Silver Dollar City hosts crowning ceremony for resort tower

Community leaders and friends of Silver Dollar City and Herschend Family Entertainment gathered on Friday, March 13, at the new Silver Dollar City Resort, to celebrate the placement of the final exterior roof section atop the Beacon Tower, the building’s highest point. This marks the completion of the building’s exterior shell, preparing for the next stages of interior and finish work. 

As guests arrived by shuttle from the parking area, they were greeted with music by popular Silver Dollar City entertainers Arbor Season. Conversation among the arrivals included sharing memories with one another of their park experiences over the years, and looking forward to the new opportunities the resort will bring. 

Public Relations Director Brandei Clifton opened the 11 a.m. ceremony by thanking those involved in bringing the project to this point, including the various construction crews. She also shared highlights from the opening ceremonies earlier the same day for the theme park’s 66th season in operation. This will be the final season for Thunderation, the iconic roller coaster which some families are in their third generation of enjoying, but Clifton reminded attendees that new things are in the works, so stay tuned!  

SDC Chaplain Dane Moore led in a dedicatory prayer, thanking God for the faith and values of the Herschend family and closing with a responsive prayer as a reminder that “Love builds this place.” 

Bill Doyle, Senior Vice President of Hospitality, thanked all the behind-the-scenes professionals contributing to the design and planning stages of the resort. Brad Thomas, President of Silver Dollar City Parks and Resorts, briefly reviewed the park’s history, including the commitment to faith and family values. He shared that even when Mary Herschend entered widowhood with the passing of Hugo Herschend, she remained unwavering in her commitment to her employees and park guests.  

Following the celebratory remarks, all eyes turned to the giant crane as it lifted the tower roof, positioned it and lowered it into place, followed by celebratory fireworks. Clifton then invited the guests into the resort’s future lobby area for box lunches and more fellowship time. Attendees were also invited to share their memories and prayers in a “blessing book” which will be sealed into the rafters of the tower. 

As each guest left the ceremony, they were invited to take a commemorative jar of soil from the construction excavation and a redbud sapling ready for planting, in honor of Mary Herschend’s commitment that trees removed for construction of park facilities be replaced. 

Follow Silver Dollar City on Facebook and check the app and website regularly to stay updated on additional resort progress and completion date, as well as exciting new developments at the park. Here’s to another season of making family memories, with hopes that the new resort will help create many more to come!