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[jeffthephotog]

I have hesitated to say anything here...mainly because I LOVE SDC, am always a season pass holder, and treasure each and every visit. However, during my visit in mid-November '09, I was extremely disappointed: I knew that the Homestead Pickers were performing, which was the primary reason for my late season visit. The music that accompanies the Giant Christmas Tree on the square was so deafeningly loud, and was repeated so frequently, that no one could hear the Homestead Pickers. Now I know you are going to say that the lights and the tree and the loud music are what people come for during that time of the year, and that's true. But you'd think that there could be a 'break' of at least 30-45 minutes so the HP's could do their music without hinderance. During the regular season, when big amplified music groups perform on the square, their performances are coordinated with the HP's pickin sessions at the Homestead so as not to conflict. I just don't understand why they didn't coordinate it better for the Christmas season. It made me wonder why even have the HP's performing at all if the other music can't be coordinated with it. It was the only time I've ever been to SDC and went home disappointed. I'll be first in line for HP's first pickin sessions at the Homestead this spring, for sure! 

[History Buff]

I'll agree with you.  I think the tree is repeated too often and tends to lose its uniqueness.  We saw the thing five times (every show) while just trying to move through the crowd in the square to exit the park.  I don't think it's as effective when one can view it that often - and when I'm watching the tree, I'm not spending money.

[sdcforever]

I agree that they shouldn't repeat it as often as they do.  I seem to remember that in the past there were fewer shows per hour.

[bthomas]

Many things about a lot of the festivals are losing there uniqueness.  The tree was absolutely incredible the first several years.  Now with the same songs over and over....its just a big tree.  I noticed that there are already several sections of the tree that are not working exactly right.  I was there at least 10 times over the season and noticed it every time.  The light parade is another facet of the festival that as gotten a little tired.  I realize that these things represent a huge capital investment.  But one needs to tinker with them every few years to keep them fresh.  Of course they did bring Frosty, and that was a total disappointment.  Maybe some things should be left alone.

I wish they would consider bringing the 4-D Polar Express Show to SDC.  With the Polar Express Train Experience being at the Branson Railway, it would be a great tie-in.