ATLANTA & ATHOL, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 27, 2026--
Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (“Herschend”), the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, has completed its acquisition of Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park (“Silverwood”) from Silverwood, Inc. This follows the signing of an exclusive terms sheet announced in November 2025.
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Silverwood has been operated by the Norton family since 1988. Today, the 400-acre property features more than 70 rides, attractions, and shows — including Boulder Beach Water Park — and draws hundreds of thousands of guests annually from across the Pacific Northwest.
“Herschend was the only choice for us,” said Paul Norton, Silverwood Executive Director. “As a family business, they understand what it means to build something by hand, with your whole heart — and the deep responsibility that comes with serving families and communities. I trust them to carry our legacy forward with the same care and commitment my family has.”
Herschend’s 22,000 hosts serve nearly 20 million people annually across its more than 40 North American family entertainment brands. Herschend approaches each experience it operates with a long-term mindset and a commitment to preserving the distinct identity of every property. Although each brand is unique, they are united by a singular purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating ®.
“Silverwood is the result of decades of heart, vision, and hands-on dedication,” said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend. “The team has built more than a theme park — they’ve built a place that brings people together, creates joy, and strengthens the community around it. Being entrusted with that legacy is an incredible honor, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our role is to shepherd what’s been built and support the team so Silverwood can continue creating memories — and thriving — for generations to come.”
“As a family-held company, we’re not driven by quarterly earnings or short-term trends; we have the responsibility and privilege of thinking generationally,” said Chris Herschend, Herschend’s Board Chairman. “That long-term view guides how we invest in our people, our brands, and the communities we serve — which now includes the incredible Silverwood team and the guests who have cherished this property for nearly four decades.”
This season will be all about listening, learning, and building relationships. Important details regarding the acquisition are as follows:
Silverwood will remain Silverwood. The 2026 season, which begins May 2, will offer the same beloved experiences guests know and expect, including Night of the Stars, Coaster Classic, and Scarywood. For a full calendar of events, visit https://www.silverwoodthemepark.com/events/.
Silverwood will continue to operate with its existing identity and team. Herschend is committed to open, transparent communication with hosts, guests, and the local community as the transition moves forward. Herschend is focused on supporting hosts and empowering them to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
About Herschend
Our story began over 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with 22,000 hosts and a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands.
While each brand offers something unique, they’re all united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating ®. Our 22,000 passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality™—the intersection of heart and hospitality. Together, we love in all we do, every day—caring for one another, welcoming our guests with warmth, and making a positive difference in our communities. For more information, visit www.herschend.com.
About Silverwood
Located in the scenic panhandle of North Idaho, Silverwood is the Northwest’s largest theme park, dedicated to creating memorable experiences for families. From its carefully designed courtyards to the quality of its food, every detail is crafted to enhance the guest experience. With over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions—including world-class coasters and a vintage 1915 steam engine train—Silverwood offers something for everyone. Visitors can also cool off at Boulder Beach Water Park, featuring wave pools, thrilling slides, and a relaxing lazy river. For more information, visit www.silverwoodthemepark.com.
Silverwood Theme Park Aerial Photo
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Golden Tempo showed exactly why he is a great closer, and his stretch run at the Belmont Stakes on Saturday delivered more history for trainer Cherie DeVaux.
Ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz from 12 lengths off the lead, Golden Tempo surged from the back of the pack to win the 158th rendition of the race. The victory came five weeks after his last-to-first charge to win the Kentucky Derby.
“Golden Tempo is amazing. Jose is amazing,” said DeVaux. “I think he needed to do this to kind of show that he was meant to win the Derby and that he is a horse that belongs in that conversation of being one of the top 3-year-olds.”
Golden Tempo held off Commandment to win by a length and a quarter at odds of 6-1. Commandment was second and favorite Renegade placed third.
“I followed them closely in the second turn,” Ortiz said. “They started to pick it up, so I did as well. I was just waiting for the right time to go all in. When I asked him to go, my horse responded.”
DeVaux, after becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, is the second in four years to do so at the Belmont. Jena Antonucci won it with Arcangelo in 2023. DeVaux is the first woman to win multiple Triple Crown races.
“It’s overwhelming,” DeVaux said. “All the credit goes to Golden Tempo, who won the race, and Jose did a wonderful job of making it happen. But I’m just so fortunate to be in this position. It’s history-making, and I’ve kind of shied away from it, but I’m really grateful that I am that person.”
DeVaux was born in Saratoga Springs and began her training career there, but she doesn’t call herself a Saratoga native. She spends most of her time in Kentucky now and said she grew up in southern Florida. But after all the support she’s received from the town, she has started to embrace it.
“Everyone is kind of calling me the hometown girl,” DeVaux said. “So that’s kind of fun. I’m going to miss our appetizer (at) Saratoga, as we call it, the ‘Bellatoga.’”
Golden Tempo was the third choice in the race. There were concerns about whether he could pull off another big comeback win in a field that included Renegade. The Todd Pletcher-trained horse finished second to Golden Tempo by a neck in the Derby.
The pace was not nearly as fast as it was at Churchill Downs, yet Golden Tempo still was able to close in time to win the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:03.49. It didn’t matter, as he was the best in the field of nine horses.
“He wasn’t going to get that setup as he did in the Derby,” Ortiz said. “We all knew that, and I was a little worried about it. He needed some kind of setup. But today, there wasn’t one and he showed up today and won.”
Golden Tempo won two-thirds of the Triple Crown after DeVaux and owners decided to bypass the Preakness. He is the second horse in as many years to win the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont after not running in the middle jewel.
“We made our decision, and we won today and we’re going to be happy about that,” DeVaux said.
This was the third and final time for the Belmont at Saratoga in upstate New York, while its traditional home on the border of Queens and Long Island is getting demolished and rebuilt. Run at 1 1/4 miles because of the track at Saratoga, the race is set to return to Belmont Park next year when it will return to its traditional 1 1/2-mile distance.
“It’s so meaningful,” DeVaux said. ”A lot of family here. Saratoga, it’s been wonderful to have such a historic race here. ... It’s so meaningful because the town gets to have this and celebrate it along with us.”
Golden Tempo paid $14 to win, $7.32 to place and $3.88 to show. Commandment paid $7.02 to show and $4.08 to place, while Renegade paid $2.52 to place.
Ortiz followed Renegade, ridden by older brother Irad, just as he did in the Derby. It worked out just the same in the first Saturday in June as the first Saturday in May.
“He was bouncing a bit today, which made me very happy because I wanted him to be a little bit sharper today,” Jose Ortiz said. “You can see him, he’s very relaxed. He does what I ask him to do. That’s the main thing.”
Co-owner Vinnie Viola dedicated the race to his late friend Dominic DiPrisco, who died Wednesday at age 70. Viola prayed to DiPrisco Saturday morning, hoping for an extra push in the Belmont Stakes.
“I know you’re in heaven, and I love you, and this race is for you,” Viola said. “It means more than I can express in words right now.”
Ortiz won the Belmont Stakes for the second time, nine years after his first aboard Tapwrit in 2017.
“We just wanted him to get better and keep winning these kinds of races,” Ortiz said. “We’re very happy with him. It’s all about him.”
AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno in New York contributed.
AP horse racing: https://apnews.com/hub/horse-racing
Trainer Cherie DeVaux, center, with Jockey Jose Ortiz, left, holds the trophy after Golden Tempo won the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Trainer Cherie DeVaux, right, greet Golden Tempo (9) and Jockey Jose Ortiz after they won the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Jockey Jose Ortiz celebrates aboard Golden Tempo as they are led to the winner's circle after winning the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Jockey Jose Ortiz celebrates as he crosses the finish line aboard Golden Tempo (9) to win the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Golden Tempo (9) with Jockey Jose Ortiz crosses the finish line to win the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Spectators watch the second race of the day before the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race at Saratoga Race Course, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Jockeys walk thoroughbreds to the track for the second race of the day before the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race at Saratoga Race Course, Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
