This section is dedicated to you, our readers! Feel free to reply to this email with any of your fun stories from your vacation in Pigeon Forge. Send us photos, memories, travel tips, anything that you would like to tell us about your experience in the Smokies. Every week we will highlight reader's comments in this article. Thanks for all the feedback. We love to hear from you!

This week's question, "Spring has been great but we're excited about summer! Are you taking a summer trip to Pigeon Forge? What are  you most excited about?" 

Last week's question, "When you book your trip to the Smokies do you stick to a 'favorite' or try out new lodging options?"

Dennis writes, "Lodging depends on if it is my wife and I or a family getaway. Mostly when it is just a couple we have stayed at the Inn on the River (formerly Hampton) or at the Hampton on Music Row. A family getaway pretty much dictates a cabin, mostly one close to Dollywood which makes Pigeon Forge and surrounding areas accessible. No matter where you "spend the night", the surrounding areas are the same and the fun, food and scenery is great."

Joe and Sonya say, "We have stayed at the valley forge inn for the past 13 years we have been coming down...clean rooms friendly people can't beat it or the price!!"     

The Synchronous Firefly event has become such a popular event the park has had to take steps over the years to limit the number of people that could view the fireflies each night.  New this year, the park has announced a new reservation system for the Elkmont Firefly Viewing event.  For this year's viewing event, which runs from Saturday, June 2 through Sunday, June 10, a new on-line ticketing system, will provide visitors with parking passes to guarantee they will be able to park at the visitor center, but without the inconvenience of having to arrive hours in advance.  A parking pass will be required for all vehicles and a reservation fee to receive the pass will cost $1.50.  The parking passes for this year's event are currently on sale and can be purchased online. 

Read More About the Synchronous Fireflies!  

April 26 - May 5: The 8th Annual Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair - will be held at The Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. Join us for great music and fellowship.

April 27: Fiesta-Val - Band and Chorus Competition, Spectators Welcome - FREE at Music Road Convention Center 

May 3 - 5: Yellow Mustang Car Show - located at The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge. Call 1-888-465-9644 for additional info 

May 4 - 5: Spring Festival and Old Timers Day - located in Townsend, TN. Join us for our springtime celebration of bluegrass music (concerts and jam sessions), clogging, arts and crafts, BBQ, Appalachian skills demonstrations, storytelling, wildflower walks, and the beauty of the Smokies in the springtime. 

May 4 - 6: Birdwatching in the Smokies - What could be better than a weekend of birdwatching in the Smoky Mountains! Discover the many bird species of the Southern Appalachian Mountains while we focus on their specific adaptations and distributions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Educational and fun for all!

May 5: Fifth Annual Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon - at the Gatlinburg Community Center at 8:15 a.m. Awards will be given. Call (865)436-4990 

May 5: Cinco de Mayo Festival - Cinco de Mayo Festival - A major Hispanic celebration in downtown Gatlinburg taking place in front of Ripley's Aquarium. This educational festival will be both fun and colorful. Come out and hear Latin music, participate in activities, and enjoy an evening of celebration. 

May 5: Off the Wall - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A fine art & craft sale to benefit the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation and featuring original works from 40+ local and regional artists working in oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, jewelry, pottery, fiber art, photography and more. For information, call (865) 446-9628 

May 9 - 11: Southeastern Pedal Car and Toy Show - located at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center - Portell Restorations will be available for your parts needs. Call 1-800-223-6707 

May 11: 27th Annual Dolly's Homecoming Parade - 6:00 p.m. marks the 27th annual Dolly Parade. This Dolly Parade kicks off Pigeon Forge Springfest with Sevier County's favorite daughter, Dolly Parton, as its grand marshal leading the celebration. 

May 12: Shrine FunFest Parade - on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN - Route to be announced. 9:00 a.m. start time.   

May 12: Birdwatching at Cades Cove - What could be better than a weekend of birdwatching in the Smoky Mountains! Discover the many bird species of the Southern Appalachian Mountains while we focus on their specific adaptations and distributions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Educational and fun for all! 

May 17 - 19: F-100 Supernationals and All Ford Show - LMC Truck/SUV Parts and Accessories presents the 34th annual F-100 Supernationals and All Ford Show. Lots of great events at this 3-day-long car show including a meet and greet with Sam Memmolo "The Voice of the F-100 Supernationals" The event will take place in the City of Pigeon Forge Municipal Lot. 

May 18 - 20: Located in Townsend, TN - a Fly Fishing Exposition and Fundraiser held in Townsend, TN. Call Little River Outfitters for more information (865) 448-9459. Proceeds from this event are donated to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fisheries Department, Friends of the Smokies Fisheries Scholarship Fund or other youth educational conservation projects. 

May 18 - 19: Bloomin BBQ & Bluegrass -The Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass festival is the most popular event in Sevierville! It includes the Tennessee State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, many bluegrass concerts from rising stars, kids activities, and delicious food. Even more... it's FREE. For more information, call 1-888-889-7415 

May 25: Aaron Tippin, Joe Diffie & Sammy Kershaw in Concert- at Country Tonite Theatre. For more information please call 1-800-792-4308 or visit www.firstclassconcerts.com