If hot rods are your jam, you need to put the 2022 Spring Rod Run on your itinerary. At this popular Pigeon Forge event, you’ll get to see all the greatest classics, ranging from 1970s muscle cars to pickup trucks from the 1930s. You can even enter your own vehicle in hopes of winning best in show. A swap meet, cash giveaway, and opportunities for fun and friendship round out the offerings. So, what are you waiting for? Here’s all you need to know about planning your trip.
Three-Days of Fun and Excitement Starts April 7th
All the fun will start on April 7th, 2022, and continues on through the 9th. Vendors and show car owners will need to arrive on the 5th and 6th to set up their booths and stage their vehicles.
On Thursday and Friday, the doors open to the public at 9 am. The festivities continue all day until 6 pm. On Saturday, the event changes its hours from 9 am to 5 pm. The awards presentation then begins at 5 pm sharp in the Greenbriar Room. The cash giveaway will happen then, too.
The show cars will remain on full display across all three days. You can also browse the swap meet at your leisure throughout the entire event.
Come See the Newly Renovated LeConte Center
As is tradition, all the action happens at the LeConte Center located on Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge. With its recent renovations, the venue offers even more room for cars, vendors, and more. So, the event will likely be bigger and better than ever for 2022.
The two large lots onsite offer plenty of room for spectator parking. They’ll also keep the free shuttle service running all day, so you can easily make it right to the front door of the venue.
You can buy tickets day by day or get all three at the same time at a discount. The tickets are only sold at the doors. They do not allow advanced ticket sales. You’ll need to pay by cash, but there are two ATMs at the center.
Check Out the Show Cars – and Enter Your Own Ride
With 100,000 square feet at their disposal, the event organizers go big in bringing in as many show cars as possible. They expertly stage each vehicle to show off all its stellar angles, plus encourage the owners to adorn their rides with interesting artifacts. As a result of their efforts, every last display looks museum-worthy, allowing you to take a walk through the decades of classic wonderment.
Although the vehicles change year to year, you’re bound to see:
- 1923 Ford
- 1936 Chevy P/U
- 1949 Willys
- 1967 Camaro
- 1968 Cuda
- 1970 Nova
- 1970 Mustang
- 1972 Ford P/U
To make the most of your experience, take the time to chat with the vehicle owners. Ask them what inspired their build, the work that went into it, and what they hope for the future.
If you want the full Spring Rod Run experience, consider entering your own ride. You’ll need to either make the drive or trailer it down to the venue before all the fun starts. You must register by March 1st to ensure you can get a spot. All indoor show cars must get approved using photo evidence of their magnificence to land a prime setup.
Enter to Win the Big Cash Giveaway
As you tour the show, be sure to stop by the DJ booth to sign up for the cash giveaway. You must put your name in the hat to even have a chance to win, so it’s well worth taking the time to do so.
You’ll then need to attend the awards ceremony to see all the car show winners and await the giveaway winner announcement. The cash giveaway winner will get called up on stage for a round of applause and to learn how to collect their prize.
Shop Your Heart Out at the Huge Swap Meet
All around the beautiful show cars, you’ll find swap meet vendors selling car parts, swag, and so much more. The vendors inside the venue tend to only have new parts and other premium items. The rest of the vendors have booths outside for your enjoyment.
As you browse all their wares, you’re bound to find excellent items for your own rides and home. Be sure to pick up event t-shirts by looking for the ET Motorgear trailers. They make for fantastic souvenirs of your time at this event, especially if you make your visits a yearly tradition.
Want to sell your collection of vintage car parts, memorabilia, and more? Fill out the registration form as early as possible. The inside spots have limited availability, so you must call to secure that space.
Watch the Awards Show to See the Big Winners
At the end of the show, the event organizers will present all the top awards, starting with the Top 25. After that, they will name the Super 5, and then go on to the Ultimate 5.
Special awards will go out next to honor the sponsors’ and promotors’ top picks. Finally, the People’s Choice Award honors the spectators’ favorite car in the show.
Every winner gets a trophy to display with their vehicle the next time it lands in a car show. Plus, they walk away with big bragging rights good for the rest of the year and beyond.
Ready for Three Days of Fun? Book Your Spot at the Black Fox Lodge
If you’re ready for three days of fun, book your spot at the Black Fox Lodge. As the host hotel, they offer great deals to event participants and attendees alike. They’re also located right across the street from the LeConte Center, making it easy to get to and from the festivities each day. As you can imagine, their rooms fill up fast, so book your spot early to avoid missing out.
Once you have a hotel room with your name on it, plan out the rest of your itinerary. Remember to sock away the funds for your admission tickets since you have to buy them onsite. Then, get busy looking up all the local restaurants and other attractions you want to visit during your trip to Pigeon Forge.
