Silver Dollar City's founders, left to right, Jack, Mary and Peter Herschend.
There are a lot of reasons why people come to Branson, Missouri, but one single entity has been helping people “Create memories worth repeating” for over 50 years and is responsible for more people coming to Branson than any other. That entity is Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880s theme park, who has been celebrating its 50th Anniversary during the 2010 season.
The Story of the Year is not the celebration itself, but what it represents, 50 years of entertainment excellence, commitment and leadership that has helped to not only bring millions of people to Branson, but bring them back time and time again. 50 years of commitment, passion and service on the part of the Herschend family and all the Silver Dollar City employees, past and present, who took Silver Dollar City’s motto of, “We create memories worth repeating,” and made it a reality for their guests. In talking about Silver Dollar City’s 50th anniversary celebration this season, Peter Herschend, one of the co-founders of Silver Dollar City, said, “What a year. We’ve laughed and cried and shared memories with thousands of people whose families have been coming to see us for 50 years.”
Brad Thomas, Silver Dollar City’s General Manager was asked, “What is it that makes Silver Dollar City so unique?” He replied, “From opening day in 1960 to 2010 we’ve had a cast of characters as employees who truly loved to live and breathe in this place called Silver Dollar City. The guests experience at Silver Dollar City includes rides, festivals and shows, but beyond anything it’s about the people.” He went on to say that it is the effort, friendliness and passion of Silver Dollar City’s employees to serve the park’s guests and make sure they have a great experience that has created “the memories worth repeating” and relationships that has made Silver Dollar City so successful.
When one thinks of Silver Dollar City and what makes it unique, a portion of the “Branson Promise” comes to mind. It says, “We believe in our American values and celebrate them every day, respect for the individual, patriotism, faith, hope, optimism, family, courage, generosity, and opportunity for all.” For over 50 years, Silver Dollar City and its employees have lived those values and shared them with their guests helping them to “create memories worth repeating.”
As Branson moves into the excitement and opportunities of 2011, a paraphrase of the words of Brad Thomas saying, “Branson includes attractions, shows, shopping and so many other fun filled activities, but beyond anything it’s about the people” seems appropriate. Thank you Silver Dollar City employees, past and present, for your 50 years of example in setting the standard that Branson’s guests should expect in terms of their entertainment experience and for actually “Creating Memories Worth Repeating.”