09/20/2026
From an Unofficial Gathering to a National Car Show
Back in the 1970s, a Maryville-area car club called Shades of the Past was involved in an informal rod run in Gatlinburg, bringing hot rod and classic car enthusiasts into the Smokies. It wasn't the massive event we know today. It was simply car people getting together to show off their rides, enjoy the mountains and share stories.
By 1982, the old Gatlinburg event had run its course with the city. Rather than let it disappear, the organizers looked to Pigeon Forge for a new home.
And in 1983, the first Grand Run was held at the Grand Hotel.
They expected somewhere around 300 to 400 cars.
1,000+ showed up.
That first Pigeon Forge show was the beginning of something much bigger.
Over the years, the event changed venues and evolved, while the original Shades of the Past organization continued holding its own shows separately. By 1991, MCS Promotions had taken over the Grand Run, which at that time was held in September. The spring show was added in 1995, giving Pigeon Forge the spring-and-fall tradition that car enthusiasts know today.
Then came another major change.
In 2014, the event moved to the brand-new LeConte Center and became known as the Pigeon Forge Rod Run.
But if you talk to people who remember the earlier days, they'll often tell you about a very different Pigeon Forge.
Before the LeConte Center, before the huge indoor show and massive swap meet, the Parkway itself was a huge part of the experience.
Traffic Light #6 became one of those nostalgic gathering points associated with the old Grand Run days, and car enthusiasts would fill the Parkway with everything from classic hot rods to muscle cars.
Today, the Pigeon Forge Rod Run draws thousands of vehicles and enthusiasts and is considered one of the largest automotive events in the country.
But it all traces back to something much simpler…
Car people getting together in Gatlinburg because they loved cars.
Did you know the Pigeon Forge Rod Run actually traces its roots back to Gatlinburg?
📷 Knoxville News Sentinel
