Thousands gather in Pigeon Forge for the annual Spring Rod Run.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (WATE) — If you enjoy cars, Pigeon Forge is the place to go this weekend. Thousands of cars line the parkway, some for display and others for sale. The Rod Run has grown steadily throughout the decades. “I believe that the sheer volume of people who have come through Pigeon Forge during the car shows has increased significantly over the years,” stated Assistant City Manager Eric Brackins. “The car show takes up the right of way parking along the Parkway.” “The prices on cars went really high,” remarked attendee Barry Mitchell. “The police are a little stricter than they used to be.” Of course, everything went up. Aside from that, it’s still a good time.

Brackins expects that 100,000-150,000 individuals will attend this weekend’s Rod Run. With the influx of people into the community, an economic boom is projected, making hotel rooms in the vicinity difficult to find. “The different lodging options that we have benefit from that, as well as our restaurants and different businesses up and down the Parkway,” he said. As the Rod Run evolves throughout the years, one important change will occur soon: no automobile sales on the side of the road.

“The existing lease that we have in place is changing. We have a new sublease agreement for the firms that TDOT has approved,” Brackins explained. “The new sublease will take out a clause for sale of vehicles in the subleased area.” There is one thing that keeps them coming back. “Hot rods, automobiles, and people. I adore the folks. “There are a lot of nice people up here,” Mitchell explained. “I’ve met people from all over the country and made an of good friends here since ’06 that I still talk to even when I go home.”

When asked about how the show has evolved over the years, several folks along the Parkway expressed the same sentiment: ‘it’s not what it used to be.’ One individual stated that “wheeling and dealing of parts and cars has become nearly impossible due to high prices.” Furthermore, it appears that the majority of visitors are here to window shop and admire the cool cars on exhibit.