The Silver Dollar City Corporation is opening Celebration City, a $40 million, multifaceted theme park for Branson, according to a news release.
The park will highlight 20th century America and is scheduled to open in late spring 2003 on a 112-acre parcel just off Highway 76, formerly the site of Branson USA.
"Celebration City will be unlike any other theme park anywhere giving Branson something all-new for 2003," said Mel Bilbo, chief executive officer and president of the Silver Dollar City Corporation. Bilbo said SDC isn't ready to reveal all the design plans for the property, but will confirm that Celebration City will carry on the Silver Dollar City tradition of bringing the past to life.
The new park's season will run from spring through fall.
"Our lives were forever changed by the new frontiers of 20th century civilization and technology," said Bilbo, referencing time periods that included the onset of electricity, the development of the automobile, and the creation of spectacular high technology.
"The premise is to celebrate America every day by presenting multiple layers of themed entertainment to include more than two dozen rides, games, restaurants and shows, then culminating at night with a tremendous outdoor laser production show."
Celebration City also will have a 10-story wooden roller coaster. Wooden roller coasters were popular for most of the 20th century.
"Coaster aficionados will tell you there is nothing that compares to the clickety-clack of the wooden track and the thrill of the ride," said Bilbo.
One of Silver Dollar City's objectives with this development is to help increase Branson's tourism industry.
"This new venture, focusing on families with kids, will help to define the next phase of tourism for the Branson area," said Bob Montgomery, who has been selected to run the new park. Montgomery brings extensive expertise in theme park development having worked on numerous Lego attractions around the world.
"The Silver Dollar City Corporation has great confidence in this area's future," said Montgomery, who recently relocated from Ontario, Canada.
Said Bilbo: "With this park we will provide another new reason for people to travel to the area, or to return."[[In-content Ad]]
