Food, Fun and a Special Message
Audiences experience a celebration of life in America at Dixie Stampede

By John Richardson - ETC Contributor

Crowd response runs the spectrum from surprised to delighted to awed. The show and meal are choreographed to the delight of all ages. Kids love
it, mom loves that the kids love it, and if momma’s happy, dad is too. They return home and tell their friends and neighbors. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction is one of those experiences you just want to share.

Besides the fabulous four-course feast, the evening is filled with buffalos, horses, racing ostriches, piggies, chicken chasing, and a friendly North/South rivalry. At the conclusion of the competition, the two sides are drawn back together for a grand patriotic finale.

The soundtrack of this very special celebration is Dolly’s original song entitled “Color Me America”, written on September 12th, 2001, following our national tragedy. This emotional patriotic finale showcases horses, riders, singers and dancers in a glittering tribute to life in America. At the crescendo, 50 white doves of peace are released into the air and the crowd is brought to its feet.

“I wanted to express all the feelings I had and how I felt about being part of this great nation. I knew immediately my Dixie Stampede’s finale would be the best place for people to enjoy this special song and feel the pride I felt,” explained Parton.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is two shows in one: a one-of-a-kind juggling and comedy pre-show plus a full-scale arena spectacular. Six tons of real live American buffalo lead the stampede nightly into the massive 35,000 square foot arena. In addition to the 32 horses, the show features a cast of dozens of riders, singers and dancers. Billed as “Branson’s Most Fun Place to Eat,” the show unfolds while guests enjoy a hearty and mouth-watering four-course feast handed out in generous portions by dozens of costumed servers. The audience is divided into two teams for the friendly North/South competition. Guests participate in several races and points are also awarded for “spectator” competitions.

The Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, a Dollywood company, originated in Pigeon Forge, TN, in 1988, as Dolly Parton’s Dinner & Show featuring horses, riders and audience participation on a grand scale. The show has now grown to four locations - in Myrtle Beach, SC, Branson, and Orlando, FL.

For more information about Dixie Stampede, call 417-336-3000 or visit the Dixie Stampede website at DixieStampede.com.