April 23, 2016

Placemaking (WOF)

Worlds of Fun has started a series of "placemaking" projects around the park.

With Ouimet's (the chain's CEO) background, parks like Worlds of Fun (and KBF) where there is actually a theme have been enjoying upgrades like the new inside of the train depot.

Much like KBF's Ghost Town, WOF's Americana section is starting to feel more like a real place.

This former drink stand is now serves as a "hat shop" for the fictional Western Town.

Here is a peek into the shop - where you can see all sorts of hats are waiting to be "sold"

Also new to the area is this Sheriff's office and accompanying jail.

Here is the cell inside the jail.

Here is the Sheriff's desk area.

I like the additions quite a bit and hope they are just the tip of the iceberg of things to come with Ouimet at the helm of the company.

Mustang Runner Construction (WOF)



So, this appeared this week...  Keep in mind we are only in the 2nd week of the season and the park is already teasing the 2017 addition.


Now it might just be a coincidence, but there are some markers near this new sign.


I guess we'll need to keep an eye on this area for future updates.

BBQ & Brew Festival (WOF)




Welcome to Worlds of Fun's 2nd Annual BBQ & Brew Festival.

Cinder Block Brewery, paired with BBQ Ribs.

Nebraska Brewing Company

Here are the beer offerings at this particular tent.

The paired their IPA and Pale Ale with a yummy brisket sandwich.

Tallgrass Brewing Company, paired with Jumbo Grilled Shrimp

Bur Oak Brewing Company which was paired with Spicy Chicken Wings.

The final tent had several tenants and paired with Banana Fosters.

This is a very YUMMY festival and runs on weekends through May 8th.



April 17, 2016

Time Traveler Construction (SDC)




Some strange markers have appeared over the the hill in this area of the park.

The markers are all over the hill.

They are extremely visible on the pathway down to Echo Hollow.

The flags stretch up the hill from the pathway down to Echo Hollow,.



Usually orange means communications. What would require survey markings of fiber optic cables in this area?  They are usually very expensive to move.

Definitely something we'll need to keep an eye on here in the coming months.

World Fest (SDC)


Welcome to WorldFest at Silver Dollar City.


Performing this year in the Riverfront Playhouse is Island Fire.


The show is non-stop action.  Featuring native dancing from the islands.


The real reason to come to the show?  Fire!  Lots and lots of FIRE!


The show is always a crowd favorite.  The show packed the theater for all 3 showings on Sunday.


Tastes of the World Food Court is back again in the Frisco Barn.


I enjoyed a tasty Arepas Rumberas Sandwich from Venezuela.  It consisted of a cornbread bun with baked in cheese curds, seasoned pulled pork with cilantro and cheese crumble.

 
The safe selection of the group went with the Juarez nachos from Mexico.


Another safe selection was the chicken stir fry from China.


The final food choice for our group was the Thai flat bread pizza.  He couldn't wait for me to get a picture of it before starting to eat.  It originally filled the plate.


After lunch we watched Sticks on Steel at the Boatworks Theater.


This very popular steel pan orchestra is a crowd favorite and has appeared numerous times at WorldFest and Festival of Nations at Dollywood.


The group plays two different song sets during the day, making it possible for multiple viewings if you so desire.


In the Opera House, the Polish National Ballet Ensemblem, Slask is performing.


The quality of this national dance ensemble cannot be overstated.


The ensemble is all business.  They dance numerous folk dances the entire show with absolutely no talking.  Descriptions of the dances are placed on projector screens.


Honestly this was one of my favorite shows of the day.  I absolutely loved that there was a high quality performance of pure culture.  Which to me, should be the entire point of this festival.


Finally, we watched was Cirque Zuma Zuma in the Red Gold Heritage Hall.


Cirque Zuma Zuma is probably the weakest of the stage shows at WorldFest this season.


The acts were very sloppy and at times appeared completely ab lib.

 
The worst part of the show was probably the music.  Constantly pounding on drums does not do "it" for me.


So in the end, if you can't make a show of Cirque Zuma Zuma, you are not messing much.


The FINAL WorldFest runs through the end of April.