silverwood, may 17, 2014 indd

Marketing Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Saturday, May 17, 2014 1

GARFIELD’S SUMMER CAMP EXPANSION

WIN TICKETS PHOTO & ESSAY CONTEST

WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT

221 ACRES OF SUPER BIG FUN221 ACRES OF SUPER BIG FUN

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2 Marketing Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Saturday, May 17, 2014

TT he largest theme park in the Northwest starts its 27th season of delivering fun to

visitors throughout the region. This year, the park invites people to “stake their claim” and identify which part of the 221 acres is their most favorite.

This is a tall task since, with more than 70 rides and attractions, it’s hard to pick what you consider the very best from around the park – and that’s not even counting Boulder Beach, where there are dozens of other fun ways to enjoy your trip to North Idaho.

For 2014, the park is increasing the available options by expanding its family area. Visitors of all ages can enjoy themselves on the Krazy Koaster, a dog merry-go-round and a new snack bar.

The park is also hard at work making sure every inch is beautiful and in place for the start of the 2014 season.

Silverwood has become one of the largest employers in North Idaho and its annual attendance makes it the most attended attraction in the Gem State as well.

We invite readers to use this section as a helpful reference to what’s happening in the park this summer and a guide to what areas to visit next. If you’ve only visited a few times, you know that there’s much more you can see and experience.

Likewise, if you’re a park regular or season pass holder, there are still plenty of places to explore plus new changes made each season.

How can you pick your favorite spot this year? • Any member of the park’s staff will be happy to point you in the right direction or offer you recommendations.• Silverwood now has a free app for iPhone and Droid users that offers helpful details on every attraction in the park. • Silverwood loves social media! There’s always information available on the park’s Facebook page, fun videos and commercials on its YouTube page and fun photos on Pinterest and Instagram. ‘Liking’ Silverwood on Facebook will also give you info about upcoming promotions, including some special fan appreciation days and discounts that only Facebook fans will know about. • The park’s web site at www.silverwoodthemepark.com offers info about upcoming events, promotions and even some tie-ins with area businesses.

Enjoy your season at Silverwood Theme Park!

Welcome to Silverwood Theme Park!Welcome to Silverwood Theme Park!

Fast Facts: Silverwood Fast Facts: Silverwood Theme ParkTheme 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 Nov. 1.Size: 221 acres.Number of guests: 9 million over 26 years, more than 679,000 in 2013. Number of employees: 95 year-round and 1,400 seasonal.Payroll: $8.5 million.Economic impact: $85.5 million in 2013. How to get tickets: Buy them at the gate, or SAVE when you buy them online at www.silverwoodthemepark.com.

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221 ACRES OF 221 ACRES OF

SUPER BIG FUN!SUPER BIG FUN!

http://www.silverwoodthemepark.com




Welcome to Silverwood Theme Park!

Silverwood Theme Park is ultimately all about families.Though all ages are always welcome, and there

are different attractions that appeal to little kids and grown-ups, the park’s owner Gary Norton has always had a goal of making a place where families can come and enjoy themselves.This focus can be seen everywhere from giant

scoops of ice cream to rides like ThunderCanyon where there’s room for everyone.The new family area, scheduled to open the fi rst

day of summer, is going to increase the amount of activities available and increase the size of the current family area, said Nancy DiGiammarco, the park’s director of marketing, sales and public relations.The $1.2 million expansion will include two new

rides: a medium-intensity roller coaster, and a dog-themed merry go round. These are the perfect sizes for children, but there’s also space for other family members to come along for the ride.

“We made sure there was room for more people on room for more people on these rides – maybe mom these rides – maybe mom or dad or grandparents,” or dad or grandparents,” she said. “Now they can she said. “Now they can experience the ride with experience the ride with their kids instead of just their kids instead of just having to watch.”having to watch.”The rides will be similar to the

Butterfl yer and Barnstormer, two newer rides that also allow grown-ups to ride alongside the kids. “This new area isn’t about observing the rides,

although there is lots of space to sit and watch,”DiGiammarco said. “Here, it will be easy to interact

with everyone while on the rides.”The family area will also be the only place in the

park to see Garfi eld and his sidekick Odie. They’re always happy to pose for photos and give high-fi ves.There will also be a good deal of green space in the

new area – in the future it might be used for

additional rides, but for now consider it an area to sit and relax.Along with the new family area, look for other

improvements in Silverwood Theme Park this year including:• New fl oors for the Country BBQ• A wooden gazebo that can be a great place for promotions, announcements and prizes during special events or even a central meeting spot for families to gather.• An extension of the brick used in the courtyard and entrance area. Altogether, there are more than 99,000 bricks used.

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WW hen the season ends, the real work begins at

Silverwood Theme Park.Even though there’s always some type of

fi xes taking place, from touching up paint to adjusting landscaping and making sure every inch of the park looks immaculate every day, the maintenance and grounds team reserve the off-season for major construction projects and larger renovations.

“This year, we have a new Family area to put in, plus 1,000 other minor projects to take care of before we open,” said Chris Lempesis, facilities manager.

His team is working closely with Matt Stevens, director of construction and maintenance, to make sure the plans and designs that were drawn up last fall are faithfully executed.

“In some ways, making a complete new area can be easier than remodeling something that has been around for a while,” Stevens said. “You never know what you can be getting into.”

During the winter, the park staff has to take care of regular maintenance, like fi xing any damage from frost – or general wear-and-tear from 679,000 visitors appreciating the park. Rides are dismantled, stored and refurbished – such as fi xing every bolt and wheel of every coaster. Some plants are placed in a greenhouse at the same time new plants are being grown for the coming season.

Then in the spring, everything goes into reverse – landscaping begins anew and the rides and their tracks are re-assembled and tested.

“The park is always transforming – it’s a seasonal “The park is always transforming – it’s a seasonal business for the public but there’s always full-time business for the public but there’s always full-time maintenance taking place,” Lempesis said.maintenance taking place,” Lempesis said.

The new Family area will include some welcome features for park visitors. There will be a family-friendly coaster, a dog-themed ride plus a new snack bar and a new set of restrooms, which can be accessed from the entrance side and the family area sides.

“During Scarywood people told us that they wanted more bathrooms by the entrance, and this is also an easy entrance right into Coaster Alley,” Lempesis said. “So what we effectively did was kill three or four birds with

one stone – this offers better access for coaster fans, more restrooms, a new place for Garfi eld, and more attractions.”

The new area is expected to open toward late June but hopefully sooner.Another new feature will be a permanent wooden gazebo near Lindy’s

restaurant. It will be a nice place for the park staff or business promotions to work at, and maybe even a central place for families to arrange to meet. The sturdy gazebo will have benches for people to sit on as well.

“We are having more and more events and people gathering here, that we decided to create something permanent, rather than the tents that we had going on,” he said. “This keeps us from having to take things up and down all the time, and also avoids the risks of tents blowing away.”

Overall, Lempesis and Stevens said there’s always something to work on all year-round. But they also say the park’s approach is to do it right the fi rst time and keep the long-term vision of the park in mind.

“Our attitude is never ‘just patch it up to look good,’ but rather let’s make some bigger fi xes and do them right, so we won’t have to re-do a Band-Aid temporary fi x later,” Lempesis said.

Matt Stevens, Director of Construction and Maintenance, left and Chris Lempesis, facilities manager.

Construction Construction Team Works Team Works All Year All Year RoundRound




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GG arfi eld has a new home this year.Traditionally, America’s favorite feline has

enjoyed greeting visitors to Silverwood Theme Park by the main courtyard and carousel area.

But with the expansion of the family area, Garfi eld and his pal Odie will be heading that away by the start of summer, if not sooner.

So now, they’ll be in a perfect position to pose for pictures, wave hi to guests or offer lots of high-fi ves and hugs.

Garfi eld and Odie have called Silverwood home for more than a decade and have greeted thousands.

The lasagna-loving and Monday-hating cat is the brainchild of Jim Davis, who based Garfi eld’s character off the cats he had through his life, and then named him after his grandfather. The strip was fi rst syndicated in 1978 in 40 newspapers, and continues to grow in popularity.

Garfi eld currently appears in more than 2,400 newspapers worldwide, and is seen daily by 200 million readers. It holds the Guinness world record as the most widely syndicated and read comic strip.

More than 135 million Garfi eld books have been sold, and Garfi eld’s offi cial online site, www.garfi eld.com, attracts 2 million visitors and 12 million page views

each month. His Facebook site has right around 15 million ‘likes.’

Garfi eld has also been featured in two full-length movies, a popular TV show, several video games, an iPad app, comic books, and more than 100 other licensed products.

Davis has been enthusiastic about Garfi eld’s role at Silverwood.

“Silverwood is the place for Big Rides, Big Slides, and “Silverwood is the place for Big Rides, Big Slides, and Big Fun so it’s fi tting that the world’s biggest cat calls Big Fun so it’s fi tting that the world’s biggest cat calls Silverwood home each summer,” Davis said. “We’re Silverwood home each summer,” Davis said. “We’re delighted this fi rst-class park has included Garfi eld and delighted this fi rst-class park has included Garfi eld and Odie in the great mix of entertainment they offer.” Odie in the great mix of entertainment they offer.”

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Amanda Milton, baker, and Nicolas Giraud, Silverwood Theme Park’s executive chef, prepare delicious pastries for park visitors.

More than breadMore than breadBaking team continues to roll out new creations



II f you try something you like at Silverwood Theme Park’s new Coffee Roasting and Trading Company,

let the staff know.

This new coffee shop and bakery at the front entrance has become a testing ground for all sorts of creative pastries and other delicious treats.

Between the efforts of the park’s executive chef Nicolas Giraud and baker Amanda Milton, park visitors can expect anything and everything.

“I may bring out something like a “I may bring out something like a classical French croissant, and she classical French croissant, and she may fi nd some fun American twists for may fi nd some fun American twists for it, maybe even as simple as drizzling it, maybe even as simple as drizzling chocolate on it,” said Giraud.chocolate on it,” said Giraud.

Last year, the park experimented with all sorts of recipes, and will continue to refi ne these as well as bringing in new items.

“People here seem to like savory as opposed to just sweet, so we’re thinking of offering something like a quiche, or a croque monsieur, which is a variation of a grilled-cheese sandwich,” he said. “So we’re adjusting things a little.”

The park plans to keep the popular chocolate croissants, muffi n tops, brownies and the signature cinnamon rolls. They will also be changing the shape of the almond pastries, another item that visitors have enjoyed.

Silverwood is also adding two new items: a tropezienne tart, which is a brioche roll fi lled with vanilla crème and berries; and an almond pear tart, which is a poached pear in syrup with almond crème.

Over the winter, Giraud went to a culinary convention in France to learn ideas about new recipes and food products. One of these was a machine that helps roll out the croissants, which can be a lengthy process.

“This will save a lot of time for Amanda,” he said.

Though his role as chef for a theme park that serves everything from funnel cakes to burgers is unique among many of his culinary peers, he appreciates the challenge of serving a lot of food – especially when your guests are often hungry and don’t really want to wait long.

“Once you explain the volume and all the things we try to do, people realize it’s pretty cool,” Giraud said. “You learn how to increase quality everywhere and make good food.”

Since his arrival, he has focused on improving the ingredients and making as many items as possible, such as replacing frozen pizza crusts with dough rolled out each day, or creating the bread and cookies for the park each day instead of having it brought in from an outside supplier.

He brought in new recipes for pizza sauce, lasagna, guacamole and more.

Though it costs more, he also felt it was important that Silverwood offer all-beef hot dogs or the highest quality meat for hamburgers. Guests will notice lower-quality items as much as they would notice higher quality.

Some items will defi nitely be seasonal. “A lot of our neighbors give us fresh berries or apples, so sometimes these work their way into the pastries,” he said. “Some of our employees like to bake, so once in a while we try out some of their ideas.”

But he also doesn’t let things get too out of control, and has vetoed suggestions like “put bacon on everything.”

“We still want to keep the overall French style,” he said. “But we do have some fun like, when we make zombie cookies for Scarywood. We’re always trying fun things to see what people like.”


T here are special parts of Silverwood Theme Park for

every visitor – maybe it’s sharing Dippin’ Dots or winning a nice prize in the Games area.

Even though everyone has their favorite spots in the park’s 221 acres, just about all the visitors are planning to hit some or all of the rides at some point.

“Almost everyone who comes here enjoys the rides,” said Charles Mitchell, who was offered the position of rides manager last fall after working six years in the park.

His job starts with safety – make sure all passengers are safe and operators are properly trained.

“Safety is No. 1, and once we check this, we make sure everyone is enjoying themselves,” Mitchell said.

He’s worked in the rides area his whole time at the park.“My fi rst ride was the Scrambler, then I was asked to load people at Thunder

Canyon,” he said. “Then the Trabant came next.”He said employees who want to learn a particular ride need to receive training and

certifi cation, which he said is very thorough. For the new rides, like the kid coaster and dog ride that will be added to the Family area later this summer, the team might have to start with the manufacturer’s operating manual to learn how to put together future employee training guides.

During the busy season, there are about 130 employees operating rides, depending on what time of the season. Mitchell said the park encourages people working in different areas of the park to learn all the rides for their particular area. This will help offer extra expertise if someone has to change or is out sick for the day.

He personally enjoys riding Aftershock but his favorite He personally enjoys riding Aftershock but his favorite ride to ride to operate is the Frog Hopper. “I love the interaction operate is the Frog Hopper. “I love the interaction with kids – you can watch their faces the whole time.”with kids – you can watch their faces the whole time.”

A lot of the team loves operating the Ferris Wheel – it’s fun but challenging. “It’s a vintage ride that uses a key to manually start it instead of a button,” he said.

“Lots of the operators like to work on this one.”Operating the wheel is a challenge – it requires a special blend of passengers

getting on and getting off to keep it balanced.

Going for a ride Operators highly trained in attractions

He said some people start in rides and just love it, just like him. “I haven’t wanted to work anywhere else,” he said.

Visitors can help their experience by being friendly to the operators. “Just stop by and say hello,” he said. “We think we do good by trying to

keep all the cast members and ride operators happy, since this helps them offer a better experience to park visitors,” Mitchell said. “That’s why I enjoy being here.”

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Charles Mitchell, Rides Manager


Silverwood Theme Park doesn’t just have one great grounds and design person, it has three.

Actually, that’s not entirely true – once the park opens for the season, there are more than 30 people charged with making sure every inch of the park looks beautiful, day in and day out.

The grounds team is responsible for items which the average park guest may not even notice, like creating and maintaining different looks for different parts of the park, such as planting yellow and red fl owers by Panic Plunge, or violet and pink fl owers by Spin Cycle.

But giving the directions to this team is a brain trust of three people with extensive specialties in making things look good.

This includes Chrissy Wortman, who was put in charge of Silverwood’s “theming” department in 2007.

“I was asked to think of ways to redecorate some of the buildings and other pieces that were getting a little tired looking,” she said. “This included everything from new wallpaper to carpentry.”

Her fi rst assignment was sprucing up Main Street to emphasize the Victorian theme and downplay the modern touches.

“My fi rst year was mainly decorating, but then we were asked to focus on how to make the whole grounds prettier,” Wortman said.

The park brought in Dan Hague, an expert in trees, shrubs, landscaping machinery and bugs. Then it brought in Mark Munkhoff, a landscape pro who offered great insight in selecting annuals and perennials.

“We ended up with a perfect team, and we get stronger every year,” Wortman said. “Having a wonderful grounds

crew helps too.”Along with day-to-day maintenance, she said the

team is ready to adjust priorities and move quickly especially when new attractions are announced.

“A new ride can pop up anywhere, which will need its new theme,” she said. “So we’re always prepared.”

For instance, they have been planning a design strategy for the new family area since last fall. The space already had some green space, but now it will be expanded.

“We’re going to do something full, lush “We’re going to do something full, lush and colorful,” Wortman said. and colorful,” Wortman said. “We’ll also bring in some fun tree “We’ll also bring in some fun tree specimens like elm. We want more specimens like elm. We want more seating areas, with low walls so parents, seating areas, with low walls so parents, kids or grandparents can watch the fun.”kids or grandparents can watch the fun.”

Their efforts are aided by three sizeable greenhouses – for years there was just one, which fi lled up fast. Last year, a second was added, and this year, a third one came online. This lets the team start plants earlier, keep some of them over the winter, and even make room for large banana trees – plants that are defi nitely tricky for North Idaho’s climate.

“Once the park management saw that we keep improving each year, and that we were outgrowing what we had, they decided to step up,” she said. “Plus, there’s a watering system that will cut down on our labor time.”

She and the rest of the design staff are continuing to look for ways to refresh and continue the focus as a theme park with a boutique garden feel.

“We’re slowly going through the whole park and updating things,” Wortman said. “We’ve been working on the bathrooms recently, and only have two more to go.”

What she really likes hearing is when people point out the great décor.

“People on Facebook are always talking about how great things look, and last year we had our fi rst garden tour,” she said. “Members of the 3Cs Garden Club told us that some of them love coming up here just to see the gardens and they don’t even go on a single ride.”

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How to build a log planter1. Find a log with the right shape and has experienced the desired weathering to fi t your garden.2. To hollow out the log, take a chainsaw and cut a channel down the center of the log with enough room to put planting medium inside the space3. Drill holes in the bottom of the log so the water drains and the plants don’t become waterlogged.4. Plant Ocean Blue Salvia, Potato Vine, and Night Frost in the planting medium so the white plants look like they are spilling out of the log to resemble water.5. Make sure to water and fertilize the plants daily.6. In front of the log, plant lower growing fl owers that have a mix of colors representing surrounding areas.7. Behind the log, plant Fountain Grass with perennial Echinacea so you have taller growing plants that aren’t a distraction to the log centerpiece.


NNancy DiGiammarco, Silverwood Theme Park’s director of marketing, sales and public relations, is particularly proud of the park’s sales team.

“They each have their own unique talents, and most importantly, they all have a profound love for this park and our guests.”

This energetic team of six sells the fun of the park throughout the U.S. and even into Canada. The team regularly contacts businesses, schools, churches, non-profi ts, the military and all sorts of other industries. It helps companies put together fun company outings and even invites them to sell discount tickets to their employees, customers or congregations.

“We love calling people who have come here in past years and ask them if they want to come again,” said Sales Manager Dianna Temple. “Everyone is always excited about it – I don’t think I’ve ever run into a group that hasn’t had great memories to share.”

The team is selling happy memories, so it’s a whole The team is selling happy memories, so it’s a whole different ballpark than other sales jobs where you have to different ballpark than other sales jobs where you have to really push or explain what you’re doing.really push or explain what you’re doing.

Temple has worked at the park for 10 years, and started by taking tickets at the front entrance, so she believes she has a good perspective on what makes the park appealing to any age.

“We have so many options to make everyone happy,” she said. “Our group options are especially great deals.”

Groups, whether as small as 15 or as large as 2,000, can receive fun extras, such as early admission before the park opens to ride some big coasters and other attractions, or all-you-can-eat picnics at the group pavilions. The more people in your party, the lower admission price per person.Other team members include:• Sales Manager Terri Pritchett, who started 16 seasons ago in the retail area, has spent the last fi ve years in sales, focusing especially on schools, auto groups and churches.

“We want to make people happy so they’ll want to come again,” she said. “Some church groups have been enjoying the park for the past eight years or more.”• Sales Manager Sheila Wilske started 17 years ago as the park’s only receptionist, in a tiny offi ce atop the current candy shop. She focuses on sales to tribal accounts, area schools, and insurance companies.

“I really enjoy working with the schools and seeing the kids come here,” she said. • Sales Manager Cheryl Freeman sold newspaper ads for 10 years before coming to Silverwood two years ago. Her efforts focus on the health care industry, higher education, fraternities and sororities, banks, credit unions, and really anyone else.

“I feel like I hit the job lotto,” she said. “You’re coming in every morning hearing happy screams, seeing smiles and hearing people laughing. How could it be any easier – plus it’s also fun to go on the rides ourselves.”

• Group Sales Coordinator Shannon Roerick is in her seventh year in charge of group sales, operates the call center, schedules the musical performance groups and arranges any catering.

“I love the hustle and the bustle every day and just seeing happy people in the park,” she said. “Even the smells are incredible.”• Amanda Noah, sales assistant, is in her fi rst year helping the team stay organized, and also makes sure clients in the park always have what they need.

“Silverwood is such a fun atmosphere,” she said. “I appreciate coming to work each day to help make the best experience for our guests.”

The whole team regularly meets with current and potential groups outside the park. They also attend trade shows all year, and also try to personally invite groups back.

The team also credits the rest of the Silverwood staff for making it even easier to sell the park experience – do the grounds look good? Are employees friendly and welcoming?

“What’s a real test of our success is the whole park,” Pritchett said. “It takes everyone in the park working together to make sure everyone comes in happy and stays happy.”

Veteran team helps sell Veteran team helps sell the fun of Silverwoodthe fun of Silverwood

The Sales Team at Silverwood Theme Park includes, bottom row, from left, Cheryl Freeman and Dianna Temple. Top row, from left, Sheila Wilske, Terri Pritchett, Shannon Roerick, and Amanda Noah.



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Main Street CoATTRACTION44. Tremors Roller 46. Aftershock Rolle47. Timber Terror Ro51. SpinCycle52. Sky Diver53. Panic Plunge56. Elephant Ride

RETAIL STORES45. Shake Rattle & 55. Body Art

Garfield’s Summer C63. Frog Hopper

66. Puppy-Go-Round67. Krazy Koaster68. Kiddie Wheel

ATTRACTIONS57. Helicopters58. Barnstormer60. Red Baron61. Tiny Tree House62. Tiny Toot Roller Coaster

DININ65. Kidz

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RETAI59. Mine

Country CarnivalATTRACTIONS20. Krazy Kars28. Ferris Wheel29. Bumper Boats30. Paratrooper33. Log Flume34. Tilt-A-Whirl35. Antique Cars36. Trabant38. Corkscrew Roller Coaster39. Scrambler40. Super Roundup41. Thunder Canyon

RETAIL STORES

25. Olde Tyme Muggs26. Toy Store

GAMES21. Shooting Gallery 22. Spyromania/Long Shot23. Midway Games 32. Arcade

DINING18. Kettle Corn19. Sugar Shack

Funnel cakes, elephant ears27. Country BBQ

Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, fries

31. Ice Creamery37. Cold Springs Pizzeria

Pizza, pretzels, nachos, Icee42. Thunder Mountain Splash

Bottled drinks

COURTYARD 1. Coaster Alley Entrance

Groups only 2. Ticket Sales

4. Entry Gates

ATTRACTIONS 7. Train Depot 8. Carousel10. High Moon Saloon

Live Performers11. Main Street Theatre14. Group Performance Stage15. Theatre of Illusion

Magic Show

DINING

Lunch & dinner favorites10. High Moon Saloon

beer 11. Main Street Theatre

Popcorn, candy, frozen drinks

13. Victorian Coffee House Espresso, fresh-baked pastries

Pizza, bread sticks, salads16. Sweet Treats

Carmel apples, fresh fudge

RETAIL STORES 5. Silverwood Coffee Roasting & Trading Co.

Coffee, pastries, souvenirs 9. General Stuff Mercantile

16. Sweet Treats & Souvenirs

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BOULDER BEACH ENTRY

RESTROOMS

INFORMATION CENTERWheelchairs, lost and found, stroller rentals

FIRST AID

ATM LOCATIONS

LOCKER RENTALS

SMOKING AREASilverwood & Boulder Beach are smoke free. Smoking in designated areas only.

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oaster AlleyNS

Coasterer Coasteroller Coaster

SRoll Gift Shop

DINING43. Group Picnic Pavilions

48. Avalanche Alley Sno-Cones, soft-serve ice cream

49. Kool Cactus Burritos, chicken strips, taco salad

54. Spiral SpudsPickle chips, onion rings, beverages

ATTRACTIONS76. Polliwog Kids Park77. Elkhorn Creek Lazy River82. Rumble Falls Tube Slides86. Wave Pool #1 89. Cabana Island

Rent a private cabana91. Wave Pool #292. Toddler Springs93. Velocity Peak Body Slides94. Ricochet Rapids95. Avalanche Mountain Family Raft Ride

DINING79. Granite Grill

Burgers, fries, pizza, chicken strips, salads

81. OasisSpiral Spuds, frozen lemonade, onion rings

83. The CoveTropical frozen drinks, beer

Mexican food

87. Dessert IslandIce cream, cookies, Icees

88. Silverwood SlidersChicken sliders, chicken wings, chicken strips & fries

90. Cabana CoolerTropical frozen drinks, beer

RETAIL STORES75. Boulder Beach Trading Company78. Tattoo Parlor80. Tube & Towel Rentals

Boulder Beach Water Park

Camp NGz Kafe

lunch boxes, dogs, soft-serve cream, beverages

IL STORESe Shack

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Chris Russell wants people to know he can make happy

things as well as things designed with the express purpose of making you scream.

Like he’s working on a bigger, better Bigfoot model that can be seen during the steam locomotive ride this season, and he’s made some downright friendly clown heads for the Midway/Games area. He’s also planning to craft a few cheery images for Silverwood Theme Park’s new family area this summer.

But it’s his skills at creating the stuff of nightmares that really puts him in high demand.

As the park’s Special Effects Designer, he works all year to make sure that Scarywood is more than just a clever name – that guests have fun but also experience plenty of thrills and chills during the park’s traditional spooky transformation each Halloween season.

“You can’t just walk up to someone “You can’t just walk up to someone and say ‘Boo!’” said Russell. “You need and say ‘Boo!’” said Russell. “You need some distractions, and ways to make some distractions, and ways to make them really jump.”them really jump.”

Russell wears plenty of hats – he designs the scenes for Scarywood, creates the costumes and maintains the special effect shop in a secret location near the park. When Scarywood season starts, he helps put the story together, directs the make-up process, and watches the cast – and the crowd – to see what’s working and what may need some tweaks.

“I make sure everything is fl owing, and like to hear input from everyone,” he said. “But we do have a big group of people who help make it happen.”

Russell has been interested in special effects since he was 12 – his father was a magician and

Chris was able to help him with his performances. He has been working professionally in the business for 16 years. Five years ago, he was hired to help create Blood Bayou, and Silverwood asked him to continue working here. It’s a challenge including elements of past shows with new ways to frighten people.

“We try to recycle and re-use when we can but also keep on adding new things,” Russell said. “If you don’t change anything, a show can become stale.”

He and other Silverwood staff recently returned from the Transworld Halloween Show in St. Louis, where companies that sell spooky stuff show what’s new. Russell said the park picked up some cool LED lights, costumes, props, a photo booth and other great ideas.

“The whole scary industry, especially at theme parks, has been ramping up for the last fi ve to seven years,” he said. “Even 10 years ago, we wouldn’t be doing anything like this.”

He’s proud that Scarywood offers some unique touches.

“We have a lot of things that other parks don’t have,” he said. “Some parks have more of a cookie-cutter approach, like everyone buys the same haunted house kit, but we either build

everything in-house, or if we can’t make it, we know enough people in the business we can get it made.”

Some of the details of Scarywood 2014 are still under wraps – or haven’t been thought of yet. But Russell can share a little.

• The Ruins will return, and be even larger. Improvements will also be made to Total Darkness.

• A pre-show, which will help entertain people waiting in line for the attractions.

• More cast members, more characters, and more heroes, who are the actors whose job it is to mingle in the crowds, either scaring people or posing for pictures.

• A “Photo Op Alley” including some areas with fun features like a 3D moving image or a way to have your photo taken looking like you’re killing zombies.• Lots of fi re and lots of blood.

Sometimes Russell takes a walk around Scarywood to enjoy the ambience, other times he puts on a costume himself and joins the cast – often without their knowledge. This is a great way to see that everyone is following their lines and scaring people properly.

Details will be posted later this year on how to be part of Scarywood.

“Some people will tell me that working here really has changed their life,” he said. “People say they used to have problems going up and talking to people but now do it well. Some always come back – you can’t get them to not come back.”

Russell especially hopes that Scarywood may inspire future spooky fans.

“I grew up in this business, and maybe there are going to be kids here, who will say “I want to grow up and work on something like this.”

Halloween all year longHalloween all year long!!

Work already beginning for 2014 Scarywood


P art of just about every guest’s Silverwood Theme Park experience is seeing the amazing talents of resident magician Nick Norton.

It wasn’t always that way – for many years, Nick performed fi ve days a week, and other talented magicians and illusionists would fi ll in on his dark days. This gave him a nice break, but wasn’t always great for park guests, some who had their heart set on seeing what Nick had up his sleeve – sometimes literally.

“No matter how good the other guys were, they’re weren’t me,” said Norton, who has been practicing since he was a child and performing on-stage since his teens. “People tell us that they absolutely have to see Nick Norton perform when they’re in the park.”

So this year, Norton will again perform seven days a week. Most days will have a 3, 5 and 7 p.m. show, but some days he’ll start at 5.

“It would suck if doing this show was like work, but I love doing this,” he said.

More and more, he sees audiences returning the love and coming back regularly, sometimes several times a season.

“Last year, we asked the audience who had been there before, and 60 percent raised their hands,” Norton said.

Because he knows there will be both new and repeat visitors at every show, he’s always adjusting the performance – maybe putting illusions in at different places or changing the jokes around depending on the make-up of the audience.

This year, park guests will be able to see some of their favorite illusions plus some new material,

including:• More comedy – Norton’s ultimate goal is to entertain people not just dazzle them with complex tricks.• New doves – he has acquired a batch of younger birds that should do what they’re supposed to. In the past, the doves didn’t always follow his commands. The audiences usually thought the disobedient doves were part of the show, but Norton said doves that fl y where they’re supposed to will be even more fun.• A monitor so you can see a close-up of his fast-moving hands during a card magic sleight-of-hand trick.• More opportunities for audience participation – not just kids but couples.• A mysterious levitating ball that will even go through hoops – and then pop open to reveal a special secret.

“We’ll journey all over the place, from “We’ll journey all over the place, from an Art Deco/Gatsby-type setting to a an Art Deco/Gatsby-type setting to a Steampunk ending,” he said. “Plus I Steampunk ending,” he said. “Plus I put in a lot of what I call Easter eggs put in a lot of what I call Easter eggs to make it fun for people –I try to do to make it fun for people –I try to do the kind of show I’d like to see as an the kind of show I’d like to see as an audience member.”audience member.”

Norton isn’t a big fan of fellow magicians who make the entire process mysterious – he’s not going to give away any secrets but he does like to come out before a show and introduce himself to the crowd and tell them what to expect.

“This meet-and-greet makes it more fun for the audience, more than some people who do a fancy opening,” he said. “I’m more of the normal guy who comes out and does some fantastic effects.”

Over the winter, he was working on the coming season’s routine, everything from the choreography to training the birds. He also tries to include different pieces of music and different colors for the different areas of the show.

“When my assistant comes out, she may get a different color than when I’m on,” he said.

Visitors are in for some great treats this year. “Keep your eyes open – there will be a lot going

on,” he said.

A A MAGICMAGIC touch touchNick Norton continues tocontinues to

WW OO WW crowds

the crowd and tell them what to expect.


All Ab o ar d!

New aquatics manager plans to continue ongoing training

The fi rst time Chris Norman came to Silverwood Theme Park, it was a secret.

He was an undercover auditor with Ellis and Associates, a company that creates and enforces safety standards for lifeguards at water parks and aquatic centers around the world.

“I’d show up as a guest at a park, fi nd a chair, and set up a secret camera to watch the lifeguards,” said Norman, who recently was hired as Silverwood’s Aquatics Manager.

Once an auditor has adequate footage of the aquatic team’s performance, or lack thereof in some cases, he or she meets with the management to discuss fi ndings. These kinds of audits, which usually take place a few times a summer, are part of the requirements for a park that wants to follow these standards.

“Some people can be scared “Some people can be scared of the of the idea of an audit, but we see idea of an audit, but we see it is a way to make improvements it is a way to make improvements or show that a park is doing what or show that a park is doing what it’s supposed to and the staff is it’s supposed to and the staff is performing well,” Norman said.performing well,” Norman said.

Silverwood and Boulder Beach Water Park have done well in their audits over the years. Boulder Beach recently received Platinum status, which is the highest designation Ellis and Associates offers. In addition to performing well on the audit, the staff also has to

demonstrate competency in other areas such as CPR, retrieving a training mannequin in the water, and correct paperwork.

“This puts Boulder Beach and the staff in the top 5 or 10 percent of client facilities worldwide, and shows that everyone here is outperforming the requirements,” he said. “It’s a pretty big honor.”

So with a team that’s already performing at the highest levels, what can Norman do as a manager? Simple: even more training.

“Our training never stops,” Norman said. “Our biggest challenge is going to be to continue the high level of professionalism we have here.”

The staff spends a lot of time in the classroom discussing procedures, but he also wants to see training take place when the park is open. This gives the team the experience of practicing in crowded situations, and also demonstrates to park visitors how committed everyone is, all the time.

“It shows that we’re always working for their safety,” he said.

Sometimes, the team gets together after hours – in these cases it’s friendly competitions that also have some training components like who can perform the fastest proper extraction.

Norman draws from his experiences visiting so many parks plus more than seven years at water parks working as a lifeguard and a lifeguard instructor.

His fi rst park had about 1,500 guests a day, and his next one sometimes had more than 10,000 people at once in the aquatics area. During his work with Ellis and Associates he audited more than 100 parks in the U.S., Dubai and Singapore.

“I traveled more than 17,000 miles from May to August last year,” he said. “I have the hotel keys to prove it.”

It was fun, interesting work, but he said he really missed working with a team, motivating employees and helping guests.

“I love working with lifeguards,” he said. “I can’t tell you one day when I didn’t want to do this job.”

He’s excited about what’s ahead at Silverwood and has enjoyed getting to know the Aquatics team, especially those who keep coming back. When Boulder Beach opens, the team will be up past 100.

Norman is also eager to be on the other side of an audit this summer from someone doing what he used to do.

“I tell our lifeguards that they can be excited about an audit – it’s a chance to prove what they know how to do,” he said. “Getting Platinum again is a big deal, but our No. 1 goal is always going to be safety. If an audit spots things we could be doing better, that’s OK, it’s important to correct things when we know about them.”

Safety first

Recent hire, Chris Norman, is Silverwood’s Aquatics Manager.

demonstrate competency in other areas such asCPR retrieving a training

“I tell our lifeguards that they can be excited about anaudit – it’s a chance to prove


All Ab o ar d!

Welcome aboard Old No. 7!It’s Silverwood’s oldest and slowest attraction, and the most popular to some visitors. If you’re planning to take the steam locomotive around the park, it normally departs every hour on the hour – 11:00 to one hour prior to close.



T here were two very special moments for Chris Tortora last year.

The fi rst was when Jeanne and Gary Norton presented a $100,000 check to Children’s Village, a Coeur d’Alene non-profi t that helps kids in crisis situations. The money came from a season’s worth of people digging deep for change while riding Silverwood Theme Park’s steam locomotive.

Each year, the park takes all of the money that the bandits acquire and give it to a charity.

In 2012, park visitors gave $35,000, and the Nortons added $15,000. In 2013, more than $60,000 was raised and the Nortons added $40,000 for an even $100,000.

“I’m happy we were able to increase our donation last year,” said Tortora, who is more recognized as “Marshal Jack.” He directs the show, offers commentary to train riders, and helps the cast create realistic looking fi ghts, falls and other stunts.

The second thing he liked in 2013, maybe even more than the impressive donation, is how more and more visitors are enjoying the train, sometimes taking multiple trips while visiting the park.

“After one trip, we heard a little boy tell his grandfather he wanted to go again. Not just later in the day, but right now,” he said. “So they got right back in line for the next train. We were happy to see this, and we even made him an honorary deputy for the second ride.”

Tortora and the rest of the cast enjoy seeing the same people on the train, whether it’s the same day or over the course of the season. They also vary the show to make it a little more interesting for repeat audiences and for the cast as well.

“Sometimes the Marshal is the hero, sometimes the deputy, sometimes both, and sometimes the bad guys end up winning,” he said. “The cast in the

show is amazing at changing the script around throughout the day.”

This year, audiences should expect a similar format but some fun extras, including:• More comedy and more stunts – including a bandit falling 25 feet off of a tower after being shot.• More opportunities for audience interaction – “people love being part of the show.”• A bigger Bigfoot – “people here love hearing and seeing Sasquatch in the woods” – who will continue to befuddle the cryptozoologist Professor. • More opportunities to donate – Tortora said some riders have told him that they would have brought more money along if they knew ahead of time the “stolen” money would be going to a local charity.

The cast practices their fi ghts every morning, and if Tortora sees something isn’t working, he’ll work with the performer individually. Plus he’s ready to jump in anywhere he can.

“I never let anyone do a stunt I “I never let anyone do a stunt I haven’t done myself,” he said. “I’ve haven’t done myself,” he said. “I’ve done every role in this show so I can done every role in this show so I can make sure there are no hazards – I make sure there are no hazards – I take a lot of ownership in the cast.”take a lot of ownership in the cast.”

Not everyone knows that the train was the fi rst attraction in the park – Gary Norton bought it years before he created Coaster Alley, Boulder Beach and any of the fun attractions at Silverwood. It originally

served as a working locomotive in Northern California.

This year, Old No. 7 is turning 99, and the park is already making plans to mark its centennial in 2015.

“The train is special to a lot of people here,” he said. “So we take a lot of responsibility to make sure the experience is the best it can be – we want people to go away happy.”

Silverwood's train ride promises even more fun


AAlong with being a fun place for community members to visit, Silverwood Theme Park tries to return the favor by being

involved in and supporting community endeavors.

Over its history, it has donated millions of dollars to local charities and non-profi ts. It has also opened its doors to everyone from soldiers returning from combat zones to disabled community members.

For six years, the park has awarded For six years, the park has awarded scholarships to park employees wanting scholarships to park employees wanting to pursue or continue higher education. to pursue or continue higher education. Silverwood gave seven $1,000 Silverwood gave seven $1,000 scholarships in 2013.scholarships in 2013.

During some fall weekends, visitors received discounted park admission if they brought along a donation for the park’s food drive. In 2013 (the last three weekends in September) the park reduced general admission to only $25.99 and $4 of the general admission price was donated to area food banks. Over $21,000 was donated to area food banks.

People who have dug for change in their pockets during the train robbery also will be happy to know that their surrendered loot goes to a good cause – at the end of each year, the park picks

a charity to contribute to. In 2013, the recipient was Children’s Village. Guests collectively gave $60,000, and Silverwood added another $40,000 for a total contribution of $100,000.

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

Another special program is Reading is the Ticket, which offers 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 tickets 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 equate 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.

Giving Back to Giving Back to the Communitythe Community

p g g


Physics and Science Days, May 21-22, Silverwood turns into one of the world’s most unique classrooms! We have an event where students can test the principles of physics and science for themselves using rides, games, and other attractions. They’ll participate in educational competitions like the Amazing Egg Drop or the Coaster Building Contest, watch science-themed Discovery Channel movies, learn about the Aquifer at the DEQ Educational booth or at the new KSPS Public Television booth, and more. Each participating class receives a curriculum to use that includes instructions for contests and an engineering and construction skills test. Trophies and ribbons are awarded to the top three schools. The best overall school will win $100 in cash. Call (208) 683-3400 Ext. 3 for more information or to book your school group today. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

American Heroes Weekend, May 24-26, All military personnel, veterans, police offi cers and fi refi ghters (identifi cation required) Receive FREE admission to the park. Their immediate family members (spouse and children) are half price ($18.99 plus tax, ages 8-64, $10.49 plus tax, ages 3-7 and 65+, a savings of up to $19.00!) when purchasing tickets at Silverwood’s front gate! For information call (208) 683-3400. Plus special rates May 25-31 of $37.99 (ages 8-64) $20.99 (ages 3-7 and 65+) or order online and SAVE even more. (Not valid with any other discounts, coupons, promotions or special offers.)

Boulder Beach Opens, May 31, Check park schedule for days and hours.

Father’s Day Weekend, June 14-15, 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.)

Facebook Weekend, June 28-29 Want to get into Boulder Beach an HOUR EARLY?! If Silverwood gets 127,000 “Likes” (to celebrate its 27th Season Anniversary) on its Facebook Page by June14, we are going to throw a HUGE weekend party with TONS of giveaways, plus an an hour early entry to the water park and HALF OFF tickets for Facebook Fans only!!

Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza, July 4, Celebrate Independence Day with patriotic music all day and an impressive fi reworks display at dusk.

Toyota Tuesdays, July 22 and 29, the driver of any Toyota gets in FREE when they bring an admission coupon from any Inland Empire regional Toyota Dealer. Coupon must be validated on arrival at Silverwood by a parking attendant. Not valid with any other discounts, coupons, promotions or special offers.

Coaster Classic Car Show, Aug. 30-31, Classic cars from across the Northwest converge on Silverwood on the Saturday & Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. The 12th Annual Coaster Classic Car Show is one of the biggest events of its kind in the Inland Northwest.

Each driver and one passenger will get FREE admission into the theme park! (A savings of up to $97.50)

Park admission include admission to view the cars. Register for the car show online or call Mark at 208-683-3400 ext: 4308. Discount admission tickets available for car show participants’ friends and family at check in desk $35 General Admission & $19 ages 3-7 & 65+ (Includes tax). Regular Admission $48.75 Ages 8-64 $24.37 Ages 3-7 & 65+ includes tax.

Grandparent’s Weekend, Sept. 6-7, Silverwood shows 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. (Not valid with any other discounts or promotions.)

50% Off Park Sale, Sept 13-Nov. 1 Save half-off on all Silverwood souvenir merchandise in our retail stores. 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.

Community Appreciation Discount Days Food Drive, Sept. 13-14, 20-21, 27-28. These weekends you save up to $18 on admission,PLUS for EACH GENERAL ADMISSION SOLD $4 WILL BE DONATED TO HELP LOCAL FOOD BANKS and for EACH YOUTH/SENIOR TICKET SOLD $1 WILL BE DONATED. Admission is only $27.99 (ages 8-64) and $16.99 (ages 3-7 and 65+) at the front gate. SAVE more when you purchase your tickets at silverwoodthemepark.com.

9

221 ACRES OF 221 ACRES OF SUPER BIG FUN!

SUPER BIG FUN!

Special Special SummerSummer EventsEvents for for All AgesAll Ages


WW hen Tremors opened, it was seriously fast! At speeds exceeding 65 mph, it outzipped existing coasters like the

Timber Terror and the Corkscrew, making it a defi nite draw for fans of high-speed fun.

Since then, Aftershock has passed it in terms of sheer speed and g-force, but Tremors still remains as a favorite for any trip to Silverwood Theme Park. It’s the only coaster that goes underground and has its own gift shop.

And it’s also the only coaster where you can get a photo of yourself aboard – right around one bend, a camera will snap your photo and capture forever your expression – perhaps it’s sheer terror, perhaps you’re screaming in happiness. Maybe you’re squeezing your eyes tight trying to keep your lunch down. Or maybe you’ve taken the effort to do an extra creative pose.

Whatever the case, we want to see it! From now until Aug. 1, Spokane 7 and Silverwood

Theme Park are inviting people to share their favorite Tremors photos. If you have multiple ones taken over the year, send them along too!

Or if you can’t dig up a good photo, a story plus any photo from the park will suffi ce!

Share your fi rst or your favorite experience Share your fi rst or your favorite experience aboard aboard Tremors! Have you hit the hundred-ride mark? Tremors! Have you hit the hundred-ride mark? How did you talk the rest of your family into riding? How did you talk the rest of your family into riding? Have you ridden it backwards? Have you ridden it backwards?

To thank everyone for their support of Tremors over the last decade, Silverwood Theme Park is offering some great prizes.

The top essay or photo will receive a season pass to use all through 2015.The second-place winner will receive a four-pack day pass, so

themselves and three guests can come and enjoy the park – especially Tremors – any one day in the 2014 season.

Visit www.spokane7.com/contests or email to [email protected] for complete rules.

Over 14 years, Tremors has logged lots of milesOver 14 years, Tremors has logged lots of miles

Enter Tremors photo contestEnter Tremors photo contest

Win a 2015 Season Pass!Win a 2015 Season Pass!



Silverwood Theme Park’s Maintenance supervisor Mike VandenHeuvel said the coaster travels about 3,900 feet for one trip. On good days, the coaster takes 80-100 trips, which works out to be 75 miles a day or 10,125 miles each season.

Over 14 years, we’re talking 141,941 miles logged, just under half the distance to the moon, or around the world four times and then continuing a little more.

“It’s the equivalent of driving a big car coast to coast every day,” VandenHeuvel said.

An auto isn’t a bad comparison since Tremors accelerates and decelerates like a sporty car, travels at a legal freeway speed of 65 mph, and corners at 45 mph. But it also has the mass of a bigger rig – each of the six cars weights about 2,000 pounds unloaded. Once passengers climb aboard, this adds another 500 pounds of mass.

And like a car, regular servicing is vital to keep it running safely and smoothly.

The cars and the track are inspected multiple times a day.

Wood is replaced on a regular basis. During the off-season, each car is

completely dismantled, and every piece is cleaned or replaced, from the actual cars to every nut and bolt. It also receives a NDT, similar to an X-ray, to double-check stability. It also receives a thorough painting.

http://www.spokane7.com/contests

mailto:[email protected]


221 ACRES OF

SUPER BIG FUN!

silverwood, may 17, 2014 indd

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