SDC's 2011 Project

[Ozark Outlaw]

Well, shucks I haven’t received a new Times yet. I don’t suppose there in an online version anywhere? The details sounds perfect for families with little ones. However, I hope 2012 brings the action back to us older “kids” too.

[rubedugans]

"high energy play that little explorers love" sounds an awful lot like a "Tiny Tunes land" like Six Flags has in StL. PLaygrounds, attraction, concessions all geared towards the littluns.

I am interested to see how the Carousel will be back "in a new way" as all of the press says. Does that just mean it is in a new spot?

[Ozark Outlaw]

You bring up a good point Rube. In the artistic rendering, the carousal has a different look, and feel to it than original one. Perhaps it will receive a facelift to match the new area?

[DollarCityBoy]

Speaking of the Carousal, as I recall, it has been in several different locations over the years.
Three locations I remember it being:

1: Middle of Tom Sawyers Landing (across from ball pit)
2: Moved to where the old petting zoo location was
3: One Christmas season, MANY years ago, it was on The Square

If anyone else has any other locations, please feel free to post

[sanddunerider]

interesting that they have kept it through the years. and not sold/destroyed it.

[Ozark Outlaw]

If I am not mistaking, I believe the animals on the carousal were hand carved right there at Silver Dollar City. Besides the sentimental value, the ride still works great, so it definitely makes sense as to why they have held onto it after all of these years.

[rubedugans]

When it was unveiled in 1984 as Becky's Carousel, I thought that only the horses were carved in house.

[Ozark Outlaw]

Oh don't quote me about anything! I am by no means a Silver Dollar City historian. I know parts of the carousal were made in house. That's about all I know.

[StaceySue]

Speaking of the Carousal, as I recall, it has been in several different locations over the years.
Three locations I remember it being:

1: Middle of Tom Sawyers Landing (across from ball pit)
2: Moved to where the old petting zoo location was
3: One Christmas season, MANY years ago, it was on The Square

If anyone else has any other locations, please feel free to post

When I was in sixth grade, it was inside the carousel barn, along with leather and wood crafts for kids to make.

[rubedugans]

Good point Stacey...I am sure someone has wondered why it was actually called the "Carousel Barn" though there was no carousel.

[Junior]

Yup, I do seem to remember the carousel debuted in 1984 inside the former Wagonworks Barn, I think known today at the carousel barn. I remember the paper crafts, and some other things for kids to do inside the barn, too. Yes, SDC craftsmen carved the horses and the SDC team put together most of the carousel.

[rubedugans]

Now the only question that remains is where did the Baloon Ride go?

[Ozark Outlaw]

Now the only question that remains is where did the Baloon Ride go?

It floated away!

Okay, I digress. The Balloon Ride would make a great addition to the Grand Exposition!

[shavethewhales]

^^That's a great question. The last we saw of it, it had been taken apart of pretty carefully and looked like it was in good shape (http://sdcfans.com/index.php?mod=photos&type=site&id=10)

However, I would have thought that it would come back this year if it was coming back ever, with the carousel coming back and it being a low-budget year. Still, I doubt they would sell it, so unless it's been scrapped it may just show up again during another low-budget year. Perhaps after 2012...

[rubedugans]

I was never a big fan of the baloons, the Grand exposition seems to be a great place for plastic manufactured rides with little to no theming. AGAIN, I think they should retheme it to a state fair, bring in competitions for jellies, jams, pies, hogs, cows, everything that made Fairs great. I hardly ever go over there, only go if I am searching for some Where in the city items honestly!