Hundreds of roller coaster enthusiasts from around the world are headed to Dollywood this weekend for Coaster Con XXXV, the American Coaster Enthusiasts’ 2012 convention.
The event starts Sunday and runs through June 22.
Some 650 coaster lovers are expected to attend, said Pete Owens, media/public relations manager for The Dollywood Co.
Amusement park fans looking for something weird to do this spring can find it right here at Dollywood, one of the 10 weirdest theme parks in the world, according to Time.com.
That’s right, Dollywood, the pride of East Tennessee, ranked among the weirdest parks on the planet.
Country music star Dolly Parton’s park is “a full-fledged amusement extravaganza with rides like Dolly’s Demolition Derby bumper cars and the Dollywood Express steam engine,” Time says.
If that’s not weird enough for you, grab your passport and book passage to Denmark. Near Copenhagen you will find BonBon Land, a park that Time describes as a “whimsical, wacky and vaguely disturbing theme park home to attractions like the “Farting Dog” and “Skid Mark” rollercoasters.”
The centerpiece in the business section in Sunday’s News Sentinel takes an in depth look at the economic impact of Dollywood.
The theme park attracts millions of visitors a year and pump millions of dollars into the regional economy.
Read business writer Carly Harrington’s story here.