Known as a great location for families to spend the day, Silver Dollar City takes young and old alike on a journey into the past. The 2013 season promises to be just as great if not better with the opening of Outlaw Run, the park’s newest roller coaster, and with everyone’s favorite festivals.
Silver Dollar City’s most noteworthy preparations for 2013 have been with the planning, construction, and opening of Outlaw Run. According to Silver Dollar City’s website, the park has invested $10 million to build the world’s most daring wooden roller coaster. Outlaw Run features the world’s steepest drop (81º, near vertical), is the only wood coaster to turn upside down (a total of 3 inversions), and is the world’s second fastest wooden roller coaster, reaching 68 mph. Outlaw Run is scheduled to open on March 15, 2013.
In addition to roller coasters like Powder Keg and WildFire, Silver Dollar City also hosts 6 festivals throughout the year. These festivals are World-Fest (Apr. 17 – May 5), Bluegrass and BBQ (May 9 – 17), National KidsFest (Jun. 8 – Jul. 21), Southern Gospel Picnic (Aug. 23 – Sept. 2), National Harvest Festival (Sept. 12 – Oct. 26), and An Old Time Christmas (Nov. 2 – Dec. 30).
World-Fest is America’s largest international festival. This festival features performers from all over the world. This year, World-Fest features Amamos Argentina, which is made up of Los Pampas Gauchos drummers and a troupe of dancers; Island Fire, featuring music and dance from Hawaii, Samoa, and Tahiti, and 2 fire knife dancers; and Dearbhail Finnegan, Ireland’s premier harpist.
Bluegrass and BBQ was voted the “Bluegrass Event of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association. This festival features 2 exclusive events, which are the Annual Single Mic Championship and the KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest. Aside from the great music, the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival also features amazing bar-b-que from all over the United States. The House of BBQ in the Red Gold Heritage Hall offers smoked beef brisket, tender pulled pork, slow smoked chicken, and more. Don’t forget to stop by Bottle Neck Bros. sauce shack, where you can sample over 200 different sauces.
Kids-Fest is America’s largest festival devoted to kids. All of their favorite rides, like PowderKeg, WildFire, and American Plunge, are at Silver Dollar City. Additionally, shows like Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, Wacky Science, and Championship Cloggers will be at Silver Dollar City especially for this festival. In 2013, your kids will have the chance to meet their favorite cartoon characters like SpongeBob and Patrick, Tom and Jerry, and Dora and Diego.
Southern Gospel Picnic is the premier southern gospel gathering. Musicians and bands like Guy Penrod, the Booth Brothers, Jeff and Shari Easter, The Hoppers and more will perform your favorite southern gospel songs. Additionally, there will be plenty of fried chicken and southern comfort food for your enjoyment.
National Harvest Festival is the home of “The Pinkerton Man”, a thrilling western stunt show. New to National Harvest Festival in 2013 is the Texas Trick Riders, a stunt show that focuses on trick riding, trick shooting, and whip acts. Silver Dollar City is known as “The Home of American Craftsmanship”, and over 125 craftsmen visit the park during this festival. Individuals are invited to demonstrate their craft; for more information, visit festivals.bransonsilverdollarcity.com and click on the link to National Harvest Festival.
An Old Time Christmas is a favorite festival among locals and was named one of the top 5 Holiday Events in the Country by Good Morning America. Brave the cold and see over 4 million lights draped across nearly every surface of the park. The main attractions are the 5 story special effects tree that is coordinated to classic Christmas carols, the Gifts of Christmas Light Parade, and the Living Nativity. An Old Time Christmas also features the musicals of “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “A Dickens Christmas Carol.”
Plan to visit Silver Dollar City sometime in 2013 to check out one of the fabulous festivals and the brand new roller coaster Outlaw Run. Season passes are available now. For more information, visit bransonsilverdollarcity.com or contact the Thousand Hills Concierge.
