It’s one of the most iconic roller coasters in the nation. Now, Fire In The Hole at Branson’s Silver Dollar City will have its very last season amusing adults and thrilling children.
Officials with the park on Monday made the announcement calling it the “Grand Finale” for the indoor coaster.
For Fire In The Hole aficionados, or for those who have never experienced the internationally-awarded Silver Dollar City before, all riders have the opportunity to become part of the journey of this legendary coaster. To celebrate, park creative teams are deep in the process of planning Fire In The Hole special events, parkwide fun and promotions, kicking off March 11 with Spring Break and culminating at the end of December.
“More than 25 million guests have been entertained by the Fire In the Hole adventure since the attraction opened a half-century ago,” said Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Attractions. “Today’s riders include grandparents who remember riding when they were kids, and now they share the fun and unique experience with their grandkids!”
The ride’s storyline is modeled after the real-life mining town, Marmaros, that was located atop Marvel Cave and home to residents of long-ago Ozarks. The attraction, novel in its introduction in 1972, has fire-brigade-themed trains that twist, turn and drop into a burning town where riders are the volunteer firefighters, saving the citizens and battling the flames before getting soaked themselves.
One of the famous lines heard on the ride is “Sadie, I aint got no pants no more. The danged Baldknobbers stole ’em”!” uttered by Red Flanders who is clad in red longjohns.
The announcement of the Grand Finale season coincides with preparation of unprecedented growth slated for the next ten years at Silver Dollar City’s Branson properties. While there is no official word what is ahead, park leadership says they are keenly aware that the iconic ride holds a place in the record books of attractions of the world, therefore, what comes next must carry on the legacy.
Industry experts support the claims. “Fire In The Hole is a true classic from years past – a unique ride that’s a must-ride every park visit,” said Duane Marden, one of the attraction industry’s key experts and founder of RCDB (Roller Coaster Data Base). “Custom-built, enclosed roller coasters are an uncommon thing and Silver Dollar City has operated Fire In The Hole longer than any other. I’m grateful that Silver Dollar City is giving guests fair notice to enjoy this classic ride for one final season.”
Travelers from all over the world are known to come to Silver Dollar City to notch Fire In The Hole in their rider logs of classic coasters. Word from one European expert substantiates the worldwide reputation. “Fire In The Hole is a special ride. As it enters the final season, I feel that it should be celebrated for the ground-breaking ride it is. I sincerely hope I can get back to the park for one last ride.” said Justin Garvanovic, founder of the European Coaster Club. “Knowing what a superb park Silver Dollar City is, I fully expect what is coming next will be something very special – wonderful in a brilliant way, as we Brits would say.”
Silver Dollar City, known for pure old-fashioned family fun, opens March 11, with the 2023 season featuring nine world-class special festivals & events, a demonstrating crafts colony 100 strong, award-winning culinary offerings, entertainment on a dozen stages and 40 rides & attractions.
“This Grand Finale season of the original Fire In The Hole is paving the way for continued growth and new adventures at Silver Dollar City,” said Thomas. “There will be exciting announcements in the future!”
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