Following a successful first season for Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction in Pigeon Forge, the show's producers wanted to give the fans something new. That was done with a few new additions to the animal lineup and more friendly competition.
Added to the horses and bulls guests saw during the first season at Dolly’s dinner attraction, chickens and pigs were worked into the second season. Audience members were called on to chase chickens in a race to see if the North or South would claim a victory. The thoroughbred pigs raced the stadium to bring home another win for their side.
These animal antics were not the only differences between the first and second season. The producers wanted there to be more action for the audience. A publicist for Dixie Stampede was quoted as saying,
“We want to get onto this rivalry between the North and South.”
Dolly's Dixie Stampede’s opening days were spent giving back to the community, with benefit shows. Like its owner Dolly Parton, Dixie Stampede wanted to not only provide entertainment, but also help its neighbors and local charities.
Dolly’s new attraction in Pigeon Forge began distributing coupons before the grand opening, to be used during a five-day stretch. For each coupon, $5 would be donated to the Sevier County organization of the guest’s choice. The charities receiving funds included the Pigeon Forge Lions Club, Gatlinburg Rotary Club, Sevierville Quarterback Club, Greenbrier Academy, Northview Optimist Club, Pigeon Forge Rotary and The Dollywood Foundation Buddy Program. The benefit was expected to raise up to $60,000 for the community.
At the time, Dolly’s show at the Dixie Stampede was called “The Life and Times of Billy Kincaid.” The two-hour show offered guests a Wild West musical comedy and a meal served from chuck wagons.
