Check it out!!!
http://www.silverdollarcity.com/~/media/ParkContent/SDC_COM/Documents/SDC/Calendars/SDC%202014%20Calendar.ashx
So "Star-Spangled Summer" is the new festival name that will replace "KidsFest"
Hate to be the first one to say it, but I don't like the new logo. Star Spangled Summer sounds good, and I like the Country Music Weekend (not a fan of the music). I think a lot of people will enjoy that.
Quote from: DollarCityBoy on September 24, 2013, 12:05:21 PM
So "Star-Spangled Summer" is the new festival name that will replace "KidsFest"
Will fit in nicely with the announcement of a fireworks factory torward the end of this fest.
I am sure the logo, is a promo for next year new festival(s), and new rides/events..
I just thought it was interesting since the only thing we had been told for sure was about the new summer festival.
It's the same logo; it's just put in front of another graphic.
I like the idea of going patriotic. It will play well to most Branson visitors who look for performers to emphasize veterans and gospel music during the last half of every show.
Quote from: History Buff on September 24, 2013, 04:52:02 PM
It's the same logo; it's just put in front of another graphic.
I like the idea of going patriotic. It will play well to most Branson visitors who look for performers to emphasize veterans and gospel music during the last half of every show.
I do not like the patriotic theme at all. Branson has beat this to death. One reason I do not attend any shows in town. Sorry, This wont play well here, but just my 2 cents.
Branson is Red, White and Blue patriotic, support the vets, pro Christian, pro wholesome family entertainment, so no, the new concept does not bother me...it's just more of the same ole thing. It's alright by me.
If you are against being patriotic you should just skip out on SDC.
When I walked in last Sunday they started the Anthem and the entire crowd, kids, young teens, adults. All stopped dead in their tracks. It was heartwarming. I say deck the entire place out in Old Glory !!
There aren't many places that are still ballsy enough to do it and mean it.
Now you may start stoning me to death, or beheading me if it suits you better.
I am proud of what I am and I am very willing to fight for what I believe in. Those that shy from the flag are the same ones that in a time of crisis gather under its shade of protection they are not however the ones that are brave enough to erect that same flag in a hostile atmosphere.
When SDC takes away the flag I will turn in my pass.
Does anyone think Star-Spangled Summer might mean that they will bring in guest performers for upcharge rock concerts in Echo Hollow? Star-Spangled could mean more than patriotism - even if the logo does have patriotic bunting.
Don't want to see rock in SDC ever. I don't like rock music. I don't like the crap that is masquerading as country these days either... It's time for us ole fogeys to fight back
I noticed a few things on the schedule:
Star-Spangled Summer (the KidsFest replacement) looks to have the same hours as KidsFest and not a merge with Moonlight Madness like was speculated.
Was there perhaps a County Music Weekend back in 2012 or 2011? It sounds so familiar.
Season Pass days is down to just 5 days this time! That's what is was the first time (or close, maybe a full week?). Guess the two weeks we had in 2013 wasn't working out?
Ozarks.. good eye.! didn't notice that.
After looking a little close it appear the Blugrass and BBQ will be 4 full weekends! looking forward to that..
Quote from: History Buff on September 24, 2013, 08:57:09 PM
Does anyone think Star-Spangled Summer might mean that they will bring in guest performers for upcharge rock concerts in Echo Hollow? Star-Spangled could mean more than patriotism - even if the logo does have patriotic bunting.
I would pay for a good rock concert in Echo.
Quote from: Runner1960 on September 25, 2013, 06:50:47 PM
Quote from: History Buff on September 24, 2013, 08:57:09 PM
Does anyone think Star-Spangled Summer might mean that they will bring in guest performers for upcharge rock concerts in Echo Hollow? Star-Spangled could mean more than patriotism - even if the logo does have patriotic bunting.
I would pay for a good rock concert in Echo.
Never. Ever. Please. If they wanted to go that route, they should have held on the the Grand Palace. Or perhaps built a venue at White Water. Or Celebration City. But not at SDC. Some things should not even be considered.
History buff, as much as I like good ole rock and roll..... I agree with you.. No rock concert at the city.. just wouldn't be right... LOL..
Now maybe set up a stage out in the parking lot........ ;)
Quote from: sanddunerider on September 25, 2013, 10:28:20 PM
History buff, as much as I like good ole rock and roll..... I agree with you.. No rock concert at the city.. just wouldn't be right... LOL..
Now maybe set up a stage out in the parking lot........ ;)
Yes, I totally agree. Nothing against rock and roll (well, maybe some of it), it just does not belong within shouting distance of SDC. I hope that's not the kind of "stars" they will be spangling at this festival; they already play the stuff at Midnight Madness, which I refuse to attend. Many will, but I will not.
Quote from: History Buff on September 26, 2013, 03:17:49 PM
Quote from: sanddunerider on September 25, 2013, 10:28:20 PM
History buff, as much as I like good ole rock and roll..... I agree with you.. No rock concert at the city.. just wouldn't be right... LOL..
Now maybe set up a stage out in the parking lot........ ;)
Yes, I totally agree. Nothing against rock and roll (well, maybe some of it), it just does not belong within shouting distance of SDC. I hope that's not the kind of "stars" they will be spangling at this festival; they already play the stuff at Midnight Madness, which I refuse to attend. Many will, but I will not.
Isn't it already being done with the contemporary christian rock in the spring? I just do not see a issue. We already have Southern Gospel which is way off theme and Gac Country nights is a loud high energy show that is off theme.
A separate ticket event you could choose to or not to attend.
I guess I'll play devils advocate here. Many of us here are in an uproar about "no rock music at SDC", but when they take away the crafts (which is the main thing that sets SDC apart from the rest) and build another roller coaster, we have no problem with it and cast it off as "progress". How many true craftsmen are left in the park? Compare that to the...say....mid 70's or 80's or even the 90's. I know, I know...many of you will say that they simply outlived their time. I refuse to believe that. This was (and still is) an 1880's theme park. If the powers to be keep taking away what makes it unique to the 1880's, then we are simply left with a wooded Six Flags. I must agree...I see NO place at SDC for rock and roll, but it also turns my stomach to lose the demonstrations. Many argue that it is a matter of money. Well, could be....maybe not. Who knows for sure. Think of it this way....how much money do they make with the teens and twenties crowd getting into the park, buying a couple of drinks, maybe lunch but spends the entire day waiting in line to ride one or two rides several times? Compare that to an older couple that will basically do the same thing, plus purchase a few bars of soap, a broom, etc. I believe if SDC would pay the craftsmen (and women) more of a wage where they don't depend so much on sales, the demonstrators could lower their prices and sell more goods. Win...win. SDC maintains the "GREAT PAST AHEAD OF YOU", demonstrators make more money, customers still get demonstrations AND cheaper wares. Whether we like it or not, SDC is losing what made them truly unique. I refuse to cast that off as progress.
I don't know, I just found it strange that it doesn't seem to bother us when they take away the good ol stuff to (God forbid) put up another rollercoaster. Alright, stepping off soapbox now. ;D
Quote from: DeweyBald on September 26, 2013, 08:29:29 PM
I guess I'll play devils advocate here. Many of us here are in an uproar about "no rock music at SDC", but when they take away the crafts (which is the main thing that sets SDC apart from the rest) and build another roller coaster, we have no problem with it and cast it off as "progress". How many true craftsmen are left in the park? Compare that to the...say....mid 70's or 80's or even the 90's. I know, I know...many of you will say that they simply outlived their time. I refuse to believe that. This was (and still is) an 1880's theme park. If the powers to be keep taking away what makes it unique to the 1880's, then we are simply left with a wooded Six Flags. I must agree...I see NO place at SDC for rock and roll, but it also turns my stomach to lose the demonstrations. Many argue that it is a matter of money. Well, could be....maybe not. Who knows for sure. Think of it this way....how much money do they make with the teens and twenties crowd getting into the park, buying a couple of drinks, maybe lunch but spends the entire day waiting in line to ride one or two rides several times? Compare that to an older couple that will basically do the same thing, plus purchase a few bars of soap, a broom, etc. I believe if SDC would pay the craftsmen (and women) more of a wage where they don't depend so much on sales, the demonstrators could lower their prices and sell more goods. Win...win. SDC maintains the "GREAT PAST AHEAD OF YOU", demonstrators make more money, customers still get demonstrations AND cheaper wares. Whether we like it or not, SDC is losing what made them truly unique. I refuse to cast that off as progress.
I don't know, I just found it strange that it doesn't seem to bother us when they take away the good ol stuff to (God forbid) put up another rollercoaster. Alright, stepping off soapbox now. ;D
Actually, I think it's well documented that many of us here lament the demise of the demonstrations, roaming characters, and the shows with corny Ozark humor. I can still enjoy and appreciate a well-themed ride attraction, but it must be balanced with things that appeal to the older members of the family, as well. Otherwise, parents and grandparents just drop off their kids or grandkids, rather than pay admission and go in with them. A couple of paintings, a piece of pottery here or there, a blown glass item delivered to the front, or a knife shipped home - these are the icing on the cake. Most SDCFans long for a time when we can be passing by a true Ozark craft being demonstrated and just stop for a couple of minutes to watch and listen. Even when I was a kid, I found those things - lye soap, basket weavers, carvers, blacksmithing, et al - fascinating. Kids today would also be interested in those things if they were there and entertaining enough.
That said, we should probably keep this thread on topic and move further comments to the "lye soap" thread for now. I only brought up the idea of rock concerts on speculation that the PTB have experience with booking such concerts at "sister" parks like Wild Adventures.
Runner, I'm not saying those concerts are any more in line with the theme.
Well I must agree with NO ROCK MUSIC in our SDC park. As far as the GAC shows or even the Gospel shows. Realize this. This park is supposed to reminese back to the 1880s. Back then Christianity was a major factor in the good ol USA. Gospel music was a bit different back then. Just like Rock N Roll was different in the 50s (rock music in its infancy) than it is today for sure. So is Country music much different.
Also realize that rock music is considered to be (how do I say this) -- I guess not a very "moral" music. Here at SDC they still have the gumption to mention "Jesus" and the purpose he served. Gospel music reinforces that. Country music doesnt really reinforce that, but doesnt really deny it (well some modern day country just might).
Now "right-or-wrong" a lot of folks seem to think that Rock music (at least in some way) doesnt really honor God at all. -- I guess that is about as close to preaching as one should on these forums.
But I feel (Yes I said I THINK-just me) that having rock music in a place that still declares Jesus would be an oxymoron
OH BTW-I do agree with Dewey Balds post. Very well spoken.
Lets bring the rock concerts to the Grand Palace!!
Both of my kids - twenty something and a thirty something were in the park recently. Both of them noticed changes without me pointing them out. They both liked the new rides - OR, Riverblast, Powder Keg (they haven't been to the park in awhile as both of them live out of state, but they also stated that it doesn't look like it used to look. My daughter wanted to buy a broom for her mother-in-law but no broom shop. I suggested a pottery bowl for son's girlfriend's mother. We were able to find that. What was interesting was that they both noticed there were fewer craftsmen in the park. We started talking about the changes, and both of them thought the changes were going to lead to a downward spiral away from the 1880's theme. I asked them if they would keep visiting the park and both of them thought that they wouldn't come back if it changes too much because they want to remember the way it was as kids - as an 1880's town. I just found that interesting - from a twenty and a thirty something. Oh, and they both noticed the amount of "junk" merchandise for sale.
Quote from: Gilligan on September 27, 2013, 07:59:22 AM
I just found that interesting - from a twenty and a thirty something. Oh, and they both noticed the amount of "junk" merchandise for sale.
As a 26 yearold myself, I have to chime in and AGREE completely.
Also, could this new "Americana" theme for the summer festival mean that we might get a nice revamp of the American Plunge?? ::)
We can do it together ;D
I hate to see craftsman falling to the wayside. Its dang depressing. As for the Christian weekend (which I am thankful they have) the music is loud. There was one group that was over by the rib house and they were SCREAMING the music. It was uncalled for. Just not good stuff at all. YCW is not something we will attend again. Too loud, too crowded. I would also hate to see the music veering off from gospel, country, bluegrass. SDC isn't about the next biggest rock star. Its about families being together and enjoying a good wholesome environment. I miss the corny street performers and politically incorrect humor. Its nice to have new attractions I do admit, but is it worth the cost of the roots we are loosing?
I agree that even oldies rock & roll would be out of place -- but guess what? So is Southern Gospel. It's no more in theme to 1880's Ozarks than Sha-Na-Na would be.
Period hymns, shape note acapella, acoustic instrumental... that's great, even if it's church music, because that's period. But, we can't give a pass to gospel just because it's Christian. It's either in theme, or it's not.
Quote from: KBCraig on September 28, 2013, 10:21:39 PM
I agree that even oldies rock & roll would be out of place -- but guess what? So is Southern Gospel. It's no more in theme to 1880's Ozarks than Sha-Na-Na would be.
Period hymns, shape note acapella, acoustic instrumental... that's great, even if it's church music, because that's period. But, we can't give a pass to gospel just because it's Christian. It's either in theme, or it's not.
Completely agree.
QuoteIt's either in theme, or it's not.
Maybe we can look forward to some Allison Krauss and the Union station or something along those lines.
If the PTB are moving bands through the other parks maybe they think its about time to get SDC in on the action. How many does Echo Hollow hold? I remember concerts there in the past at the end of the day to stand in for the normal show. Maybe that's the plan. Regardless it seems that there is a great " No - Rock" movement here. I understand that the park folks read the blog so I bet they are getting the message.
Echo Hollow holds 4,000 comfortably, standing room you can get upwards of 4,500. We all have to remember why the Grand Palace did not survive... Too big for small groups, and too small for big groups. That being said, what if Silver Dollar City brings in, let's say, Luke Bryant? Luke can pack out a 40,000 seat stadium, and the stadium can charge $100+ for good seats, and $40+ for crappy ones. Even if Luke charges $125,000 (on the cheap end), the stadium made A LOT of money (not to mention $10 beers). If Silver Dollar City only holds 25,000 people, and the venue only holds 4,500... And the only revenue would be a limited amount of Show Lovers, and $4 Cokes, then the park would loose money. I guess what I am saying is that there are not a lot of performers that fit the Echo Hollow bill. If Silver Dollar City brings in bigger names, they are going to have to charge per seat, then we will have to hear more complaints about how times are changing...
Quote from: Hollywood on September 29, 2013, 04:48:53 PM
Echo Hollow holds 4,000 comfortably, standing room you can get upwards of 4,500. We all have to remember why the Grand Palace did not survive... Too big for small groups, and too small for big groups. That being said, what if Silver Dollar City brings in, let's say, Luke Bryant? Luke can pack out a 40,000 seat stadium, and the stadium can charge $100+ for good seats, and $40+ for crappy ones. Even if Luke charges $125,000 (on the cheap end), the stadium made A LOT of money (not to mention $10 beers). If Silver Dollar City only holds 25,000 people, and the venue only holds 4,500... And the only revenue would be a limited amount of Show Lovers, and $4 Cokes, then the park would loose money. I guess what I am saying is that there are not a lot of performers that fit the Echo Hollow bill. If Silver Dollar City brings in bigger names, they are going to have to charge per seat, then we will have to hear more complaints about how times are changing...
The sightlines and size of echo hollow are similar to Mud Island just slightly smaller, The Band Perry played Downstream last month. Now, the problem with bringing in a "name star" on a sat is that you'll have too many wanting in. Now, if you want to boost midweek attendance, that's a thought. whatever you do, it would have to be an upcharge this isn't Magic Springs. If you're not a season pass holder, you get the admission plus the upcharge for a reserved seat. I've seen Allison Krauss and Union Station at the Auditorium in Eureka before. Robert Plant play a blanking Botanical Garden in Memphis for 4,000. Most of those seats sold a in season package for a reasonable price where you bring your own food and drink. You'd be shocked at the names that could only fill a 4,000 venue.
Well on those lines. SFSL has been charging an additional fee (or I should say "selling reserved seat tickets") to all the concerts in the Old Glory Ampitheatre for a few years now. The problem there (or maybe its a good thing who knows) is that "usually" tickets are sold on the morning of---thats it. Of course you can "win" tickets several weeks early on various radio stations. More times than not, the tickets are given out weeks before show day, then all thats left is standing room (that must be purchased after park opening).
Im not completely against purchasing tickets for special venues in Echo Hollow.
The hard part in SDC venues/rides/shows/ETC is keeping in theme. The "THEME" of the American people is changing "way too much" everyday. (Maybe not for the good either "just sayin") It is going to be an overwhelming challenge to stay in the 1800s. I think the PTB has done a very good job so far. But as mentioned-they are falling off a bit as of late.
I think "even if the new comings" fall off the 1800s theme by a stretch even, will still fit the bill OK as long as the citizens remain the same friendly bunch of folks they are now. That is the number 1 most important. Next PLEASE keep a fair amount of shows, shops, and GOOD food venues along with the rides that seem to be overtaking now.
In other words lets not turn SDC into a "RIDES" park (kinda like Six Flags Parks). I mean even if SDC goes from a "theme" park to an "amusement" park, might still be OK as long as there is a wide variety of things to "AMUSE" the vast majority of ages, and desires. I understand you can not possibly please everyone, but a good variety of things will still draw "families" to the park (I FEEL).
Of course Id rather SDC stay very close to where it is now, Im just saying "WHAT IF" basically.
QuoteMany of us here are in an uproar about "no rock music at SDC", but when they take away the crafts (which is the main thing that sets SDC apart from the rest) and build another roller coaster, we have no problem with it and cast it off as "progress".
I have been lamenting the loss of the crafts for awhile now.
We need more shows, more crafts, and only open a new ride every five years or so would be fine by me, but I guess I am in the minority these days :'( Some believe that with modern society and the need for immediate gratification, that no one will take up these crafts and fill the void. I just wish the PTB would listen to those of us that want to keep SDC from becoming just another amusement park.
As for the gospel music, it is not in theme, However it has been a part of SDC from the beginning, to take it away now is nothing but bowing to political correctness, and I will never be accused of that.
I suppose I have begun to look at SDC differently recently. Now, I imagine that we are visitors to a City that has been transported from the 1880s to the present. In that City, we encounter modern amenities, performers, and "citizens". Sometimes I have to look hard to find the parts that are original to the 1880s town by looking beyond the parts that are 21st Century. It has become more like a melding of the two.
Along those lines, while I want things to stay in theme, what I'm having to settle for is for things to stay in the spirit of the theme. So now I can allow electric Christmas lights, electric guitars, and appropriately-phrased modern country music, but I cannot excuse One Direction and Adele being cranked through the fake rocks, I cannot see beyond the neon booty shorts, and I don't want to see NASCAR or video arcades.
We need Mrs. Mary to straighten everything out, and put everything back in line! :)
While I do feel that KidsFest has ran its course a bit, I am not sure how I feel about the replacement choice. The patriotic theme will fit well during the July 4th weekend, but what other festivities will it generate? Does this also mean the end of Sponge Bob Sqaure Pants, and Veggietales, and other shenanigans they had for KidsFest? Not that I am complaining about that! :P
However, it does seem like Silver Dollar City is going through an identity crisis.
This stuff wouldn't have happened in Miss Mary's Time (had to beat ya to it Junior) :P
Ha! ;)