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| Headin’ West a story of the American pioneer spirit and the quest for new frontiers in 1870s. |
Launching a major new production for the Festival of American Music & Crafts with the popular Salute to the Great American Cowboy, Silver Dollar City presents Headin’ West. The Broadway-style show is slated to be the park’s most impressive production ever, dramatizing the adventure of America’s Western expansion. Headin’ West debuts September 13 with the opening of the festival, which also features Western music stars, trick riding and roping, bluegrass bands and the nation’s top craftsmen. The Festival of American Music & Crafts runs through October 27 at the Branson, Missouri theme park.
An original musical production created exclusively by and for Silver Dollar City, Headin’ West tells the story of the American pioneer spirit through the characters’ quest for new frontiers in the 1870s west. The story comes to life with elaborate sets, surround-sound, revolving scenery, visual projections and period costumes. Impressive special effects immerse the audience in adventures from deep cave prospecting and white water rafting to a thundering buffalo stampede. A talented cast of 14 actors performs, with live music enhanced with an original orchestra score.
The festival also features Michael Martin Murphey in a special concert September 21, headlining the Western entertainment. Trick roper Johnny Lonestar, seen recently on America’s Got Talent, performs along with the Sons of the San Joaquin, cowboy poets, Roy Rogers Jr., a Native American hoop dancer, and the singing Sons of the Silver Dollar. An all-new arena show features trick riders, World-Record holding palomino trick horses, wild mustangs and long-horned steers. Cowboy boot makers from around the country compete in the 2nd annual Best of American Boot Makers competition.
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Lindy Knight demonstating traditional |
Widely recognized as the premier event for fine craftsmanship, the festival features custom hat makers, copper sculptors, silversmiths and stained glass artists, some of more than 125 visiting artists from across the country who fill booths lining the streets of the theme park with their colorful handwork. Best of Missouri Hands juried artists are spotlighted around the Square with wares including silver wire jewelry, handcrafted pewterware, hand-woven baskets and stoneware pottery. A special showcase of western crafters features custom-made leather hats, spur making, western art, bronze sculpture, and leather saddle and tack making. Click here for list of craftsmen and schedules.
The tastes of the fall harvest are served up throughout the park, with smoked turkey legs, roasted corn on the cob and hearty skillet meals cooked on open grills. For a full festival feast, guests can dine at Tastes of America in the Red Gold Heritage Hall, featuring barbecued ribs, roasted prairie chicken, southwestern tacos or buffalo chili, and desserts from blackberry cobbler and peach pie to hot apple dumplings, while trick riders, ropers and rodeo stars perform in the Red Gold Arena.
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| Fables of the Est comedy team. |
Meet some of television’s top western heroes when Gunsmoke’s Buck Taylor hosts stars of classic American Westerns from Wagon Train to F Troop, and catch performances by Waddie Mitchell and other Western Heritage Cowboy Poets. Dancers can kick up their heels at the country barn dance. Western Performers include Michael Martin Murphey, Roy Rogers, Jr., Sourdough Slim, Sons of the San Joaquin, Kip Calahan, Bill Barwick, Red Steagall, Sons of the Silver Dollar, R.W. Hampton, Syd Masters and the Swing Riders, Waddie Mitchell, and Johnny Lonestar. Click here for complete list and schedule.
National touring bands, gospel and bluegrass favorites perform throughout the park. Performers include The Biscuit Burners, Foxfire Bluegrass, Hit & Run Bluegrass, The Chapmans, Midnight Flight, NewFound Road, Bluestar, The Martins, and the The Wilders. Click here for complete list and schedule.
The sounds and smells of the fall harvest fill the Silver Dollar City Square, where guests can see sorghum and apple butter making. A cast of talented singers and dancers perform in This Country’s Rockin’ at Echo Hollow Amphitheatre each evening.
Throughout the festival, the park is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, and 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. For further information or to purchase tickets by phone or on line, call 1-800-451-3791 or click here.