Dream Team

Hoops history being written at Silver Dollar City

Handles Franklin is one of the 10 players who will visit Silver Dollar City this summer as the Harlem Globetrotters settle in for a six-week stay, the first in the history of the 89-year-old team.
Handles Franklin is one of the 10 players who will visit Silver Dollar City this summer as the Harlem Globetrotters settle in for a six-week stay, the first in the history of the 89-year-old team.

A trick-shooting basketball team isn't exactly part of the history of Silver Dollar City, but the Harlem Globetrotters are making history at the Branson, Mo., theme park.

During "Star-Spangled Summer," which continues through July 19, the Globetrotters will take up residence at the park's Red Gold Heritage Hall. The six-week commitment is the first of its kind in the team's 89-year history.

FAQ

Star-Spangled Summer:

Harlem Globetrotters

WHEN — Through July 19

WHERE — Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.

COST — $49-$60 park admission

INFO — 800-831-4FUN or silverdollarcity.com

FYI

What’s New

In 2015

Also new at Silver Dollar City is Fireman’s Landing, with 10 family adventures and, during Star-Spangled Summer, “Wacky Science” with TV’s David Willey.

"The Harlem Globetrotters entertain all ages -- but they have special appeal to children," says Brad Thomas, Silver Dollar City general manager and senior vice president. "While families visit Silver Dollar City all year, during the summer, most of our guests visit us with at least one child." And, he jokes, "our 'Star-Spangled Summer' celebration looks even more patriotic when you pair the festival with Harlem Globetrotters' renowned patriotic trunks and jerseys!"

"Unlike their basketball game that travels around the world, this exhibition performance does not have an opponent," explains Brandt Shields, SDC entertainment and events supervisor. "'The Globetrotter Experience' is a unique 35-minute highlight performance that encompasses all that the Globetrotters have become famous for -- trick shots, dunks, fantastic ball handling skills, crowd participation and comedy."

Shields says the performance will entertain both "longtime fans and those being introduced to the Globetrotters for the first time." But it's hard to imagine anyone unfamiliar with the exhibition team born in 1926 on the south side of Chicago as the Savoy Big Five. Among the players who have been Globetrotters during a season that has lasted for 20,000 games in 120 countries are Wilt Chamberlain, Connie "The Hawk" Hawkins, Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, Meadowlark Lemon and Fred "Curly" Neal.

Handles Franklin, one of the 10 players who will visit Silver Dollar City this summer, first saw the team on the Scooby Doo cartoon show when he was 6 years old, he says.

"I knew I wanted to play for the Globetrotters -- or solve mysteries," he laughs. "Equally important, I learned that dreams are obtainable. I'm living proof of that."

Franklin grew up in Harrisburg, Pa., where his father was a police officer, and his mother worked at a hospital.

"They both served the community and passed that mentality on to me," he says. He also gives credit to his high school coach, Bill Gaffey, for teaching him that "education was very important."

The 6-foot-1 guard played college ball at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pa., where he set records for assists and steals. But it was a series of TV commercials starting in 2000 that caught the attention of the Globetrotters. And then he learned he still had a lot to learn.

"Training to be a Globetrotter is not only practicing regular basketball but spending hours upon hours on our specialties," he says. "We have some of the best dunkers and dribblers in the world."

And while the team will put on three shows a day at Silver Dollar City, Franklin plans to work on some different skills while he's there.

"There are two roller coasters I want to ride, the fastest wooden one -- Outlaw Run -- and PowderKeg, the one that launches you," he says. "There are also so many choices for food! I plan on trying each and every one. I'm actually going to try one of the ice cream cones between shows.

"This is my second visit to Silver Dollar City," he adds. "I was here when they first announced our first-ever extended run show in August 2013. I love being back at Silver Dollar City; the people are so friendly and the fans have been amazing.

"I want [audiences] to see that basketball is fun," he says, adding, "We pride ourselves on being great basketball players but also role models for kids. We want to create memories for a lifetime, not only in kids but the kids at heart, too."

And with the team's first ever extended visit, he boasts, "we're making history!"

NAN What's Up on 06/19/2015

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