The Dixie Stampede
People like to say that when the South lost the Civil War, the War itself became an immortal part of our history. It is fun to reenact the days of the Civil War with the nobility of fighting for a cause that one truly believes in, the women in their lavish, brightly colored satin and taffeta dresses, and the men in their military uniforms. It is the infamous North versus South quarrel that altered and reshaped American history. Although every child and teenager in America will inevitably learn of the conflict, it is important to really put the whole scenario into perspective. What is even better, is to put the conflict into perspective, and have a little fun at the same time!
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, located in Myrtle Beach, SC, is an interactive live dinner show that illustrates a friendly competition between the North and the South. The audience is divided into two separate sections according to which cause they have chosen to support. The show is fast-paced and lots of fun. A narrator gives the audience and an introduction of how the white man first settled in the Americas. He talks of how the settlers first had conflict with the Natives and then, eventually, with one another.
Dinner is served while the show is taking place. First course is a creamy vegetable soup, which is very tasty, followed by a homemade biscuit, herb-roasted potato, corn on the cob, whole rotisserie chicken, pork tenderloin, an apple pastry, and unlimited sweet tea or Pepsi to drink. Mmm mmm good! It is just like your best home-cooking shared with a bunch of friends! Speaking of friends, bring your own group or just make new ones. People are very friendly. While the audience is eating, the members of the Stampede engage in various competitions with each other on horseback. At this time, volunteers from the audience are recruited to participate in the competition by coming down to the arena for some of the fun activities. Some of the action includes an ostrich race, a pig race, and stampeding buffalo. Overall, it is definitely a wild ride to be had! Throughout it all, the audience cheers loudly for their favorite side in hopes of winning as each competition awards the winning side a medal and flag. After the winner is named, both sides join together in a stunning tribute to America. It is a tribute to the resolution of the conflict and how united we stand together. It really is a compelling testimony to both the strength of our wonderful country and of the struggles that America has endured throughout its history.
Someone once told me that in comparison to the rest of the world, America is a teenager. It is still struggling to make its mark on the world and figure out its identity. America has had its share of rocky moments and definite hardships. We, as Americans, have even waged war against our fellow Americans. In spite of all the obstacles to freedom and unity, it is important to remember that we all stand beneath the same flag and that it is up to all of us to join together in tribute to our great nation. The Dixie Stampede is so much more than an entertainment or dining experience. It is a reminder that no matter where we come from, what our background is, or what has happened in our past, we are all Americans. The Dixie Stampede is definitely a must-see attraction on the Grand Strand.
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