Had Enuff in the Smokies? 

Are car shows, invasions and runs becoming too much for Pigeon Forge and the Smokies?

Let’s start with this. Trouble with groups of car show enthusiasts in the Smokies is nothing new. Back in 1978 – during the inaugural Shades of the Past event in Gatlinburg – tensions were high between police, area car clubs and a large crowd of spectators and enthusiasts. Something happened, not sure what exactly. But it triggered a brawl that led to police using fire hoses on the crowd and arresting 50 people.

The event moved to Pigeon Forge and became known as the Rod Run. It is now a bi-annual event that brings thousands of people and hundreds of classic cars to the Smokies.

Over the years the Rod Run events have been almost exclusively peaceful. But the traffic is inconvenient for anyone trying to get around in Pigeon Forge that same weekend. There have been controversies as well, including efforts to get the event banned in the Smokies.

After the Slammedenuff event in Pigeon Forge and Sevier County in the first week of October 2025, the issue of massive gatherings of car or jeep or truck enthusiasts in the Smokies has once again come to the forefront. And it left many folks wondering if these types of events are worth the trouble.

What happened with Slammedenuff?

First, let us say that with the Slammedenuff fans as with the Rod Run and Jeep Invasion folks, we don’t want to paint with a broad brush. Thousands of people came to the Smokies to participate in their hobby. The majority of them didn’t cause problems. And what problems did occur are not necessarily limited to the Slammedenuff crowd, other similar “car convention” style events have had some of the same issues in recent time.

Now, to the issues outlined by Sevier County and Pigeon Forge authorities as well as others. Earlier in the week, a group performed a street takeover on the scenic Foothills Parkway in Blount County. Essentially enthusiasts blocked off the slightly used road to perform some unofficial street racing. Slammed cars – which have been modified to ride extremely close to the ground – were involved in the event. But maybe not exclusively.

The City of Sevierville’s statement

The Slammedenuff event was partially scheduled for the Sevierville Convention Center on both Saturday and Sunday. However the City of Sevierville, citing “numerous disturbances, safety concerns, and a significant strain on County-wide public resources directly related to activities surrounding this weekend’s event.”

The statement went on to say “Effective immediately, we are implementing a zero-tolerance policy for any nuisance activity, unsafe driving or disorderly conduct associated with this event or similar gatherings. Violations will be met with full enforcement of all applicable laws and ordinances. Individuals currently in Sevierville or the surrounding areas for the Slammedenuff event are strongly urged to vacate in an orderly and lawful manner.”

The Pigeon Forge Police Department issued a statement backing up the City of Sevierville, saying they’d been called to respond to multiple locations with large, unruly crowds

“The most talked about was Jimmy’s Market, where the crowd became unmanageable. At the business’s request, our officers cleared the parking lot to ensure safety.”

The PFPD dispelled rumors of a shooting or the deployment of tear gas. But they said a relatively minor stabbing incident occurred.

Is this something that only happens at Slammedenuff?

I don’t think so. As I said earlier, there have been incidents of much rowdier activity in recent years at the Rod Runs. There has been Mardi Gras like activity, as well as verbal harassment of other visitors, fights and more. As a result, there has been petitions to get the Rod Runs out of town. There have also been “takeover” groups – not associated with the actual event – at Jeep Invasion and with Squatted Trucks as well.

It appears that no matter the style of car event, there has been an increase in the last few years of unruly, unsanctioned behaviors.

Those come on top of the fact that the influx of a massive amount of cars, trucks or Jeeps added to the area’s already saturated infrastructure. Maybe you’re looking to just hang out for a day – or have a quiet vacation in the mountains. You certainly don’t want to schedule the weekend of a massive car event. Your experience will be effected. Every so often, I forget to check the calendar. So, I find myself heading into Pigeon Forge only to figure out there’s a car convention in town. The slow, dawning realization of what I’m driving into is one of the worst feelings in the Smokies.

Why does it seem to be getting worse?

There’s two answers to this question. First, it is possible that this is chiefly a matter of perception. Social media, cell phones and videos make it a lot easier to pass the word around. If, 30 years ago, people would have gotten rowdy at Jimmy’s Market, of course, we might have heard about it. But we wouldn’t have access to dozens of photos and videos of the rowdiness. There is a fair argument to say that the activity has gotten THAT much worse, it’s just our perception of it.

But I kind of doubt it. I do think we are facing a couple of other issues, including the legality and availability of alcohol in the mountains. Let’s be clear, it wasn’t especially hard to get alcohol in the Smokies in the past. But with massive legalization, it’s a heckuva a lot easier than it used to be.

I support allowing adults to make adult decisions. Also, I think allowing the distilleries and liquor by the drink is the right thing to do. However, we’d be foolish to pretend that people getting loose on alcohol aren’t more likely to be an issue.

Shouldn’t the community be thankful for the influx of money?

I see this a lot. Business owners and the community should be thankful for the tourism dollars. They are, but there’s a limit. Even with the Rod Run crowd, the offset with people avoiding the area lessens the impact. And, when unruly behavior, large crowds and heavy traffic are going on, it can be more difficult for local businesses to operate. I think if you asked most businesses in the area if they’d rather have a regular fall weekend or a big car show convention in town, the vote would be a lot closer than you think.

And honestly, some of these events are getting too big for Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Despite massive tourism numbers, they remain relatively small towns. Slammedenuff’s other events are scheduled for Atlanta, Houston and Daytona Beach. Those cities are better equipped to handle such an event from an infrastructure standpoint.

What’s going to happen to the big car shows in the future?

Hard to say. Rod Runs and the Smokies have a long history together – even if it started with a riot. It is safe to say that local people – and tourists who booked their vacation unaware of the event – are getting tired of the congestion even before you get to any rambunctiousness and misdemeanorin.’

“The City will be conducting a comprehensive review of the event’s overall impact and will reevaluate its future viability at the Sevierville Convention Center. Any continuation of this event will depend entirely on significant and verifiable improvements in conduct and management.” The Sevierville City Government said in a release.

The event had planned to return next year. But Sevierville Mayor Robert Fox said, following the remark above, that Slammedenuff will not be welcome, at least not next year.

But again, this isn’t limited to Slammedenuff. Rod Run weekends have seen reported rises in fights, underage drinking and illegal racing, leading to police crackdowns. Pigeon Forge has added new regulations – including some from the state about selling cars along the road and other “traditional” activities – that will affect Rod Runs and another other similar events as well.

It appears this situation is coming to a head and the future of sanctioned large gathering of car, truck or Jeep enthusiasts may be in doubt.

What is your opinion of the influx of car shows and increased noise and other annoyances? Let us know in the comments and on the socials!