BAN PLACED ON PIGEON FORGE ROD RUN TRADITION |Fines, Vehicle Impounds|

On August 12th, 2024 Pigeon Forge officials voted to change Rod Run forever. Find out what has changed here.
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[@LouieGalligan]

After 30 years of motels and food at car shows this could be my last. Never been to the "official" show and never will. State of Tennessee kills another family tradition.

[@amyk87]

Agree 100% with all your points. Rod Run, love it or hate it, isn’t the point. Government interference is.

[@boboneil949]

Thank God for enforcement of the law. Get rid of the free loaders, selling their cars. get them on a used car lot. Now folks can enjoy the cars, find a parking place, shop in the stores. Take you for sale used car to a car lot!

[@bb-fe9ur]

More government overreach...

[@Richard4616]

To say that if people didn’t flood Pigeon Forge during the Rod Run wouldn’t have an effect the economy of Pigeon Forge is hard to believe. My family has been going there for over 50 years as much as twice each year. The hotels and motels make you pay for 3 days at higher prices when the events are on and even Mc Donald’s raise their prices to gouge your pockets. Millions of dollars would be lot without the car events.

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

The rod runs roughly account for 2.5% of the annual visitors to the area. Hypothetically, a 2.5% loss of tourism dollars (PF brings in about 1.5 Billion annually) isn’t exactly breaking the bank. In our last video on this topic people were claiming PF would go broke without the runs. It’s a drop in the bucket. Thanks for watching.

[@bigfish8473]

I fell the same way. What are they trying to say . All of those people that's in town for the rod run don't spend any money lol.

[@gunsandpoker7432]

@@SmokyMountainFamily But this new law will effect more than just Rod Run revenue. People do this almost every weekend. So just taking account for rod run only, doesn’t justify the big picture.

[@DallasHerring1]

I'm sure that if there wasn't a Rod Run it wouldn't be a total loss. There's probably lots of people like myself that doesn't go at that time because if Rod Run. It's my wife's birthday and we have to put off our trip because if the crowd.

[@gunsandpoker7432]

Start putting a bunch of business cards in the front seat with the asking price of the car on them. Problem solved.

[@RichT-s2r]

Tow truck companies need to refuse to tow vehicles.

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

Seeing as they have families and children to feed I wouldn’t expect anyone to refuse a paycheck, especially in this economy.

[@brucecollett8663]

Apparantly Pigeon Forge is.

[@doc_teamwaxoffroad]

Dang.. won't be able to find a " not for sale" sign for miles... Lol

[@steveburkett5679]

This was the best part of the rod run, in my opinion. Nothing compared to walking the parkway looking at everybody's neet ideas and the difference in the cars, especially the rat rods. This will be my last year, I'm not paying outrageous hotel rooms and fighting all the traffic for what few cars are at the LeConte Center.

[@monicaposey1204]

So basically, you can PARK there as long as you don’t visibly have your car for sale? And as long as you have it registered ?

[@frankcastle3971]

They did away with the car shows here in my hometown in Massachusetts because businesses were complaining they were losing money cause of no parking for regular customers. It's sad how the government and state is over reaching when it comes to people having fun.

[@craighess848]

This will accomplish nothing. Businesses have signs and security guards keeping cars from parking in their spots. Most of the storefront spaces are always empty. They should be focused on actual problems like the kids that come out at night in there trucks.

We are here and unfortunately are here during Jeep Invasion....every day we have seen kids and adults throwing ducks into jeeps on the parkway...they aren't staying on the sidewalk...we've been here during all different times of the year but the traffic now is worse than Easter Week or any of the Rod Runs.

[@JimmySpencer-z1x]

Thank you so much.I hope all is well❤

[@roberthirshfield3571]

Government screwing up a good thing

[@Just_a_beaver]

No.. People have been screwing this up for years. I love pf and I love hot rods but it's getting out of hand. Can't wait to see it done away with.

[@kimellis4815]

Like looking at the older cars but not dealing with all the traffic so once in a few years us good enough.

[@classics801]

Government is supposed to be of the people by the people and for the people.

[@longislandfoodtastic]

On a positive note, I really enjoy your editing skills, inspiring!

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

Thanks so much guys !

[@kellymcclendon6601]

That's just great. To hell with Pidgon Fordge. And double hell to Tennessee. Try to come get me Tennessee. 1st amendment right.

[@bettycollins3914]

Yes, take it elsewhere.

[@dennisjackson6693]

great job

[@low96hb]

Well as someone that comes there year after year with his dad to buy, sale, or trade on the cars as well as enjoy the overall environment I will have to say this is a load of dung. The number one reason boils down to money. The city and state can not collect any tax revenue on these privet sales, so they are just gonna cut it out. Every vehicle we have ever brought had valid registration and insurance or we would not have brought it. ITS ABOUT THE MONEY!!!!! So with that being said I will not be setting foot in this town or spending any money there on the future. I know they will never miss my small contribution, but I will get the satisfaction of knowing I won't be bending to their rules. Just remember that moonshine was illegal until they set it up as a business and taxed it.. Just saying.....

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

Local and family business owners in the area have nothing to do with this decision. It’s a shame that so many folks plan to not come to the area, and indirectly impact family businesses, over something they have no control over.

[@low96hb]

@@SmokyMountainFamily Sorry man, I don't go to a bar because I don't believe in it so I don't support it. In this situation it might or might not be mostly the state pushing the issue, but never the less I stand by what I feel. I do hate it for the small businesses in the area, but you got to put your foot down somewhere.

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

I respect that. Have to stand for something, especially in today's climate. Gov't seems to be encroaching on rights wherever they can.

[@def1791]

@@SmokyMountainFamilywell maybe if the businesses suffer some loss THEY will get with the government of pigeon forge and have some changes made. If it’s about the money why not charge a fee for cars sold during these events. I really loved seeing all the cars along the roadway for sale or not. It really adds to the felling of the event. It’s a shame that once again government ruins every freedom we enjoy.

[@shannoncomer3216]

They just ruined the rod run will cause it too dwindle too nothing stupid ordinance like spitting on sidewalk lol

[@TC-er5xy]

One can only hope...

[@jakethebarber1]

Will a simple business card in the windsheild with a phone number work? lol People will find away around this..just imagine if you do something like the jeep ducks. Putting a little toy marking that this car is for sale w/ a contact number on the bottom might be the play.

[@smkymtnguy33]

This falls under the category of No Good Deed Will Go Unpunished! I don’t care what ANYBODY says, all the car shows (especially the largest ones) bring huge money into the local economy. The upcoming Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion has hotels and cabins booked year to year. They rival all holiday weeks and if anyone is paying attention, these largest shows are NOT in any peak season. If not for these shows, Pigeon Forge would only be 25% occupied during the weekdays. It’s like they are saying, “We’ve made a fortune off tourism, so now you tourists stay away!”

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

Rod Run events account for 2% of the annual visitation to the area. A drop in the bucket. Its the state that pushed the issue here.

[@smkymtnguy33]

@@SmokyMountainFamily when the bucket was only 60% in 2023, that could make a difference between staying open or bankruptcy. I agree it's the state this time. For other smaller shows I used to love to frequent, it was PF that ran them off. I believe in a few years Sevierville will be the destination. PF will get some overflow, but the majority of the tax dollars won't go there.

[@injengines]

I'm definitely not coming till it changes. Been going fo 15yrs and spend minimum 3000 dollars each time coming there. So if you can only sell at the show tents crazy. So many people come to see the oldies and new customs, that most aren't valid for the road but cool to see. They will lose millions now.

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

Rod Run visitation makes up a mere 2% of the total annual visitation. The revenue from Rod Run is a drop in the bucket.

[@injengines]

@@SmokyMountainFamily I disagree, cause we also vacation there too. You’re not factoring in it’s like a holiday most rates are up substantially and they charge more for parking trailers at the hotels. Not mention the people that just come for rod run. I’ve been told by people that look at our cars, they only come for this.

[@def1791]

Technically if you park on the state right of way anytime of the year and you have a business name or product name decal on your vehicle you’re in violation . How many vehicles do you see with sports teams stickers and license plates on them. How about Ford , Chevy , Ram, Cummins , Jeep stickers on back windows of trucks… ALL are advertisements and should be fined according to this rule year round . Screw pigeon forge Tennessee and this socialistic rule , you won’t be getting anymore of my money.

[@musclecarcamaroman9092]

What a total waste of resources which will most likely be overwhelming for anyone to enforce, not to mention any actual disruptive activities that law enforcement will need to be addressing. It seems to be an unnecessary government overreach for a "problem" that doesn't exist. Almost everyone in Pigeon Forge on Rod Run weekends are there for the Rod Run associated activities and will in turn eat, sleep, and enjoy the additional entertainment options the Pigeon Forge has to offer. So yes it does have a significant impact on the economy as recognized by elevating lodging cost with mandatory minimum durations typical across the board. It's a BIG deal weekend. If you are a local, you are not caught off guard by this event and if you are not into cars, you'll probably just avoid the strip on Rod Run weekends. I would think if you are a server, you would have the potential to bring home a much larger paycheck than normal if so inclined with the restaurants being super busy almost all weekend. Me and my family typically will always spend a day at the show and a day on the strip checking out all the rides so not having the enjoyment walking the strip would be disappointing. It only takes a few bad apples to ruin a good time and the squatted truck crowd who are generally not there for the car show tend to show up in full force as day turns into night with them attempting to turn the event into their own personal version of Mardi Gras which is the true problem. The new take on Rod Run is probably going to make for a lot of unnecessary chaos and negative interactions with law enforcement.

[@timshumate5715]

No advertising of any kind? Then what about vehicles with the business name on the side? That is in fact advertising is it not? Or is this going to be selectively enforced, like most things the government tries to control, merely for Rod-Run control?

[@speedbuggy4095]

I see why not for individuals but when you have dealers come and set semi loads of cars for sale some of them not even classic or muscle cars.

[@ToddOutdoor]

You have many new owners of the businesses. Expect more change and breaking of traditions.

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

This is an agreement between the State of Tennessee and the Pigeon Forge, not the biusiness owners. However, long-standing business owners along the strip have stated the Runs, and the lack of parking at their establishments, do negatively impact business. I'm sure there are differing opinions among them. Thanks for watching.

[@RobinsHappyPlaceGSM]

Thanks for sharing. I have never been to one but maybe next year I can try to come. I ❤ classic cars and trucks. 😊

[@user-ep4vt7kz2n]

People need to quit going it's all about control

[@TC-er5xy]

People should stop going!

[@cindyn8994]

Mardi Gras pigeon forge they just want your money! They don't care what your children see! Ridiculous?

[@mikecarter8971]

I'll bet you could turn it into an illegal migrant camping spot though.

[@taradalmatianshaver6828]

I’m eager to hear how, how well and if this is truly enforced this year

[@JohnnyLowery-i3w]

Scratch my 50000 truck my lawyer will be contacted ,this is bull and I know pigeon forge officials know these rod runs are very beneficial to their town just drove thru pigeon forge Saturday looked like a ghost town ,and the laconte car. Makes a lot of money from people along the parkway that wouldn't go over there,run the parkway off would be suicide in the long run. Just imagine riding down Marlboro Ave. IN Detroit Michigan not a very nice site! I know it's a little irritating to the hometown people a couple of times a year but it makes pigeon forge what it is ! Officials please take it easy on us and not run us off , I by myself spend around 3 thousand the week of the run and that's if I don't buy parts at the laconte car. Officials please keep us coming back !!!!

[@mikedant9596]

World is not the same we must take it back

[@justtazy64]

I forbid the state from making those rules and interfer in our lifes

[@LanceDean]

The Parkway inside of the city limits and the Parkway outside of the city limits shouldn't be treated as the same Parkway on this issue. I get the intent, and appreciate it outside of the city limits. But dang.

[@thomasrennison9461]

I’ve been coming to Pigeon Forge for years. This is my last year. The government will ruin anything they are involved in and the said part is they use taxpayer money to do so. I despise government in any form.

[@Siggyroka]

Good bye Smokey mountain family

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

Dueces.

[@denniswells9232]

Well, if they got all those people there’s three or four people in a car they most likely are shopping they don’t all sit by their car. So maybe the run runs she just quit. They’ve got so much money there in pigeon Forge from tourist. They don’t need to run runs. Tell him to stick it and go somewhere else. He don’t need your money.

[@justtazy64]

State needs to but the crap out it's public property

[@gordongroteler7331]

Look at all the car lots on Chapman highway state highway? Forks of river corner ?

[@georgegould667]

Move it to a friendly City in another city .

[@RobertEmbrey-hm7yg]

Government keeps turning the screws on Americans

[@edyates7601]

What does it hurt to put a sign in the car

[@MartyWilkinson-n4g]

I’m waiting on your coverage of the river raid fire in Townsend

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

Is there a story there regarding that fire? I mean obviously the owners losing their business… are they expecting foul play or anything?

[@joeybowman4631]

If TDOT could find a way to get thectax money, it would be over!

[@cindyn8994]

They need to ban all the car shows!

[@KentuckyGirl]

Add one more to the rumor mill. Is it true Gatlinburg made a business take down the Jesus statue. It was back an enclave off parkway, it had a wolf and a lamb. Gone ? Why? Anybody know 🤔

[@jakethebarber1]

Its $$ left on the table..not surprising

[@niagaraadventure4705]

Seems petty, but at the end of the day, pigeon forge agreed to these restrictions, so they should enforce it. They clearly knew what was going on with these spots when they agreed to it.

[@brandoe07]

I'm just saying if everyone that was selling had the same common decal or something, it's not really for sale is it? Or is it? Lol

[@johnweymouth3863]

Total BS

[@DonnaHall-h4k]

Does this apply to ALL car shows or just Rod Run?

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

This applies year round. Not just with the car shows.

[@Rett-Hectic]

I made a video on my Channel with mostly still shots of this Rod gathering. I spoke to many of the car owners, as a gearhead I hate to hear of these changes. I can also say locals have told me that the city officials dislike these gatherings. This makes me wonder if there were communications between city and state to create this.

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

This law has been on the books for years and the city has never enforced it. They could have been enforcing it from jump, but it wasn’t until the state forced the issue last year that things changed.

[@DonnaHall-h4k]

Does this apply to all car shows or just Rod Run?

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

This is 24/7 365. At no time is advertising permitted in the right-of-way.

[@jeffhuss5554]

I have been many times and love it. It is about money!

[@dewaynegoldie8559]

Wow

[@ledebuhr1]

How wide is the right-of-way on Parkway?

[@garygarner1095]

power lines foward

[@dennisk2982]

Will be at my first rod run there, in a few weeks. sad they can't post things on the windshield.

[@FloridaRaider]

People eventually ruin everything

[@tonyflynn9339]

It’s BS!!

[@justtazy64]

If the state owns the part then we own it so we can park if WE want and sell our vehicles

[@marilynmoeller8855]

What do you think about the Race family issue? Trying to get a clear picture.

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

Working on a video for this currently. Not sure yet.

[@JohnnyLowery-i3w]

Now i just heard about a170, dollar fine !pigeon forge just think if you and its said you do expect over 150,000 people imagine losing 150,000 people spending only 100 dollars during this 3 day event how much would your town lose 150,000 x 100=------ ? Now 150,000 x 500 each during those 3 days !!!!

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

Thats a drop in the bucket really. Rod Run visitation accounts for only 2% of all annual visitation.

[@th71-23]

another reason not to go pigeon forge,along with all the flat landers moving here...sad us locals can't have fun anymore buncha karens

[@JohnnyLowery-i3w]

Now i just heard about a170, dollar fine !

[@SteveHolmgren-x8y]

Wy don't you find a new city let would love to have the money spent in there city just think of the money spent there food,drinks,sleeping, gas then to get treated that way I would never visit there

[@gordongroteler7331]

It's not the state ask the race family

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

It's absolutely the state. Until the state pushed the issue the city allowed it every year.

[@virginiafirefighterdarrell1879]

Oh really so the businesses don't need our money .we'll I am sure you don't need our money but let me promise you this you will definitely miss the money we spend .they are hundreds of towns who will welcome us car loves.

[@SmokyMountainFamily]

It’s just factual that Rod Run visitation only accounts for 2% of annual visitation. As I clearly stated in the video, commenters on our past videos tried to claim it would severely impact the towns economy. This just isn’t so. If no one showed up at the runs that would still just account for a loss of roughly 2% of the billions of dollars the nearly 14 million annual visitors to the area contribute. I think the law is stupid, nonsensical. I don’t like it at all. But the claims of economic collapse due to this law are unlettered.

[@th71-23]

FTDOT