January 2012
Looking Back... January 2012
26 January 2012 - 3:04pm
Just what do Santa's Elves do in January?
Every December, there are lots of jokes that Santa "works just one day a year."
But we know better, don't we?
And his Elves keep busy year-round, too.
Take Millie, for instance.
Here she is, over by the former Betsy Ross Doll House.
Former?
That's right. The doll house is moving out of the park.
Don't worry, though, it's just heading down the road a bit.
Did you know the Doll House had an entirely different life before being moved here to the park in 1946?
That sweet little building was the original Santa Claus Post Office, which opened in 1856.
After 65 years here in Santa Claus Land (as the House of Dolls) and Holiday World's 4th of July section, the post office will be moved soon to join the historic Santa Claus statue around the bend on State Road 245.
Back to Millie - she's packing up the hundreds of dolls for safe-keeping.
Here's the 1935 Santa Statue, which we restored last year. Isn't it lovely?
The Santa Claus Museum moved a portion of its collection into the green building next to the statue in time for Christmas visits last year. This is where the Santa Elves performed their letter-answering duties, too.
Mrs. Koch has long dreamed of creating a village with some of the town's historic buildings, and the next step will happen very soon.
Two iconic buildings will join the Santa Statue and Santa Claus Museum in the coming days.
This historic church is nearly ready to go. Originally called the Deutsch Evangelishe St. Paul's Kirche, this 1880 country church long housed a congregation that originated in 1853. It's just beautiful inside ...
Here's where the church and the original post office will be moved to in the next week or so. Although we've had a mild winter so far, it's not easy to plan a move of this magnitude this time of year. But we'll be sure to keep you posted!
Meanwhile, the Santa Claus Museum will post updates on their Facebook page and Twitter feed.
26 January 2012 - 2:34pm
A dollar for your thoughts
(Originally posted 8/24/05)
Want to make Dee Ann blush?
...pay for your party's admission in cash.
And use all $1 bills.
This is Dee Ann's second year as Director of Admissions, and she is never short of a good story.
A few weeks ago, during our weekly directors' meeting, she mentioned the stack of "ones" she had to count one morning over the weekend. In telling us, her face was already taking on a pink glow.
"...there were three young men at my window; they purchased three one-day admission tickets together and handed me a pile of dollar bills. I counted them, and then they handed over another stack. And then another. Trying to make friendly conversation, I asked without thinking, 'Oh, my ... where did you get all of these?'"
Without missing a beat, Bobby Beefcake replied, "We're exotic dancers." Bobby and his buddies, Alan Absamighty and Steven Sikzpak, burst out laughing.
Dee Ann, concentrating mightily, continued counting those bills. At the completion of the transaction, she looked back up and told them with a smile, "Well I must say ... this is a first!" Dee Ann may never have to buy blush again; those three pranksters have had a lasting effect!
24 January 2012 - 6:32pm
Your head will spin!
... when you come down the hill from Christmas to 4th of July this season!
We're making a few changes ...
This craterous space will be colorfully and musically filled by the Star Spangled Carousel.
Here's another angle, just so you get your bearings:
And what Independence Day-themed ride will take the newly-vacated spot right across from Liberty Launch?
The new Sparkler, of course!
Here's a quick video of what our six-story vertical swing ride will look like at night:
24 January 2012 - 5:06pm
Throw Holidog a bone ... er, wiffle ball
It's been a few years, but does anyone remember our retired Dog House game?
Erin, our new Games Director, is bringing the old game out of moth balls.
Or should we say wiffle balls ... that's what you'll need to toss through Holidog's mouth to win a prize.
Do you like the new look? Hmmmm ... maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks!
If you're a Holidog fan, please take a look here on our HoliShop for all sorts of fun souvenirs.
20 January 2012 - 6:53pm
Overheard near the Front Gate
Jim from Franklin, Indiana, emailed us to share a cute story.
At the end of a recent visit, up by our Front Gate, Jim overheard a little boy (maybe four years old) ask his mom:
Why didn't we get to ride that ride?
"Well, honey ... because that isn't a ride, it's a water tower."
Jim also asked about our plans for 3006. Either that was a typo ... or he's a guy who really likes to plan ahead!
(Originally posted 9/7/05)
