Pigeon Forge Rod Run attendees dismayed by new rules for parking, car sales

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — The fall 2024 Rod Run kicked off in Pigeon Forge on Thursday, but this year it looks a little different.

After an ordinance was passed in Pigeon Forge last month prohibiting the advertisement of cars for sale on the side of state roads within city limits, many rod runners say this could hurt the car show.

“This is not something that the city came to work one day and decided ‘Hey you know what let’s make an ordinance where they can’t park on the right of way,’” said Pigeon Forge Police Chief Richard Catlett.

Catlett said because of their lease agreement with the state, cars for sale beside the 441 Parkway will now be towed. He said since the State owns 60 feet of the land beside each side of the roadway, they must enforce the rules they have there – which include prohibiting advertisement.

“What hurts me, or what bothers me is this one spot I sold three cars here last 22 years, and usually I sell it by the first day,” said rod runner Joe Swift. “So it surprises me you with the new rules. I mean, you’re basically going to run this out of this town, and it’s hurt — It’s going to hurt a lot of people, but it’s also going to hurt the local economy.”

Those who attend the bi-annual Rod Run said this could change the entire car show, and impact local businesses.

“I don’t like the changes. I understand about the dealers, but there’s other ways around it than just stopping everything. My opinion, they have killed the businesses here,” said rod runner Larry Cook.

However, Catlett said the ordinance resolves issues with parking businesses have had in the past.

“They try to call us, but prior to this new ordinance going into effect, there was nothing we could do about it,” said Catlett.

While the ordinance helps clear up some parking, rod runners who come from out of town said the show may not be worthwhile anymore.

“It’s just going to keep getting smaller and smaller to where people are just not going to come. And this has been a success, but they’re just it seems like it just pushing out the common man or the common woman and it doesn’t make sense,” said an Alabama resident Doug Minton.

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