Silverwood, june 20, 2015

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

1

2

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

Welcome to Silverwood Theme Park’s

28

th

S

season!

ince the late 1980s, it has been offering plenty of opportunities for fun for visitors from around the country. The largest theme park in the Northwest now includes more than 220 acres of activities and attractions, from an antique steam locomotive to exciting roller coasters to some of the best water slides around.

Fast Facts: Silverwood Theme Park Location: About 15 miles north of Coeur d’Alene on U.S. 95, about 40 minutes from Spokane.

What it offers: More than 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions, including four roller coasters and Boulder Beach, a water park.

Hours/dates of operation: Gates open at 11 a.m. daily through Labor Day, and closing time varies depending on the day of the week. In September, the park is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends only. Scarywood, Silverwood’s October promotion, takes place Thursdays - Saturdays Oct. 3 through Oct. 30.

Size: 221 acres.

Number of guests: 10 million over 27 years, more than 679,000 in 2014.

Number of employees: 95 year-round and 1,400 seasonal.

Payroll: $8.5 million.

Economic impact: $85.5 million in 2014.

How to get tickets: Buy at the gate, or SAVE when you buy online at www.silverwoodthemepark.com.

The upcoming season is going to be great! Though there aren’t any new large attractions this year, the park staff has spent the off-season making improvements to much of the infrastructure, behind the scenes, including: • An expanded train show, with more cast members and higher-quality choreography and stunts. It’s also the 100th anniversary of Old No. 7, the park’s steam locomotive, which is even more reason to take a ride.

• New colorful signs and updated scenery throughout the park • New buildings in the Country Carnival area, including Kettle Corn, Sugar Shack and Glimmer n’ Glow.

• A new lift for the Log Flume which makes the loading and unloading more stable and smooth.

• The addition of Arlene to the line-up of Garfield and Odie.

• A new “geyser” outside of Thunder Canyon that spectators can use to spray people on the wet and wild ride.

With more than 70 rides and attractions, there’s no shortage of things to see and do, no matter your age.

The park is also offering other fun ways to experience the park, such as various special events and even a few Facebook days, where people who follow the park on that particular social network can find out early entrance, discounts and other special deals.

For details about what’s new this year and classic attractions that are worth checking out year after year, please continue to enjoy this section!

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

Traditions for Families of all ages continue Ultimately, Silverwood Ultimately Silverwo wood Theme Park is about families, wo families and owner Gary Norton and park management work hard to make sure all ages feel welcome and have their favorite activities, attractions and traditions.

This can include everything from rides just for little ones to more intense coasters for bigger ones, and maybe even more mellow rides that kids and grandparents can ride together.

There are lots of places to sit and watch the crowds go by, and places to jump right in.

One area especially intended for families is Garfield’s Summer Camp, which was expanded in 2014. Along with some classic rides like the Helicopters, visitors now have access to the Krazy Coaster, a medium-intensity roller coaster and the Puppy-Go-Round, a dog-themed carousel.

Both are perfect sizes for children, but there’s also space for other family members to come along for the ride.

The rides will be similar to the Butterflyer and Barnstormer, two newer rides that also allow grown-ups to ride alongside the kids.

Sometimes the kids may want a parent or grandparents to come along but there isn’t room or there are height restrictions. Or a kid may feel big enough to ride by

the themselves, as long as someone is there to watch them.

The family area is also a good place to see Garfield, Odie or the new addition of Arlene.

They may be wandering the park or available for photos at certain times of the day.

Families also can check out the Kids Kafe, and get some family-friendly items such as a box lunch, hot dogs and self-serve ice cream.

Of course, there are other treats that can be found in all areas of the park and Boulder Beach.

Bring your group of 20 or more and SAVE on admission.

PLUS enjoy value-priced all-you-can-eat buffet meals, all day all-you-can-drink beverage bands, early entry and more. For information call 208.216.4300 or email

groups@silverwoodthemepark.com SILVERWOODTHEMEPARK.COM

3

4

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

Happy birthday Old No. 7!

Aftershock, Spin Cycle and Tremors are super cool for sure.

But if you had to pick one ride that truly represents the past, present and future of Silverwood Theme Park, it has to be Old No. 7.

The park’s steam locomotive and about 3-1/2 miles of track was the first feature that Gary Norton brought to his property north of Coeur d’Alene in the mid-1980s. In a now-classic story, he set his sights on a retired silver mining train at an auction of old railroad and mining memorabilia, and successfully outbid several other theme parks for the privilege of taking it home.

Of course, his home at the time was an old private airfield and surrounding forestland in North Idaho, and he later admitted he didn’t quite have any idea of what to do with the sizeable purchase.

But he decided to lay the track in a big loop and fire the train up, and soon decided to add more features to make Silverwood a fun local destination.

Now, more than 27 years later, the train still chugs around the track several times a day, and Silverwood has become Idaho’s top attraction.

Visitors say they enjoy the chance to slow down and see the park and surrounding forests, the herd of bison, the Old West show, and this year, Professor McGillicuddy, the elusive Sasquatch and other surprises.

Improvements have been made over the years, including more things to see along the route, and the increased professionalism of the Old West show, under the direction of Chris Tortora, better known as Marshall Jack.

Tortora previously worked at Universal Studios Florida and in law enforcement before being asked to improve the quality of the show. He recruited a team of actors and taught them stunts, and changed the sets around.

Now the show is always fun and exciting, whether you’ve seen it once or dozens of time.

Plus, elements are always changing depending on the day and cast, so there’s always something new to experience.

This year, Old No. 7 celebrates its 100th birthday – while there won’t be a formal birthday party for this r created by Lily old workhorse, make which features a cove tions can be ibu sure your visit to the Swenson. Other contr at d park includes this seen on this page an hotos/ special piece of history! spokane7.com/reader-p

Park visitors this season can pick up a new keepsake publication: the No. 7 ACTIVITY BOOK,

We want to see you aboard ! be Old No. 7 ontheisto susebmasiton experience – it could photos of their train th wi We invite every fun, it could be a shot ily shot watching the fam a be ot of uld sh co r it pe e, su lfi a a se . Maybe or other cast members tie Ka ty pu .

De 11 k, pt.

Jac Se Marshall d Friday itted between now an bm su be n ca s y oto da Ph e ers receiv the scenery! for more details. Winn / tos ho r-p de rea m/ Visit spokane7.co asons. in the 2015 or 2016 se passes into the park

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

C

hris Tortora didn’t think anything would top his encounter with a young boy who didn’t want to stop riding the train.

“This was really a favorite memory for me – he told his grandpa he wanted to go on it again – not later in the day, but right now,” said Tortora, better known as Marshall Jack, one of the heroes of the Old West show that’s part of the steam locomotive experience at Silverwood Theme Park.

But then last year he had an even better experience.

“There was this macho guy who ended up having the best time,” he said. “He was laughing the whole time, wanted to pose for pictures with everyone, and just loved every minute of it.

Seeing adults turn into kids is really one of my favorite parts of this.”

Marshall Jack and a cast of heroes and villains are part of the train adventure every day, along with a scientist and perhaps a mysterious Sasquatch.

Every show is a little different, and Tortora works hard to make sure the show is fun and more importantly safe for the cast.

They train regularly in Hollywood-style stunts, using choreography, fight coordination and other techniques Tortora picked up as a stuntman at Universal Studios in Florida.

The whole 2014 cast came back as well, along with some new faces, especially in the bandit category.

“This year, people are going to see a great show, with even bigger and better fights,” he said. “Our show is becoming so popular we had to add more people – people get so excited about the train now.”

Tortora even “kidnapped” a friend and a longtime Disney World Imagineer/scene artist to come up to the park over the winter to help create concepts for fun ways to expand the sets and the show for this season.

“We drove 3,000 miles in three days, and got here right in a

snowstorm, but he went right to work,” Tortora said.

After he came up with detailed drawings and a game plan, Facilities Manager Chris Lempesis and park craftsmen made them happen.

Passengers should expect more characters, a “larger” role for Sasquatch, a lot more laughs and a lot more stunts, including one bandit who falls off a 25-foot water tower.

If that isn’t enough fun, there is a new chance for audience interaction.

When each trip starts, a certain number of volunteers will be chosen to audition to be part of the show and will be provided with costumes and a few lines.

“The audience participation will blow people away,” he said.

Passengers should also prepare to be robbed – with proceeds given to Children’s Village at the end of each season. Tortora said some people even hit the ATM before departure to make sure they have something to give the bandits.

He said people should come ready to be entertained.

“I can teach anyone to do stunts or take direction, but I can’t teach anyone to have a good attitude or a work ethic, and this cast has both of them – they’re really bringing it,” he said. “I can honestly say this is going to be our most exciting season yet!”

All aboard!

e. s year really took the cak ent, but one earlier thi fer dif one k le litt too a its is nd w ba sho Every taking loot, the she walking down the aisles , al ng eri usu ir che the re of we d s tea Ins her friend a kidnap victim. Though wn on woman off the train as off his bandana, got do lled pu m the of e on til un d, ne cer was a little con r to marry him. . one knee and asked he posal,” said Chris Totora rlier to help with the pro ea lfriend’s us gir ed his e ach sur pro de ap e ma “H on the set, and him t pu it, nd ba a as pp whole kidna ing “We costumed him t train. She thought the rec cor the on t ge r he friends made w.” thing was part of the sho

5

6

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

d e o x o p w e r r e i ence! v l i e g n S e e e e r r v a o tions l Th

E

very good trip Silverwood Theme Park starts with “The Horse Tornado,” which is what Arlene Williams’ family calls the park’s classic carousel.

“Then they love the big swing, then the bumper cars, then the Log Flume,” she said. “I think we like all of them – the kids think the whole park is their own private Idaho.”

Williams started visiting Silverwood years ago when her kids were little, and now has begun visiting regularly again now that her kids are having their own little ones – and Silverwood is a perfect place for families.

“It’s fun, comfortable, clean, and everybody’s friendly,” she said.

Often, they wait until late afternoon to hit the park – by then, some guests are heading home just as the family is getting started. On long summer days, they can still enjoy several fun hours in the park before nightfall.

“We usually do the rides first, or if it’s extremely hot, we’ll hit the water park,” Williams said. “The kids love swimming.”

It’s often Williams, her daughter and two grandchildren, although sometimes one of Williams’ friends brings along her grandchildren as well, so they always have a fun group.

Every season is a blast, but this year is going to be extra special for one of her grandsons – he’s grown just tall enough to ride Timber Terror.

“He started wanting to ride it when he was 3, and that was three years ago, and everyone had to tell him he wasn’t tall enough year after year,” Williams

Silverwood is all about families.

said. “Finally, at just about the end of last season, he was tall enough.”

He loved his first ride on it, and now is looking forward to plenty of rides aboard the favorite wooden coaster.

“We went opening weekend this year, but he didn’t want to wait in line,” she said. “Now he’s looking forward to being tall enough to go on Tremors.”

The family is also a big fan of the Lazy River at Boulder Beach.

“Silverwood is just a great place to take the whole family,” she said. “When people come visit and we try to figure out what to do, it’s usually Silverwood!”

Williams especially enjoys seeing the park through different perspectives over the years.

“We like watching the kids and grandkids enjoy the rides and all of their smiles,” she said. “Whatever we do, everyone loves, from the magic show to getting ice cream – you have to stop for ice cream. It’s a great place and it’s easy to relieve your childhood through your kids and grandkids.”

d sparkles in spite of c o o w r e hallenges Silv

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

7

A

comment often heard about Silverwood Theme Park is how clean it always looks – and with thousands of visitors each day – more than 679,000 last year alone – it’s a challenge doing this day after day.

To make this happen, the park has a sizeable staff dedicated to taking care of basic wear and tear but a larger goal of making everything as pleasant to look at as it is to enjoy the attractions. This includes everything from daily landscaping to fresh signage to coming up with different looks for different areas and attractions.

“We’re always working,” said Chrissy Wortman, the Director of Theme Design. “We have some of the best people around.”

In the winter, the teams focus on internal fixes such as fresh paint, wallpaper, larger repairs, and any repurposing of buildings. By February, plants are already started in the greenhouses and moved outside by spring. Other interior and exterior work takes place in the spring park-wide.

“Our annuals start going in by late May, which is when the color really starts to pop,” Wortman said.

If there’s a new attraction or section coming, she and other team members plan all the details of where it will be located, including colors, landscaping, signage and other fixtures.

This season, since there wasn’t a new area, the original plan was to make larger changes like move bigger plants around and change the look of some areas.

“But Mother Nature had other plans,” Wortman said.

A sudden summer storm hit the RV Park hard last summer – it knocked down quite a few trees and also weakened others that needed to be removed so they won’t pose a threat to guests or their property. There wasn’t time to plant seedlings and let them grow over time, since part of the appeal of the campground is the forest surroundings.

“We had to put in new full-grown trees and start irrigating them at the same time that we had people wanting to come in to start camping,” she said. “The grounds crew has been doing a great job taking care of all of this.”

Along with big fixes to the RV Park, she said the maintenance staff built new themed buildings for Kettle Corn and the Glow Shop,

e Design

, Director of Them

Chrissy Wortman

which both can be seen when you enter the Games area.

Wortman has special praise for the Grounds and Landscaping crews, many of whom come back year after year.

“This team has slowly been building over time, and now they really work so well together and achieve so much,” she said.

Over the winter, the park brought in local master gardeners to work with the team so they could all benefit from the advanced knowledge.

She said the park enjoys showing off the landscaping, especially to those who appreciate the behind-the-scenes work involved. One local garden group even came up specifically to look at the grounds and didn’t even want to go on the attractions.

“We love meeting with different garden clubs, and we’re happy to give tours if anyone wants to come see the gardens,” she said.

8

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

h return visitors t i w r r t o o a N l n u p k M o c p i a w gic Sho N Not all that long ago, when Nick Norton asked the audience who has seen his show before, just a handful of people raised their hands.

These days, more than half the place cheers, which tells Silverwood Theme

Park’s resident magician a couple of things: people like coming back, and they also don’t necessarily want the same show.

“We work hard to give people the best show we can,” said Norton, who plans to perform “Phantasm” two to three times each day, seven days a week. A few seasons ago, he gave himself a couple of days off each week while a guest magician filled in. But he found that guests didn’t want to accept any substitution.

Show fans know that it’s usually just him up there with only his wits, quick fingers, a couple of lovely assistants and some welltrained birds.

But this season, he’ll be sharing top billing with Dr. Cosmos, a crazy old inventor, who will present his occasionally successful creations as he tries to “find that place between science and magic.”

“Instead of another Nick Norton show, Dr. Cosmos gives us a chance to introduce and play around with a new character,” Norton said. “He’s always trying to make the world a better place – and if he catches on with audiences, we’ll get to see him more and more.”

The 30-minute show includes plenty of illusions and sleight-of-hand. Norton has trained with top magicians over the years, he also works with a talented technical team that makes each show a full multi-media experience, including lights, sound, video, CGI, live birds and more.

“Tech has really come into its own, and we can now control every aspect of the show,” he said. “Guys like Eric Young and Gary Banks can do so much.”

Costumes for Phantasm are also first-rate, and designed by Theresa McLean, who previously worked for Ringling Brothers circus.

Those who have seen a Nick Norton show know that he doesn’t just do a bunch of tricks and send you on your way.

He focuses on making the show entertaining, with plenty of humor and audience interaction.

“I like to come out a little early to check out the audience,” he said. “If the front row is full of kids, I’ll gear things more for them, or if there’s a huge family reunion where everyone is all together I’ll see if I can include them somehow.”

Besides the appearance of Dr. Cosmos, Norton is adding other elements – he’ll continue to ask for an audience volunteer to be the guest magician, but has added a new role for a guest magician’s assistant.

There are always little modifications taking place, which is great for people who like to catch the show multiple times.

“We actually change the show each time,” Norton said. “We also love seeing the same families year after year – I get hugs from people who have been coming for 15 years.”

“Phantasm” takes place each day in Silverwood’s Theatre of Illusion.

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

H

aving a great day at the Northwest’s largest theme park is only part of the fun these days.

Another important component is sharing your experience on social media, something that Silverwood Theme Park is making easier and easier.

Media Manager Jordan Carter said the park is always excited when guests let everyone know about the good time they’re having – and he and other park employees do the same.

“Every day we’re putting up new stuff, hoping to keep people engaged and having fun,” Carter said. “We really focus on expanding the park’s digital experience. Plus, social media allows followers to see a glimpse of what happens when the park isn’t open.”

During the off-season, Carter likes posting photos about what the park is like when it’s empty and covered in snow and favorites like the bumper cars or roller coasters go in storage.

When the park is open, the park’s media features all sorts of attractions, including people enjoying rides, food, entertainment or many other activities.

He also shares info about upcoming promotions and special events that you’ll only know about if you’re plugged into a particular network.

“We like to reward people who follow us,” he said. “We’re always doing giveaways, and we’re planning more Facebook/Fan Appreciation Days this season with early entrance opportunities and other fun.”

Facebook is a prime platform for the park, and more than 145,000 people world-wide “like” the park. Silverwood also purchases Facebook ads for users in Seattle, Portland and Calgary.

Some Facebook posts have included pictures of what The park also has the park looks like in winter, top, or information a recently expanded about the different coasters.

YouTube channel, with videos of rides, employees and just goofy activity in the park.

Silverwood has a Twitter page and an Instagram account that Carter enjoys contributing to since the park is so visual.

“We have Pinterest too, where we try and show off the beautiful gardens, our great looking food and more,” he said. “We’re planning on doing more with this.”

One new channel for 2015 is Snapchat, which lets Jordan put up a photo or quick video for only a few seconds that only followers can see.

“This gives us a unique opportunity to show some of the behindthe-scenes activity that not everyone gets to see, like in areas where guests aren’t allowed, or what happens in the park when it’s not open,” he said. “We’re finding that Snapchat can be a little more organic, spontaneous and a little intimate, and we’re seeing more and more theme parks having fun with it. Our followers really have taken hold of it well.”

The park also offers an email newsletter that people can subscribe to that discusses upcoming promotions and activities. It’s a good way to know about season pass sales or approaching season openers.

Carter encourages people to follow Silverwood on their favorite social platforms, especially if they use hashtags like #silverwood or #silverwood4fun to let others know the good times they’re having.

“We’re getting a lot of high traffic and a lot of awareness,” he said.

“It has been fun to see the results.”

One of the parts he especially likes is hearing suggestions from guests on ways to improve the park experience, from future attractions to simple touches. The need for a family bathroom in Boulder Beach, for instance, came from a guest social media suggestion.

“We really like to hear from people and we read every one of these,” he said. “It really is rewarding to see how much people love the park and share their memories.”

9

10

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman Review an S R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman Review an S R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

11

12

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

“Spin Cycle!” ” ! k c o h s r e t “Af ” ! n i a r t e h “ A T “ l l ” ! o f w e B r oulder B c s k r Co

“

each”

The worst thing about Silverwood, at least for Eric Townsend’s family, is that it’s too hard to pick one favorite attraction.

“Spin Cycle!”

“Aftershock!”

“Corkscrew!”

“The train!”

“All of Boulder Beach!”

When pressed to choose just one, the family seems to settle on “everything,” which nicely summarizes how much they enjoy the park they began visiting regularly in 2005.

“Silverwood is a great value,” Eric said. “I love how much fun it is, and how much fun as a parent I have watching my kids.”

The Townsends -- Eric, his wife Joanne and daughters Tabitha and Genevieve -- have enjoyed watching the park grow and become more enjoyable every year.

“More and more things in the world are becoming more and more expensive, but Silverwood isn’t too crazy,” he said.

Eric Townsend said the family usually ends up going to the park at least a half-dozen times each season, sometimes for just a few hours.

They try to follow a routine with every visit, usually starting with the Tilt-A-Whirl, then hitting Coaster Alley, then cooling down on the train ride and often ending up playing at Boulder Beach. It also depends on the number of people with them.

“We’re always going but, once a year, we get the whole family to come up from California, so there’s 19 to 26 of us all playing in the park,” Townsend said. “We have a big crew of grandparents, cousins and everyone else – the kids really

like seeing the grandparents get on the rides.”

The Townsend family is hoping to get out to Silverwood by early June, especially when Boulder Beach opens.

They all have great memories of the park in the last few years, but one of Eric’s goes back much longer.

“I rode the Corkscrew when I was a kid when it was a Knott’s Berry Farm,” he said. “I grew up in California and went on it, so when I found out it had located here, I thought it was pretty cool.”

They’ve enjoyed the experience of being regulars.

“We’re starting to see a lot of familiar faces, and occasionally see some of our friends there,” he said. “And we always do Spin open in all Cycle and Aftershock.”

Silverwood remains ver, some we Ho er. types of weath closed as ily rar po rides may be tem e park now a safety precaution. Th ing system has a weather monitor rms, including that tracks larger sto autions may electrical activity. Prec approaching. be taken if a storm is

Beware of the weather

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

Chris Norman knows that some people aren’t fond of

“the fun police.” police.”

After all, no one likes – or wants to be – that person who has to tell people to follow the rules.

But, as Silverwood Theme Park’s Aquatics and Safety manager, Norman says the best way to make sure your fun isn’t ruined is to follow the rules.

He knows that even a moment of inattention or a wrong step can cause injury or worse.

This year, he’s focusing on centralizing all safety training and risk management, which previously was managed by several different departments.

His goal is that all employees have the training to make sure the guests, and the staff, stay safe. Responsibilities include inspections and repairs, investigations when accidents occur, and follow-up discussions to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“We’ve been working with all the managers on what they can do to ensure the safety of cast members and guests,” he said.

Norman has also been working with team members to update and implement emergency plans and training drills that cover specific scenarios, everything from guests with health problems to people being

stuck on a ride that loses power. Some of these may require support from several different departments, such as Rides, Maintenance, Security, and emergency personnel from outside the park.

“We’ve been doing a lot of fall safety training, and figuring how to get harnesses on guests and get them off attractions safely,” he said. “My goal has been to pick some scenarios that are kind of unusual so people will have to think a park in case their assistance is ever needed. little harder and use Silverwood also recently began working different skills.” with a new safety company which provides Every department safety standards and recommended best now receives a certain practices for every ride. This will help amount of training at the managers know which procedures are being start of each season, but followed or make fixes where needed. others require weekly or If he can point to one suggestion to help monthly refreshers, such guests have a good time, it’s to as the First Aid team and pay attention. the Aquatics team.

“Read the safety signs at every ride, listen Norman adds, to and obey the operator’s instructions, and “While Silverwood ask any questions,” he said. “And has not experienced ride safely.” many significant emergency situations, we are pro-active to ensure we are adequately prepared.”

Lifeguards are required to have at They all seem to be doing least 30-40 hours of training even some sort of weird bobbin g and turning, which is a lot different than before they start working with guests, the “sit still in the tall chairs” guards we’re used to, or even the “runni ng on the beach in slow motion and then at least 24 hours of training moves. ” “Baywatch” each month. Each position in Boulder Silverwood Theme Park’s lifeg uar ds are actually doing exactly they’re supposed to – a tho what Beach also requires an additional 16 rough way of actively scanni ng their assigned area. hours of training.

Rather than looking straigh t ahead or trying to keep trac The First Aid team requires 16people in the water, all of k of certain Boulder Beach’s lifeguards are required to follow a thorough observatio 20 hours of training to even begin nal method where what’s in front of them is divided up into 10 sections. working, along with quite a few Each area must be scanne d over and over during the hours of job shadowing. ir shift to make sure nothing is missed. The y also change locations in “We make sure we really have our the park regularly during their shift to stay aler t.

This style of scanning is mo stuff down,” Norman said. re active than just staring ahe can ad, which som etim es lead to simply zoning out He’s also been working with the or focusing on one area and missing something on the perimeter.

Timberlake Fire Protection District to Don’t be concerned if they don’t make eye contact with make sure they are familiar with the – they hope everyone enj you for long

New visitors to Boulder Beac h Water Park sometimes won der what the lifeguards are doin g.

oys their experience and rem ains they’re busy and are asked to not chat with anyone whi safe. But le ‘on stand,’ since this can potentially take away from their assigned dut few seconds. y, even for a If you do need something, feel free to contact the nea rest lifeguard.

Even if they can’t take time to give you their full attentio n, they’ll be happy to call a manager who can assist with your questio ns or needs.

13

14

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

If Chris Russell had it his way,

you wouldn’t know a thing about Scarywood, other than it’s bigger and more frightening every year.

But since fans of the month-long celebration of spookiness in October love any kind of sneak peek about what’s in store this fall, he can spill the beans a bit.

“We’ll bring back most of everyone’s favorites like Blood Bayou and The Ruins,” said Russell, the park’s special effects designer.

“But we’ll have a lot of improvements everywhere.”

When he and other members of the Scarywood team were looking at what areas to tweak, they started by listening to guests – not just their comments, but their screams.

“The areas that terrified people the most, we try to make more of them,” Russell said. “This means we’re expanding some of the the signature Scare Zones.”

Russell is also working on at least one more still-under-wraps new attraction.

This year, Scarywood will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in October, and purchasing tickets in advance is highly suggested. As the month of October gets closer to Halloween, Scarywood becomes more and more popular with growing attendance every weekend.

Russell said visitors love the experience. The cast also enjoys scaring them too.

“Last year was our best year,” he said. “We

had good reviews, good attendance, great actors – it was a good time for guests and one of the smoothest seasons we’ve had.”

He said hundreds of people help make it happen each night, starting with the park staff who operate the rides and sell food and drinks, the behind-the-scenes staff – “then there are all the freaks in costumes.”

Last year, there were about 140 cast members and a huge support staff.

Not everyone knows that Scarywood is worked on all year.

Russell and another employee stay busy working on costumes and attractions or researching what’s happening in the scare industry, including some attractions that are open all year.

“I even go to fashion shows, concerts or non-scary things just to see what attracts people’s attention,” he said. “A lot of what we do is just building suspense – you can’t just go up to someone and say ‘boo!’”

Seeing what other parks are doing is fun, but also helps Scarywood stay unique.

“So much of what we have here is custom-made,” he said. “You’re not going to see Freddy, Jason or the same haunted house that you’ll see anywhere else.”

everything goes.”

Every night is a little different, and actually, different times of the night may have different energy or attractions. So cast members are always moving around.

“Something that worked great on a Friday with 3,000 people may not work as well on a Saturday when there’s more people,” he said. “There may be a bunch of werewolves in one area that you walk through and when you come back they’re gone – it’s always evolving.”

Scarywood opens Oct. 2 and ends Oct. 30. It’s recommended for ages 13 and older due to frightening content. For more details, to purchase advanced tickets and save, or to book your group of 20 or more for a certain day and save even more, visit www. scarywoodhauntednights.com.

About four months before showtime, more Silverwood members join the effort, including carpenters, electricians, marketing and IT. On each night, Russell is one of four members of the make-up team who get the 140-plus cast members ready to go. Two costumers also help.

“We have four hours to get everyone ready to go,” he said. “Then I leave and walk around, and see how Chris Russell, Special and chills at 2015 ScaEffects Designer, promises more thrills rywood, including mo re clowns.

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

n i s r g s a e t he succ Sh

A

s far as general banditry goes, the gang at Silverwood Theme Park has a pretty good thing going.

They successfully rob four to six train-cars train cars full of park visitors each day, all season long.

Though various marshals and deputies are always on hand to stop further carnage, the crooks always seem to net a nice haul for their efforts.

But not everyone knows that their ill-gotten gains always go to a good cause – at the end of the season, Silverwood Theme Park chooses a local charity to receive the funds.

For the last five years, Children’s Village in Coeur d’Alene has been a grateful recipient, especially when park owners Gary and Jeanne Norton offer to round up the total to an even number. (Like in 2014, when $58,000 was brought in, and the Nortons added $42,000).

SIlverwood Theme Park and the Norton Family are also active in other parts of the community. It helps welcome back soldiers and provides special days in the park for people with special needs. It salutes veterans and gives attention to members of the public safety community. It collects donations for area food banks and support organizations by donating a portion of each ticket purchased by a guest during the last three weekends in September – a true win-win.

The park also encourages its own employees to do their best, including offering scholarships to staff wanting to pursue or continue higher education.

Each spring, the park holds the Night of Stars, where as many as 5,000 physically and mentally disabled guests and those with a terminal illness receive free entrance for a special outing and pavilion meal in the park for themselves and a guest.

Another special program is Reading is the Ticket, which offers K – 8th grade students in the Northwest a ticket into the park each summer in exchange for them reading independently at least 10 hours during the school year.

It’s free for teachers to take part in the program, and all the students have to do is log their hours and turn in their completed form by early spring, and then they receive their passes by the time school gets out.

The program began in 1999 with 4,522 students, and continues to grow every year.

In 2008, more than 44,000 young readers participated, and more than 66,000 took part in 2014. The tickets donated this year equates to more than $3 million.

If you’re a teacher or principal and would like to know more about Reading is the Ticket or for your students to participate, please call Knowledge Unlimited at (800) 356-2303.

Each spring, the park holds the Night of Stars, where as man y as 5,000 physically and men tally disabled guests and those with a terminal illness receive fr ee entrance for a special outing and pavilion meal in the park fo r themselves and a guest.

15

16

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

B

ettina Rinquist still remembers the first time gun-toting robbers demanded money from her and her family.

“I was asking, ‘Oh my God, is this real?’” she said, describing her first trip aboard Old No. 7, the steam locomotive that has been chugging around Silverwood Theme Park for nearly 30 years.

Part of the traditional train experience includes a group of bumbling bandits demanding that everyone empty their pockets and surrender their loot. Giving is optional of course, and the bad guys’ haul is donated to Children’s Village at the end of every season.

But the hold-up can still be unexpected and a little unnerving for first-time riders.

Decades later, she has enjoyed carrying on the tradition.

“I saw the same look of panic in my son’s eyes when he went on the train the first time,” she said. “He and his wife will be having a baby soon, and someday, he’ll hopefully also have the same experience, watching his child wonder what’s going on the first time they take the train trip,”

Silverwood has been a big part of Rinquist’s life since the beginning. She went with her parents as a teen, then brought her kids as an adult, and plans on bringing grandkids.

“It holds so many memories for us,” she said. “It’s such a tradition.”

She first remembers visiting at age 12, where there wasn’t much in the park besides the train and the Corkscrew.

“Originally, it was more like a step back in time, without the amusement park portion they have today,” Rinquist said.

For a long time, she was a “coaster person.” But then Boulder Beach opened, and she decided she preferred the more sedate Lazy River.

“I’m really a water person,” she said. “Now my tendency is to spend as much time in the water as I can.”

Silverwood is present in so many of her and her family’s adventures.

“It seemed like we could make any excuse to go – birthdays, random special occasions, nice days,” she said. “When I got divorced,

the only thing that would cheer me up, of course, was Silverwood.

Then I got remarried, and you’ll never guess where we went before we actually left on our honeymoon!”

Her husband also has his own memories of the park going back years.

“He said he still remembers going to the magic show as a kid,” he said.

In her husband’s memory, the magician asked for some money, and her dad offered a big bill that the magician made disappear.

Unfortunately, he never gave it back, and after the show, his anxious dad went to claim it, and the magician told him to check his wallet.

There it was.

“My husband remembers being so amazed and his father was amazed as well,” Rinquist said.

She and her family are looking forward to the upcoming season, although it will be the first one without her recently deceased father.

“We have a lot of memories of him here,” she said. “He loved the Antique Cars, and as soon as I smell the BBQ, I’ll think of him.

But all of the memories of him at Silverwood are good ones.”

Overall, she calls Silverwood the one constant in her life. She likes how it remains familyowned and local-focused with activities for any age. It’s different than some parks that may just focus on younger visitors. She also likes that Silverwood focuses on giving back to the community, such as the Reading is Fun program.

“I can always count on Silverwood to be there to cheer me up and provide its magic,” she said. “I am just as much a part of the Silverwood family as Silverwood is a part of mine!

Silverwood has done so much to make people enjoy themselves.”

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

n e l e r to join Garfield, Odie this season A Fans of Garfield will be even more excited than a pan of fresh But their main base of operations is going to be Garfield’s lasagna: a third character from Paws is coming this summer. Summer Camp, which is now located in the recently expanded children’s area. In addition to standing This summer, Silverwood will around greeting guests, there’s now a new photo welcome Arlene, who, in the comic area where you can pose for photos with the strip, is part of Garfield’s group of characters at scheduled times. friends. She’s slender and always Garfield was created by Jim Davis and was offers wry commentary on first syndicated in 1978. Today, the their world. comic strip appears in more than She joins Garfield and Odie in 2,400 newspapers worldwide and happily greeting visitors to the is enjoyed by more than 200 million park, which can include readers. In addition to the newspaper plenty of high-fives, strips, there are more than 100 licensed handshakes Garfield products, from video games to comic or posing for books. There have also been two movies, an photos. iPad app, a TV show They can be and more. spotted wandering through the park every day, sometimes separately, sometimes together.

Send Us your train photos!

Local history fans know that the first few decades weren’t as fun as the last few, when Silverwood’s train primarily was used for mining and miner transportation in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

But then park owner Gary Norton purchased it at an auction and brought it to North Idaho, where it now spends its days chugging around the park and being robbed regularly. The train has become one of the most popular rides in the park.

To mark the train’s centennial, we’re inviting readers to share photos of themselves aboard it – it could be something you take this summer or something fun from the past.

We’ll accept any photo that has anything to do with the train experience – a selfie, an image of the family having a good time, a cool motion shot as it goes through the trees, good images of the Old West show, a picture of the elusive Sasquatch, or maybe a nice landscape shot as the train exits the forest and starts heading to Coaster Alley.

Photos can be submitted between now and Tuesday Sept. 8. They can be emailed to contests@silverwoodthemepark.com, uploaded at www.spokane7.com/contests.

The contest is open to all ages.

17

18

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

Silverwood Theme Park Summer Events

More details are available at www.silverwoodthemepark.com/events-deals. Schedules or events are subject to change – please double-check the park web site.

June Father’s Day Weekend June 20-21 Celebrate Father’s Day at Silverwood!

When a family brings Dad to the park and purchases their tickets online or at the front gate, Dad gets in free! (Only one free Dad ticket per family, not valid with any other discounts, coupons, promotions or special offers.) (208) 216-4300

July Fourth of July Extravaganza. July 4 Celebrate America’s independence with patriotic music all day long, in the evening, and one of the best fireworks shows around.

September Coaster Classic Sept. 5-6 Clubs and individuals from across the Northwest who own classic cars are invited to Silverwood Theme Park for a favorite local Labor Day tradition. The 13th annual car show includes a chance to check out great autos and get to know the owners.

Each driver and a passenger receive free

admission to the park, so they’re welcome to take a break from the show by checking out rides or cooling off at Boulder Beach Water Park. Discount admission tickets are available for additional friends or family members. For more details call (208) 683-3400 or visit silverwoodthemepark.com/ coasterclassic.php Grandparents Weekend Sept. 12-13 What better way to celebrate Grandparent’s Day than at Silverwood Theme Park! Silverwood shows their appreciation for Grandmas and Grandpas by admitting them to the park for free when accompanied by a grandchild. For each grandchild that PURCHASES a ticket, they will be given one FREE ticket for Grandpa OR Grandma. Plus everyone receives a special pricing of only $37.99 for General Admission (ages 8-64) and $20.99 for youth/ senior admission (ages 3-7, 65+). A savings of $8 on General Admission and $2 on youth/senior admission.

Community Appreciation Discount Days Food Drive Sept. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27.

Save money and help our local food banks! Save up to $18 on admission. For each general admission sold, $4 will be donated to help local food banks. For each youth/senior tickets sold, $1 will be donated. Purchase tickets at silverwoodthemepark.com.

Park Sale Sept. 12-Oct. 30 We’re cleaning house! Park guests will save 50 percent on all Silverwood souvenir merchandise in our retail stores.

Shop early for your favorite clothes and souvenirs because at these prices they’ll go fast!

Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. Some exclusions apply such as food, beverages, photos, some general merchandise and Scarywood Halloween merchandise.

Scarywood Oct. 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 and 30 The community’s favorite attraction returns for another year of scaring visitors.

Visit www.scarywoodhaunt.com/ for more details.

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

19

20

Marketing Supplement to The Spokesman−Review an S−R Media Company • spokesman.com • Saturday, June 20, 2015

Toyota Driver’s favorite day of Summer!

* e e r F n i t e g s r e v i r D a t o Toy 8th

2 & t s 1 2 July

BY YOUR U O Y O T T H G U BRO DEALERS A T O Y O T L A C O L

*Pick up your voucher at your local Toyota Dealer. One voucher for the driver only.