Reflections on the 50th Anniversary Year

Junior · September 10, 2010, 07:38:52 AM

I finally made it to visit the park during the 50th Anniversary year in mid-August. I thought the park looked really good, overall. I was lucky to arrive on park on a Sunday, very early, and the crowds were not bad at all. The park looked spruced up all over. The streets wound around through the woods like I remembered, and the smells were familiar. I loved the way Homestead Ridge looked. I had a few concerns about some theme issues, but I had not visited the park for 2 1/2 years, and at that time in 2007 it was the Christmas thing going on, so I had not seen the park as it normally looks in summer since probably 2005. I had no bad encounters with "citizens" although since it was early a few were still blurry eyed and not too talkative. I had a chance to walk down memory lane, visiting some sites I'd worked at in the 70's and 80's including the Vineyard Resaturant (now the Wagonworks grill) Float Trip/American Plunge (Worked at both) and, of course, the diving bell (now Lost River) Rode the train and the robbery was as good as it ever was, though I admit I miss them not doing the robbery at the old robbers shack location. (The giant swing apparently is too much of a distraction to have robberies at the old location) So, overall, a pleasant trip and it was good to see the park again. How did your visit or visits go during the anniversary year? Details, please...

KBCraig · September 11, 2010, 03:31:15 AM

We haven't been, I'm sad to say. $:-\$

Maybe we can arrange a quick trip in October. There's no such thing as an easy trip when you have the number of critters we have. Either someone stays behind, or you pay someone else to take care of them.

How-doFolks · September 11, 2010, 05:17:37 AM

For cry'n in a bucket, we aint made it yet either.... Car & health issues have stop'd us, critters too. We was gunna go Labor Day weekend but 1'a our cats hadnt eaten in 4 days & was puck'n & loose'n weight. Hello Dr. visit. Anyways..

Am try'n to plan a trip with my parents still, in Oct. during the week. I will be taking pad & paper to let ya all know what we did. This is the 1st year we have not made it to SDC this late, shame on us.......

Duelist · September 11, 2010, 09:31:49 AM

I like the fireworks they've been doing after the city opening. I'm glad they brought back the Rainmaker and Hatfields and McCoys, but I wish they were dressed more like "Hill Folks" and less like cowboys. I wish they had brought back more shows from the past for the 50th. I missed the anniversary weekend in May- that looked like a lot of fun. Here's hoping for at least 50 more! We'll be there next weekend on the 18th and 19th- anyone else from out site going?

Joy · September 12, 2010, 07:20:40 PM

Wait, have you actually seen the Rainmaker, Duelist? I've been to the park 7 times this year (my reflections to come later), but haven't yet seen the Rainmaker...

bthomas · September 12, 2010, 09:05:48 PM

In the dozen or so times that I have been this year, besides the signs and "did you know" markers, it really doesnt feel different from any other year. After going each day during anniversary weekend, I had very high hopes for the year. Going back a month later....nothing....everything seemed back to business as usual. It was very disappointing.
I can only hope that with the push they have had for the Christmas festival (advertising it in park since day one), there are big things planned. If it's the same as in years past, I have to say I will be very disappointed in this year.
Of course this hasnt kept me from making plans to attend each week during the Christmas season.

mhguy77 · September 12, 2010, 10:16:50 PM

QuoteI have been this year, besides the signs and "did you know" markers, it really doesn't feel different from any other year.

I concur
FITH additions were great and the new kids ride is nice.
There was a lot of build about this year but I have seen no tangable difference sans the "Did you know" signs.
I sure hope they make a big announcement of a " gift" for the park.

Duelist · September 14, 2010, 07:37:30 PM

Quote from: tinaalsgirl on September 12, 2010, 07:20:40 PM
Wait, have you actually seen the Rainmaker, Duelist? I've been to the park 7 times this year (my reflections to come later), but haven't yet seen the Rainmaker...

No, I haven't seen the Rainmaker yet- I was just going by what shows they advertised would be brought back for the 50th. Did they drop the gun on this one?

mhguy77 · September 14, 2010, 08:11:47 PM

I do know that Dollywood has the rainmaker, (and its active) its set up in the new area of the park, they are rigged up for the rain and all. I saw this in June.

Joy · September 15, 2010, 12:13:29 PM

They've got the wagon at SDC, but I've yet to see an actual Rainmaker.

rubedugans · September 15, 2010, 07:10:36 PM

Me either....I posted those rainmaker photos back from opening weekend, and on my 10 or so times to the park at varying times of day, I have yet to see that wagon in use.

Ozark Outlaw · September 15, 2010, 11:13:18 PM

Just to add another piece to this mysterious puzzle, Silver Dollar City mentions on their website with great excitement, and enthusiasm that the rainmaker specifically would be making a return this year. Perhaps it was a one time show? I don't know.

http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/shows/show_detail.aspx?AttractionID=172

marolinesdad · September 16, 2010, 07:32:28 AM

I have seen the Rain Maker twice this season. Both were during KidsFest.

MissinTheGreenTrams · September 16, 2010, 06:55:10 PM

I have been to the park this year and am going again saturday for my kids birthday. we are thrilled. I havnt seen the rainmaker but for the last 3 years I have seen the undertaker. He even gave me his business card which I promptly hung on my cork board when I got home. That fella must have contacts in. His eyes are spooky. My dad once told me he remembers the undertaker taking your measurments. But I digress. I didnt see a whole fancy to do about the 50th. I have seen in other threads about seeing things on display and how that woulda been nice. I concurr. I woulda have liked to see a set up where that dumb castle was. They coulda had a nice memorial in there ya know? Maybe an auction to sell some of the original SDC memorbillia like signs they no longer use/plan to use again. Take that money and use it to fix up some stuff.

rubedugans · September 16, 2010, 09:59:34 PM

I talked with SDC a few months before the opening day, and with my 700+ items, I was told though I have many nice items, The Herschend's kept up a large archive, and something would be in the works for a memorabilia / display...I would have been happy to do it too...for free!