Thanks for your comments. If I achieve nothing else here on this Website, I hope that I can communicate how special it was those years ago as an employee of the park. I was between the ages of 15 and 21 during those years. The teenage years and early adult years are special times in everyones lives. However, that period, that era in Branson has slipped away and will never return again. In interviews, the Beatles were asked what it was like being a Beatle. The answer they gave changed over the years, but in the most recent interviews with Paul and Ringo they essentially say that the four of them were brothers, and that there is no way to put it into words how the experience was for them. I understand. I feel as if I were a "citizen" of a special town called Silver Dollar City. I was not the most important or talented citizen, my first two seasons I was, simply, a food service worker. The tail end of the second season I was, simply, a ride attendant. The last five seasons I was there, as I got older, I was promoted to a glorified ride attendant...because I played a costumed character and had an alternate "character name" and personality and I performed a show for park patrons. The only people who understand what I mean about that time worked with me. Thank God, several of them are still on the park and work their magic in their own special way...Terry Sanders, Randy Stowe, Russ Maulden, Kerry Chester, ZEPHON is there...and a handful of others who made the park their career. Terry is the only one of those mentioned that is out front for the public to see, the others are behind the scenes and work their magic in other ways. They are the spirit and aura of SDC, and each day they work with newer employees who hopefully pick up on the special circumstances they are in and will keep that aura going for current park guests. My great fear is that current corporate management will forget how special the park is...and that the corporation will be like a lion cub that, as it gets bigger and stronger, turns on its parent and consumes it. If that happens, SDC will no longer be a special place...just another theme park in Anytown, USA. I pray that those who lived through those times with me will continue to inspire current employees to keep SDC special. When the magic fades, when the "aura" dies, in my opinion, GAME OVER. The best way for patrons to encourage that aura to continue is be vocal, speak with management when you have a chance, take part in surveys. If you feel strongly about something...no matter it be praise or concern...contact management and let them know. They do listen. Present your case in a clear, rational way. Write it down, email or snail mail it. If on the property, visit directly with management. They will listen to you because you give them your money, which is what they are after. They will do what they can to please customers and make them return again and again. This is the way you and your family keep the "aura" of SDC alive. Remember, a park patron is an honored "citizen" for a day.
