Chalk Street Art is just one of the amazing crafts and arts featured at the Festival.
“Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival is a prime example of why the U.S. Congress proclaimed Silver Dollar City as “The Home of American Craftsmanship,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Continuing a long tradition of being one of America’s ‘most recognized craft festivals,’ over 125 demonstrating craftsmen and artisans from all over the country will gather at Silver Dollar City for the National Harvest Festival being held from September 10 through October 29,” she continued.
Johnson points out that the Festival is an inherent part of the experience that Silver Dollar City has provided its visitors since its early days “when its founding family wanted to share the ways of the Ozarks with visitors to the Ozark Mountains.” It is all about “American crafts and demonstrating craftsmanship – celebrating the handwork, the foods, the music and the long-established camaraderie of the harvest.”
The National Harvest Festival is one of the largest gatherings of demonstrating artists and craftsmen anywhere in America and provides Silver Dollar City guests with a unique opportunity to view a variety of some of the finest craftsmen and artisans in America. From street chalk artistry, painting, and glass blowing to basket weaving, Native American flutes, knife making, basket weaving and dozens more, the over 125 visiting craftsmen from all over the country will provide an unparalleled opportunity for the parks guests to see demonstrations of American craftsmanship at their very best.
The “Best of Missouri Hands – Made in Missouri Juried Art Faire and Competition” will feature some of the best of Missouri’s craftsmen and artists who are all recognized masters in their respective “medium.” Park guests will be able to vote for their favorite pieces. A new feature this year will be the “‘Turning Wood Into Art Showcase’ featuring demonstrating craftsmen with specialties such as life-sized hedge wood horses, instruments and hand carved furniture.”
Just one of the exciting things featured in the "Timber Works Lumberjack Show."
The original award winning musical production of “Headin’ West” which shares the harrowing adventures and colorful characters of America’s westward expansion during the 1870s will also be returning. It has won the “Big-E” award for “Best Overall Production” presented by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, has “surprising special effects, vivid scenery and talented performers and is Silver Dollar City’s biggest production show ever!” Also returning will be chain saw wood carving and the popular “Birds of Prey.” New this year will be the “Timberworks Lumberjack Show. This exciting outdoor show features “speed racing up 40 foot poles, cross-cut-sawing, ax throwing,” and much more.
“Missouri’s Largest Barn Dance” is returning by popular demand. This fun filled activity features live bands such as “Texas in the Swing” “Missouri Travelers,” Silver Dollar City’s own “Horsecreek” and Les Gilliam & His Silver Lake Band. If the past is any indication, “seasoned dancers will be on hand to give tips and instruction to beginners.”
In addition to the excellent food service that is normally available throughout the park, the Harvest Festival will be replete with the tastes of Fall. Among other mouth watering choices will be “Indian Tacos,” “Wrangler’s Buffalo Chili,” and a choice of specialty desserts including pies, cobblers and more.
Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson says that all of the activities involved with the Festival are in addition to everything else Silver Dollar City offers on a daily basis. The 1880’s international award winning theme park features 30 rides and attractions encompassing everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7 and so much more.
She also points out that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has two day Silver Dollar City tickets for the price of a one day ticket. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, the National Harvest Festival or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.