As Dixie Stampede Myrtle Beach, SC prepared for its second Christmas season, Dolly wanted to make sure there was something for everyone. Combining a love story, Christmas traditions and fun, the Christmas show in Myrtle Beach brought the true spirit of Christmas to life.
Dolly’s "The Legend of the Christmas Rose," tells the story of a star-crossed love between a Northern woman and Southern man. The two celebrate their engagement on Christmas Day, 1875 with a parade, singing, dancing and merriment. Soon, a rivalry breaks out between the North and the South. The friendly competitions bring some fun to the table, with audience members taking part in the festivities. The Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus, arrives to complete the celebration at Dixie Stampede's Christmas show in Myrtle Beach, SC!
The holiday theme at Dolly’s dinner attraction is pulled together with elaborate decorations covering the inside and outside, including garland and bows, and strings of shining white lights. Guests also enjoy Dixie Stampede's fabulous four-course family feast complete with our very own Specialty Dessert.
Dolly appeared as herself in the big screen adaptation of the classic television series, 'The Beverly Hillbillies.' The movie starred Jim Varney as the family patriarch Jed Clampett who strikes oil and decides to move to Beverly Hills. Dolly appears in the film to sing Happy Birthday to the Jed Clampett character. The movie is also a reunion of sorts as it reunites Dolly, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman.
Dolly wrote and performed "If You Ain’t Got Love" for the film’s soundtrack.
No summer is complete without going to the fair and that’s why Dolly created the Country Fair at Dollywood. The Country Fair area opened, adding a new feature to Dollywood's skyline, the 60-foot Wonder Wheel ferris wheel. Dolly wanted every child to be as excited about the Country Fair at Dollywood as she was about the county fair when she was young.
“As a little girl, I couldn't wait for the county fair to come to town every year. Everybody got excited about the rides on the midway. I called on those memories when I created the Country Fair area.”
Other popular modern-day midway rides were added, including the Tennessee Twister (also known as the Tilt-a-Whirl) and Twist and Shout (also known as the Scrambler). Nostalgia-themed additions included old-time games and a variety of "blue ribbon" foods to complete the fair experience.
The early start signaled a new trend for the Pigeon Forge area. With the lights on and music playing, the Pigeon Forge off-season began shrinking.
When Dixie Stampede opened in 1988, operators shut down the popular dinner show attraction for the winter in October. The next season, they were from April to October. In 1993, the theatre opened its doors on, March 10.
“The season has definitely lengthened,” said the marketing director for Dixie Stampede. “That’s what we’re all working to do. I think the time when everyone will be open year-round is sneaking up on us fast.”
Dolly opened the sixth season of her Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., with a new featured illusion. While it has been a well-kept secret, rumor is that it involves people disappearing before your very eyes. It is another way to add to the fun.
"The Legend of the Christmas Rose," tells the story of two star-crossed lovers while blending the American Wild West, the Civil War and old-world Southern charm.
This romantic saga tells the story of Sam and Sarah, who were parted by the Civil War. The distance was not enough to ruin their love. Throughout the battles, Sarah and Sam wrote letters to each other, expressing their feelings. Dolly’s "Legend of the Christmas Rose" featured traditional holiday music with Civil War influences, along with square dancing, singing, period costumes, elaborate sets, special effects and friendly competitions.
"The Legend of the Christmas Rose" began showing at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge on November 20, 1992. At the same, a similar Christmas show was performed at Dolly’s attraction in Myrtle Beach, SC.
