In May 2009, Dollywood guests were able to fly like an eagle over Dolly’s 150 acre theme park and experience the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains with the opening of SkyZip. SkyZip became the first multiple station zip-line experience to open in a U.S. theme park. The hour-long, premium SkyZip Dollywood adventure included five zip-line treks, ranging in length from 100 to nearly 1,000 feet, and a 100-foot long swinging bridge perched above the trees. Each zip-line is an elevated and inclined wire from which a pulley and seating apparatus are suspended, allowing the guest to move between two points via gravity.
The zip-line adventure provided an environmental and historical tour of undeveloped and unspoiled property surrounding Dollywood. It was hosted by specially-trained adventure guides as part of Dollywood’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Dolly is proud of her Tennessee Mountain Home, so when officials from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) asked her to serve as the park’s celebrity ambassador during its 75th anniversary, she answered with a resounding YES! Dolly said,
"Having grown up and lived in the heart of these beautiful mountains, my love for this area is deep and genuine. The mountains have inspired so much of my music, and through my songs, I’ve always been sort of an unofficial ambassador for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I’m truly honored to join this yearlong celebration."
To commemorate the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th anniversary, Dollywood unveiled a new show, "Sha-Kon-O-Hey!." The 45-minute musical production incorporated scenic elements and stage effects never before seen at Dollywood. "Sha-Kon-O-Hey!" captured the spirit of the mountains and the rich heritage of the people who call them home. The title, Sha-Kon-O-Hey is the phonetic spelling of "Shaconage," the Cherokee word which means "land of the blue smoke."
River Battle is a themed water raft ride equipped with powerful soaker guns. As the rafts navigate the waters, the battle begins as passengers, each armed with a soaker gun, take aim at each other and more than 100 targets along the way. Among those targets are large-scale "talking animals"—beavers, skunks, otters, bears and more. Beware, while rafters are soaking each other in raft-to-raft sparring, they also can "shoot" observers along the way. Even family members looking on can enjoy the River Battle fun! Dolly said,
"When I was a kid, me and my brothers and sisters used to sneak away and start up a river battle of our own, but I never dreamed that kind of childhood fun would end up creating a great ride like my new River Battle."
Dollywood took home top honors in several categories at the 2007 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo. "The Great American Country Show" won the prestigious Heartbeat Award during the Big E Awards ceremony. This was the second consecutive year Dollywood claimed the Heartbeat Award; "Dreamland Drive-In" won the honor the previous year.
The Heartbeat Award recognizes the show that demonstrates superior overall ability in reaching the hearts of its audience. Candidates are judged on the commitment of the cast, the quality and content of the production and the effectiveness on the part of the producing organization in seeking to create a special connection with its audience.
She raised her right hand and recited the Girl Scout promise with the Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council. In a ceremony held at Dollywood, she received her very own sash and 30 badges. The badges highlight her accomplishments in community service, theater, art, literacy, songwriting, and environmental advocacy among other areas. Becoming a Girl Scout was a dream come true. She said,
“This great honor lets me live out a dream and to be part of an organization that stands for many of the same values I do and Dollywood does.”
Glenda McCarter-Johnson attended Sevier County High School with Dolly. She is now president of Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council. The two friends were in the 4-H Club together.
Knowing Dolly’s dream of joining the organization and her exemplary life, Glenda knew Dolly would make a great Girl Scout. Glenda said,
“Dolly realizes the importance of a program that helps girls grow into young women of courage and confidence.”
