Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge begins its season tonight with a new set and a new show.

I love a really good production that portrays our nation’s history. Buffalo are roaming and wagons are rolling at the all new Dixie Stampede show which premieres tonight in Pigeon Forge. Featuring a mountain backdrop with a large waterfall and special effects, including a rising full moon, the show focuses on a Wild West theme. As horse-drawn covered wagons make their appearance, it is with a bit of nostalgia that our nation’s history is brought to mind of the pioneers who paved the way for our future.

They certainly won't ask for your zip code, email address, or date of birth here when you enter the Dixie Stampede theatre -- just a friendly howdy-do and a big “welcome” by cast members in costume. After being shown to your seats in the horseshoe shaped, stadium-style theatre, your meal will be served by personality plus servers. Up first is soup poured into your bowl and a garlic cheese biscuit on your plate. There is no flatware, so you drink your soup right out of the bowl. Soon you will chow down on a whole rotisserie chicken, using your fingers to pluck off the pieces. Next comes a baked potato, hickory smoked tenderloin, and corn on the cob. Plenty of refills on beverages are offered. For dessert, they serve up a freshly baked apple turnover.

While enjoying your dinner, the hand-clapping, foot-stomping show keeps you entertained as cast members on horseback represent the North and the South using live animals, dramatic lighting effects, incredible sounds, and exciting pyrotechnics. One of the best performances is a spectacular scene of a cast member standing up as she rides two horses at the same time while horses jump through a flaming ring.

As "the South" and "the North" battle to win various horse riding competitions, other cast members are preparing to entertain with themed acts.

The show concludes with a tribute to America in which Dolly Parton’s song, written and sung by Dolly specifically for the new Dixie Stampede show, is played. Cast members on horseback each carry an American flag as they perform the tribute.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede opened in Pigeon Forge in 1988. With a whopping $2.5 million invested in the new show and set, you know it has to be a great show. Dixie Stampede has been one of the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains and is very family-friendly. Missing this show on your next trip to the Smokies would be a mistake.

For reservations, call 865-453-4400 or visit dixiestampede.com.