Silver
Dollar City: Step Back Into Fun
Heath Hawkins
 Having
been a regular visitor to Branson since the early 80’s, I
have seen lots of changes occur. I remember Branson when it
consisted of the
Baldnobber Show, Presley’s Music Show,
Waltzing Waters and Silver Dollar City. I am sure there
were a few other things in town, but not many.
There were not a lot of choices back then, but my favorite thing to
do in
 Branson
has always been going to Silver Dollar City. Of course I
loved the rides when I was a kid. My favorite was always the Lost
River because there was a very good chance we would get wet. Even
better, there was a possibility that mom would get wet!
As I have gotten older I still love Silver Dollar City, but I find
that I love it
 for
different reasons. I really do not remember going to see many of the
shows in the park when I was little, but today I love to see the
shows. I also find that my wife and I spend more time going through
the shops and watching the artisans work.
Silver Dollar City is a step back in the past. You actually feel
like you
are visiting a town on the frontier in the 1800’s. The streets are
lined with shops where skilled artisans are busy at their craft. You
can see glass blowers, blacksmiths, silversmiths, cobblers, weavers,
and potters just to mention a few.
They create works of
art as you watch. It is a great opportunity to ask questions. You
can even buy the items they are making as a memento
 of
your visit. One hint for shoppers, all the shops will transport the
items you buy to the front gate so you do not have to carry your
packages around with you all day. No item is too big or small. You
will receive a ticket to claim the package when you leave. Just ask
for more information when you pay for something. This service is
completely FREE.
If you have kids you will certainly discover the rides.
Silver Dollar City is a theme park, not just an amusement park. That
means there is more to do than just rides. But don’t worry, there
are plenty rides to keep everyone entertained.
As I mentioned before, my favorite ride is the Lost River. You board
a raft that floats along a fast moving lost river filled with turns
and waterfalls. You will be wet! You should plan to wear clothes
that will dry quickly and be comfortable to walk around in while you
are wet. If you wear a swim suite, you must wear a shirt over it.
There is also a log
ride called the American Plunge that will have you
 reaching
for a towel. There are still a couple other water raft rides that
start out from a tower far about your head. As I am scared of
heights, I can only imagine what they are like. There is even a
roller coaster called the Lost Mine that promises a wet experience.
Don’t worry; if water rides are not your thing you will still find
plenty rides to stay busy. Silver Dollar City opened a brand
 new
roller coaster this season (2005) called the Powder Keg. It
is one of only three coasters of its kind in the United States.
There is no slow leisurely climb to the top of a peak to get this
coaster started. It uses compressed air to fire you out of the gate
at a very high speed. Wildfire is a suspended coaster that also has
too many loops, twists and turns to count. If you prefer classic
wooden coasters, the Thunderation is just what you are
looking for.
I have only mentioned a few of the dozens of rides available in the
park. There are many others including a kid’s amusement park area
 and
an authentic steam train that even grandma will enjoy. Be aware that
some of the rides do have height requirements, but most are
available to anyone who wants to or dares to climb on.
My sister usually convinces me to do a ride or two, but I honestly
do not go to the City for the rides. They are not my thing. My wife
and I love the shows. In a town that is filled with
great shows, Silver
Dollar City has its share. The shows change throughout the year
according to the festival. I guess this would be a good time to talk
about the festivals.
Silver Dollar City starts the season in March and April with World
Fest. Guest artists and performers from around the world perform.
There are
 groups
form Africa, Asia, South America, Europe and Russia. Some of the
shows are bands and singers while other performing groups dance, but
all are entertaining. This is my wife’s favorite festival. With all
the visiting cultures and great foods from around the globe, you
will be intrigued.
National Kids Fest fills most of the summer months with the
excitement of a vacation destination in full swing. The shows turn
kid and family friendly. There is an X-Treme Stunts on Wheels show,
Mad Scientist type show and many of the gospel and country music
shows return to various stages. I enjoy this festival, but must
admit it is not my top choice. I do not have kids of my own, but
there seems to be millions of them in the park during Kids Fest. The
park is very crowded, be ready to wait in long lines.
During the Festival of American Music & Crafts you get to see Silver
 Dollar
City at its best. Outside the regular craftsman in the park, there
are many visiting craftsmen doing demonstrations. I love hearing
their stories about how they learned their craft and how they are
passing it on. This festival also features foods from different
regions of the US. Fall is also in the air and you are canopied in
the beautiful colors of the season.
If you visit the park at Christmas for An Old Time Christmas,
you will want to make it a Christmas tradition. This is the festival
I look forward to most every year. Everything twinkles with lights
and the smell of hot apple cider hangs in the air. Every show in the
park rings out with timeless Christmas classics.
The Silver Dollar City
production of Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol is spectacular. The
reenactment of the birth of Jesus reminds us
 why
this season is so special. Oh, I can’t forget my favorite Christmas
treat; The Snowball is a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream served in a
mug of piping hot chocolate. You can only get this special treat at
the Silver Dollar Saloon so don’t miss out.
This year there is a new festival called the Bluegrass & BBQ
Festival. It is scheduled for part of May and June. Though I am not
a big bluegrass fan, I am sure that bluegrass followers will want to
plan a visit.
Part 2 Continues>>>
If
you liked this article - Link it |
|
