Life at Willis Creek Ranch: Last ever World Fest

Monday, May 16, 2016

Last ever World Fest - Part 1

We have so enjoyed attending World Fest at Silver Dollar City for over a decade, so it was with great sadness that we learned this would be the final year for that festival. We are thankful we were able to attend, but honestly can't imagine that a replacement festival will be as good. I hope that Silver Dollar City might reconsider their decision to end World Fest.

Since Kerry and family were able to meet us in Branson for this final World Fest, we all decided to rent a cabin that we could stay in together. We found a lovely cabin with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, two living areas, and even a separate kitchenette for Rachel to prepare her special dietary food. It was super close to Silver Dollar City, as well. In fact, we could hear the SDC train whistle from the back porch. :) It surely made for a comfortable place to return to each day and provided an easy way for all of us to spend time relaxing together. We got a special price for the cabin for this trip and will definitely keep our eyes open for another special deal so that we can return!

Mama, Daddy, Jonathan, Marvin, and I traveled down together, arriving just a bit before Kerry and his family. We made a Walmart run for the rest of our groceries then settled in for a nice evening together.

Thursday morning we were able to meet up with Peggie and Earl (Shonda's parents) and we all went to hear Stix on Steel perform at the Boatworks Theater. I love hearing the incredible sound of steel pan drums!

So fun to see Peggie and Earl at World Fest!

Stix on Steel from Trinidad and Tobago

Had to get a photo of Hannah in front of Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor.
Love the happy photo bombers in the background. :)

Indeed.

We all met up at Molly's Mill for lunch. Peggie and Earl even dropped by to say hi to everyone!

All gathered for lunch at Molly's Mill

After lunch we all headed down Hill Street to the Opera House to see the group from Poland perform. They are called Slask and they were wonderful!! (I actually ended up going to see them a total of 3 times over our trip!)

In the Opera House ready for Slask performance
(from Poland)

In Opera House

Slask - from Poland

We then walked over to the Riverfront Playhouse to catch Island Fire. What a fun combination of talents in their show - from beautiful hula dancing to fire knife throwing!!

Island Fire - from New Zealand, Samoa & Hawaii

Since Thursday evening was supposed to be the warmest evening of the weekend, a few of us decided to stay for the evening show in Echo Hollow Amphitheater.

Love this panoramic shot that Hannah took of Echo Hollow Amphitheater

I enjoyed the show, but didn't like it as much as in previous years. The cast is about ½ the size that it used to be and same with the backup band. I am guessing this was a cost saving measure, but it sure took away from the over all show. I have always enjoyed so much watching the young performers sing and dance in the big evening show.

Harmonix and The Heartbeats performing

I did have to laugh out loud when the 'oldies' part of the show featured songs and even outfits from the 80's!

That feeling when you realize that you are the
new target demographic for 'oldies' shows...

Grabbed this quick photo on the way out after the
Echo Hollow show. Hannah, Jonathan, and Susanna.

We take the free tram ride back to the parking lot.

Relaxing together back at the cabin.

Love this foggy photo Rachel took out the back door of the cabin.

Friday was cool and rainy, but it meant that the park wasn't nearly as crowded. That means we can typically walk right up to just about any show and be certain that we will get in and get a good seat. :)

Marvin, Jonathan, Susanna, Rachel & Kerry

Another one of our favorites over the many years... Equador Manta. Goodness, I hate to think that we won't get to see them perform anymore at Silver Dollar City... :(

Equador Manta at the Gazebo

Down at the Red Gold Heritage Hall we saw Cirque Zuma Zuma from Africa. They also performed at Truman last fall as part of the Lyceum series.

We met Mama and Daddy for lunch at the Wagon Works Grill. We have to grab a hamburger there at least one time per trip! :)

I just love this picture. :)

While we didn't get to see this in person, we are so grateful that Kerry and Hannah both took video of it! Candace was chosen from the audience to 'be the rooster' during one of the Homestead Pickers funny songs called 'Ghost Chickens in the Sky'. She impressed everyone with her incredible crowing and performance skills! :D

So glad that Candace believes in
'go big or go home'!! :D

So proud that Candace believes in 'Go big or go home!' :D (this video shows the close up version of Candace during the song.)

We all made it back to the Homestead Pickers for their jam session, though.

Rachel, Hannah, and Candace got up and sang their Hymn Medley. Absolutely beautiful.

Afterward they got their photo taken with Danny, one of the Homestead Pickers. You may remember that he was the one who so kindly gave Rojina and me a tour of the McHaffie Homestead last year at World Fest. What a great guy!