By Dave Woods
dwoods@joplinglobe.com
Kenneth Kieser said he’s hard to impress when it comes to horsemanship and trick riding. The author of several western novels has spent much of his writing career researching all-things cowboy for the books he publishes.
But Kieser couldn’t hide his excitement during the opening performance of the All American Cowgirl Chicks equestrian drill team’s show at Silver Dollar City’s annual National Harvest Festival.
“I’m so impressed,” the Olathe, Kan. resident said of the all-female trick riding and roping team that headline the park’s celebration of the American West and crafts. “The precision for riders like that is amazing. It’s gotta be a natural talent. You can’t teach the kind of courage it takes to hang off a horse like that.”
Will Radil, a 6-year-old from St. Louis, shared Kieser’s opinion of the all-girl show.
“It was good when they all did the tricks,” he said. “The horses were good. That takes a lot of practice, I bet. The tricks are kind of scary.”
Jesse Miner, a 4-year-old from Bixby, Mo. was wowed as well.
“I liked the horses,” Jessie said after the show. “When I grow up, I’ll probably do that. When I get bigger.”
That kind of talk is music to the ears of Marty Schmitt, who has coordinated SDC’s Harvest Fest for nine years. Schmitt, a 19-year Silver Dollar City veteran, said that the park has a long history of paying homage to the American cowboy, but this year decided to do something a little different.
“We just figured it was time,” she said. “We have saluted the cowboy for about five years. The All American Cowgirl Chicks are perfect for our salute to the cowgirl.”
The festival also features trick ropers, gun slingers, story tellers and an exhibit of cowgirl images by turn-of-the-century rodeo photographer R.R. Doubleday.
Schmitt said that during the celebration the park will also host dozens of musical groups performing traditional American bluegrass, gospel and western music. More than 100 craftsmen and women will demonstrate their talents.
The crafts and craftsmanship are what brought Janis and Keith McGraw all the way from Stillwater, Minn.
“This is just great,” Janice, 66, said. “It’s nice to see the craftsmen making the actual objects they sell.”
Her husband, Keith, 70, agreed.
“The demonstrations are interesting to see,” he said. “It gives me so many ideas for projects and how to do them.”
Carmen Allison, 68, a friend traveling with the McGraws, said she was impressed by what the annual event offered.
“My husband works in wood and I use fabric,” she said. “The setting is so beautiful. We will definitely recommend this place to our friends back at home.”
While some trek to Silver Dollar City for the crafts or the cowgirls or the music, kids such as brothers Ben Richards, 8, and Aaron Richards, 5, have their own favorites.
“I like it because of the rides,” Ben Richards said. “I’ve done most of them, but my favorite is the Flooded Mine.”
Jim and Sarah Richards, parents of the boys, brought all five of their children to Branson from Sherwood, Mo., for a weekend of fun.
“I think it’s a good deal for families,” Richard said. “It’s reasonable in price, especially with so many kids.”
Music on tap
Salute to the Great American Cowgirl runs through Sept. 27 with The All American Cowgirl Chicks trick riding equestrian show, plus musical performances by Belinda Gail, New Found Road, The Quebe Sisters Band, Ginney Mac, Patty Clayton , Joni Harms, Liz Masterson and Judy Codder & Cowgirl Swing
Source: www.silverdollarcity.com
