It's so much fun working in the "all ages" environment we have here at Holiday World.
There's so much energy mixed in with the sense of history. We've helped make memories for 67 years.
One drawback I've found, though, is having to explain pop-culture references to the younger generation.
Pop-culture references from, admittedly, a long time ago. Having to explain tends to take a little of the fizz out of the "pop."
For instance, a few years back we welcomed a new Maintenance Director.
Tony Perkins.
If you're a Hitchcock fan or were around in 1960, you'll recognize the name. And, like me, you've probably already heard, "Eeeee! Eeeee! Eeeee!" in your head and made stabbing motions with your right hand.
If, however, you're wondering who Hitchcock is, I will shed a quiet tear.
Anyway, we've already told Tony's story here, so I'll continue with the next example.
Yesterday (our last day of "daily operation" for 2013), I mentioned that I hoped we wouldn't need to get out the Moose costume today.
"Watch it, Paula, you're dating yourself," teased Jason, our Foods Director.
Seriously? We've jumped ahead to 1983 now. Isn't National Lampoon's Vacation on every family's annual viewing list? I posed the question on our Facebook page and received instant affirmation.
And more than 700 likes.
Our next example, well … I'll think about that tomorrow.
We recently hosted two lovely visitors from Hong Kong's Ocean Park. They were here for a tour, some friendly networking, and to witness their park's plaque being added to our Applause Fountain in the Christmas Plaza.
We remember well how exciting it was a decade ago to be the smallest park ever to win the Applause Award. Every two years since, we've happily added a plaque to the fountain naming the newest winner of this international award.
When VP Eric told me the names of the two park reps – Executive Director of Operations & Entertainment Todd Hougland and Director of Marketing Vivian Lee – my immediate response was, "Fiddle-dee-dee!"
The long pause over the phone caused me to sigh. I'd done it again.
This time the reference was from a flick released in 1940. Neither of us happened to be around back then. But the female star of this epic film shares a name with our new friend from Hong Kong.
Well, tomorrow is another day and whether or not you give a dang we'll probably find another pop culture reference.
Such as …
… the third person back on this Wildebeest boat.
He sort of looks like a certain bespectacled wizard boy we've all watched grow up, don't you think?
