Some of the biggest names in Southern gospel music, including The McKameys, Karen Peck & New River, Guy Penrod and many more joined Dolly’s theme park, Dollywood, during its 2012 National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration presented by Humana.
Dolly’s love for gospel music and for true artisanship was highlighted during this harvest festival at Dollywood and was pleased to host such a gathering of talent. Dolly said,
“Nothing would make me happier than to be up there on stage with every group, singing and celebrating with each and every one of ‘em during my National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration.”
Dolly’s love for kids is shown again in 2012 with Dollywood's Kidsfest, headlined by Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience. Dolly said,
“Like so many folks, I’m just a huge dog lover. I truly believe they are man—and woman’s—best friends, and I couldn't be happier about giving families a show that goes ‘dog wild’ at my Kidsfest celebration this summer at Dollywood. Our four-legged friends are going to put smiles on everybody’s faces and warm some hearts, too.”
Kidsfest at Dollywood also included "The Gazillion Bubbles Show," an unbelievable display of bubble magic, and Dolly's Imagination Playhouse in which Dolly stars in each show, making a special appearance via the magic screen performing songs she wrote especially for the productions.
On June 16, 2012, Dolly, dressed as “Splash Woman,” made everyone’s day as she announced RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster, the latest addition to her waterpark, Dollywood’s Splash Country. This historic announcement came on the heels of Dollywood theme park’s opening of the celebrated Wild Eagle, America’s first winged coaster, marking two back-to-back history-making coasters for her Dollywood properties.
Dolly’s perfect mountain oasis, Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, opened May 26, 2012, for its 12th season for both thrill-seekers and pool loungers to escape the summer heat. The new season brought updates to Dollywood’s Splash Country Brush Fire Grill along with new Saturday morning exclusive ride times for season pass holders to experience their favorite slides before the park opened to the general public!
Located in a mountainous hollow adjacent to Dollywood theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country features a variety of splashy water attractions for both thrill-seekers and pool-loungers.
Award-winning bluegrass artists Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and Dailey & Vincent headlined Dollywood’s festival. These great acts shared the stage with the mouth-watering barbeque made fresh at the park. Dolly said,
“Who better than Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder to get my Barbeque & Bluegrass festival started! I have a truly special love for bluegrass music, and I’ve invited the very best pickers and singers to perform this year. Having had the privilege to sing with so many of ‘em, I know what a musical treat this is going to be.”
