SILVER DOLLAR CITY

I arrived in Branson on Monday.  The last time I was here was in 2004.  I recognize some things but a lot has changed.  Some of the change is from adding shows, restaurants, water parks, go-cart parks, shops, and anything else that draws tourists.  Some of the change is from the tornado that hit here 2 years ago.  So, for the last couple of days, I have been trying to get my bearings.

Today, I went to Silver Dollar City(SDC).  SDC is a combination amusement park and vendor exhibitions.  I am always amazed at the imagination and talent of some of the vendors.  I always manage to see some things and think, "Why didn't I think of that?".  As in most places like this, those vendors are very proud of their products. But, if they can sell their stuff for those prices, good for them.  I watched a lady paint/sketch a picture using her finger and some paint. It was a sketch of Willie Nelson.  She held her cell phone with a picture of Willie Nelson in the same hand that she held the paint.  She was adding strokes thick and thin and making an exact likeness.  It was amazing to me.  I can't draw stick people that look right so I am always in awe of anyone that can sketch/draw/paint. A blacksmith does a demonstration and a wood carver does a demonstration and a glass blower and a jewelry maker and a .......you get the idea.

They have a new roller coaster this year.  It is called the Outlaw Run.  It won some award for the best roller coaster this year.  It is wooden and it is high.  I don't do roller coasters, but Mr. W does.  So, Mr. W rode the Outlaw Run.  According to him, it did 2 complete circles and a half sideways circle, a 90 degree drop that felt like it was dropping at more than 90 degrees and several other "fun" things.  Whatever.

Tonight, at 6:00 when the park closes, you can stay for the singing/dancing show put on by GAC Country in their big amphitheater.  They have 12 singers/dancers who did a set of country music, a set of gospel music, and a set of patriotic music.  The band consisted of a drummer, a fiddle player, a guitar, a bass guitar, a steel guitar, and a pianist that I thought looked a little spooky.  There was a comedian and an emcee.

I thought the show was entertaining and I was glad that I stayed to watch.  Here are some pics.