I get that rides and festivals are the big draw these days, but I would like to see a more directed effort to make the entire Park much more of the period themed location it started as. It would be difficult as the craftsman are getting harder and harder to find.
I just feel the craftsman are still there but only as theming for the overall park. There used to be much more of a focus on the life and feeling of the time period in the park. Now it seems more like a novelty rather than the purpose. I may not be making any sense. sorry--- There are so many crafts that are from that period that are no longer in the park. Basket Making, corn brooms, cooperage. the old shingle saw engine has been moved off and is now a decoration in the farm area. Quilting, printing, stained glass - all are gone.
In fact I would be willing to bet that if you polled everyone leaving the park you would be interested to find how few even know there is a homestead area with animals in the park. Even on the busiest days it would be hard find more than a handful of people in the area at any given time.
I know that these days the money and the big crowd draws are not the blacksmith shop or the duplicating lathe, but with the loss of the furniture shop and its equipment, a huge blow to the overall period atmosphere has occurred. The park began with simple ideas and over time it has slowly become less so.
I just feel if all the attention is on the newest and greatest ride system, eventually the thing that we all love about the park - its ability to transport you to a simpler time, that will be a distant memory. Its already happening , but its not too late. thanks for letting me rant.
my two cents.
Kevin