By Tommy Lee Byrd – Images by the Author
In eight short years, the Grand National F-100 Show has exploded in growth as it takes over the tourist town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for several days each year. The event is held on the third weekend of May, and takes place at the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, an awesome venue that features indoor and outdoor space and plenty of room for growth. Hosting an event in a tourist town can be tricky, but Joe Carpenter and crew continue to excel, bringing thousands of people to town every spring.
Inside the convention center, you can count on an outstanding display of show trucks, as well as numerous vendors and food options. The outdoor portion of the event experienced huge growth in recent years, and an updated event layout allowed for additional space for more than 1,000 trucks and an expanded swap meet and vendor area. Free spectator parking and shuttle service adds to the affordable, family friendly atmosphere.
The event filled every square inch of the venue, packing 1,337 Ford trucks into the facility with promises for additional space next year. Of all the trucks, Best in Show honors went to the radical blue Bumpside built by the crew at Scott’s Hotrods. There were plenty of other high-end show trucks on display, as well as some good old-fashioned farm trucks and everything in-between. There was also a great variety of four-wheel-drive trucks, ranging from mildly lifted classics to wildly modified mud trucks.
With highly coveted awards capping off the three-day event, the Grand National F-100 Show continues to grow its following. We’re betting it will continue to expand for years to come, so make plans to join the fun next year. The event is scheduled for May 14, 15 and 16, 2026, and you can find more information at gnf100show.com.
