Branson, MO being the music destination that it is, it is not surprising that Silver Dollar City would boast some of the most entertaining music and shows any one family could hope for—all for one inexpensive entry fee. Quite an excellent bargain!
In a previous post, I mentioned that we most often visited the City during our children’s Easter break from school. Every year Silver Dollar City celebrates World-Fest from early April to early May, a month long festival showcasing entertainment from around the world. Other times of the year, they produce festivals honoring other groups: from the Great American Music Festival in May to the Children’s Festival from early June to mid-August to the Festival of America in the Fall to the “Old Time Christmas Celebration” in November and December. There is always something going on at Silver Dollar City.
On a recent trip out, the World-Fest included several dance troups, Stavropolye Cossacks from Russia, Dance Academy from Uganda and Rhythm Dance from Ireland. In addition there were groups from Ecuador (Atahualpa), Spain (Castro Floxo), Zambia (Zam Acapella) and Bulgaria (Slachev Bryag). Further, other entertainment included Thang Long Water Puppets from Vietnam, Zhavir from Ukraine and the Kenya Wizards from Kenya. We always try to catch every show at least once to take full advantage of this opportunity to see entertainment from around the world.
The City also boasts its own cast and crew which we have come to enjoy on every visit in addition to the world-wide performers. The Silver Dollar Saloon is home to the family friendly skit entitled “How the West was Wed”, an entertaining tale about how Charlie and Saloon-girl Tillie decide to tie the know at the Silver Dollar Saloon. Audience participation makes this a singing and dancing pleasure our family has enjoyed on several occasions.
In addition, the Horse Creek Band, playing gospel to western swing, and the seven brothers and one sister Haygood Family, with their tight capella harmonies and their signature all fiddle showstoppers, do not disappoint. The Cumberland Boys, performing regularly at the Dockside open-air Theatre was recently voted “Christian Country Group of the Year” by Gospel Voice Magazine. My personal favorite is Cedric Benoit, from New Orleans, playing his toe-tapping Cajun rhythms. We have seen him on every visit to the city. Many of the artists have CDs or DVDs of performances available for purchase after 
the shows. We took advantage of this opportunity on several occasions.
For a great value in family entertainment, Silver Dollar City is worth the price of admission for the music alone. But you also are treated to a theme park full of rides, craftsmen and women from another era and food that is beyond compare.
For more information about where to stay when visiting Silver Dollar city, browse Woodall’s listings of Missouri Campgrounds.
