The days of seeing cars lined up with ‘For Sale’ signs along the Parkway may be numbered
Rod Runs meant historic vehicles lining the parkway close to Pigeon Forge during my 30 years there. Some were come to admire the old automobiles, while others were there to trade, bargain, and deal. However, state officials now want the city to implement restrictions, which would prohibit vendors from using signs to advertise their autos.
The state of Tennessee wants the city to enforce restrictions prohibiting advertising, often known as for sale signs, in parking areas during Pigeon Forge Rod Run events. The state rents Parkway neighboring land to the City of Pigeon Forge, which then sublease it to companies. These establishments have permitted unofficial Rod Run participants to park in their lots and occasionally promote their classic automobiles for sale. While the state’s lease with the city contains a term prohibiting such actions, the city’s sublease does not. The state, through the Tennessee Department of Transportation, has asked the city to rewrite the leases and enforce the prohibition.
What is the Pigeon Forge Rod Run?
The Pigeon Forge Rod Runs are biennial events where historic vehicle enthusiasts gather in Pigeon Forge to celebrate car culture. Some attend the official event at the LeConte Center. Others ride the parkway or spend the weekend in designated parking areas along the road. It’s a decades-old custom.
When I first started visiting Pigeon Forge, I remember seeing historic cars and their proud owners sitting nearby in folding chairs. Visitors would stop and discuss the various improvements or whatever. Sometimes money changed hands, and the classic car found a new owner.
Locals have learnt to avoid the strip – and Pigeon Forge in general – if they do not want to partake. Rod Runs typically cause heavy traffic on the parkway. It’s considered one of the busiest weekends of the year. Woe to the naïve non-car enthusiast tourist who unintentionally planned their vacation around one of the two Rod Runs.
Furthermore, in recent years, the unofficial aspect of the Rod Runs has become a touch wild. After nightfall, there have been more lawless situations, such as public drinking and fights, than in the past. As a result, there was an online campaign to stop the Rod Runs. While it attracted notice, it never gained traction.
When I was younger, I used to go to Rod Runs with my stepfather and uncles. They were automotive enthusiasts, and it was a lot of fun. But now I’d rather do something else to avoid the crowds.
Official Rod Run vs Unofficial Rod Run
The official Rod Runs event will take place at the LeConte Center. This is a ticketed, gated event. There’s a large swap meet, and car owners display their pride and joy. There are various awards, as well as a large cash prize. The state leasing request will have no detrimental impact on the official Rod Run event.
Is there an unofficial Rod Run? It is essentially an overflow culture. It’s the Rod Run, which I’ve previously detailed. People line the Parkway in Gatlinburg, parking in areas facing the main route. People drive up and down the strip. It’s reminiscent of the old George Lucas film “American Graffiti,” which celebrates, in part, American car culture. If you enjoy cool automobiles and cruising, this is a terrific time.
However, as generations have passed, it has become slightly wilder. My first memories are of folks my grandparents’ age sitting in old-style folding chairs next to an automobile from their childhood. People who could recall the automotive culture of the 1950s. Now? It has altered in certain ways, as has everything else in the globe. There’s a little more of a risky vibe, a little more Mardi Gras-style atmosphere. That does not mean it would be dangerous to take your children at night. Having said that, I would encourage you to be more conscious than I was 25 or 30 years ago.
What’s the proposed Rod Run ban?
It is the enforcement of a policy that has been in place between the state and the city since at least 2016. Essentially, the state owns the land and leases it to the city, which then leases it to enterprises. The state-city agreement prohibits parking cars at roadside advertising areas. However, the city’s and the firms’ sublease agreements do not include such regulation. The state has requested the municipal to revise the sublease agreements and then enforce the restriction. The state does not want signs advertising cars for sale all along the strip.
The official Rod Run would be unaffected by the prohibition because it takes place entirely within the LeConte Center. For example, a Rod Run official told the Mountain Press that enforcement would likely drive business to the legitimate venue.
Why is the state doing this now? I suppose it isn’t enough to simply say, “It’s the law.” It protects local companies and, most likely, billboard owners from people taking advantage of free advertising space. Instead of purchasing billboard space, I could hypothetically park in one of those spaces and display a placard advertising TheSmokies.com. Also, Pigeon Forge has a lot going on most days; visually, a bunch of ragamuffin DIY advertising will not help. But this is primarily guesswork based on years of attending various planning sessions. My guess is that TDOT doesn’t want to have to explain why the practice is permitted a few times each year when someone attempts it on non-Rod Run weekends.
Also, how far will the prohibition extend? Is it an advertisement if someone’s father wears a T-shirt that says ‘Everything’s Got a Price’ while sitting in his 1956 Ford Fairlane? What about a hat that reads “Make me an offer?” It seems like a slippery slope to me.
What’s the status of the ban?
Under contemplation. According to the Mountain Press, local leaders are evaluating the TDOT’s “request.” Going back and re-doing the leases would undoubtedly be a pain. But it isn’t insurmountable. However, enforcement is a complex subject. Pigeon Forge law enforcement is extremely busy during Rod Run weekends. Are you going to have code officials running up and down the strip, citing car dealers or businesses that are leasing the spaces?
Also, how far will the prohibition extend? Is it an advertisement if someone’s father wears a T-shirt that says ‘Everything’s Got a Price’ while sitting in his 1956 Ford Fairlane? What about a hat that reads “Make me an offer?” It seems like a slippery slope to me.
Tennessee ultimately owns the Parkway and, at least in the short term, will most likely get its way. Will the unofficial Rod Run participants, Pigeon Forge businesses, and the city be able to raise enough awareness in Nashville to persuade TDOT to reconsider the regulations? Time will tell.
Ultimately, Rod Runs has been a celebration of car culture for decades. The new emphasis on past restrictions may alter the way things are done along the strip, but the Rod Runs are too important to be undermined by a lack of For Sale signs. Eventually, everyone will adjust. The dust will settle. There will also be other issues to address.
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