Uncle Bud Joins the Cast of the Lumberjack Feud

By Mike Williams

Uncle Bud Beasley plays Cookie in the Lumberjack Fued

Anyone who has visited the Great Smoky Mountains or the Pigeon Forge area in the last 16 years is certainly familiar with Uncle Bud Beasley. The affable Uncle Bud is an accomplished singer, song writer, musician, comedian and TV personality. Recently, he joined the cast of the Great Smoky Mountains Lumberjack Feud playing the part of Cookie the chef.

Uncle Bud played in a bluegrass band for 16 years touring the country with various bands and country music artists. For five years he performed with Uncle Bud’s ‘Lectro Wood Experience.

“We played classic rock the way the good Lord intended it,” Uncle Bud said. “We played it bluegrass style.”

Who could ever forget a rousing rendition of “Smoke on the Water” with banjo accompaniment?

Uncle Bud went on to appear in numerous TV commercials for Metro West Ford. In the commercials Uncle Bud gave advice to the “automotively challenged.” In a backdrop that resembled a DJ’s booth Uncle Bud received letters from listeners inquiring about car repairs. Invariably, the letter writer would be given the timely advice “You need a new car.”

It was eight years ago that Uncle Bud joined the cast of the Tennessee Shindig. Over the years he recorded several CDs and attracted a following of loyal fans. The Shindig closed last year and Uncle Bud was recruited by the Great Smoky Mountain Lumberjack Feud.

Uncle Bud’s career took a new direction at the Feud. Now, he is plays as “Cookie” the chef that prepares hot meals for hundreds of guests and two camps of rowdy lumberjacks.

“They may be divided in the competition but we all eat together,” said Uncle Bud.

In addition to preparing hundreds of hot meals, Cookie provides the pre-show entertainment. In a fashion statement only he could pull off, Cookie enters the arena dressed in red long johns, a hunting cap similar to Elmer Fudd’s and bear claw house slippers.

He wrote two original songs for the pre-show including “That’s what a bear is good for.” The song contains some unusual bear recipes, such as bear bacon, that could have only come from the mind of a culinary genius such as Cookie.

Fortunately, none of these recipes are on the menu at the Feud. Cookie’s preshow is lighthearted entertainment that’s fun for the whole family.

The Lumberjack Feud is a 90 minute dinner show and fun for the whole family. For more information visit the web Site at www.lumberjackfeud.com or call 855-244-3383.

Published March 15, 2013