How was your trip?

History Buff · October 20, 2009, 07:23:41 PM

Went Saturday. Froze to near death. Was privileged to meet cornshuckdoll in her booth. Was going to look for SteamFreak, but the family was too cold and we never made it to the depot area.

I've noticed more of the same type food being served in more spots lately - the big thing now is the Philly (which I think does not have enough flavor to bother with.

We spent some time in the saloon show. I disagree with many in this forum who think this show is back. It's nothing like the old shows, the only similarity being the name of Tilly - an undeveloped character if I ever saw one. We sat right at the stage and felt the breeze from the kicks - a little close for my comfort. Granted, the show is better than it was a year or two ago, but character development is absent. One character that stood out was the male in the Root and Scoot pair (or whatever their names were) - real name Joe Joe Joe.

Had some trouble parking. We were there relatively early, but were directed to a small lot across the street. Six cars were sent into a dead end where there were no spaces and had to back out. When we finally made it out, there were no parking attendants anywhere to be seen. I made the executive decision (as the driver) to cross into the old C lot and the fellow in the street threw himself in front of our vehicle and started telling me I was going against the one-way street, when I was just crossing said street. Of course, I was blocking traffic from all directions, and the guy had little choice but to let us pull into the parking place. I'm not one for such confrontations, and this guy was just doing his job, but three of his buddies had just directed us into a dead end where we had to convince the folks behind us to back out before we could do the same. It was strange that they couldn't see there were no spaces down that aisle and even stranger that they vanished. It didn't ruin our visit, but I hate that it might have bothered our friend the traffic director. The parking continues to greet guests with bad experiences before they ever hit the front gate.

We stayed on Indian Point for this trip and saw about 18 deer through the course of the two nights we stayed, including three budding bucks and some other deer outside our room.

SteamFreak · October 21, 2009, 07:31:54 PM

Oh I see how it is...get a little chilly and no one comes to see me...hmph

mbrownx4 · October 22, 2009, 05:57:04 AM

As a relatively new guy to the site...I didn't know that SteamFreak was actually some one at the park. We were there over last weekend and if I had known, I would have said -Howdy! It was a cold weekend, that's for sure, but I make it around the park at least four times every time, just taking up the scenery. A coworker had a booth at the Missouri hands area, so that was an unexpected bonus. I enjoyed Terry's work as always, although I wish my "work" was that much fun. Now my family knows who he is and watches for him all over. I will be going back in November/December, but don't know when yet. I sing with the Dickens Carolers here in KC during the season, so my getaway time is difficult to get.

tinmann620 · October 22, 2009, 08:09:54 AM

Last Sunday started off chilly, but the day ended up being beautiful. All lines were short, (first time being the only one on F-I-T-H), and the shows were a pleasure, as always. Enjoyed visiting with the Sanders couple & Violet Hensley, as well as the many fine folks there. Sorry, Steam, I stopped by the depot several times, but never saw you! Only 2 weekends left of the Harvest Festival!

rubedugans · October 22, 2009, 11:25:20 AM

Yesterday was Violet's 93'rd Birthday and they had a celebration at the City yesterday. What an amazing woman.Self taught Ozark native, Violet Hensley was born in Montgomery County, Arkansas, in 1916. Because of her skill, a lot has been written about this self-described "oldtime hillbilly." She's a regular and — perhaps the most famous — craftsmanship demonstrator at Silver Dollar City. She's been coming since 1967. She has appeared on the Beverly Hillbillies Show, the Art Linkletter Show, and Captain Kangaroo. This "Arkansas Living Treasure" has stories that amaze anyone. From her storeis about her first dress she sewed that was simply a pillowcase with 2 armholes and a headhole-soon she was sewing for the neighbors. She learned to shoe horses "by doin' it", same with fiddles. If you get a chance she is an amazing woman to visit with.

rubedugans · October 22, 2009, 11:40:28 AM

Here are a few press photos from Violet's many appearances

Photos from : encyclopediaofarkansas.net

Swoosh · November 26, 2009, 08:52:33 AM

We're going to the park on Friday, anyone else going to be there (by choice)?

Joy · November 26, 2009, 09:59:40 AM

Hmmm... I'd love to go on Friday or Saturday. I'm hoping to find a friend with a car who wants to be my second person for the SDC Times coupon I've got.

I'll let ya know if I manage to get down there!

betamike · November 26, 2009, 01:59:11 PM

Ahhhh, miss Violet. During the craft festivals, she used to have a booth right outside of the Candy shop and it was so neat to take a break from brittle making and chat with her. What a legend!

Joy · November 27, 2009, 09:19:48 PM

I'll be at SDC tomorrow (Saturday). Although I just realized my coupon won't be good, I'm going anyway. And I'm paying for a friend, too, as his Christmas gift. I don't mind... It'll just make me more frugal about my eating habits (which have not been very frugal lately, as a college student--I need to go back to my $2.50 a day budget [which really worked VERY well] and stop with the Domino's and Taco Bell, LOL).

Joy

Swoosh · November 28, 2009, 11:52:40 AM

Yep, the BAF tickets are never good right after Thanksgiving.
There were 15K at the park yesterday the last time I checked. It was busy but still easy enough to enjoy oneself

Joy · November 28, 2009, 03:15:33 PM

It is INSANE here. We parked in Lot GLEN (across 76 from Notch Inn). The line for PK is long, but moving pretty fast; faster than some times when it was a shorter line... Wonder how many trains they're running.

Will be stopping to say howdy to Terry after this. Can't wait til after dark. My friend has never been here for Christmas before.

Will check back in later.

Joy

marolinesdad · November 28, 2009, 05:57:07 PM

I love it there at Christmas. I went the first week of Nov.. I really want to go back before the end of the season. tinaalsgirl ride Fire in the Hole for me........

StaceySue · November 28, 2009, 08:28:11 PM

Sounds like you're having a great time Joy! I love SDC at Christmas. I want to go back, too. I don't know if we'll get to or not. My husband is working crazy hours right around Christmas, and I'm booked up for the weekends this month. Here's hoping...

shavethewhales · November 29, 2009, 03:03:25 PM

Not too bad this year for Thanksgiving weekend. I wasn't able to get into any shows, but the Homestead Pickers were great outside. Most of the rides were packed from 3-7, but calmed down considerably during the last two hours. I waited 45 mins. for PK at one point, then it broke just as I was going to get on it. I ended up waiting there for another 30 mins or so watching them fix and test it. Apparently they have some troubles occasionally with the compressed air mechanism that releases the restraints.

Lots of fun watching the glassblowers and woodcarvers as always, and the guy doing basket weaving is really nice.