What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1272416
BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette I t happened without a lot of fanfare — because, let's face it, it's been a strange season at Silver Dollar City. But the much-anticipated new water ride, Mystic River Falls, officially opened for passengers on July 21. The $23 million addition to the Branson theme park was announced in August 2019. Designed by the park in partnership with Swiss firm RES — Ride Engineers Switzerland — and Barr Engineering, the ride's claims to fame include "tallest drop on a water raft ride in the Western Hemisphere" and a "one-of-a-kind rotating, four- platform, eight-story lift." Passengers in round boats will ascend an eight-story tower, travel along 180 feet of waterway elevated six stories and splash down a 45-foot waterfall. Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Attractions, said when the ride was announced that passengers might "laugh so hard you snort — and you will certainly get wet!" The ride isn't the only thing new in that section of the theme park. The adjacent Rivertown area, just behind the Riverfront Playhouse, includes a new barbecue restaurant, Rivertown Smokehouse, adding another $4 million to the construction tab. Thomas said an SDC team traveled to the best barbecue restaurants in the country to choose the menu for the 400-seat facility — the largest restaurant ever constructed in the park's history — creating a menu of smoked-on-site brisket, turkey, pork, sausage and chicken, along with signature scratch-made sides and desserts. Also, just across the way is an all-new bakery, Clara Belle's Cinnamon Bread, specializing in Silver Dollar City's famous cinnamon bread — only now each loaf bakes in an individual pan designed to capture all the gooey icing, butter and cinnamon. The bakery offers peach, apple and original versions along with a variety of other items. First Presbyterian Church of Rogers 1901 S 26th St • Rogers, AR 479-636-5542 www.fpcrogers.com Sunday Bible Study 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Join us every Sunday at www.facebook.com/ FPCRogers/ Independent & Level 2 Assisted Living Community 2300 SE 28th Street | Bentonville 479.273.9969 www.themeadowsinbentonville.com We are a Family Owned and Operated Award Winning Level 2 Assisted Living Community located in Bentonville Best of Northwest Arkansas the JULY 26-AUGUST 1, 2020 WHAT'S UP! 5 WATCH THIS! Mystic River Falls See video of Silver Dollar City's new water ride, Mystic River Falls, here: nwaonline.com/mysticriverfalls726 FAQ Silver Dollar City WHEN — Moonlight Madness starts this weekend with hours until 10 p.m. — and some evenings until midnight — through Aug. 9 WHERE — Branson, Mo. COST — Moonlight Madness tickets are $30, all ages INFO — 800-888-7277 or silverdollar city.com FYI — Upcoming concerts feature Newsboys on Aug. 1 and Diamond Rio on Aug. 6. Traditional festivals are on the schedule too, including Southern Gospel Picnic (Aug. 27- Sept. 7); Harvest Festival featur- ing Crafts and Pumpkins In The City (Sept. 23-Oct. 31); and An Old Time Christmas (Nov. 7-Dec. 30). BRANSON Mystic River Finally Falls Silver Dollar City celebrates unique new ride With the Mystic River headwaters unknown, the adventurers of today seek to find a fabled waterfall that could mark the end of the raging river. They follow the path of Pearl, a young adventuress, along the challenging, winding waterways in pursuit of the legendary headwaters. (Courtesy Photo) See Mystic Page 40