I have talked to people in Branson, and Have seen it on FB.
Its official, SOTH will NOT be opening this season.. In fact the man in charge will hand over the keys to the bank sometime this month.
That is a real loss..
The whole place, or just the show? Please tell me the park and Old Matts is still open?
Either way this is a terrible thing to happen. :'(
It was listed as Shepherd of the Hills Play and Homestead in foreclosure. I assume it's the whole thing. Devastating news about such an historical icon in this area.
Im stunned. Absolutely cannot believe it.
History is why I fell in love with SDC and the Branson area. The memories are sadly becoming permanent instead of recurring.
Quote from: Preachin_Bill on May 07, 2017, 09:16:04 AM
Im stunned. Absolutely cannot believe it.
History is why I fell in love with SDC and the Branson area. The memories are sadly becoming permanent instead of recurring.
Yes, it is sad. I'm so glad went to the last showing last year.
Quote from: Preachin_Bill on May 07, 2017, 08:14:44 AM
The whole place, or just the show? Please tell me the park and Old Matts is still open?
Either way this is a terrible thing to happen. :'(
Indication is the whole place will be shut down. :-\
So I have to ask, What about the Inspiration tower and Zip Line.. it is part of the "property".. ???
Quote from: sanddunerider on May 07, 2017, 10:56:12 AM
Quote from: Preachin_Bill on May 07, 2017, 08:14:44 AM
The whole place, or just the show? Please tell me the park and Old Matts is still open?
Either way this is a terrible thing to happen. :'(
Indication is the whole place will be shut down. :-\
So I have to ask, What about the Inspiration tower and Zip Line.. it is part of the "property".. ???
It was the last time I was there. That was 2 years ago.
The last time I saw the show it was the year after they almost shut down before. Attendance was very light for the middle of the summer. Hopefully someone with deep pockets can come in and revitalize the place. It would take a lot of marketing and refurbishing in this day and age to make it relevant again.
Also, wasn't there a new shooting gallery opened on the property last year ? I seem to remember some discussion about that.
That's really sad. I was at the Tower last week which seemed to be getting steady business. Was hoping to watch the show on my next visit.
Terry Sanders has a copy of the letter they were sent on his Facebook page. Several expensive issues came up, then the bank decided it wasn't going to give it's customary loan and decided to foreclose instead. It's the whole entire property, including the tower, zipline, and everything.
They said they tried to find a buyer but weren't able to. Such a terrible loss. Hopefully the bank finds someone who will revive it
Quote from: sirwillow on May 08, 2017, 09:28:01 AM
Terry Sanders has a copy of the letter they were sent on his Facebook page. Several expensive issues came up, then the bank decided it wasn't going to give it's customary loan and decided to foreclose instead. It's the whole entire property, including the tower, zipline, and everything.
They said they tried to find a buyer but weren't able to. Such a terrible loss. Hopefully the bank finds someone who will revive it
i saw that, sounds like a run of bad luck, but unfortunately, thats part of doing business, as well as I would have thought insuranace would cover part of those unexpected costs..
Tremendous loss. A major, major piece of the "true" Branson experience is being lost here. I keep hoping for better news, but it sounds like the foreclosure is for real this time. There's always hope that a new millionare will swoop in and save the place, but I think it is more likely that the tower will sell and the rest of it will get chopped up.
Sure could make a good place to put a resort. A real big one if you wanted, plenty of space to expand. Much level land in there for a water park?
I read a few news articles that stated there were a couple prospective buyers - one is interested in continuing the show and the other just wants the land. It was also mentioned on Facebook that Herschends have no interest in the property (not a reliable source imo), but I wish they would! I got married standing in front of the statues (many years ago). Hubs always talked of acquiring one of the statues if they ever closed. (I'll have to keep an eye on him to make sure one doesn't magically appear in the driveway) ;D
To be honest, I'm not all that sad about the show itself leaving, as I've not been impressed with it ever since I read the book. But I'd love to see the homestead and all the other stuff survive.
I like mhguy's idea of building a resort there; keep what's there and just add on. Maybe make it a cabin-based resort?
Quotekeep what's there and just add on. Maybe make it a cabin-based resort?
It seems like you could keep all that is historical and if SDC got the rights to SOTH they could work it in with their
"lore" and profit from it. I am not sure if they could make a go of the show or maybe it has seen better days. Last year we zipped from the tower and if they own that land they sure own a good chunk. They could incorporate the old with the new and really turn out a nice place. I hate to see it go but I would rather SDC gets it and it doesn't turn into stonebridge phase 2 with a big gate.
I thought it was odd when we were in Branson at the end of April and all of SOTH signage was still advertising Christmas.
SDC,SOTH, and Mutton Hollow all basically started off the same, but only SDC survived because they continued to make additions. They were simpler times, when all three parks existed, but only SDC could keep up with the demands of newer generations.
This would be perfect land for SDC's Dreammore Resort
That is sad. In all my years of going up there and driving by it, I have never been to the SOTH show. I was planning in this year as well as the Chuck Wagon dinner show thing. Guess not!
SotH hasn't been able to capitalize on its own theme for decades. They've always looked for gimmicks to draw people in, but they never found their niche. Maybe someone can swoop in and develop it better.
SDC and the Herschend company isn't going to touch it. Pete and Jack aren't in charge anymore, and the company leadership has no interest in things like that (as should be obvious with the changes that have taken place at the park over the last few years). It's not the type of attraction that they would put into their portfolio anymore. The way the company is now, it's not a place of hope for history in the area. At least not in my opinion based on what I've seen.
You might get one of the individual family members to have a bit of interest, but I think the ones that would already have their funds tied in other projects being built around Branson.
Maybe some Pigeon forge money..?? they are buying and investing all over town anyway...... :-\
This is really slow but something that doesn't really surprise me. It is a major part of Branson's history.
I would be very surprised if Herschend was interested in purchasing this land. They already own extra land at the CC site that they don't know what to do with.
Inspiration Tower and the Zipline were both good attempts at diversification, but the implementation of both was somewhat lacking and they never kept truly trying to improve. The tower felt dated last time I was there, but it could still be an amazing attraction with some fairly simple renovations. The zipline was amazing, but it was expensive, and once you were done there wasn't much to do. The tower and zipline were kind of separated from the rest of the SOTH, which never really made sense. They should have stopped doing the tram tour long ago and let people walk between the tower, cabin, and the rest of the complex.
I wish we could go back in time and convince them to refocus on things like festivals with food trucks and bluegrass. Adding in an RV/camping/cabin resort would have been easy as well. Then you add in more attractions such as an alpine slide.
They never really understood how to properly diversify or reinvest in their other attractions. They assumed the show was all that mattered in the end. You simply can't get complacent when running a business, even when things are going well. As much as we complain about how things change at SDC, the park wouldn't have kept going these days if it was just a cave with some crafts and shops around it.
Quote from: shavethewhales on May 10, 2017, 11:14:32 PM
Inspiration Tower and the Zipline were both good attempts at diversification, but the implementation of both was somewhat lacking and they never kept truly trying to improve. The tower felt dated last time I was there, but it could still be an amazing attraction with some fairly simple renovations. The zipline was amazing, but it was expensive, and once you were done there wasn't much to do. The tower and zipline were kind of separated from the rest of the SOTH, which never really made sense. They should have stopped doing the tram tour long ago and let people walk between the tower, cabin, and the rest of the complex.
I wish we could go back in time and convince them to refocus on things like festivals with food trucks and bluegrass. Adding in an RV/camping/cabin resort would have been easy as well. Then you add in more attractions such as an alpine slide.
They never really understood how to properly diversify or reinvest in their other attractions. They assumed the show was all that mattered in the end. You simply can't get complacent when running a business, even when things are going well. As much as we complain about how things change at SDC, the park wouldn't have kept going these days if it was just a cave with some crafts and shops around it.
couldnt agree more,,, perfect example of drawing s crowd would be myself... several years ago, I would go see the play 3 or 4 times in 1 year, then twice- memoraial and labor day, then once a year, and i wasnt even planning on going this year... great history lesson? YES!! , but the same show, the same tower, same cabin, year after year, no changes, // the christmas lights were updated 3 or 4 years ago, BUT once again same thing. Nothing new to draw in the multiple repeat visitor..
2 articles from this week's editions of Branson Tri-Lakes:
http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_3cb578fc-34e9-11e7-8a22-eb1e4fa12ae9.html
http://bransontrilakesnews.com/entertainment/article_02a602a2-373d-11e7-9d0f-cb1224647571.html
interesting note from their Facebook page that also popped up on the newsfeed here:
Quote
We are happy to announce that The Shepherd of the Hills is under contract to new investors and closing will take place in the next few weeks. Major announcements of the new and exciting developments will be coming soon!
Hoping that's good news, but it's mysterious enough that it's hard to tell. Wonder if this is the CofO thing (which people- e.g Terry Sanders and others- in the know said was NOT a good thing as it would strip Shepherd, move the cabin to CofO and pretty much kill the play for good) or something else.
Quote from: sirwillow on June 09, 2017, 04:36:11 PM
interesting note from their Facebook page that also popped up on the newsfeed here:
Quote
We are happy to announce that The Shepherd of the Hills is under contract to new investors and closing will take place in the next few weeks. Major announcements of the new and exciting developments will be coming soon!
Hoping that's good news, but it's mysterious enough that it's hard to tell. Wonder if this is the CofO thing (which people- e.g Terry Sanders and others- in the know said was NOT a good thing as it would strip Shepherd, move the cabin to CofO and pretty much kill the play for good) or something else.
I saw this also... I am carefully optimistic... :)
They sound pleased about it though... so it could be that the show will be saved with investors coming to make other improvements and build new attractions like we talked about. Or it could be that they are just happy about something cool that will be done with the place even if the show isn't saved. At least something big is happening.
Perhaps you have seen the news elsewhere...the park purchase by a Springfield company has become final, no details yet on the people who bought it...annoncement forthcoming in one week or so. I hope they retool and kerp things intact.
Supposed to have a Thursday (7/13) press conference to release future plans.
Obviously they cant continue to operate it as is considering they werent making money before. But I hope they keep the cabin where it belongs and open for tours, as well as the drama in some form and then improve the area in other ways. Obviously insporation tower isnt going anywhere.
I'm hoping that:
- the cabin and other historic buildings are saved and continued to be used for tours/whatever
- the tower gets renovated
- the show goes on
- they add on to it all with new high-dollar attractions such as some water slides or even some rides like a ferris wheel, mountain coaster, carousel, etc...
I have a feeling from the indications they have given that most of that could happen.
Basically my thinking is that all the place was missing was a little excitement in the way of a couple of rides or something to do during the day other than take a little tour and go up in the tower. It would be a bad idea to build a whole amusement park, but a lot of the individual little attractions that are already spread through Branson would do well combined here with everything else. They also need to rethink how they do tours. The cabin and church should just be open with a person at both instead of having to take the whole tour thing - it felt kind of outdated. The tower has been outdated for twenty years now - the views are still good, but it's dingy glass and you have to lean over all the info panels. They should pull everything back from the windows and make it open - perhaps even open air for part of it.
The place been poorly managed for decades.
^I agree about the tours. They could give more of a "shepherd" experience for people.
Honestly I think that SOTH just needs to become a resort. The views are amazing, but there is no hope in bringing the drama back into relevance. The Tower has been structurally damaged thanks to the stupid zipline that should have never been added. I have no idea how much it will take to repair that. The cabin really should be moved to CofO where we KNOW it would be taken care of.
Quote from: Swoosh on July 10, 2017, 08:32:47 PM
Honestly I think that SOTH just needs to become a resort. The views are amazing, but there is no hope in bringing the drama back into relevance. The Tower has been structurally damaged thanks to the stupid zipline that should have never been added. I have no idea how much it will take to repair that. The cabin really should be moved to CofO where we KNOW it would be taken care of.
Don't know about the tower, but CofO is the last place I'd want to see that cabin moved, and they would be the worst caretaker of the play and book. They'd be pretty much shut down unless you want to pay some hefty fees. I don't know anyone that has been involved with the property or play that wants CofO to have any of it- and there's good reasons for that.
There's a lot that could be done with the property- a resort being one option- that could make viable and financially strong- and it can be done with the show and some of the other things still there. But it's going to take some investment to do it, along with some good management. So many possibilities on a lot of that land still that can be worked with.
Sorry, I'm serious old school...ok, revamp the tower, please keep tours and play...but I think it is such a historical property that as much of the old as can be saved should be saved. Apparently the old campground property across the highway is part of the homestead property, so if it is, revamp the campground and add a lodge and you got your resort, but don't put the resort on the homestead side please. Add some attractions if you need to, but be selective and make it quality, not some cheap stuff. I agree to put some money into the property to freshen it up, but manage wisely, so it will be there for future generations. This property is where tourism as we know it began in Branson.
I like your ideas better than anything else I've heard so far, Junior. I read today that the trail riding next door to SoH is open again. Is that part of them or a separate business?
The trail ride is, I think, someone else. In recent years there was a pony ride thing on that property, which is the exact spot the old Wash Gibbs Museum ran by Chick Allen stood. Not sure if Chick's family still owns the property.
I'm also old school, and I think both the tower and the zipline were terrible attempts to add value to the property.
In the '70s-80s, mostly local actors delivered their lines with perfect clarity, and it was a beautiful dramatic production with the occasional light-hearted moment. By the late '90s, the dialogue was so "hillbilly'd-up" that it was incomprehensible, and the comedic skits were so overdone that the story was lost. No slight to our favorite local long-time comedic actor, but the production really didn't need any over-the-top comedy.
Were I king, I would cut down the zip lines and dynamite the tower, and take the entire thing back to what it originally was: a reasonable dramatization of Harold Bell Wright's story, on the grounds where it took place.
Quote from: KBCraig on July 11, 2017, 11:30:42 PM
I'm also old school, and I think both the tower and the zipline were terrible attempts to add value to the property.
In the '70s-80s, mostly local actors delivered their lines with perfect clarity, and it was a beautiful dramatic production with the occasional light-hearted moment. By the late '90s, the dialogue was so "hillbilly'd-up" that it was incomprehensible, and the comedic skits were so overdone that the story was lost. No slight to our favorite local long-time comedic actor, but the production really didn't need any over-the-top comedy.
Were I king, I would cut down the zip lines and dynamite the tower, and take the entire thing back to what it originally was: a reasonable dramatization of Harold Bell Wright's story, on the grounds where it took place.
That tower was a nightly joke at Echo Hollow when it was built. It was unsightly. Out of place. Honestly, it had nothing to do with the Wright history. I've been in the thing, but at best it is just an elevator without a building.
I remember when SotH tried to become a one-price entity, where you had to buy a ticket to everything. They tried to include live entertainment and games for the cost, but it was like they couldn't tap into their creative juices. Let's face it, actual frog races and Clydesdales were quaint and something that no one else in town offered, but they weren't the key to raising revenue. With some creativity, SotH could draw on its roots and still be innovative and unique enough to draw crowds. I'd love to offer my services as a creative consultant, and I'd recruit some of you to be on my team.
Quote from: Junior, too! on July 11, 2017, 09:35:57 PM
Sorry, I'm serious old school...ok, revamp the tower, please keep tours and play...but I think it is such a historical property that as much of the old as can be saved should be saved. Apparently the old campground property across the highway is part of the homestead property, so if it is, revamp the campground and add a lodge and you got your resort, but don't put the resort on the homestead side please. Add some attractions if you need to, but be selective and make it quality, not some cheap stuff. I agree to put some money into the property to freshen it up, but manage wisely, so it will be there for future generations. This property is where tourism as we know it began in Branson.
Agreed. That cabin needs to stay where it is, where it belongs. National historic landmark.
And I agree with the other idea...you should be able to go in without having to do a tram tour.
Quote from: Junior, too! on July 11, 2017, 09:35:57 PM
Sorry, I'm serious old school...ok, revamp the tower, please keep tours and play...but I think it is such a historical property that as much of the old as can be saved should be saved. Apparently the old campground property across the highway is part of the homestead property, so if it is, revamp the campground and add a lodge and you got your resort, but don't put the resort on the homestead side please. Add some attractions if you need to, but be selective and make it quality, not some cheap stuff. I agree to put some money into the property to freshen it up, but manage wisely, so it will be there for future generations. This property is where tourism as we know it began in Branson.
yep, this is pretty much exactly how I feel. You can revamp, invest and improve without damaging the history or integrity of the homestead. And it needs to stay at the homestead.
As much as I would like to see everything stay as is , how would doing the same thing that did not work before be expected to work now ? The play will probably not survive in its present form. The same with the homestead tours. It is going to take serious outside the box thinking to bring SOTH hills back to profitability with the changing demographics. Hopefully the new investors pockets are deep as they figure out the correct formula to make it profitable.
Not doing things the same way.
In fact, I doubt most next-gen people just drive by and don't even know what the place is. When they see "Shepherd of the Hills", I'm pretty sure they don't even get curious. When the emphasis is on a lookout tower and ziplining, they figure they've seen it all (I never could see anything from the tower that I couldn't see from the side of many roads in the area anyway.). When they see "Old Matt's Cabin", they figure it's just another old cabin. Big deal.
And did they think an expensive shootout arcade game was going to draw customers in? Did they even promote the thing after they had it built? Did they really think a team of Clydesdales were going to bring in carloads of families en route to themed roller coasters and attractions? Mutton Hollow made some of the same mistakes - on a property that was just waiting to be a destination and not just a side trip.
For decades, the owners allowed this place to fade into obscurity, so no, they must not keep repeating that kind of stupidity, but someone could breathe new life into this rich property. I doubt the new owners will consider the past operations at all, and I doubt they will continue the drama, but it will be nice if they respectfully deal with the history and the homestead.
Quote from: History Buff on July 12, 2017, 01:24:47 PM
Not doing things the same way.
In fact, I doubt most next-gen people just drive by and don't even know what the place is. When they see "Shepherd of the Hills", I'm pretty sure they don't even get curious. When the emphasis is on a lookout tower and ziplining, they figure they've seen it all (I never could see anything from the tower that I couldn't see from the side of many roads in the area anyway.). When they see "Old Matt's Cabin", they figure it's just another old cabin. Big deal.
Couldnt agree more, right now, unfortunately, SOTH is a wide spot in the road between Branson and SDC, and nothing more. ::)
The drama needs to stay! I don't know if better advertising, putting it on fewer nights per week, adding other entertainment venues, or turning it in to a dinner theatre will help, or not. I'm willing to bet that once people realize how great it is sitting outdoors in that hollow in that amphitheater, they will come. Breathe some new life into it, and keep it going. It's great family entertainment.
From their Facebook page. (this was from yesterday so this is happening today at 11am)
Join us tomorrow at 11am on Facebook Live as we broadcast our Press Conference announcing development plans and exciting new attractions coming to The Shepherd of the Hills!
I'm very interested in hearing what the plans are.
So from the tiny bit I've been able to listen to, the show is coming back in original form this year.
Then next year it is being rebuilt as part of the new Shepard of the Hills adventure park with a new or upgraded theatre and show. Sounds interesting. Can't wait to hear more details, but it sounds like they are basically doing what most of us were getting at.
Quote from: shavethewhales on July 13, 2017, 11:31:48 AM
So from the tiny bit I've been able to listen to, the show is coming back in original form this year.
Then next year it is being rebuilt as part of the new Shepard of the Hills adventure park with a new or upgraded theatre and show. Sounds interesting. Can't wait to hear more details, but it sounds like they are basically doing what most of us were getting at.
Also heard that the main change this season is that they are adding atv/utv trail rides. They have 10 vehicles being delivered as early as today that will accommodate 4 ppl. They are working on the trails now. The 2 new owners are Jeff Johnson (banker from Spgfd) and his partner is the owner of Chalets on Table Rock Lake.
The new owners sound like a perfect fit with roots tied to the SotH.
Now that I've listened to his bit, it sounds like basically all they have announced so far is that the play will start up again next Friday, the tower & trail of lights are coming back, new atv trail rides, and some general TLC to the property. He also mentioned some new zip lines will be added in addition to bringing back the old one off the tower.
We'll see what else they announce as they move closer to bringing the "adventure park" side of it next year. Right now it kinda sounds like the status quo with some atv rides and extra zip lines... I hope they don't fall into the same trap of cheaping out and not innovating quite enough. I'm all for preserving what is there, but they need to push the envelope a little more than a few ATV's and some extra zip lines. That stuff is all over the place already as it is... Even mountain coasters are about to get played out already in Branson. They need to figure out something unique and attractive and do it in a major way. A decent water park with custom slides and attractions would be a huge hit - like an Ozark Schlitterbahn.
Quote from: shavethewhales on July 13, 2017, 12:01:11 PM
The new owners sound like a perfect fit with roots tied to the SotH.
Now that I've listened to his bit, it sounds like basically all they have announced so far is that the play will start up again next Friday, the tower & trail of lights are coming back, new atv trail rides, and some general TLC to the property. He also mentioned some new zip lines will be added in addition to bringing back the old one off the tower.
We'll see what else they announce as they move closer to bringing the "adventure park" side of it next year. Right now it kinda sounds like the status quo with some atv rides and extra zip lines... I hope they don't fall into the same trap of cheaping out and not innovating quite enough. I'm all for preserving what is there, but they need to push the envelope a little more than a few ATV's and some extra zip lines. That stuff is all over the place already as it is... Even mountain coasters are about to get played out already in Branson. They need to figure out something unique and attractive and do it in a major way. A decent water park with custom slides and attractions would be a huge hit - like an Ozark Schlitterbahn.
And maybe some Mountain bike trails. Now that would hit the spot for me.
I didn't remember hearing this during the announcement today, but they are also adding mini-golf and playgrounds?
http://www.ksgf.com/news/local-news/new-owners-hope-to-breathe-life-in-shepherd-of-the-hills
I did hear him say that this would be the last chance to see the play in its current form, but that significant improvements would happen before the '18 season.
here is what they have posted on their Facebook page:
QuoteWe're excited to announce the re-opening of Shepherd of the Hills and the addition of the all new Homestead Adventure Park! Along with keeping up the traditional play that has been a part of our history for over 50 years, we are introducing a whole new side to the homestead, including an aerial adventure rope course, ATV off road tours, canopy zip lines course, rock climbing up the inspirational tower, petting farm, train rides, tree houses and playgrounds, and much more! Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!
they also said at the end of the press conference video that changes to the show would basically be improvements in the theater which needs "a little TLC" and that they don't really anticipate any real changes to the show itself.
They also mentioned the possibility of more zip lines off of the Tower and other possible improvements.
Overall, it sounds a lot like what I had hoped for with the property. I'd still love to see a resort on the other side of the road as part of it, but don't know if they are looking at that or not. But so far I like what they are saying, and it sounds like things that can draw people there and to spend much more of the day there.
The play won't be the same without Terry Sanders' humor, or his family in the cast. I only hope was preserving the history AT it's original location. We'll see what happens...
I think creating a ski resort would be fun for the winter. That would definitely be a draw since there is nothing like that in the area (that I know of)
I was encouraged with the announcement yesterday. The existing buildings will get much needed TLC, the theater will get a big revamp for 2018, and the mini golf and playground sound ok. Not sure how ATV trails on the property will work, but you gotta give new stuff a try. I understand a rock climbing wall on the side of the tower is going in, too. I have not heard about their cowboy theater/chuckwagon meal thing, but I am guessing it is gone. Anyway, I wish the two new owners well, and hope the rebranding works for them. Keith Thurman and some other employees will return, but not others, apparently. My fingers are crossed.
Here are some pictures and audio clips from the press conference from Hometown Daily News radio:
http://www.hometowndailynews.com/2017/07/13/shepherd-of-the-hills-reopens-under-new-owners-and-name/
The play reopened on July 21st. For the rest of the season it will be performed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 8:30 pm.
I asked folks on the You might be brom Branson FB site how things went opening night, and got several responses in the positive. One replied it was not quite sold out, but added the players were in fine form. .
Quote from: shavethewhales on July 13, 2017, 12:01:11 PM
The new owners sound like a perfect fit with roots tied to the SotH.
Now that I've listened to his bit, it sounds like basically all they have announced so far is that the play will start up again next Friday, the tower & trail of lights are coming back, new atv trail rides, and some general TLC to the property. He also mentioned some new zip lines will be added in addition to bringing back the old one off the tower.
We'll see what else they announce as they move closer to bringing the "adventure park" side of it next year. Right now it kinda sounds like the status quo with some atv rides and extra zip lines... I hope they don't fall into the same trap of cheaping out and not innovating quite enough. I'm all for preserving what is there, but they need to push the envelope a little more than a few ATV's and some extra zip lines. That stuff is all over the place already as it is... Even mountain coasters are about to get played out already in Branson. They need to figure out something unique and attractive and do it in a major way. A decent water park with custom slides and attractions would be a huge hit - like an Ozark Schlitterbahn.
Considering how Herschend is dropping the ball with Whitewater, there's an opening.
On another note... the car show seemed to be a big success.. seemed to be lots of quality vehicles and the parade was pretty good..
Hopefully bigger next year..
Sand, was it bigger last year? I watched it for the first time this year, and although it's not something I'm interested in, the folks around me seemed to really enjoy it.
I would say they were short on entries for the actually show...
the parade was little lacking also, lasted about 30-35 minutes, but I think they were trying to beat the rain..
I would expect next years to be bigger and better with more participants, With new management/owners, new money and more marketing.
Looks like SHepard of the hills is adding a Country Music concert this season. I will give them this. They are sure trying to make it relevant again.
https://www.facebook.com/theshepherdofthehills/
Never heard of the guy myself but then I am a rocker so that is not so strange.
I also saw on FB a couple of days ago.. the chuck wagon show will NO longer be at SOTH.. they will be in a new venue on 248, just south of where the old oak ridge boys thetare was..
Here is the FB link to their page with location and schedule details..
Roundup On The Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show
Whatever they do, I hope it's successful! I would really hate to see it close, and they are definitely trying hard to make a success out of it.
Quote from: Gilligan on February 08, 2018, 08:28:36 PM
Whatever they do, I hope it's successful! I would really hate to see it close, and they are definitely trying hard to make a success out of it.
Yes, I hope that works for them, but by breaking away from SOTH, that is a huge chance.. Lots of people went to the show, because it was affiliated with SOTH, and on the property. Getting the word out, new location, new show, that's tough to do.. I do wish them good luck.!
I am guessing since the park has announced concerts and such, that the PTB actually cut them loose and are going to try to use that building to draw in bigger money with different types of events..
I personally dont like the show, but would go once a year or so, just because it was part of the SOTH attraction.. I wont go at all at the new venue, not being negative, just my opinion
Quote from: sanddunerider on February 09, 2018, 07:38:31 AM
Quote from: Gilligan on February 08, 2018, 08:28:36 PM
Whatever they do, I hope it's successful! I would really hate to see it close, and they are definitely trying hard to make a success out of it.
Yes, I hope that works for them, but by breaking away from SOTH, that is a huge chance.. Lots of people went to the show, because it was affiliated with SOTH, and on the property. Getting the word out, new location, new show, that's tough to do.. I do wish them good luck.!
I am guessing since the park has announced concerts and such, that the PTB actually cut them loose and are going to try to use that building to draw in bigger money with different types of events..
I personally dont like the show, but would go once a year or so, just because it was part of the SOTH attraction.. I wont go at all at the new venue, not being negative, just my opinion
I do hope they keep most of their long range plan as "Shepherd of the Hill-ish" as possible, or I will quickly lose interest in it.
Quote from: Gilligan on February 09, 2018, 02:55:46 PM
I do hope they keep most of their long range plan as "Shepherd of the Hill-ish" as possible, or I will quickly lose interest in it.
Very true. The play is still going to be going on for now as well as the tour....
but otherwise, it is bascially a tourist attraction (trap) with Zip Lines and ATV rides. Be interesting to see what else they do to increase cash flow..
.
I did see on their FB page "The Sons Of Pioneers" will be back this fall.. no other details.
Quote from: sanddunerider on February 09, 2018, 03:57:04 PM
Quote from: Gilligan on February 09, 2018, 02:55:46 PM
I do hope they keep most of their long range plan as "Shepherd of the Hill-ish" as possible, or I will quickly lose interest in it.
Very true. The play is still going to be going on for now as well as the tour....
but otherwise, it is bascially a tourist attraction (trap) with Zip Lines and ATV rides. Be interesting to see what else they do to increase cash flow..
.
I did see on their FB page "The Sons Of Pioneers" will be back this fall.. no other details.
Trail riding used to be popular out there. I wish they could bring in the Harold Bell Wright Museum; not sure where it is currently or if it still exists. Long ago, they had a pretty good restaurant called Aunt Molly's (I think). I remember eating there years ago.
Quote from: Gilligan on February 11, 2018, 03:34:49 PM
Quote from: sanddunerider on February 09, 2018, 03:57:04 PM
Quote from: Gilligan on February 09, 2018, 02:55:46 PM
I do hope they keep most of their long range plan as "Shepherd of the Hill-ish" as possible, or I will quickly lose interest in it.
Very true. The play is still going to be going on for now as well as the tour....
but otherwise, it is bascially a tourist attraction (trap) with Zip Lines and ATV rides. Be interesting to see what else they do to increase cash flow..
.
I did see on their FB page "The Sons Of Pioneers" will be back this fall.. no other details.
Trail riding used to be popular out there. I wish they could bring in the Harold Bell Wright Museum; not sure where it is currently or if it still exists. Long ago, they had a pretty good restaurant called Aunt Molly's (I think). I remember eating there years ago.
I believe the HBW items are currently in the toy museum.
Quote from: History Buff on February 11, 2018, 04:42:09 PM
I believe the HBW items are currently in the toy museum.
Yes that is correct .. HBW museum located in the Toy Museum
There's so much being done at SOTH right now. Large new building addition under construction, the new ropes course thing looks great, and the trail of lights and trail rides look to be really nice. It looks like it is really coming together and becoming a full fledged attraction again. I am definitely planning on checking it out next year.