PIGEON FORGE — Ten Corvettes manufactured in 1967 will be on display inside LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge when the Corvette Expo returns on Friday and Saturday.
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It’s a new feature of the auto show that is in its 44th year.
“It was by invitation only,” said Byron Cooper, owner of Cooper Events. “That is one of the most popular years for Corvettes. It’s the last year of that particular body style.”
Another portion of the show, Chevelles in the Smokies, is also invitation-only. Fifteen Chevelles from across the nation will be evaluated by judges.
Both displays will be inside LeConte Center, as will the Horsepower and Hot Rods section. The Corvette Expo also takes place outdoors at the venue.
A drive from Pigeon Forge to Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile road with 318 curves that stretches from Blount County to North Carolina, is planned for Friday at 4:30 p.m.
The 2020 Corvette Expo, like many events, was delayed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, the show takes place on the third weekend of March. It came to Pigeon Forge last year in August.
Cooper says that this weekend’s event is on track with past shows in the number of cars that will be on display. He estimates that roughly 10% of his usual vendors have chosen not to participate because of the pandemic. Vendors sell parts for Corvettes and other cars.
“We’re doing face masks in the building,” he said. “Tables will be spaced in the concession area. There’s Plexiglass where we sell tickets. There’s tape on the floor for (social distancing) lines … A lot of that, the building takes care of for us.”
During a March 8 interview, LeConte Center General Manager Phil Campbell said that staffers continue to follow Tennessee Pledge guidelines for indoor and outdoor events.
Cooper Events also produces the rod runs held in Pigeon Forge twice annually. Runs this year are scheduled for April 15-17 and Sept. 16-18.
Corvette Expo hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $12.
LeConte Center is located at 2986 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge.