MNSSHP: Old groundskeeper tells headless horseman story?

[SmileMom]

From the "MNSSHP Best Viewing for Parade" Thread

I read that if you sit in front of the Hall of Presidents that an old grounds keeper with his dog will tell you a story about the headless horseman before he rides. Is this true and how long before the parade does this happen?

Has anyone seen this? I would love to see it this year.

 

[mickeyfan2]

Yes. His name is Nickerbocker. I don't remember a dog, but he is the town cryer. He sits on the rockers and tells the story. Then he walks the parade route crying "Beware the headless horsemen! Beware!". His retelling of the story makes the ride of the headless horseman that much better.

 

[rapriebe]

Does anyone know how long the story is or what time does he start the story.

 

[mickeyfan2]

Does anyone know how long the story is or what time does he start the story.

His story is about 20 minutes long. He starts about 30 minutes before the parade makes it's way across the bridge. Check the MNSSHP handout. The time should be listed there.

 

[usewickhouse]

We have beem to the MNSSP 4 times and getty ready for our 5th and not once have we seen this story teller. We sat right in front of the HOP the last time and there was no story teller and certainly there was no one walking the parade route before the headless horseman. The only thing I can recall is the creepy announcer coming on and then the music. We will definitely be looking for this story teller in 2 weeks, it would sure be cool for the kids.

 

[mickeyfan2]

He is to the side on the porch where the HOP exit is.

 

[mickeysaver]

I looked for the story teller on 9/22. I asked about a story teller.....the CM's that we spoke with all said they had not heard about there being a story teller this year. All we found was the announcement over the PA! Maggie

 

[beattyfamily]

I've been to 3 parties so far and asked a CM before the parade (I was seated near Country Bear Jamboree) at the last party I went to and the CM took out her cheat sheet and still said nope, no storryteller.

So we have yet to see it but I've certainly heard about it. Its one of those things that just happens but not many seem to know about it.

 

[rapriebe]

For those of you that have been to the party this year --- Are both of the parade identical or are they different parades? Just wondering if it's worth it to watch both of them or is one enough?

 

[Deb & Bill]

I thought I had heard the the Headless Horseman would not be riding through the park again because of some liability issues. I know the two times we went to the party it was wet and he didn't ride.

 

[beattyfamily]

I thought I had heard the the Headless Horseman would not be riding through the park again because of some liability issues. I know the two times we went to the party it was wet and he didn't ride.

He's been riding, just not in the rain. He rides before both parades. Many back from 9/15 and 9/22 have reported seeing him again this year.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I know the first time that we saw him it was an accident. Now we know what he looks like, so it is easier to find him. We are not doing any MNSSHPs this year, so it is possible he is not at this years party.

 

[pixie dust 112]

He rode for both parades last night! MNSSHP is terrific. All the rides we went on were walk on...Pirates. Haunted Mansion, Buzz, all the mountains, IASW, Winnie the Pooh, Carousel, Aladdin. No lines for any rides, but we did not wait for character pictures as those lines were incredibly long. Trick or treat lines went fast! Lines for pictures at haunted mansion and Cinderellas coach wer also very long. This was our first MNSSHP, and we're already talking about coming back next year!