Silverwood shines on Night of the Stars

Exactly one year ago, thousands of people waited shoulder-to-shoulder outside the gates of Silverwood Theme Park. Excitement buzzed through the air like electricity sizzling over a wire. The conductor of the Silverwood Railway wore Western clothes – a red bandana tied around his neck, a silver Marshal-star attached to his chest and a cowboy hat. He wrapped his arms around a man and lifted him safely onto the train seat. The next person rolled on board in his wheelchair.

It was the 16th annual Night of the Stars. Each year before the regular season begins, Silverwood invites anyone who is terminally ill or physically or mentally disabled to come to the park for free and bring a friend or family member.

Owner, Gary Norton, heard of another theme park offering a special day for disabled and terminally ill people when he started Silverwood. The idea touched his heart, and he knew he had to create such a day in his own park.

“People tell us that after all the treatments they have to go to, they have no money left over and this is the only way they could be here. That’s really why we do it. It just feels good, and I love to do it,” said Norton.

This is one special day that disabled people can enjoy the park without being stared at. People waiting in lines don’t get irritated when it takes a while for some to get in and out of the rides. There is never any ridicule; only fun, understanding and more smiles and squeals than can be counted.

“I want to go on all the roller coasters,” said Kari Hansen, a special needs 17-year-old from Priest River as she waited outside the gates. “I’m not afraid of anything!” The 5-foot tall dynamo did indeed hit the Cork Screw, Timber Terror and even rode on Tremors alone because she couldn’t find anyone in her group brave enough to climb aboard.

Excitement built, and the chatter became louder as the gates finally opened. More than 3,700 people spilled into the park, racing to their favorite ride before a line could form. Wheel chairs rolled and walkers, braces and crutches were barely a hindrance when it came to a push to get on the Timber Terror.

On the way to the rides an old-time cop with a tall bowler hat, giant blue bow tie with white polka dots, and a duck call instead of a whistle, swung his billy club as he smiled and greeted those who raced past. Festive banjo music spilled from hidden speakers, and the aroma of popcorn wafted throughout the park.

“Free sample?” one vendor called as she scooped up small cups of kettle corn and handed them to all who stepped forward.

People who will never be able to drive a real car got in line to drive the very real-looking antique cars around the Country Lane – guided by a rail to keep them on the road.

“We had our full crew of employees, plus 100 volunteers to help assist people who needed a hand in and out of the rides,” said Nancy DiGiammarco, an employee of Silverwood. “We never have any problem getting people to work or volunteer for Night of the Stars. Everyone thinks it is such a great program they love to help.”

An individual person who is disabled or terminally ill cannot call the park and request a ticket, they have to go through an organization. DiGiammarco asks that anyone who knows of an organization that meets the requirements, please contact the park so they will be invited next year.

Over the years many people of the press have tried to publicize the Night of the Stars event to no avail. They’ve shown up at the gates only to be turned away.

“I’ve tried to keep a low profile on it,” said Norton. “I don’t like to get any press on it at all. If you’re doing it for the press, you’re not doing it for the right reasons. I’d just as soon the people that come out here to enjoy it, know about it and that’s as far as it goes.”

Norton is a humble man with a big heart. Night of the Stars has been warming thousands of hearts for 17 years, and as the mother of a disabled child who has participated in this special night for 12 of those years, this article is not meant to “expose” Norton’s kindness, but simply to thank him for it. And in the meantime, get ready Silverwood, ‘cuz me and more than 4,000 others will see you soon.