The second annual Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo was held at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Sun., June 16, 2024. The sold-out show drew 7,200 attendees and 40 athletes from across the country. Event founder Ivan McClellan says he plans to continue hosting the rodeo in Portland, and possibly expand to additional cities in the future. Eric Shelby / Special to The Oregonian

Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Long celebrated by Black communities as a day of freedom and reflection, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and was formally recognized by the state of Oregon in 2022.

From Portland to Medford, communities across Oregon will come together to celebrate with events that spotlight Black culture, history and resilience through music, art, food and activism. Here’s a look at some of the Juneteenth 2025 gatherings happening around the state:

Portland

Juneteenth Gospel Music Workshop & Concert: Join Dr. JerMichael Riley — lead vocalist of the Grammy and Stellar Award-winning Mississippi Mass Choir — for a four-day Juneteenth gospel workshop in Portland. Evening sessions run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 11-13, with a daytime workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 14, all leading up to a powerful community concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 15. June 11–14 workshops and June 15 concert at Alberta Abbey, 126 N.E. Alberta St.; free to attend; passinart.org/event/juneteenth-gospel-music-workshop-2/

Equitable Giving Circle Juneteenth Celebration: Celebrate Black liberation and joy at Equitable Giving Circle’s annual Juneteenth gathering. This community-focused event will feature food, music and space for healing and connection. Full program details and location to be announced. 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 14; free to attend; equitablegivingcircle.org/events/egc-juneteenth-event

Community Juneteenth Celebration at Allen Temple: Celebrate Juneteenth with music, spoken word and messages of hope at this community event hosted by Allen Temple CME Church. All are welcome to attend. 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Allen Temple CME Church, 4236 N.E. Eighth Ave.; free to attend; ecwo.org/juneteenth-celebration-at-allen-temple-cme-church

Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo: Black rodeo culture returns to Portland with the third annual Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo featuring 30 elite riders from across the country — ranging in age from 7 to 70. Expect a high-energy show featuring traditional rodeo events, food, vendors and a $60,000 competition prize. Doors open at 3 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 15, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 N. Ramsay Way; purchase tickets online; 8secondsrodeo.com

Juneteenth at Hillsdale Library: Hillsdale Library is hosting a trio of Juneteenth events throughout June, each offering a unique way to reflect, learn and celebrate. On Tuesday, June 17, Juneteenth: Remembering the Land explores Black Americans’ deep connection to land and farming through storytelling and activities. On Wednesday, June 25, Freedom Libraries: A Racial Justice Sit-In honors the student activists of the Civil Rights Movement with a hands-on, educational experience. The month wraps up with Black Superheroes Craft Fair on Friday, June 27, where kids can create their own superhero identities through crafts and imaginative play. All events are free to attend and take place at Hillsdale Library, 1525 S.W. Sunset Blvd.; visit multcolib.org/events-classes and search “Juneteenth.”

Black Liberation Ride: Now in its 10th year, this celebratory Juneteenth ride invites Portland’s Black and Brown communities to take to the streets in solidarity and joy. The all-ages, no-drop loop ride begins and ends in Irving Park, with music, energy and space to rep your culture. Meet near the dog park and bathrooms. 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Irving Park, 707 N.E. Fremont St.; free to attend; shift2bikes.org/calendar

History of Black Drag in Portland: Celebrate Juneteenth and Pride at this vibrant showcase of Black queer excellence, featuring drag performances, dance and storytelling from Portland’s iconic Black drag artists. Co-hosted by Lawanda Jackson and Isaiah Esquire, the evening includes a panel discussion centering Black and Brown queer voices. All are welcome, with free admission and meal vouchers prioritized for QT+BIPOC attendees. Doors open 6:30, show begins 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19, McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.; children 12 and under free; early bird ticket price $28; Door price: $38; racetalkspdx.com/blackdragpdx

Juneteenth Oregon: This long-standing community festival will feature food, music, local Black-owned vendors and educational programming at Lillis-Albina Park. The celebration kicks off with the Clara Peoples Freedom Parade. More details to be announced soon. Saturday, June 21, Lillis-Albina Park, N. Flint and Russell Streets; free to attend; juneteenthor.com

Bloom Runway: Dynasty IX: Returning after a five-year hiatus, Bloom Runway marks the close of Juneteenth week with Dynasty IX: Crowned in Legacy, a fashion show centering BIPOC designers and cultural storytelling. The evening includes runway collections, live performances and a marketplace of BIPOC-owned brands. 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 21, The Melody Ballroom, 615 S.E. Alder St.; tickets are $65-$125; bloom-agency.com

Vancouver

Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Esther Short Park: Vancouver’s annual Juneteenth celebration returns with live music, food trucks, cultural performances and local Black-owned businesses honoring the spirit of freedom and community. Bring a blanket and enjoy a family-friendly afternoon in the park. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver; free to attend; cityofvancouver.us/events/juneteenth-freedom-celebration-2

Hot Chocolate PDX Juneteenth PreFunk Show: Kick off Juneteenth week with high-energy performances, DJs and dancing at this late-night PreFunk party spotlighting local Black artists. Hosted at the cozy UnderBar venue, the event promises good vibes and even better music. 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, UnderBar, 1701 1/2 Broadway St., Vancouver; tickets are $23.18; eventbrite.com, search “Hot Chocolate PDX.”

Portland area

Milwaukie Juneteenth Celebration: Join a joyful and reflective Juneteenth gathering featuring music, food, local vendors, face painting and games for kids. This community-led event honors the legacy of Black freedom and amplifies Black voices in the city. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Ball-Michel Park, 9781 S.E. Stanley Ave., Milwaukie; free to attend; milwaukieoregon.gov/events/juneteenth

Washington County Juneteenth Celebration: Celebrate the legacy of emancipation and the contributions of Black Americans at this lively community event themed “From Roots to Wings.” Hosted by the Washington County Chamber’s Black Advisory Business Council, the afternoon features live music, art, food vendors, inspiring speakers and a marketplace of Black-owned businesses. 12:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station, 943 N.E. Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro; free to attend; washingtoncountychamberor.com.

Tigard Juneteenth Celebration: Tigard’s fourth annual Juneteenth “Freedom Day” Celebration kicks off with a community W(h)ealthy Walk at 2 p.m., followed by food, music and activities in Cook Family Park. Enjoy a free meal from It’s a Vibe Catering, live performances by local artists, along with speakers, art activities and yard games for kids. 3-6 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Cook Family Park, Shelter 4, 17005 S.W. 92nd Ave., Tigard; free to attend; tigard-or.gov/explore-tigard/community-events/juneteenth

Wilsonville Juneteenth Celebration: Mark five years of community remembrance and celebration at Wilsonville’s annual Juneteenth event. This family-friendly gathering will feature a keynote address by author and speaker Tai Harden-Moore and remarks by student leaders from Wilsonville High School’s Black Student Union. Enjoy music, activities and limited free food, plus crafts, games and community booths. 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Town Center Park, 29600 S.W. Park Place, Wilsonville; free to attend; wilsonvilleoregon.gov/bc-diversity/page/juneteenth-celebration-2

Oregon City Juneteenth “Freedom Day” Celebration: Celebrate Juneteenth with an afternoon of community, conversation and reflection at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. This year’s event features book giveaways as part of the “One City, One Book” initiative. Join guided discussions led by local poet Emmett Wheatfall and engage in conversations around freedom, identity and history. 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, 1726 Washington St., Oregon City; free to attend; orcity.org/3174/Juneteenth

Lake Oswego Juneteenth: Honor freedom, resilience and Black excellence at Lake Oswego’s annual Juneteenth celebration. Enjoy local food, artisan and nonprofit vendors beginning at 1 p.m., with the main program starting at 2. 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 22, Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First St., Lake Oswego; free to attend; ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/juneteenth-2025

Willamette Valley

In Freedom’s Footsteps Juneteenth Walk: Reflect on the power of reunion and resilience during this community walk honoring the Gorman family, some of the earliest Oregon Trail travelers who arrived in Polk County in 1844 with their enslavers. Choose from four guided walks or take a self-guided tour along the 2.8-mile downtown Salem loop, starting and ending at the Willamette Heritage Center. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with guided walks at 9, 10, 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. S.E., Salem; free to attend; willametteheritage.org/calendar/juneteenth-community-history-walk

Salem Juneteenth: Black Wall Street Celebration: Celebrate Juneteenth and the enduring legacy of Black Wall Street with an afternoon of empowerment, unity and joy in downtown Salem. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, local vendors, art and family-friendly activities that highlight Black culture and resilience. 12-6 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Micah Building, 680 State St., Salem; free to attend; RSVP and vendor info at eventbrite.com, search “Black Wallstreet.”

Albany Juneteenth Celebration: Celebrate freedom, learning and community at this family-friendly Juneteenth gathering hosted by the Linn Benton NAACP. Keynote speaker Michael A. Johnson kicks off the program at 1:30 p.m., followed by breakout sessions for educators and parents. Enjoy music, line dancing, arts and crafts, free food and snacks and a book giveaway. 1-6 p.m. Saturday, June 21, Linn-Benton Community College, 6500 Pacific Blvd. S.W., Albany; free to attend; allevents.in/albany/juneteenth-celebration-2025/200028241931814

Columbia River Gorge

Black in the Gorge: Celebrate Black culture and community at the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration in the Gorge. Hosted by Black in the Gorge, this free, family-friendly event features live performances, drumming classes, African dance, a traditional cake walk, face painting and a Juneteenth marketplace. 3-9 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Jackson Park, Hood River; free to attend; robinallenstyle.com/black-in-the-gorge

Central Oregon

Bend Juneteenth: Celebrate the resilience of Black Americans and the leadership of Black women at this Juneteenth gathering in Bend, co-hosted by Central Oregon Earthseeds and Moonchild Artistry Events. This year’s theme is “Unbothered. Unbossed. Unbroken.” Expect an evening filled with art, music, dance, performances, a local makers market and food from Jermaican JerkCulture. 3-10 p.m. Friday, June 20, Open Space Event Studios, 220 N.E. Lafayette Ave., Bend; free to attend; facebook.com/events/678314894600792

Oregon Coast

Lincoln City Freedom Celebration: Enjoy live music, free food, cultural exhibits and access to the basketball courts and swimming pool at this family-friendly Juneteenth event at the Lincoln City Community Center. Don’t miss the Oregon Black Pioneers exhibit, plus local artists and vendors. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 N.E. Oar Pl., Lincoln City; free to attend; explorelincolncity.com/events/juneteenth-celebration

Southern Oregon

Medford Juneteenth: Join BASE Southern Oregon for a full day of music, food and community celebration at their annual Juneteenth event in Medford’s Pear Blossom Park. This all-ages, family-friendly event features live bands, a DJ, local vendors, a dedicated Kids Zone and cultural education to honor Freedom Day. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, June 21, Pear Blossom Park, 312 E. Fourth St., Medford; free to attend; .medfordfood.coop/calendar/juneteenth-2025

Grants Pass Juneteenth: Grants Pass will mark Juneteenth with an afternoon of community gathering and cultural programming at Riverside Park. The event will include food trucks, a Black Vendors Marketplace and interactive activities such as Black History BINGO with prizes and yard games. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Riverside Park, 304 E. Park St., Grants Pass; free to attend; business.grantspasschamber.org/events/details/juneteenth-celebration

Did we miss an event? Please send the details to cprofenna@oregonian.com and we will add it to our list.

— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiaraprofenna.

The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.

‘Honouring four decades of songs and stories,’ beloved Canadian band will perform across Canada starting this fall, with Barrie show Oct. 24

Blue Rodeo is hitting the road across Canada in celebration of their 40th anniversary of making music together, with a stop in Barrie.

“From our early days playing clubs in Toronto to stages across the country, it’s been an unforgettable journey — and we’re excited to celebrate it with you,” the band said on its website.

They will making stops in cities from coast to coast, including Barrie at the Sadlon Arena on Oct. 24.

Band members say they will be “honouring four decades of songs, stories and all the amazing fans who’ve been with us along the way.”

The rock band with a hint of country formed in 1984 in Toronto, and hit mainstream success with their debut album Outskirts in 1987, which spawned one of their biggest radio hits, Try.

Sixteen studio albums later, and millions of records sold and millions of tour miles under their belts, the band appears to have no plans to slow down.

The tour kicks off Oct. 1 in Calgary, and winds down with a pair of shows to close it out on Jan. 23 and 24 in Toronto.

Joining them on stage as an opening act for all shows will be Adam Baldwin.

More information can be found on their website.

Posted Wednesday, July 2, 2025 9:40 am

The 75th annual Red Ryder Roundup Rodeos are set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The July 4 rodeo will be at 2 p.m., with the July 3 and July 5 rodeos being at 6 p.m.

They are presented at the Western Heritage Event Center arena and grounds off U.S. 84 and Mill Creek Road.

Tickets are available online and at the gate prior to the event.

Tickets are $20 per adult and $10 for children 12 and under. A limited number of box seats are available and can be purchased by calling (970) 749-3492.

Each daily performance begins with an impressive grand entry with flags waving from westerners on horseback. Rodeo events are interspersed with a variety of other acts like the Mutton Bustin’ contest, Daisy BB gun raffle and rodeo clown.

The website www.PagosaRodeo.com has detailed information about the entire event. Additional questions can be directed to (970) 749-3492 or dtalbot111@gmail.com.

75 years of history

For 75 years, this organization has been run by local dedicated volunteers, funded with individual and business donations from the local community, and a great many more have helped in other ways.

The Western Heritage Event Center (WHEC) continues to be an independent, self-sustaining and successful entity that owns and operates the rodeo grounds in Archuleta County.

1948: A group of local ranchers organized an effort to start a regular named rodeo series in Pagosa Springs. The initial group of volunteers included Glen Edmonds, Fred Harman, Daily Hott, Leon Montroy, Terry Robinson and Babe Shahan. They collaborated with the owner of the Red Ryder registered trademark to use the registered name to brand this rodeo with the cartoon character that is so famous in this region. The elected board of directors was R.T. Harras, Edmonds, Robinson, Shahan and Harry Sharp, all local ranchers.

1949: The first two-day rodeo was held at the site of the current Ross Aragon Community Center. Photographs show how automobiles were placed in a large circular formation to create the boundary of the rodeo arena. Spectators stood behind the cars. A parade opened the show on the Fourth of July with Fred Harman III as grand marshal and H. Ray Macht as parade chairman.

1949: The committee advertised and sold stock, $1 per share, in the rodeo organization, named Pagosa Springs Enterprises (PSE), and raised $15,000. With these proceeds, 37 acres of land, on the corner of U.S. 84 and Mill Creek Road, was acquired from Leon and Margaret Montroy for the expressed use of hosting the annual rodeo.

1950: Ranchers and merchants donated items for an auction to finance improvements of the grounds. Construction included a rodeo arena with wood boards and woven wire, a half-mile horse racing track and covered wooden grandstands. Construction of a Fitzhugh-Haven-Doerrie is managing the dirt work and H.W. (Red) Sisson is supervising the surveying and general work. All was accomplished just prior to the July Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo.

1951+: Over time, the structures that exist on the rodeo grounds today were constructed as additional stock was sold for the purpose of raising money and creating a supporting membership.

1953: 500 wooden and steel bleachers were purchased.

1954: The present grandstands with roof, box seats and guard rails were purchased for $11,000 with the sale of bonds that were retired in 1964.

1974: A starting gate for horse races was purchased.

1978: Pipe fencing was installed around arena and the rodeo increased to three-day event.

1980s: Horse racing was discontinued after a fatal accident on the track, and the track was removed.

1980s–1990s: Repairs, maintenance and modest improvements were funded with modest proceeds from the annual three-day rodeo event.

July 1997: The WHEC Board of Directors began the Red Ryder Award, awarded for making a positive commitment to the western culture of this community and who has been a strong supporter of the organization and rodeo.

July 1999: Celebration of 50th year of Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo. Randy Talbot was president of the PSE. Other board members included: Charles Betts, JR Ford, Rhonda Ward, Jim Bramwell, Bob Haag and Marguerite Seavy. The stock contractor was Buster Webb W/A.

2000: The corner of land containing the Colorado State University Extension building was deeded to Archuleta County by the WHEC.

November 2004: The organization obtained its IRS nonprofit status and renamed the organization the Western Heritage Event Center. It’s mission is to provide an annual three-day Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo as well as a year-round venue for education and training for youth and equestrian events for Archuleta County. The WHEC is dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of the American West.

2005-2006: The 4-H / WHEC building was constructed with $136,500 of Great Outdoors Colorado funds and $175,000 of private donations secured by the WHEC board. The breezeway, an extension of the cover over the grandstands, was also added. This building was deeded to Archuleta County by the WHEC to provide ongoing maintenance, insurance and management of use.

2012: New roping chutes were installed — donated by Jack and Claudia Rosenbaum in honor of longtime friend Jim Bramwell upon his retirement from the WHEC Board of Directors after 15 years.

2014: The board of the Charles J. Hughes Foundation approached the WHEC to contribute funds to collaborate in building a covered arena.

Nov. 5, 2014: A presentation was made to the board of county commissioners to request a $150,000 matching grant. The WHEC begins construction planning.

Summer 2017: Groundbreaking and construction begins.

2018: R.D. Hott, a lifelong resident of Archuleta County, and the son of a founding member of the Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo, following his death in 2018, designated his estate to be used for the “Preservation of Western Heritage in Archuleta County.” This generous donation for improvements of the facilities at the rodeo grounds has led to the development of a master plan for the rodeo grounds and created a public/private partnership with the WHEC and Archuleta County. The Hott Fund is providing private matching grants for the continued improvement of the spaces on the rodeo grounds, which will drive increased activities and use for the benefit of the community while preserving the history and traditions of the American West.

2019: The WHEC and R.D. Hott Fund Advisory Committee developed a master plan for rodeo grounds.

2020: During the COVID pandemic, the Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo was not held for the first time in its history. The Hughes Pavilion was used for drive-through COVID testing.

January 2021: Creation of the rodeo grounds and fairgrounds joint-use agreement — a partnership between the WHEC, R.D. Hott Fund Advisory and Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners for the collaborative management of the grounds and facilities.

August 2021: The first county fair to utilize Hughes Pavilion for 4-H livestock shows and auction.

August 2023: Ribbon cutting celebration for the Hughes Pavilion and the 4-H Hall.

2024: New bucking chutes ere installed, donated by Mancuso Family Foundation.

July 2025: Celebration of 75th year of Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo. Diana Talbot is the president of the WHEC. Other board members include: Katelyn Bailey, Pennie DeClark, Keith Jacobson, Bob Kavli, Wes Lewis, Ryan Montroy, Twyne Regester, Lane Schaaf and Lisa Scott. The stock contractor is Bucking H Rodeo Company.

Hott Trust contribution

Funds from the Hott Trust have contributed to these improvements:

• Hughes Pavilion: Addition of the livestock building with livestock pens, wash rack and storage. Pavilion improvements of sprinkler system, bleachers, courtyard and front entrance.

• 4-H/WHEC building: Improvements to building interior and surrounding external area for integration of adjoining facilities. It is now named the 4-H Hall.

• Historic structures: The well-known and loved R.G. Gomez store has been relocated and is being preserved. Other Archuleta County historical structures have been moved to the site, including the Joe Macht family cabin and an original Camp Lewis officer’s residence. Items of historical significance from the Macht, Hott and other families will be displayed in buildings for public viewing.

• Grounds: A circular roadway around the grounds, fencing and drainage improvements and an official entry sites on Mill Creek Road including decorative gates.

• 2026 plans: Multipurpose event building to support the Archuleta County Fair and community events, and display historic items.

Into the future

The WHEC continues to maintain a relationship with Red Ryder Enterprises Inc. and the family of Shirley Ann Slesinger-Lasswell, which owns the Red Ryder trademarks and copyrights. They continue to grant permission to the WHEC to utilize the trademark name for the annual Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo. Their generous contributions and support for past, present and future rodeos is greatly appreciated.

The WHEC is a charitable organization as qualified by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3) and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law (federal EIN #20-1363398).

Donations may be made to: Western Heritage Event Center, P.O. Box 1841, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

The 102nd edition of the stampede will take place June 3 to 7 at the Bear Creek Gymkhana Grounds, and he hopes it continues to be a place where new memories are made.

“It was a big rodeo, a big family event back in my day,” he said. “Cousins came — they came from Alberta, all over.”

Hadland’s connection to rodeo runs deep. His late father was an outrider for local chuckwagon drivers — part of a legacy he’s proud to honour.

“We’ve always had a little bit of cowboy blood in us,” he said.

During the 2023 rodeo. (video/ Meadow Lake Stampede’s Facebook)

Over the years, Hadland has been deeply involved in the rodeo world. He spent 15 years working with Gary Gorst and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA), also helping Gorst’s team during their runs at the Calgary Stampede.

“I’ve hooked horses and did the chuckwagon thing for 14 years, just until 2010,” he said. Now, he applies that experience to planning the Meadow Lake Stampede.

Back in the early ’80s, the local Stampede wasn’t just big for the region — it rivalled some of the best-known rodeos in the country.

“It was the second biggest in Canada, next to the Calgary Stampede,” Hadland recalled.

That legacy is part of why he’s stayed involved.

“If we don’t keep ourselves involved, it loses its weight,” he said. “Once you’ve got something and it goes away, it doesn’t normally come back.”

During last year’s rodeo. (video / Meadow Lake Stampede’s Facebook)

This year’s stampede will feature a Western Parade on June 3 to kick off the 5-day event, the popular Bullarama on the evening of June 5 showcasing some of Western Canada’s top bull riders, and a full day of classic rodeo events on June 6 — including saddle bronc, steer wrestling, ladies’ barrel racing and bareback riding.

“Because Meadow Lake is basically up in northern Saskatchewan, and our main entertainments over the years have been such events as rodeo, winter festival, hockey, ball and curling,” Hadland said. “Most people 40 years ago didn’t travel like they do nowadays. So, it was a gathering of the community and friends to get together.”

As the community prepares to gather once again, Hadland hopes the Meadow Lake Stampede continues to be a celebration of roots, relationships and resilience.

The poster. (submitted/ Kurt Hadland)

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

Hear this story

Dolly Parton’s dream was to create something in Sevier County that would make her parents and hometown community proud.

That dream has expanded beyond Dollywood Parks and Resorts in Pigeon Forge to include dinner attractions, a restaurant and the Titanic Museum.

Parton also supports East Tennessee through philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.

All year long in 2025, Dollywood is celebrating 40 years of fulfilling Dolly Parton’s dream of honoring the place and the people who shaped her. Over the decades, that dream has spread across Pigeon Forge in ways visitors and residents can see and, most importantly, feel in their hearts.

“This is where I drew my first breath. So, of course, this would be where I would want to do something wonderful, to be part of something great. And just stay part of these mountains forever,” Parton told Knox News when Dollywood was named the best park in the world at the 2023 Golden Ticket Awards.

Beyond Dollywood and its accompanying water park and two resorts, there are the dinner attractions such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede, the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Pirates Voyage and Comedy Barn. Last year, her company acquired the popular Titanic Museum. And if you’ve ever eaten at Frizzle Chicken Café, yep, she owns that, too.

“We’re just all blessed that Dollywood is here and Dolly has never forgot her Tennessee background,” said Pigeon Forge’s tourism director Leon Downey. “I mean … just on and on and on, she’s trying to help other people love other people.”

Dollywood, initially a revamped version of Herschend Family Entertainment’s Silver Dollar City, opened its gates in 1986. Two years later, Parton already was expanding her brand presence in the Sevier County town.

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“I dreamed of making it in the music (industry) and, of course, if you make it in whatever your dream may be, then you’re fortunate enough to be able to do so many different things,” Parton explained to Knox News in 2023. “(I hoped to) come back and build something to make my parents proud, and make the people that I grew up with, my family and my neighbors (proud).”

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And for nearly 40 years, she’s continued to make East Tennessee proud by investing in its people. With the help of a few butterflies, tasty food and a whole lot of family fun, this is how Dolly Parton followed a theme park dream and watched it grow into other business properties based in her hometown.

Dolly Parton ‘stampedes’ through Pigeon Forge

One month before Dollywood’s opening day for its milestone 40th season, Dolly Parton’s Stampede celebrated its 38th. The dinner show attraction combines majestic horses and experienced equestrians, music and storytelling, comedy, colorful butterflies and a four-course meal.

“Ever since I first dreamed up my Stampede, I’ve always said that it’s ‘The Smokies’ Most Fun Place to Eat,’ and I know anyone that visits agrees with me,” Parton said in a news release. “I wanted it to have the best dinner anywhere with lots of delicious food that people could enjoy while watching a thrilling, fun and entertaining show that everyone in the family would enjoy.”

Creative ideas surrounding a dinner and show experience began soon after Dollywood opened in 1986, and development moved quickly.

“I know that Dolly’s initial vision for building Dollywood was to provide a place for families to be entertained and to create jobs for the area,” said Jack Lawrence, CEO of World Choice Investments, the operating partner of Parton’s dinner shows. “When the concept for our Stampede Dinner Attraction was created, it followed that same dream of Dolly’s.”

Dixie Stampede – known as Dolly Parton’s Stampede since 2018 – was the first major expansion to the Dollywood empire in Pigeon Forge. The $3.3 million project was a “new concept in entertainment” that elevated the dinner theater model, developers told the News-Sentinel at the time.

The original 1800s Wild West-themed show was called “The Life and Times of Billy Kincaid” and featured professional rodeo riders, horses, bulls and even a buffalo. Guests continue to be transported to the American frontier during the current immersive version of the show, which also includes an LED backdrop wall, special effects and aerial acts.

The newest addition for 2025 incorporates Parton’s signature butterflies in a whimsical display of choreographed wing formations and blooming flower petals in the center of the arena.

“It’s an unbelievable privilege to work with Dolly Parton. Her creativity always inspires us and gives us great new ideas to work with and keep our shows exciting and innovative in terms of entertainment concepts,” Lawrence said.

Parton’s World Choice Investments acquired several Fee Hedrick Entertainment properties in 2019, including Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, the Comedy Barn and Frizzle Chicken Café.

“I am so excited to have more family entertainment to present to our guests in Pigeon Forge,” she said of the purchases.

Parton also opened Pirates Voyage in 2019, a $28 million investment. The unique dinner attraction features acrobatics, animals, sword fights, cannons and actors scaling two full-sized pirate ships in a fight to win Davy Jones’ coveted sunken treasure.

“When I watch all the pirates and mermaids and the sea lions and all the special effects, it’s like I’m a kid again!” Parton said in a news release earlier this year.

The Titanic Museum was World Choice Investment’s most recent purchase. There are no immediate plans to buy or build any other properties in Pigeon Forge, Lawrence said, but Parton’s partner added they are always looking for new ways to expand family entertainment.

Parton also has dinner attractions in Branson, Missouri, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The third Pirates Voyage is slated to open in Panama City Beach, Florida, in late spring.

Dolly Parton shares Smoky Mountain culture with the world

Dollywood and Parton’s multiple business ventures celebrate Appalachian culture through music, shows, food, rides and other amusement activities, and have prompted millions of people, near and far, to embrace it as much as she does.

“Home is in my heart. These mountains, I’ve always cared (about them) … I’m proud to be a Smoky Mountain girl.” Parton told Knox News in 2023.

“I’m just proud to have been part of the people that have provided jobs and watched it grow. And it’s a good feeling to have been a part of that,” she added, referring to how Pigeon Forge has developed over the past four decades.

Leon Downey has been Pigeon Forge’s tourism director for 37 years and he remembers visiting Dollywood during its first year. What has stood out to him most over the years is the commitment of Parton and the theme park to honoring the attraction’s roots and making guests feel safe and welcomed.

“It’s a really unique theme park in that way, I believe, about showcasing the heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains, the people, the culture,” he said. “I don’t know of another theme park that’s that genuine, in my personal opinion.”

And that spirit of connection and pride extends to all of Parton’s Pigeon Forge properties, Downey noted. She dreamed of what the city could be as a tourist destination and set the example for how to make it happen.

“We’re just blessed to have Dollywood as our anchor attraction … not just Pigeon Forge, but all the three cities here in Sevier County,” Downey reiterated, adding that Parton’s Pigeon Forge presence generates global buzz for the Smoky Mountain region.

“That’s one of the things I’m most grateful for. You hear the word ‘Pigeon Forge’ in places like New York City, Chicago and things like that (where) we don’t have dollars to market in,” he said.

Dollywood alone has approximately 4,200 employees during peak season, according to the park. The company is Sevier County’s largest employer, directly and indirectly creating 23,000 jobs in the region. Its direct economic impact to Tennessee is $1.8 billion, according to a 2021 Tennessee Department of Transportation study.

“I can guarantee you that the Tennessee Department of Tourism really appreciates Dollywood and the revenue department does, too,” Downey said with a chuckle.

‘I am part of you. I love you’

Parton’s eternal admiration for Pigeon Forge is evident not just in her expanding local business portfolio. It truly comes from her heart and her desire to help people. The entertainer has donated millions of dollars to provide scholarships, support people affected by natural disasters and boost childhood literacy.

And her generosity has always been rooted at home.

After the devastating floods in East Tennessee caused by Hurricane Helene last year, Parton personally donated$1 million to immediate relief efforts. Another $1 million was donated by her Pigeon Forge businesses.

“I just want you to know that I am totally with you because I am part of you. I love you,” Parton told a crowd gathered in Newport, one of the hardest-hit communities. “I look around and I think, these are my mountains, these are my valleys, these are my rivers flowing like a stream. These are my people.”

She created the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 to decrease the high school dropout rate in Sevier County. The organization’s first big initiative, the Buddy Program, paired teenagers who signed a contract to help each other graduate high school. Each student was awarded $500 when received their diploma.

Within a few years, the effort helped reduce the county’s dropout rate from 35% to 6%, according to the organization’s website. The foundation ended the program in 1992 and shifted its focus to childhood literacy and additional student scholarship opportunities.

“I mean, how many celebrities do those kind of things?” Downey marveled while discussing Parton’s philanthropic and humanitarian efforts in East Tennessee.

Parton’s father, who couldn’t read or write because he left school to help his family, inspired the Imagination Library. The program launched in 1995 to provide free books to children living in Sevier County. Since then it has expanded globally and gifted over 264 million books.

“Daddy got to live long enough to hear the kids call me ‘The Book Lady’ and he was as proud of that as me being star,” Parton said during a “Today” interview in 2019.

Chasing Dolly’s dream for 40 years and beyond

The Dreamer-in-Chief’s vision has always been clear. Parton’s Pigeon Forge “empire” might be built on her name and persona, but it was never for her. It’s for her people – the kinfolk who live in East Tennessee and the friends from every walk of life across the world who are invited to join the family.

Dollywood kicks off its 40th season March 14 with a day for season passholders. Special moments and surprises are planned throughout the year to celebrate. In keeping with tradition, Parton is scheduled to be at the park’s opening day to celebrate the occasion, and will continue to come up with new ways to expand family offerings at Dollywood and throughout Pigeon Forge.

As Dollywood Parks and Resorts President Eugene Naughton explained, “She’s the Dreamer-In-Chief, and I believe that if we continue to find our inspiration from the good she does, we can be a place of light in this world for our guests.”

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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