SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City & Celebration City Discussion => General Silver Dollar City Talk => Topic started by: Junior, too! on May 02, 2016, 06:02:46 PM
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The SDC Founder's Weekend is this weekend. This will be a big former SDC employee reunion weekend. I plan on being there Saturday. I hope to be there early Saturday prior to rope drop to take part in a special opening ceremony featuring former employees. Would love to meet you! If you are on park, just come on up to me and say hello. I am a mid-50's, big ol' fat fellow, short grey/white hair, with a beard. More than likely I will be wearing jeans and a bright red shirt. My wife will attend, too. She is NOT a reunion type person and does not "get" the whole "crazy about SDC thing. She says when the reunion activities are going on, she will likely split and wander through shops or go see a show. If you want to meet, best shot for it will be on Main Street for the opening ceremony, after that, I don't know whwere I will be on park, depends on what the wife wants to do. Go visit Facebook, at the "You know your from Silver Dollar City if..." page, I have posted some old park photos you will enjoy! God bless! :)
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WOW!! saw dozens of pictures on FB. what a day they had at the city!! Lots of people, employees, things to do.. And then today (sunday) morning service, with mike patick doing the Emcee work and New South amking an appearance. may have to be there next year..
I was surprised there were only 17,000 people in attendance, with what I saw on FB..
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I did attend SDC Founders' Day on Saturday. Big crowds, great opening ceremony with five generations of Herschends in attendance. I had a chance to visit with several good folks who were citizens back in the days I worked there. I have some good photos, and will post in the next day or two. Got to see Rhonda Vincent's show, she did a great job.
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We got there about ten/ten fifteen. Seriously did not even stop. Just kept going. It was BUSY! School buses were taking up the entire part across from stop 2. Stop 6 was filled. Handicap parking lot full. Parking in stop 5 with a LONG tram line wait. Said no thank you and went downtown to Dicks 5 and 10 and the landing. I just dont dig that kind of crowd.
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Went today and it was a walk on for everyride. Parking lots were full but park seemed pretty empty. Powderkeg was down and I was told it might be up "sometime next week" .
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I just don't dig that kind of crowd.
I am with you. SDC is a intimate kind of place, when its full to the gills it loses its charm. Honestly the park has come a long way but they have a lot further to come in learning to absorb and distribute the crowds. I will not ever go to SDC on a Saturday because of this. I am lucky I live close so I don't have to plan it out. I can always go last minute and come back the same night if I want. When asked I always advise you go Sunday and go early.
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Which is why ... I believe ... they are being so aggressive with expansions here.
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I just don't dig that kind of crowd.
I am with you. SDC is a intimate kind of place, when its full to the gills it loses its charm. Honestly the park has come a long way but they have a lot further to come in learning to absorb and distribute the crowds. I will not ever go to SDC on a Saturday because of this. I am lucky I live close so I don't have to plan it out. I can always go last minute and come back the same night if I want. When asked I always advise you go Sunday and go early.
Likewise, I never go on saturday, But I am lucky enough to be able to schedule sunday visits.. Sunday early, decent weather= Easy to relax and enjoy the park.
Sunday Crowd for founders day?, 8800 people. that would have been a good day, They had a very nice service in Echo Hollow from what I saw. Lots of pictures, but not near the crowd.
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We are going back on a Thursday in a couple weeks. I think the 26th ish. Fingers crossed all the lots will be not full! :) I am so glad they were that busy though. Very pleased indeed!
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Which is why ... I believe ... they are being so aggressive with expansions here.
I side with you on this.
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I went to SDC Saturday and watched the Founder's Day parade. Here are a few pictures I took and will try to post a few more later.
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/003_zps52ebyws7.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/003_zps52ebyws7.jpg.html)
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/004_zpshd8zwgjw.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/004_zpshd8zwgjw.jpg.html)
Here are a couple of pictures of the start of the parade. They were getting lined up in front of the Homestead.
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/016_zps25jsovmy.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/016_zps25jsovmy.jpg.html)
Rhonda Vincent played with the pickers before the start of the parade and sang the national anthem.
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/026_zpsnm3fdvcq.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/026_zpsnm3fdvcq.jpg.html)
The start of the parade!
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(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/027_zpsvzgcgo1y.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/027_zpsvzgcgo1y.jpg.html)
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/029_zpsrxb3wakj.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/029_zpsrxb3wakj.jpg.html)
June Ward and the sheriff
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/033_zpswug3s6gp.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/033_zpswug3s6gp.jpg.html)
Jack & Sherry Herschend
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/037_zpszltn4qmo.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/037_zpszltn4qmo.jpg.html)
Pete & Jodee Herschend
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/040_zpsz0fshhwt.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/040_zpsz0fshhwt.jpg.html)
5 generations of the Herschend family
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah156/tom60ford/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/054_zpsr5orphjj.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/tom60ford/media/Silver%20Dollar%20City%20Pins/054_zpsr5orphjj.jpg.html)
1 of 2 original stagecoaches that were used at the city
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^ Great pictures, Pintrader! Thanks for sharing!
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Your welcome Duelist!
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I can't help but wonder about the pride that must swell in Pete and Jack's hearts when they stroll the streets of the City. They have grown it from a hole in the ground to one of the nation's top-tier theme parks. On top of that, they have created a place that is so special to families...like a second home to many. What a great legacy! What would Hugo and Mary say if they could see it now!
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Great pictures.. IF they do this event next year, I may try to attend.. Even if it on a saturday ::)
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Thanks Sanddunerider! Anytime I can see the history of SDC with a view of Jack & Pete, I try to do so. I am with you on the Saturday ordeal. The trouble is they always seem to schedule special events on Saturday knowing that is when they will get their best crowds.
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We went to Founders' Weekend. We were there Friday and Saturday. On Saturday we were there from before opening all the way through the Marty Stuart concert. Park was crowded both days but we didn't find it to be overwhelmingly so. Thought it was unusual that Powderkeg was down (we heard until Tuesday of this week) and the cave was closed.
We enjoyed the parade and the Marty Stuart concert. We were also able to get into all of the bluegrass shows we wanted to attend. Great weekend!
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A bit late to post but here is my Founders Weekend trip. FWIW My father worked at the park from '68-'70 and personally knew the Hershends. It was great to meet with Jack, Sherry, JoDee and Pete and chatting with them.
The Founders Weekend Arm Band
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13151582_10154156883772232_5005623343730520575_n.jpg?oh=69498ab295c2f7d58fbc99cbc85eb349&oe=579A22FF)
Strolling the deserted park prior to opening with my father. The added benefit of the arm band.
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13177787_10154156876017232_3567563116158813960_n.jpg?oh=e14ac3c11947445bb002f40d9e8bf610&oe=57E09B5D)
At the lunch tent.
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13161936_10154166554987232_5350057323347605220_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13198629_10154166551377232_2999272143420145748_o.jpg)
The 76 engine was running great!
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13177289_10154154725682232_7108742305272027486_n.jpg?oh=8ef62ed8f418c588a1cfd73480c4a197&oe=57A32D2D)
Parade
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13064631_10154166551547232_8087891087352554235_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13173229_10154166553077232_4505076125095448227_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13147835_10154166552447232_3349051431726290961_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13217615_10154166553617232_5172356789705028426_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13217005_10154166552942232_3255879662341414374_o.jpg)
And believe it or not, (maybe it was because it was founders weekend) but the random street performance skits were brought back.
Haven't seen this done in a very long time with my visits to the park.
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13147835_10154166554297232_8078771650340890050_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13217599_10154166554432232_2563572752399089433_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13227647_10154166554477232_3539124060813292880_o.jpg)
I also spent some time chatting with Bruce Hershend, Molly (SDC Facebook Page Admin) and the lead marketing director of the park. (Greg was his name, I think) While discussion about the parks future got brought up, the SDC fans site was also mentioned (enthusiastically, may I say) and while this may not be news to some, they admitted that they have been paying attention to some of the discussions that go on here. So it could very well be possible that now or in the future some of the ideas and speculation brought out here will one day make it into reality if it is deemed "marketable" which is the key word they wanted to emphasize. They also seemed amused and quite dismissive about the notion that long standing attractions that many consider as "Staples" will be going anywhere anytime soon. They still seem to deeply care about the heritage of the park's themes and existing attractions and its overall history and have no intent on straying from that. This was very welcoming to hear IMO. They also seemed to be very grateful to the people on this site who have maintained such a deep concern and involvement with the parks growth as enthusiasts.
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Really nice pictures sdcfan88! After Jack & Pete are gone I hope they maintain that train of thought.
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Great Pics! Thanks.!
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I've always known we were being watched, but its good to hear they are listening too. Great that you got to speak with them!
Also good to hear more affirmation that the staples are staying.
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They still do the Street Shows a lot, usually after most Gazebo Stage shows, but only from Bluegrass and Barbeque thru National Harvest. They dont do them for Holiday or WorldFest festivals because they need more people to help with shows in Red Gold or Opera House. When they do the shows, I try to see them every time I go, if I remember.
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Thanks sdcfan88 & Pintrader for the photos.
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A few I took for the boss~
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Thanks for the pics!! It is very reassuring to know that our voices matter and are being heard!
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I have some pictures, but have not had time to post. Maybe by the weekend. Great to see all the photos...thanks!
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more great shots.. thanks, Tinman
looks like Shave may have to make a new photo album for Founders Weekend....
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Go to. You know your from Silver Dollar City. Facebook page to see some additional Founders' Day photos I placed online. It was a great day at the city last Saturday, good to see old friends!
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Is this the correct page that always gets mentioned on here?
https://m.facebook.com/groups/1423424644571459?tsid=0.9609802963159484&source=typeahead
Go to. You know your from Silver Dollar City. Facebook page to see some additional Founders' Day photos I placed online. It was a great day at the city last Saturday, good to see old friends!
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Yes~
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Yes~
Thanks!
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A bit late to post but here is my Founders Weekend trip. FWIW My father worked at the park from '68-'70 and personally knew the Hershends. It was great to meet with Jack, Sherry, JoDee and Pete and chatting with them.
The Founders Weekend Arm Band
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13151582_10154156883772232_5005623343730520575_n.jpg?oh=69498ab295c2f7d58fbc99cbc85eb349&oe=579A22FF)
Strolling the deserted park prior to opening with my father. The added benefit of the arm band.
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13177787_10154156876017232_3567563116158813960_n.jpg?oh=e14ac3c11947445bb002f40d9e8bf610&oe=57E09B5D)
At the lunch tent.
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13161936_10154166554987232_5350057323347605220_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13198629_10154166551377232_2999272143420145748_o.jpg)
The 76 engine was running great!
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13177289_10154154725682232_7108742305272027486_n.jpg?oh=8ef62ed8f418c588a1cfd73480c4a197&oe=57A32D2D)
Parade
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13064631_10154166551547232_8087891087352554235_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13173229_10154166553077232_4505076125095448227_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13147835_10154166552447232_3349051431726290961_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13217615_10154166553617232_5172356789705028426_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13217005_10154166552942232_3255879662341414374_o.jpg)
And believe it or not, (maybe it was because it was founders weekend) but the random street performance skits were brought back.
Haven't seen this done in a very long time with my visits to the park.
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13147835_10154166554297232_8078771650340890050_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13217599_10154166554432232_2563572752399089433_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13227647_10154166554477232_3539124060813292880_o.jpg)
I also spent some time chatting with Bruce Hershend, Molly (SDC Facebook Page Admin) and the lead marketing director of the park. (Greg was his name, I think) While discussion about the parks future got brought up, the SDC fans site was also mentioned (enthusiastically, may I say) and while this may not be news to some, they admitted that they have been paying attention to some of the discussions that go on here. So it could very well be possible that now or in the future some of the ideas and speculation brought out here will one day make it into reality if it is deemed "marketable" which is the key word they wanted to emphasize. They also seemed amused and quite dismissive about the notion that long standing attractions that many consider as "Staples" will be going anywhere anytime soon. They still seem to deeply care about the heritage of the park's themes and existing attractions and its overall history and have no intent on straying from that. This was very welcoming to hear IMO. They also seemed to be very grateful to the people on this site who have maintained such a deep concern and involvement with the parks growth as enthusiasts.
That is very encouraging to hear.
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Thelarsensix, thanks for the photos and report.