September 11, 2023
Jack and Peter Herschend and business partner Dolly Parton were bestowed the Industry Legends Award by Amusement Today, a leading amusement industry trade magazine late afternoon on Saturday, September 9.
The Industry Legends honor is given annually during the Golden Ticket Awards, known as “…the Oscars of the amusement industry.” The award recognizes individuals, facilities and attractions that have set the standard for excellence worldwide within the amusement industry. This year’s award ceremony was hosted at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
“Jack and Peter have been trailblazers in this industry on a national and global scale,” said Brad Thomas, president of the Silver Dollar City Company. “Their innovative leadership, love for their employees and care for the Ozark Mountains have endured for generations and expanded beyond the tours of Marvel Cave in 1950.”
From that original cave tour operation, Jack and Peter – along with their parents, children and employees – grew a family business known today as Herschend Enterprises. The company is widely recognized as the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions organization, which includes Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, and many other beloved attractions around North America.
“Peter and Jack Herschend set such high standards for themselves, the staff and their parks,” said Tim Baldwin, Golden Ticket Awards communications coordinator with Amusement Today. “Their core values and dedication to building family memories is inspiring.”
During this year’s annual award ceremony, Silver Dollar City was named a finalist in six categories: Best Guest Experience, Best Wooden Coaster (the record-breaking, upside-down Outlaw Run), Best Christmas Event, Best Food, Best New Show, and Leadership.
The family re-branded Marvel Cave Park and officially opened Silver Dollar City in May 1960 to better serve the growing crowds “above the ground.” Today, Silver Dollar City welcomes more than two million guests each year. The 1880s theme park features 40 rides and attractions, including record-breaking roller coasters, a demonstrating crafts colony 100 artisans strong, and nine world-class festivals and events with a variety of entertainment and live concerts. This year, Silver Dollar City was named the No. 1 Theme Park in the Country by TripAdvisor and USA Today’s 10 Best.
Silver Dollar City is open through Dec. 30, featuring Harvest Festival and Pumpkins In The City, presented by Humana, beginning Sept. 16, and Golden Ticket Award Finalist An Old Time Christmas, presented by Humana, starting Nov. 4. For a full calendar of operating dates, visit silverdollarcity.com.
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All Herschend News