http://www.fox19.com/story/37228216/dolly-partons-stampede-show-is-losing-its-dixie

I can understand why they are doing this.  But I think given its location in the south, and how long this venue has been open, they should keep the name Dixie Stampede.

For those of you who have never visited this venue, the food is amazing, and the show and entertainment are top notch.  Definitely worth a visit.  I have only been to the one in Pigeon Forge and not the one in Branson.  At one point in time there was one in Myrtle Beach as well, but they rebranded that show into Pirate`s Voyage.

The article mentions these shows being operated by World Choice Investments.  I believe that is actually a wholly owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment which owns these venues, as listed on the HFC website here: http://www.hfecorp.com/our-businesses/  Herschend also owns and operates Newport Aquarium in the Cincinnati area.

Understand why as well..... 

Dolly Parton has said, in an issued statement, it is her desire to expand the Stampede concept into other cities and markets.  Orlando once had a Dixie Stampede until they suddenly sold the property to outlet mall developers.  Perhaps other markets may mean Northern cities where the Dixie moniker would have limited sales value.  Or perhaps Parton has designs on expanding into locations adjacent to other amusement parks not necessarily associated with Herschend Entertainment.  Current SeaWorld CEO Joel Mamby (former CEO of Herschend Entertainment) has expressed a desire and business plan to monetize underutilized land at SeaWorld locations.  Cedar Fair has likewise embarked upon an effort to develop businesses beyond the gate of there parks.

The confederate flags were removed from the signage, promotions, commercials, and show productions many years ago.  It has long become "Dixie" in name only.  The flag images had been downplayed and removed and the show began to take on Western characteristics such as Buffaloes, wagon trains, and monument valley type backdrops.  Gone were the ole white plantation sets of earlier years productions.  

The removal of the "Dixie" name has caused quite a stir on social media particularly in the East Tennessee region.  It seems to be a major point of pride for many people.  Which is a bit odd given most of the East Tennessee region, and especially Sevier County (Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville), were predominantly on the side of the North in that unpleasant incident.  The Rebel flag was a rarity in these here parts until about the 1960's.   

And without getting too political the rise of the flag in preference was also around the same time of civil rights marches....

I think it’s just the sign of the times. Move on and let the past go, kill it if you must.


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