World Fest 2013

Last weekend we were in the midst of enjoying our vacation down in Branson at Silver Dollar City for World Fest.  While the fellas probably prefer Harvest Fest in the fall, World Fest is right up my alley.  I always enjoy the variety of cultures represented via music and performance (and even food!).  Some are returning acts (one of my favorites, Ecuador Manta, has been coming to World Fest for 11 years!) but each year there are new groups that come to entertain and inform.  New groups this year included Trio Voronezh from Russia,  Los Pampas Gauchos from Argentina,  and the Polynesian Island Fire show featuring a World Fire Knife champion in action.

Ecuador Manta - I LOVE them!

Trio Voronezh - they were INCREDIBLE!!!

Los Pampas Gauchos - drummers

Los Pampas Gauchos - dancers

Island Fire show

Island Fire - featuring the World Fire Knife Champion

The weather was surprisingly cold and winter-like while we were there.  The temperature never got out of the low 40's and most days we were begging to get TO 40!  (especially the morning we awoke to snow that was accumulating on the ground!)   :D  I kept thinking we were surely visiting for Christmas Fest and we laughed about how we were colder this trip than we have ever been at Christmas Fest!

Entrance to Silver Dollar City with snow on the ground... for World Fest!

Jackson (not terribly impressed!), Jonathan and Marvin   :)

But, one happy side effect of the cold and wet weather was that we felt almost as though we had the park to ourselves.  We sure didn't have to wait in any lines to get in to see the shows!  It was kind of strange, actually, to see the typically bustling park looking so completely devoid of people.

Kerry, Candace, Hannah and Susanna had planned to come up and camp in the site next to us (and Mom and Dad) but wisely decided that a tent didn't offer much appeal in that weather.  They checked into the Bradford Inn Bed and Breakfast and as Candace noted, that "beat tent camping with a BIG stick!"  :)  We benefited from their wise decision when we were able to all gather together at the B&B for breakfast on Sunday morning (with the owners approval!)   :)

two techies at play!  :)

Saturday evening we gathered for dinner in the camper with Cheryl and Mike (Candace's sister and her husband) as well as cousin Jane - all of whom drove down to visit.  It was a little cramped (dinner for 13?!?) but we sure had a great time!

Jackson, Marvin, Hannah and Jane

Mike, Cheryl and Kerry

Mama and Daddy

Susanna and Jonathan hanging out in the uncrowded bunk room!

looking down from the bunk room

Jackson adding his own special presence to the picture of me with Jane.  :)

I am including way too many photos in this blog post (below are several more random photos...) but will also post this link to a full album of photos (short video clips) in case you want to see even more!   :)

Jackson backed the camper into the site for me - just like a pro!!

Jonathan, Jackson, Grandma and Grandpa

Jonathan got his favorite treat, an Arctic Lemonade - then froze to death after drinking it!

but, he said it was totally worth it!   :)

What happens when the Italian stilt walkers approach from one direction??

these two boys go swiftly in the OTHER direction!   :D

Hannah, Susanna, Jonathan and Jackson enjoying lunch at Molly's Mill.

Candace, Mama, Daddy and Kerry at Molly's Mill.

Ah yes... Jackson loves his Grandma.   :)

Hannah and Susanna

Candace, (Susanna!) and Kerry

Mama and Marvin

Packed up and ready to head for home...

Marvin and Laura