed as Confederate and Union soldiers, Native Americans, Southern belles and gents lure the audience into a Civil War era time warp.

The show’s opening scene sets the stage for the entire event.

Seven buffalos storm into the center arena followed by Indians riding horses. Music and narration play in the background, educating the audience about early American life.

Two thousand-pound Belgian draft horses pull heavy Conestoga wagons along the arena floor carrying early American settlers.

Guests will also see various types of stunt riding. For example, audiences can watch Roman riding, a type of trick riding that features a team of two horses galloping side-by-side with one rider standing astride the two. The rider even attempts to jump through a ring of fire as he rides.

To top off this excitement, guests are treated to a four-course meal that includes creamy vegetable soup, homemade biscuits, a whole rotisserie Chicken, hickory-smoked barbecue pork, potato wedges, corn on the cob and a hot apple fritter. Waiters and waitresses are costumed in Confederate and Union soldier uniforms to remind the audience that there is a north/south rivalry.

This is entertainment for the entire family. For those who enjoy the theatre and love to travel, a trip to Pigeon Forge, is recommended. The entire region is a resort haven where travelers can see theatrical shows and music concerts-not to mention visit Dollywood, an amusement park.

For more information about the Dixie Stampede, go to the Web site at www.dixiestampede.com.