[swampfox43]

CNN has an article on the web about the uncertain future of Tweetsie. Man, this little park has been getting a lot of recognition on TV lately and the web. Here is a link to the article:

<a href='http://www.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/05/27/tweetsies.future.ap/index.html' target='_blank'>CNN Tweetsie article</a>

[Dukeis#1]

A Boone area newspaper, The Watuaga Democrat, has an article on the park as well:

<a href='http://www.wataugademocrat.com/2005/0516web/tweetsie.php3' target='_blank'>The Watauga Democrat- Lease worries may close Tweetsie</a>

Still no news of what the park's final decision is, but there is some more interesting information. The article says the park will continue to operate as scheduled in 2006 and 2007. However, if a move does occur the park probably wouldn't open in 2008 at all.

[Dukeis#1]

Another <a href='http://wataugademocrat.com/2005/0620web/tweetsiehiresfirms.php3' target='_blank'>article</a> appeared in the Watauga Democrat today.

Apparently Tweetsie has hired two firms that will aid in shaping the park's future.

Kennedy Advisors will help Tweetsie explore potential sites and help in discussions with local governments that have expressed interest in hosting the park, while Bullock Smith & Partners, an architectural and planning firm that specializes in theme parks, will be evaluating possible sites and drawing plans for an expansion of the existing park if the leases can be renewed.

In the past, Bullock and Smith has done work for Six Flags, Holiday World, and Opryland.

[montumax]

While we're revisiting old threads...

Here's a good story/rumour/pile for ya...

(I forgot to tell you this when you stopped by last night, LocoDriver...great to see you again btw...you 'd better make it to C3 <g>)

...lady came in my store last night and told me that Dollywood was interested in buying Tweetsie. No real details but it came from somebody who works in the government in that area (I think that's what she said.)

[bgwfreak]

Wow! Dollywood 2 only 2 hours away!!???!!!

That'd be awesome. Hope it works out.

[Dukeis#1]

That rumor has been around for a long time...I can recal hearing it (and similar tales) 10 or more years ago. I think the rumors originated because Dollywood and its predecessors have had ties to Tweetsie over the years, so such chatter came about at some point.

It would be great if Dolly or HFE did aquire Tweetsie. They could probably do a lot with the existing theme the park has and bring it on level with their other attractions.

You never know though, it does seem like perfect timing for something like that to happen. Plus Tweetsie is in the alley of what they like, family oriented attractions. :ph34r: