Following a shorter than expected break after the first season, Dolly opened her Dixie Stampede in Myrtle Beach for its second regular season on, February 12, 1993. Soon after, Dolly and her attraction received praise from SC Governor Carroll Campbell.
As one of South Carolina’s top new job providers, Dolly’s Dixie Stampede was given the Top Job Creator Award. The dinner show created 200 jobs when it opened in June of 1992. Plans to remain open for 10 months out of the year increased their annual employment. Before the opening of her Dixie Stampede, Dolly was quoted as saying,
“I love to entertain, but I also love to help people,”
when asked about the economic impact of opening a dinner show in Myrtle Beach.
The initial 200 jobs included musicians, singers, trick riders, stable hands, comedians, magicians and horse riders. Because of the show’s success, Dolly and her team had planned to hire even more people for Dixie Stampede's second season.
Guests were welcomed to Dolly's Dixie Stampede for its sixth season by Dixie Belle. If first impressions matter the most, she was something to remember.
The introduction of Dixie Belle added to the Dixie Stampede pre-show experience. Guests are ushered into the saloon, where they can enjoy snacks and specialty, non-alcoholic drinks with some Southern entertainment. Part of the entertainment includes Dixie Belle, the establishment’s fictitious proprietor. Belle greets guests, makes small talk while her piano and banjo players entertain guests with various kinds of music –including ragtime and state songs. Dixie Belle even sings a few songs herself.
Dolly’s Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, opened for its sixth season on March 10, 1993.
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.
Dolly's Dixie Stampede in Myrtle Beach, SC held its grand opening on June 22, 1992, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. Dolly was welcomed by a sold-out crowd and cheers on opening night.
Dolly made quite the first impression to the Myrtle Beach crowd, as she was lowered from the ceiling on a lighted gazebo dressed in true Southern Belle attire. She then made her way around the stage in a horse-drawn wagon. She was met by local and state leaders, including Myrtle Beach Mayor Bob Grissom and South Carolina Lt. Gov. Nick Theodore. She was given the keys to the city and presented with a proclamation from the state.
Before leaving the stage, Dolly told the crowd how excited she was about this new venture in Myrtle Beach.
“This seemed like a wonderful place, just like down in Pigeon Forge, because people love to go to the beaches in the daytime just like in the Smokies they like to go to the parks. At night they like to clean up, go out and be entertained.”
Following Dolly’s appearance, her guests enjoyed a show in the Dixie Belle Saloon and then the main show—which includes trick riding, comedy, audience participation and, of course, a four-course feast.
