A Detailed Discussion: KidsFest

Ozark Outlaw · August 11, 2010, 12:57:02 PM

Quote from: Andymeets1880s on August 11, 2010, 12:32:16 PM
Rube,

Castle in Arkansas?!?! What's that about? I think I've missed something here.

Here is a direct website to the castle for additional information.
http://ozarkmedievalfortress.com/

Ozark Outlaw · August 11, 2010, 12:59:50 PM

Quote from: rubedugans on August 11, 2010, 11:58:29 AM
What do dragons and knights/ feudal estates have to do with SDC at all? Leave that for the castle being built in Arkansas, put something else in there that works. I am not saying sell cowboys and indians, but something can be offered that is period correct.

I can maybe see a castle theme at Silver Dollar City during World Fest, but it has no place whatsoever in Kids Fest.

Andymeets1880s · August 11, 2010, 01:03:33 PM

Wow, that's quite a project! Thanks tina, for filling me in!

rubedugans · August 11, 2010, 01:26:54 PM

Here is the info....

http://ozarkmedievalfortress.com/

Also you can stop by the old theater/ structure next to the Slides on the Branson Strip (across form Jubilee/ The Ducks) and get info about the place. I am gogin to be volunteering there in the fall for a weekend, should be fun!

History Buff · August 11, 2010, 03:27:28 PM

A castle would be awesome as long as it was not seen from the outside. What I mean is this - let's go into the mind of Mark Twain in an awesome dark ride based on the fam-friendly writings of Mark Twain, including A Kid in King Arthur's Court. Perhaps this begins as a storytelling and slowly takes the form of the stories being told. This, again, could be a ride that changes out every three to five years or so, and focuses on a different story each time. Of course, Huck and Tom already have a ride. The Mysterious Mind of Mark Twain would be a ride based on stories being read and told during the 1880s.

Joy · August 11, 2010, 08:53:26 PM

I told my friend that if SDC ever finally tips over the edge to become just another Six Flags-ish or Cedar Fair-ish park, then the theme devotees should start their own theme park and make it a Twain park. LOL

Firstvisit1967 · August 12, 2010, 06:16:43 PM

When our daughter was growing up we went to kids fest in the summer and it seems to me that SDC had a great many things for kids to do including a nick show with a slim maker included. It seemed to be a great deal of fun. The last time we all went for kids fest it seemed kind of a dumb thing. Not much for kids. If you are going to do something go big or don't go.

Joy · August 14, 2010, 12:16:01 PM

Well, it's about time I answered my own questions, eh? LOL

What is your favorite fest-related show during KidsFest? Least favorite?

I didn't go to any of the shows this year. Previously, I went to the Purina Dog Challenge and that was quite fun. I also recall a group of child performers a few years ago that were there during Spring Break Days that would be a great addition to KidsFest.

While I hate the breaking of theme for KidsFest, I kinda wish they'd had the VeggieTales show again. Though I never went, I would love to have the chance to take my niece. If there's going to be any breaking from the 1880's theme, I'd much rather it be with Bob and Larry than Spongebob and Patrick. Maybe they could do a new VeggieTales show that's set in the wild west? "The Ballad of Little Joe" was a great episode that set the story of Joseph in the wild west.

Oh, and what happened with Doc Gizmo? The show wasn't listed in the Pathfinder the last couple times I was there. I actually have a picture of myself at 10-years-old on stage for the Doc Gizmo show (or something similar). That was a fun, educational show.

As for least favorite... well, I can't really say since I've not been to many KidsFest shows.

What is your favorite fest-related activity during KidsFest? Least favorite?

To be honest? There's really not much to do. There's all those bright colorful tents on Main Street, but each time I was there this summer, there were very few kids there.

Not KidsFest-specific, but I hate basketballs. I really, really do.

What is your favorite fest-related shop during KidsFest? Least favorite?

It's a permanent shop, but I really like the toy store. It rather brings out the kid in me and my friends.

On the other hand, I'm not impressed at all by the "BUY THIS" layout of the Frisco Barn. If you're going to sell stuff, how about having more demonstrations more frequently?

What would you omit if you were in charge of KidsFest?

All those tents on Main Street. They just get in the way.

And get rid of all the character stuff except VeggieTales. When I was there with my 4 and 6-year-old nephews this year, it was on a Wednesday. So there were no characters and they were not missed. The boys, in fact, were quite content with SDC's own characters of the Colonel and, especially, Whoops E. Daisy!

How about SDC work to come up with more original characters? Maybe mine the old 70s children's books for ideas? What about Rocky Raccoon? Maybe the old wooden man from "The Day Toys Came to Silver Dollar City"? Maybe get face characters in Tom Sawyer's Landing of Tom, Huck, and Becky.

We don't need the Jetsons and Flintstones and Spongebob.

What would you add if you were in charge of KidsFest?

Kinda already going there with the above. I'd also add more 1880s themed activities--frog racing and white-washing and hoop games and other pioneer games. You'd be amazed at how easily entertained kids can be--they don't NEED modern TV cartoons to keep them busy. What d'you think they did before TV? Hmmm... they used their IMAGINATIONS!

Would you be interested in being quoted in a "Fandom Entreaty" to be compiled and sent to SDC (this "Fandom Entreaty," when finished, would first be posted in full to SDCFans)?

Of course! Seeing as how I'm the one planning it... LOL

U Smell Smoke · August 14, 2010, 09:00:37 PM

I think Doc Gizmo is at SDC during family Spring Break Days.

Joy · August 14, 2010, 10:29:35 PM

Yeah, I remember running into Doc Gizmo earlier this year but was surprised he wasn't around for KidsFest. That seems like the perfect time to have a show like that.

U Smell Smoke · August 14, 2010, 10:41:10 PM

Doc does seem to be perfect for Kidsfest. I think they have him there during Spring Break Days because so many of the regular shows--Saloon, Cajun Connection, etc.--have not opened for the season yet. Other than the rides, it's fairly slim pickens for shows and shops during Spring Break time.

Ozark Outlaw · August 14, 2010, 11:56:37 PM

I am basically going to echo the sentiments that have already been made, but I too agree that Silver Dollar City should invest more in the 1880's themed street characters such as Doc Gizmo for Kids Fest. I understand that it is much easier to slap an unsuspecting employee into a thirty dollar Sponge Bob, or Dora the Explorer costume. However, like most pop culture characters, these are nothing more than a current fad. I think children will appreciate, and dare I say it, enjoy Silver Dollar City much more when there are themed characters that bring the city to life.

Joy · August 15, 2010, 02:02:23 AM

I totally agree, and really, the characters don't have to be just for KidsFest. Disney has, for example, Alice and Mad Hatter all year 'round, no matter the season. SDC, too, could have a Doc Gizmo and Rainmaker and the like all year round (that is, if they'd actually HAVE the Rainmaker and not just his wagon! And maybe during Christmas Fest the Rainmaker could expand his business into being a Snowmaker?).

oldsdcer · August 15, 2010, 12:51:52 PM

Back in my early days of coming to the City, I remember there being kids activity of trying to lite a match with a hatchet or driving nails in one strike being done on the main square. Those things along with the suggestion of frog racing and whitewashing would be fun for the whole family along with the old fashion watermelon eating and egg toss.

oldsdcer · August 15, 2010, 12:54:31 PM

And yes, the inclusion of more street characters throughout the City to entertain and interacte with visitors like it was in the early days of the City.