by Erika Giovanetti
June 19, 2013. Tweetsie Railroad Wild West Theme Park is one of the High Country’s most unique attractions. See what this park has to offer for the summer 2013 season.
Biscuits, Books & Ballads – June 21
Join the Friends of the Watauga County Library as author Sharyn McCrumb and folk singer Mary Greene bring the Appalachian ballad to life. Dinner includes all you can eat fried chicken, pulled pork barbecue, chicken barbecue, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, potato chips, rolls, cookies, iced tea and lemonade. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets cost $50 ($35 of which is tax deductible) and may be purchased by cash or check at the Watauga County Public Library or here. The event runs from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Tweetsie Railroad Saloon.
Meet Dora and Diego – June 21-23
Dora from “Dora the Explorer” and her cousin Diego from “Go, Diego, Go!” make an appearance at Tweetsie this weekend. Meet and Greet times are 11:00 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
July 4th Fireworks – July 4
Enjoy one of the most popular fireworks shows in the High Country under the stars. After Tweetsie closes at 9 p.m., watch the fireworks show from the venue’s parking lot. Parking is $5 per car, and Golden Rail season ticket holders may park for free. A chicken and barbecue buffet dinner and fireworks viewing is held at the Hacienda. Prices are $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and under. Purchase wristbands at the ticket office.
Cool Summer Nights – Saturday nights in July
Everyone loves a summer night at a theme park. Tweetsie will remain open until 9:00 p.m., rather than 6:00 p.m., on Saturday nights in July. These nights feature special train show rides at dusk with a great view of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Meet SpongeBob and Patrick – July 12-14
Nautical buddies SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star swim out to Tweetsie for some fun in the High Country. Meet and Greet times are 11:00 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
K-9’s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs – July 20-28
For nine days, Tweetsie hosts K-9’s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs, featuring high-energy performances by a team of incredible acrobatic dogs. Shows are included in regular park admission. Seating is first-come, first-served and reservations are not required. Show times are 11:00 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. with a special show Saturday eventing at 7 p.m.
Riders in the Sky – August 10-11
Grammy award-winning quartet Riders in the Sky gallops into Tweetsie to sing and entertain “the Cowboy Way.” Shows are included in regular park admission. Seating is first-come, first-served and reservations are not required. Show times are at noon and 3:00 p.m.
Railroad Heritage Weekend – September 7-8
This event only comes once every year, so bring railroad enthusiasts of all ages to this educational and entertaining occasion. Special attractions, including Cherokee dancing and crafts from the Tsa-La-Gi Touring Program, offer a glimpse into our area’s heritage. A Railroad Heritage 2-day pass ticket is required for entry. Golden Rail season pass holders are admitted free of charge.
For more information, visit Tweetsie Railroad’s website at www.tweetsie.com.