Interest in "historical" attractions in Branson has dropped significantly. In recent years SDC has cut back on the arts and crafts stuff, a staple since the park was founded, in favor of rollercoasters and other things that attract a younger demographic. Shepherd of the Hills attendance has dropped in recent years. In the days I worked at SDC, it would have been impossible for "Veggietales" to be presented there, 'cause it really does not fit the 1880's theme. When My wife and I visited SDC during the kidsfest a few years ago, the shops were stocked with all sorts of neon colored plastic and rubber toys (crap) that would not have passed the muster for theme twenty five years prior. TRENDS CHANGE. PROGRESS OCCURS. TO BE PROFITABLE, A BUSINESS MUST ADJUST TO CURRENT FADS, POP CULTURE, and so on. To be honest, very frank, Mark Trimble probably sold SOH at the right time, now Gary Snadon has to charge more for things like the tower and the play in part because not as many people attend. I've noticed in recent years the play schedule has been pulled way back from what it used to be. In the "old days" when I lived in Branson, you could never pass by the homestead without their being a parking lot full of cars, and people all over the place. Last time my wife and I visited, we pulled right up next to the McDaniel homestead, walked through the gift shops, and left in about 30 minutes. There were more employees there than visitors, and that was in August. Has anyone ever visited Bonniebrook? It's the home of the lady that invented Kewpie dolls. It's north of Branson just off Highway 65. When my wife and I visited there about three years ago, we had the place to ourselves. I took a tour of the house, and I was the only one on the tour. The caretaker of the place, who lived on site, gave me the tour. When my wife and I were leaving, only one other visitor was there. The historical attractions and arts and crafts were most popular in the 1960's and through about the mid-1980's. For better or worse, it's a part of the romantic past we all remember from your youth.
