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See a Silverwood show

by Maureen Dolan Staff Writer
| July 9, 2018 6:39 AM

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A spellbinding magic show awaits Silverwood guests in the Theatre of Illusions.

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Garfield comes to life every day to charm and delight young visitors to Silverwood.

Silverwood Theme Park’s thrilling and captivating roller coasters, exciting rides and massive water park are surrounded with unique opportunities for guests to enjoy world-class entertainment.

Silverwood is celebrating its 30th season of helping make lasting family memories, and for many guests over the years, like Jacqueline Southwick, the park’s shows are a favorite memory.

“The ice shows, the magicians, the air shows ... such a perfect break in the middle of a hot day,” Southwick said.

The theme park opened June 20, 1988 on the site of a former private airstrip purchased by Silverwood owner and creator Gary Norton. An aviation enthusiast, Norton initiated one of the first big memory-making features during the park’s early years: air shows.

Each night, Norton and other pilots would take to the skies to delight park guests with stunts and maneuvers. Norton would often fly his own P-51 Mustang World War II fighter plane.

For several years, ice shows were another park favorite. Silverwood on Ice was created out of the Norton family’s love of music. Gary Norton purchased a theater pipe organ and brought talented skaters - including a Russian champion and some Olympic medalists - to Silverwood to perform in the Main Street Ice Palace.

Silverwood has shows and entertainment that continue to enthrall and delight guests.

The magic of Silverwood has long been enhanced with magic shows, one of the theme park’s most popular audience attractions.

Nick Norton, Silverwood’s resident magician, is back this year with his 30-minute, Vegas-style show featuring mind-bending illusions. Performed in the Theatre of Illusions, the 2018 show introduces a new trick - Norton makes an audience member disappear.

Another magical Silverwood experience has to do with a famous, big, orange cat. For seven years, Garfield has been the park’s mascot and every day the cartoon character comes to life and charms Silverwood guests. Garfield, Odie and Arlene make regular appearances in Garfield’s Summer Camp. This year, Garfield is scheduled to make appearances and pose for photos in the park’s newly expanded toy store.

A must for most Silverwood visitors is a trip around the park on historic Steam Engine No. 7. Silverwood’s beloved Wild West lawman, Marshal Jack, and his deputy take riders on a leisurely 30-minute guided tour of the Silverwood outback, but the ride is also a fun, interactive stunt show. When bandits and other surprises pop up along the way, the marshal is there to save the day.

And there is always music to enjoy at Silverwood. The High Moon Saloon is a good place to find it while grabbing a bite to eat or a rootbeer float. Guests can enjoy going back in time while listening to the Silver Mountain Boys who perform family-friendly bluegrass from noon to 6 p.m. daily in the saloon.

The magic of Silverwood can be experienced every day beginning at 11 a.m. until Sept. 3.

For tickets and info, visit silverwoodthemepark.com.