Branson ? Silver Dollar City Corp. hopes to do for the early 20th Century what it did for 1880s Ozarks culture at its newest theme park, scheduled to open in late spring.

Officials announced plans last week for “Celebration City” a $40 million venture aimed at turning life-changing events, such the onset of electricity and the development of the automobile, into entertainment.

The Silver Dollar City Corp. announces Celebration City, a new 0 million, multi-layered theme park for Branson, Mo. The park will highlight some of the most colorful and entertaining eras of 20th century America, and its features will include a soaring wooden roller coaster 10 stories high and a spectacular evening laser production show. Celebration City is scheduled to open in late spring 2003.

“The first half of the 20th Century is the most positive and wholesome period of our time,” said Bob Montgomery, vice president of the corporation’s Branson attractions. “It was the new frontier of civilization and technology.”

Crews have been quietly working since February on sewer and other infrastructure improvements at the 112-acre parcel, just off Missouri 76 in the southwest Missouri resort town.

Designs and other details are still being worked out, but he promised the park would continue Silver Dollar City’s tradition of bringing the past to life.

“There are a lot of great stories to tell about this era,” Montgomery said. “Those stories will have an Ozarks tie.”

Celebration City will include a 10-story wooden roller coaster, along with two dozen other rides, as well as games, restaurants, shows and a nightly outdoor laser show, said Mel Bilbo, chief executive and president of Silver Dollar City.

It’s expected to operate from mid-afternoon until late evening, although hours were still being decided, Montgomery said. That is a shift from efforts by entertainers to develop morning attendance and close theaters by about 10:30 p.m.

“It’s an opportunity for us to broaden our reach, because it gives visitors that much more to do,” Montgomery said.

Branson known for courting veterans and seniors has begun working to attract families with children to ensure future prosperity. Celebration City now leads that effort, said Claudia Vecchio, a spokeswoman for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a magnificent first step that sends a clear message that Branson has a lot of offer families,” Vecchio said.

At least 500,000 visitors are expected the first year, Silver Dollar City spokeswoman Lisa Rau said.

“We won’t know the true economic impact until were start offering tickets,” Rau said. “But we are looking at a very solid increase in our new customer base, and we also expect to increase the length of stay by at least one day.”

Silver Dollar City’s namesake theme park in Branson is themed around 1880s Ozarks culture, with nearly 100 craftsmen demonstrating everything from glass blowing to making candy and candles.

Silver Dollar City Corp. owns or operates 11 other properties in four states, including Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., with partner Dolly Parton, and Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta.