It's not hard to imagine Silver Dollar City doing something new. But it was hard to imagine that the Branson theme park -- which has been open since 1960 -- had never hosted a New Year's Eve celebration.
That changed in 2017 -- and it turned out so well, the park is staying open again on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
FAQ
New Year’s Celebration
WHEN — 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday & noon-8 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE — Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.
COST — $54-$65
INFO — silverdollarcity.com
BONUS — The Showboat Branson Belle will present a special 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve Celebration Cruise on Monday, with New Year’s Day cruises at noon & 4 p.m.
The idea was actually born out of the cancellation of "First Night" events in several neighboring towns, says Jim Moeskau, director of entertainment and events for Silver Dollar City.
"A lot of families are in town for the holidays, and we have this property that is very family friendly," he says. "So we decided to try it. We just want to provide a fun, family-friendly place to celebrate."
Of course, Silver Dollar City couldn't do it in a small way.
"Dollywood, our sister property in Tennessee, just stayed open [in 2016]," Moeskau says, continuing to offer its Christmas shows through Jan. 1. Silver Dollar City, on the other hand, will change out its shows just for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Special entertainment includes:
• A dance party with Members Only, a tribute band performing the hits of the 1980s from bands like Chicago, Journey and Kansas.
According to its website, the Springfield, Mo.-based band's goal is to "synthesize every show into an epic party."
"Stylistically, the band plays a balance of rock and pop that emphasizes a packed dance floor. Put on your party gear, and let these masters of the '80s remind you that the '80s will always live on."
• Comedy and music from The Cleverlys, Grand Ole Opry performers and viral video stars who play songs from Beyonce to Flo Rida bluegrass style.
• Chad Chesmark, performing comedy, magic and entertainment.
• And the Biff Barker New Year's Radio Show, which re-creates the Golden Age of radio with an original music and comedy show at the Silver Dollar Saloon.
"All 6.5 million lights will stay on," Moeskau adds. "And weather permitting, all the rides will be open. And we'll have all the great food and shopping that Silver Dollar City is known for. I think both visitors and people who live in Branson will find a fun new experience."
NAN What's Up on 12/28/2018