May 19,2020
By: Rick Wilks
Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, TN, may actually be the first major theme park in the country to open. Sevier County is one of the counties in Tennessee that has been given the OK to continue with the next phase beginning on May 22, 2020, which will allow for larger attractions to open. Included in this category are go-cart race tracks, water parks, theaters, dinner theaters, auditoriums, and large museums.
Restaurants and shops will also have restrictions lifted on occupancy, but the focus will still be enforced on social distancing best practices, meaning 6 feet between tables and customers plus no larger groups than 10.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee stated, “We’re able to allow restaurants and retail businesses to operate at a greater capacity and large attractions to open in a safe and thoughtful way.”
He said the “state continues to see downward trends in case growth and meets the White House criteria for a phased reopening.” Although, he urged citizens to continue to wear makes and wash their hands.
In closing, he stated “By taking the Tennessee Pledge, our businesses can reopen in a way that protects the health of their customers and employees, and protects the livelihoods of hard-working Tennesseans.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw vehicles from 26 states visit the park last weekend with their reopening.
At this time Dollywood and some attractions still have not given a specific reopening date.