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Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ: Firing Up the Stages and the Grills with America’s Best Music Festival Runs Through May 27

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Branson, MO, USA — The all-American favorites of bluegrass music and slow-smoked barbecue take over the Silver Dollar City streets as the park’s Bluegrass & BBQ festival fires up the stages and the grills in the Branson, Missouri theme park. Awarded a bluegrass “Event of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), Bluegrass & BBQ presents more than 40 bands and hundreds of performances, from international award-winning musicians to the hottest new bands in bluegrass today.

“Bluegrass music has its roots in every country around the world, but it all came together here in America,” said festival manager D.A. Callaway, who visits bluegrass festivals around the country to find talent, and was named”Bluegrass Promoter of the Year” by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America in 2012 & 2013. “Since it was first recognized as a genre in the 1950s, bluegrass has grown in popularity as each generation that comes along adds to the spirit, the energy, and the innovation of the music, and that’s why today’s bluegrass music is the best it has ever been,” he said.

The festival celebrates the all-American music genre, featuring top artists and award-winning performers in bluegrass today, including Rhonda Vincent, described as the “Queen of Bluegrass Music” by the Wall Street Journal,performing with her band the Rage; the Grammy-nominated Grascals; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, 6-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year winners; Blue Highway, the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year; the Boxcars, featuring 9-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year and 5-time Grammy winner Adam Steffey; and the Gibson Brothers, winner of the 2012 IBMA Entertainer of the Year. Plus, guests can see the top up-and-coming bands in bluegrass, such as The Bankesters, theSnyder Family Band, the Hillbenders and Monroeville.

New this year, guests can enjoy bluegrass music by land and by lake: Bluegrass Cruises are featured aboard the nearby Showboat Branson Belle, presented May 24 -26 at noon, featuring performances by Monroe Crossing on May 24, the Larry Stephenson Band on May 25, and The Special Consensus on May 26. The cruises include the show, a three-course meal and lake excursion.

National Bluegrass Competitions

Bluegrass & BBQ highlights two national competitions featuring entrants from across the country. The 7th Annual National Single Mic Championship, May 18, highlights performance skills as each band gathers around a single microphone and balances their sound by moving toward or away from it, a technique revived by many of today’s top bluegrass bands. The Youth In Bluegrass Band Competition, May 25, promotes and encourages amateur bluegrass musicians 21 years of age or younger as they compete for top honors and cash prizes.

The House of BBQ, a Rib Feast & Hundreds of Sauces

The House of BBQ serves up Silver Dollar City’s famous flavor feast from St. Louis-style ribs and smoked chicken to Texas brisket and sweet roasted corn on the cob — direct from large outdoor charcoal grills and a custom-made 9-foot smoker. Another back-by-popular-demand feature is an all-you-can-eat BBQ rib feast on the Square each afternoon with fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs, plus SDC’s famous 18-hour smoked brisket. The festival’s signature dessert is a 25-lb. apple pie baked in a 2-foot wide cast iron skillet.

Returning to the House of BBQ are visiting, award-winning BBQ connoisseurs, bringing an additional dimension of barbecue variety. Featuring straight-out-of-the-Ozarks pit-style barbecue is Richard’s Hawgwild BBQ of Aurora, Missouri. Adding even more heat to the grills is Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, specializing in hickory smoked Texas-style meats. These new taste opportunities bring even more flavor variety – which is on overload on the City’s Square, with guests welcome to sample hundreds of sauces, from smoky chipotle and sweet hickory to Carolina vinegar and honey habanero, plus the park’s new Outlaw Run Zesty Honey sauce with a kick.

Silver Dollar City, located near Branson, Missouri, is open daily during Bluegrass & BBQ, May 9 – 27, except for Tuesdays, May 14 & 21. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday, May 26). For information and performers’ schedules, visit www.silverdollarcity.com. For information on Bluegrass Cruises, click the link for the Showboat Branson Belle.

Tennessee’s Only Water Coaster Takes to the Hills at Dollywood’s Splash Country

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Pigeon Forge, TN, USA (May 9, 2013) — RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster, opens at Dollywood’s Splash Country this Saturday. Get ready for the next generation of water coasters as RiverRush races through the trees four stories in the air as you experience four drops along a track that thrills with multiple hairpin turns and dark tunnels—all combined with rushing water! It’s everything you love about a traditional land coaster—powerful climbs, twists, turns—with more than a splash of water.

www.dollywood.com

Volkan Sofuoglu Joins Polin in Newly Created Position

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Istanbul, Turkey — Polin Waterparks & Pool Systems is proud to announce the addition of Volkan Sofuoglu to its management team. Sofuoglu will head the newly developed Technical Operations and After-Sales Department at Polin, which was created following a recently completed reorganization at the company.

Sofuoglu previously served as head of the Project Management and Installation Divisions at ThysennKrupp Elevator and Escalator, a division of ThyssenKrupp AG, a German multinational conglomerate corporation based in Essen Germany. With 670 companies worldwide, ThyssenKrupp is one of the world’s largest steel producers, as well as providing components and systems for the automotive industry, material trading, industrial services, escalators and elevators.

In that role, he was responsible for managing multiple large-scale projects (metro, shopping malls, residential, etc…), collaborating with regional center and factories to improve project management and installations. His career spans more than a decade of similar roles with growing levels of responsibility. Sofuoglu’s interest in engineering started early as a student at the prestigious Uskudar High School of Science in Istanbul. After his graduation from high school, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in civil engineering at the Istanbul Technical University and then a Master’s of Business Administration at Cass Business School in London.

In his new position at Polin, Sofuoglu will manage three departments now housed under one umbrella. Those areas-Project Management, Engineering, and Installation & After-Sales-were consolidated after the company’s recent reorganization effort. Working with a prominent human-resources firm, Polin’s management team reviewed the company’s current level of growth and its expectation for growth over the next five years, in particular. The management team recognized that, to provide the best possible service to its business partners and clients, the company needed to make some strategic changes.

With this reorganization and the addition of Sofuoglu to its team, the company is now poised for the challenges of expanding its offerings and services as it takes on a position of global leadership in the waterpark industry.

www.polin.com.tr

Gaylord Hotels Announces SummerFest

GH SummerFest Logo Solid LRNashville, TN, USA (May 09, 2013) /PRWEB/ — There’s no better way to get away this summer than with Gaylord Hotels’ SummerFest, an exciting line-up of special events and activities available all summer long – from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at Gaylord Hotels.

Located in or near Washington, D.C., Nashville, Orlando and Dallas, the four Gaylord Hotels are destinations unto themselves. Each property’s unique design provides a stunning backdrop for relaxing fun, whether it’s a family vacation or a couple’s getaway, with entertainment, art and architecture celebrating each area’s local history. Best of all – and new for SummerFest – guests can now earn Marriott Rewards points when they stay at Gaylord Hotels.

As part of SummerFest, guests can enjoy the Summer DreamWorks experience and vacation with the beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Puss In Boots and Madagascar. Interactive DreamWorks-themed activities created exclusively for kids and families will make their stays unforgettable.

At each resort, guests will also discover delicious dining options overseen by award-winning chefs who showcase regional delicacies, full-service spas and salons, indoor and outdoor pools, access to golf, shopping and much more. Or, with convenient transportation options available at each resort to local attractions, guests can set off on excursions to explore the exciting offerings found in each region.

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SummerFest at Gaylord National Resort (National Harbor, Md.) 
Gaylord National, the premiere waterfront resort on the Potomac River and a gateway to Washington, D.C., will embody all-American fun this summer. Guests will enjoy spectacular fireworks shows over the river, food and drink specials, nightly sunset toasts, a weekly Artisanal Cheese Class hosted by the hotel’s Maitre d’Fromage, splashin’ fun at the pool and adjacent sundeck overlooking the waterfront, and exclusive summer spa treatments. Kids and families are in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Dance Parties and the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Cook-In (character dining). Just steps from the resort, guests can explore the exciting destination of National Harbor, Maryland, which offers dozens of restaurants, shops, art galleries, nightlife venues and weekly outdoor events such as movies along the waterfront, live musical performances, an open-air street market, and popular summer festivals such as the Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival.

SummerFest at Gaylord Opryland Resort (Nashville, Tenn.) 
Gaylord Opryland brings the toe-tapping magic of Music City to life with live entertainment and easy access to Nashville’s most popular attractions, including the Grand Ole Opry, General Jackson Showboat, Wildhorse Saloon, and the historic Ryman Auditorium. This summer, guests will enjoy live music, culinary tours and demonstrations, carriage and Delta flatboat rides, and many other engaging events all season long. Families are especially in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Experience Meet & Greets, Saturday Family Fun Nights, the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Cook-In (character dining), and DreamWorks-themed pool parties.

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SummerFest at Gaylord Palms Resort (Kissimmee, Fla.) 
SummerFest at Gaylord Palms is a great way to celebrate what the sunshine state is famous for: sun, music and fun. Guests will enjoy family entertainment, live music, and drink and dining specials all summer long, from our Key West Sunset Celebrations to specialty craft beers in our Wreckers Beer Garden. Kids and families are in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Experience Meet & Greets, ShrekFeast (character dining), afternoon poolside games and the Crack-A-Lackin’ Pool Party at the fabulous Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park with four water slides, Tree House water play structure and “Toddler Bay.”

SummerFest at Gaylord Texan Resort (Grapevine, Texas) 
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Grapevine (close to Dallas/Ft. Worth), Gaylord Texan celebrates the spirit and unique beauty of the Lone Star State with four-and-a-half acres of gardens and regionally inspired architecture under glass. This summer, guests will enjoy live entertainment such as strolling characters, magicians, stilt walkers and face painters, firework shows every Friday night, culinary events and classes such as junior chef camps, adult cooking classes, poolside music and mimosas, pool parties at Paradise Springs – the resort’s 10-acre pool and lazy river complex, acrylic painting classes for adults and kids, a Texas atrium art tour, sunrise yoga, spa specials and live music all season long. Families are especially in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Experience Meet & Greets and the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Cook-In (character dining).

www.gaylordhotels.com/summerfest.

National Aquarium to Close Washington DC Location

529256_321457364576190_1604760619_nBaltimore, MD, USA (May 9, 2013) — The Board of Directors of the National Aquarium, Washington, DC, has announced that, due to necessary renovations in the Department of Commerce building, the facility will be closing on September 30, 2013. The General Services Administration (GSA) requires National Aquarium to vacate its current space in the building by March 2014.

This September 30 closing date allows National Aquarium, Washington, DC, to meet GSA’s March deadline using a timeline that accommodates its main priority: the needs of its animals and staff. The collection of more than 1,500 animals will be transitioned to new homes at either National Aquarium, Baltimore, or at other accredited aquariums.

“Here at the National Aquarium, we value our DC venue’s rich history as the nation’s first public aquarium, and we are committed to maintaining a presence in the capital, where a public aquarium has existed since the late 1800s,” said Tamika Langley Tremaglio, National Aquarium, Washington, DC, Board Chair.

A task force of National Aquarium Board members is exploring opportunities and funding options that would support this goal. The closure will not impact the operation of National Aquarium, Baltimore, one of the nation’s leading aquariums.

Established in 1873, the National Aquarium, Washington, DC, first opened its doors to visitors in 1885 with a collection of 180 species of fish, reptiles and other aquatic animals.

www.aqua.org

Dallas Zoo Becomes First in North America to Mix Elephants and Hoofstock in Same Space

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Dallas, TX, USA (May 9, 2013) /PRNewswire/ — The Dallas Zoo today announced that it is the first zoo in North America to combine African elephants with zebras, giraffes, impalas, ostriches and guinea fowl in the same habitat, where these majestic animals can explore the award-winning Giants of the Savanna habitat side by side, just as they would in the wild.

The Dallas Zoo’s innovative exhibit is a key player in Dallas’ recent advancement as a world-class cultural destination, attracting visitors to Dallas along with the Dallas Arts District – the largest arts district in the nation (spanning 68 acres and 19 contiguous blocks), the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

The Giants of the Savanna habitat was built, in part, in response to national attention the Dallas Zoo received in 2009 regarding Jenny, an African elephant that has been in the Dallas Zoo’s care since 1986. Today, Jenny, along with fellow African elephants Mama, Gypsy, Kamba, and Congo, live in the Giants of the Savanna habitat and like all elephants, are naturally social, intelligent animals with strong personalities. They’re older, female elephants, but very active. That’s why the Zoo started calling them their “Golden Girls.”

“The Giants of the Savanna continues to be a game changer for the Dallas Zoo,” said Gregg Hudson, president and CEO of Dallas Zoo Management Inc. “It is two decades of vision, a dream of what could be, finally becoming reality. Today, the Dallas Zoo is recognized as an innovator and a national and international leader in elephant care. We have zoos and elephant experts from all over the world coming here, asking us how we are doing it . . . telling us they plan to do exactly as we have done. We are extremely pleased with Giants of the Savanna, how we navigated the journey it took to get here and the great team we have in place. Most of all, we’re proud of how this habitat has provided a caring, comfortable and stimulating environment for our elephants, our Golden Girls.”

“The Giants of the Savanna is a mentally and physically stimulating habitat for the animals,” said Lynn Kramer, DVM, vice president of animal operations and welfare for Dallas Zoo Management Inc. “The design is based on field research. In the wild, elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas all move around a lot because they are looking for food, water, and companionship. We created an activity-based, multi-species habitat with the same incentives to encourage them to travel throughout the entire space. The elephants are the largest – so the other animals move around the Savanna based on where the elephants choose to go. The Giants of the Savanna habitat, with over four acres open to the elephants, gives the animals room to roam. We’re observing how they use their space and how an active lifestyle impacts their health and then we share that information with our fellow zoos and researchers studying elephants in the wild.”

“What the animal experts here at the Giants of the Savanna are doing is bringing different kinds of animals together in one habitat as these animals would live on the savanna in Africa,” said Michael L. Meadows, president and chief executive officer of the Dallas Zoological Society. “But the addition of elephants has never been done before here in the U.S. and that makes the Dallas Zoo a must-see, destination zoo. Our peers from other zoos in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are coming to the Dallas Zoo and calling us a leader . . . With the Giants of the Savanna continuing to thrive and evolve, we truly believe the Dallas Zoo is poised to become one of the best zoological parks in the country. Our donors say they are excited to be associated with one of the premier elephant care leaders in the country and to help the outstanding veterinarians, scientists and keepers here take advantage of unprecedented opportunities to learn about and from these animals.”

“The new elephant facility at the Dallas Zoo may represent the future of elephant habitats in zoos in North America,” said Jack Hanna , director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, conservationist, television personality and author. “Over the last 30 years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world to learn about many awe-inspiring creatures. I’ve been blessed to see animals in the wild, but I know many people will not have that opportunity. The good news is that if you can get to Dallas, you can see elephants, giraffes, and zebras all living together – just as you would on safari in Africa!”

www.dallaszoo.com

MGM Files With Maryland Gaming Commission to Develop Casino Resort at National Harbor Outside Washington DC

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National Harbor, MD, USA (May 9, 2013) /PRNewswire/ — MGM National Harbor, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), today filed a proposal for a license from the State of Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission to develop a world-class destination resort in Prince George’s County.

The proposed MGM site would be constructed on more than 20 acres of land at National Harbor, the beautiful waterfront development on the shores of the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, just south of Washington, D.C., near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

At an event prior to filing the proposal, Lorenzo Creighton, President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM National Harbor, emphasized MGM’s commitment and desire to partner with Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.

“We have said all along, our company will work tirelessly to earn the privilege to operate this license. We will earn it based on our company’s experience and expertise. We are confident our proposal demonstrates we are the clear choice to bring a world-class destination resort to National Harbor.

“Our proposal incorporates feedback we received from the community of which we hope to soon become a part. We will also make good on promises we’ve made to create thousands of new local jobs, provide enormous economic benefits to the region, and maintain our proven commitment to corporate social responsibility,” Mr. Creighton said.

MGM executives project that the proposed MGM Destination Resort at National Harbor would create thousands of construction and permanent jobs. Many of these jobs will be filled by Maryland residents, creating career opportunities, especially for those living in Prince George’s County.

Mr. Creighton added, “Supplier diversity is an integral part of the MGM Resorts corporate culture and a vital element of our success. As a Maryland license operator, we would embrace inclusive business practices in all areas, including contracting, procurement, employment and ownership. Our company realizes that both Prince George’s County and Maryland are rich with capable minority business enterprises already possessing the capacity to significantly contribute to our project. We commit to working not only with these established businesses, but also to encourage the development of others seeking to increase their capacity or earn MBE certification.”

Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, stated, “I have been personally involved in our efforts in Maryland since the beginning. I am particularly proud of what we have submitted for the Commission’s consideration. We have called upon our company’s years of worldwide resort experience to design a fully-appointed destination resort that specifically respects the atmosphere of Prince George’s County and meets the needs of the Maryland marketplace.

“An MGM property at National Harbor would be designed and operated at the same level of quality as our other iconic hotels, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, ARIA and The Mirage.”

The design and amenities of MGM National Harbor have been shaped to reflect the history and geography of the area, complementing the already successful development and increasing its allure to out-of-state visitors. Like all of our company’s resorts, we will embrace luxury retail, world-class entertainment, fine dining and fun, casual eateries from the world’s greatest chefs.

Submittal of the proposal is the first step in Maryland’s application and licensing process. Based on the schedule outlined by the Location Commission, the next step will be for MGM to be called to make an oral presentation about the company’s proposed facility to the Commission sometime later this summer.

www.mgmresorts.com

Newest Six Flags SkyScreamer Soars Over Georgia

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Austell, GA, USA (May 9, 2013) /PRNewswire/ — Six Flags Over Georgia prepares to take to the sky as the countdown begins for the launch of the park’s newest thrill ride, SkyScreamer. The park’s newest addition was previewed today by media and VIP guests. SkyScreamer opens to the public on Friday, May 24, 2013.

At 242 feet, SkyScreamer is 40 feet taller than the park’s mega-coaster Goliath, and will give passengers a thrilling view of the Atlanta skyline. Thirty-two riders will sit two across in open air swings while spinning to the top of the tower. At full swing, guests revolve in a 98-foot circle at speeds of 40 mph.

“SkyScreamer is unlike any other ride at Six Flags Over Georgia,” said park president Dale Kaetzel. “The sheer height alone will draw attention and the excitement of soaring over the entire park in open air swings will be a unique experience for thrill-seekers of all ages.”

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SkyScreamer’s colorful tower and globe, which is topped with an iconic globe surrounded by the words Six Flags, provides an iconic new look to the overall park skyline.

Six Flags Season Pass Holders get an exclusive sneak peek of the new ride on May 11, 12, 18 and 19.

Six Flags Over Georgia is open weekends only through May 19. Daily operation begins May 24 and continues through August 11.

www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia

Canadian Astronaut Julie Payette Named CEO of Montréal Science Centre

931349_10151664231608408_45612092_nMontreal, Quebec, Canada (May 8, 2013) /PRNewswire/– Madame Julie Payette has been named Chief Operating Officer of the Montréal Science Centre (MSC). The announcement was made today by Canada Lands Company, a federal arm’s-length Crown corporation that owns and operates the MSC. Ms. Payette also becomes a Vice-President of Canada Lands Company and will assume her new role on July 15, 2013.

“In today’s world of fast-paced innovation, unparalleled medical advances and instant communication, science and technology have become part of our everyday life. As a vibrant institution of scientific culture accessible to all, the Montréal Science Centre provides a unique window into the astonishing technological processes that shape our society. Science is fun and science is fundamental. I am delighted to join the MSC team.” Ms Payette said of her appointment.

Julie Payette is a Canadian engineer and astronaut who flew two missions in space for the construction of the International Space Station (ISS). In addition, Ms. Payette worked as a crew liaison officer with ISS partners in Europe and Russia and served as CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator) at NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas. Ms. Payette was the Canadian Chief Astronaut from 2000 to 2008. In 2011, she became a public policy scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars inWashington DC and conducted research on the diplomatic and foreign policy benefits behind international collaboration in large-scale scientific projects. Ms. Payette holds several distinctions, is a chevalier of l’Ordre National du Québec and an Officer of the Order of Canada.

The role is a homecoming for the Montréal born Payette, who most recently served as Québec’s Scientific Delegate to the United States, based in Washington DC.

“Having a world-renowned Canadian woman lead this institution demonstrates Canada Lands Company’s commitment to the success of this important public destination in Montréal,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and the Minister responsible for Canada Lands Company.

“We’re thrilled that Julie Payette has accepted this position,” said Robert Howald, acting President and CEO of Canada Lands Company. “As an astronaut and engineer, Julie has impeccable credentials.  She has a wealth of experience and knowledge which will enable the centre to continue and enhance its commitment to science and technology.  We could not have asked for a better leader to oversee this great attraction as it continues to evolve by broadening its appeal to a wider audience”.

As Chief Operating Officer of the Montréal Science Centre, Ms. Payette will be tasked with strengthening the MSC’s position as both a first-class institution and premier science culture establishment.

Welcoming more than 700,000 visitors annually, the Montréal Science Centre is one of the preeminent public attractions in the city of Montréal. The MSC is a science and technology complex that is renowned for its distinctive interactive, accessible approach, as well as its focus on local innovation and expertise.

www.montrealsciencecentre.com