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Independence, MO —
The pirate ship is coming back – and it will be bigger and better than last year.
A full-sized pirate ship made its debut at last year’s Enchanted Forest at George Owens Nature Park in Independence, and because of the overwhelming positive response it received, organizers are bringing it back.
The ship will include pirates aplenty, although Peter Pan won’t be included in the all-new theme, said John Eppert, who, with his wife, Nancy, is at the lead of the Enchanted Forest preparations.
“Some parts of it will be closer to the hay ride,” John said of this year’s ship in the park’s lake. “The ship will be in about the same place, but the theme will be different from last year. I think that’ll make it even more exciting for folks, so we’re looking forward to that.”
Additionally, this year’s ship will include guns firing from both sides of the lake. Enchanted Forest, now in its 21st season, is sponsored by the Independence Parks and Recreation Department and the Powerhouse Theatre Foundation.
Some neighbors raised concerns last year about the noise level produced by the ship and its possible interference with animals. Organizers worked in coordination with the Police and Fire departments to ensure the ship adhered to city rules, and Eppert said notices also will go out to neighborhoods closest to the park about the ship.
“It will be a lot like the Fourth of July for them, except instead of one night, it’ll be four nights,” John said. “We want to be good neighbors, but we also want to put on a good show for everyone.”
Nancy Eppert, now in her 18th year of involvement at Enchanted Forest, will once again portray Effie the Forest Fairy, greeting attendees as they enter the park for the 45-minute experience.
Enchanted Forest – still G-rated, still non-scary fun appropriate for all ages – will stick with the basics of nursery rhymes and fairy tale characters, “but by popular demand, Batman will be back,” Nancy said.
“I think it’s been about three years, but some of the kids think it feels like it’s been forever.”
A special Humpty Dumpty costume was built this year, so that’s a new character to the Enchanted Forest cast, Nancy said. She is still in need of several actors, especially older teenagers and adults. Those who are interested can email her at nkeppert@gmail.com.
The pirate ship is coming back – and it will be bigger and better than last year.
A full-sized pirate ship made its debut at last year’s Enchanted Forest at George Owens Nature Park in Independence, and because of the overwhelming positive response it received, organizers are bringing it back.
The ship will include pirates aplenty, although Peter Pan won’t be included in the all-new theme, said John Eppert, who, with his wife, Nancy, is at the lead of the Enchanted Forest preparations.
“Some parts of it will be closer to the hay ride,” John said of this year’s ship in the park’s lake. “The ship will be in about the same place, but the theme will be different from last year. I think that’ll make it even more exciting for folks, so we’re looking forward to that.”
Additionally, this year’s ship will include guns firing from both sides of the lake. Enchanted Forest, now in its 21st season, is sponsored by the Independence Parks and Recreation Department and the Powerhouse Theatre Foundation.
Some neighbors raised concerns last year about the noise level produced by the ship and its possible interference with animals. Organizers worked in coordination with the Police and Fire departments to ensure the ship adhered to city rules, and Eppert said notices also will go out to neighborhoods closest to the park about the ship.
“It will be a lot like the Fourth of July for them, except instead of one night, it’ll be four nights,” John said. “We want to be good neighbors, but we also want to put on a good show for everyone.”
Nancy Eppert, now in her 18th year of involvement at Enchanted Forest, will once again portray Effie the Forest Fairy, greeting attendees as they enter the park for the 45-minute experience.
Enchanted Forest – still G-rated, still non-scary fun appropriate for all ages – will stick with the basics of nursery rhymes and fairy tale characters, “but by popular demand, Batman will be back,” Nancy said.
“I think it’s been about three years, but some of the kids think it feels like it’s been forever.”
A special Humpty Dumpty costume was built this year, so that’s a new character to the Enchanted Forest cast, Nancy said. She is still in need of several actors, especially older teenagers and adults. Those who are interested can email her at nkeppert@gmail.com.
Those who are interested in volunteering all four evenings of the production or as guides for the Enchanted Forest can contact John at jeppert2@gmail.com.
This year’s dates are Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27. The gates open at 7 p.m., and anyone in line by 9 p.m. is allowed to go through the Enchanted Forest. Free parking is available at the middle school complex across the street from George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Road.
While the production involves hard work with collaboration and coordination among many volunteers and city staff, Nancy said she is proud of Independence because most seem to associate the Enchanted Forest as a worthy city project.
“It’s for the families,” Nancy said of what keeps she and John involved year after year. “We are just so happy to be able to be a part of a program that brings so much togetherness and happiness to families. It’s an opportunity for them to come and be together and to hear the kids laughing and the Moms and Dads laughing.
“Come on out, and don’t let the line scare you. If you are in line by 9 o’clock, you are going to get into the event.”
