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South of the Border is an attraction on Interstate 95 (I-95), US Highway 301 (US 301) and US 501 in Dillon, South Carolina, just south of Rowland, North Carolina. It is so named because it is just south of the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, and was the half way point to Florida from New York in the early days of motor travel. The area is themed in faux-Mexican style. The rest area contains restaurants, gas stations, a video arcade, and a motel, and truck stop as well as a small amusement park, a mini golf course, shopping and fireworks stores. Its mascot is Pedro, a caricature of a Mexican bandido. South of the Border is known for its roadside billboard advertisements, which begin many miles away from and incorporate a mileage countdown to the attraction itself. The stop has since fallen on hard times as more modern hotel areas have grown along I-95.

Design[edit]

The entire motif of South of the Border can be described as intentionally campy. South of the Border is located at the intersection of I-95 and US 301/US 501 just south of the border between South Carolina and North Carolina. The site is a 350-acre (140 ha) compound that contains a miniature golf course, truck stop, 300-room motel, multiple souvenir shops, a campground, multiple restaurants, amusement rides, and a 200-foot (61 m) observation tower with a sombrero shaped observation deck.^[1] It is also home to 'Reptile Lagoon', the largest indoor reptile exhibit in the US.^[2]

Architectural features include 'a Jetsons-esque starburst chandelier'^[3] in the lobby and Mimetic. Pedro's Pleasure Dome is a swimming pool inside 'a junkyard version' of a geodesic dome. A Washington Post review says, '[F]lashing signs ... throw technicolor pink and green and blue onto every surface. No destination or sentiment is too small to be blared out in bright orange.'^[3] Numerous large statues of animals such as dolphins, horses, dogs, gorillas and dinosaurs can be found. The Peddler Steakhouse, the nicest of the restaurants, is shaped like a sombrero, while the Mexican-themed Sombrero restaurant is not, though its décor includes sombreros, cactus and terra cotta, with lots of lime green. There are areas that bring to mind the photography of William Eggleston, the cinematography of David Lynch, and the gas station art of Ed Ruscha.^[3]

History[edit]

South of the Border was developed by Alan Schafer in 1950.^[4] He had founded South of the Border Depot, a beer stand, at the location in 1949 adjacent to Robeson County which was, at one time, one of many dryNorth Carolina counties.^[5][1][3] Business was steadily expanded with Mexican trinkets and numerous kitsch items imported from Mexico.^[4] The site itself also began to expand to include a cocktail lounge, gas station and souvenir shop and, in 1954, a motel.^[6][7] In 1962, South of the Border expanded into fireworks sales, potentially capitalizing on the fact fireworks were illegal in North Carolina.^[8] In 1964 it was announced that the route for I-95 would pass right by South of the Border, and the facility would be next to two exits and within view of the highway.^[9] By the mid-1960s, South of the Border had expanded to include a barber shop, drug store, a variety store, a post office an outdoor go-kart track complete with other outdoor recreational facilities and the 104 feet (32 m) tall image of the mascot, Pedro.^[8]

Over the years, the billboards with messages some considered racist and offensive changed to become tamer while still retaining the same tongue-in-cheek tone. Schafer continued to deny his attraction was racist, citing the fact that he was known for hiring African Americans, and even helping them to vote, and standing up to the Ku Klux Klan.^[10]

About 300 people, mostly local employees, work at South of the Border. At one time, with 700 working there, it was the largest employer in Dillon County, South Carolina.^[10]

Mascot[edit]

Initially, Schafer only employed sombreros and serapes to advertise South of the Border.^[11] Schafer went to Mexico because of his import business and came back with two men he hired as bellboys, who people began calling Pedro and Pancho. From there, the Pedro mascot developed.^[3] Schafer eventually created Pedro, to add to the exotic element and theme of the attraction. Pedro is an exaggerated, cartoon-like representation of a Mexican bandit.^[12] Pedro wears a sombrero, a poncho and a large mustache.^[4][12][13]Minstrel shows were still popular in Dillon County in the 1940s and 1950s, at about the time Pedro was created and P. Nicole King argues Pedro embodies the way in which people exoticized Mexico or Mexicans at the time while also remaining intentionally campy.^[14] Pedro has likewise been referred to as culturally offensive, politically incorrect or racist.^{[4][13][12][15]} P. Nicole King described Pedro's image as a 'southern Jewish guy in brown face' that was perhaps made, partially, in Schafer's image.^[4][16] Schafer himself had previously dismissed criticism that Pedro is an unfair characterization of Mexicans arguing it's a light-hearted joke.^[17] Today, all South of the Border employees, regardless of race, creed or color, are referred to as Pedro.^[4][18]

Pop culture[edit]

American storyteller, radio and TV personality, Jean Shepherd began his TV movie, The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters, with a trip to South of the Border. He stops at a fireworks market called Fort Pedro, which leads him into the story of the most memorable Fourth of July during his childhood in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana.

The opening scene of Season 3, Episode 5 of Eastbound & Down shows characters Eduardo Sanchez Powers and Casper robbing a Mexican store leading the viewers to believe they were still in Mexico. The scene later reveals they were actually robbing the gift shop at South of the Border and are now traveling in the United States.^[19]

Canadian Twitch streamer ProtonJon talks about South of the Border on the Disc Only Podcast with Tom Fawkes, Stephen Georg, and 8BitDrummer, where the latter two reminiscence about their experiences at the attraction. ^[20]

See also[edit]

• Wall Drug, a similar attraction off Interstate 90 in South Dakota

References[edit]

1. ^ ^abStanonis, Anthony Joseph, ed. (2008). Dixie Emporium: Tourism, Foodways, and Consumer Culture in the American South. Athens: University of Georgia Press. p. 148. OCLC193911014.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
2. ^http://www.thesouthoftheborder.com/2010/08/11/reptile-lagoon-south-of-the-borders-newest-attraction/
3. ^ ^abcdeJudkis, Maura (July 14, 2016). 'This S.C. roadside attraction is garish, tacky and un-PC — but I stopped anyway'. Washington Post.
4. ^ ^abcdefReeves, James (2011). The Road to Somewhere: An American Memoir. New York: Norton and Company. p. 47.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
5. ^'History'. South of the Border.
6. ^Stanonis (2008).
7. ^'In College: Bernanke once had job at South of the Border'. Fayetteville Observer. March 18, 2009. Archived from the original on January 31, 2010. Retrieved June 12, 2009.CS1 maint: unfit url (link)
8. ^ ^abStanonis (2008), p. 155.
9. ^Stanonis (2008), pp. 155–156.
10. ^ ^abWiersema, Libby (July 18, 2017). 'South Carolina's South of the Border survives modern times'. Post and Courier. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
11. ^King, P. Nicole (2012). Sombreros and Motorcycles in a Newer South: The Politics of Aesthetics in South Carolina's Tourism Industry. Univiversity Press of Mississippi. p. 90. ISBN978-1617032516.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
12. ^ ^abcKing (2012), p. 96.
13. ^ ^abGreenberg, Peter (2008). Don't Go There!: The Travel Detective's Essential Guide to the Must-Miss Places of the World. Rodale. p. 255.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
14. ^King (2012), pp. 87, 91.
15. ^'7 Controversial & Offensive Tourist Attractions In The U.S.'Vibe. November 10, 2015.
16. ^King (2012), p. 91.
17. ^King (2012), pp. 93, 94.
18. ^King (2012), p. 93.
19. ^Martin, Garrett (March 22, 2012). 'Eastbound & Down Review: 'Chapter 18' (Episode 3.05)'. Paste Magazine. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
20. ^'Disc Only Podcast episode 2'. August 5, 2020.

External links[edit]

• Official website
• Photo Gallery and Fun Facts about South of the Border - SCIway.net, South Carolina Information Highway

Coordinates: 34°29′52″N79°18′35″W / 34.49778°N 79.30972°W

WYOMMISSING, Pa. & PERRYVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Penn National Gaming (Nasdaq: PENN) unveiled Maryland’s first casino today when it opened Hollywood Casino Perryville three days prior to its projected September 30 launch and four weeks earlier than original estimates. The new gaming entertainment facility, completed at a total investment of $97.5 million and located directly off Interstate 95 in Cecil County just 30 minutes northeast of Baltimore, is designed in classic 1930s Hollywood art deco style and features a casino floor with 1,500 slot machines purchased and owned or leased by the Maryland State Lottery.

Expected to generate significant new annual state and local tax revenues, the approximately 75,000 square-foot gaming facility will attract guests from throughout the mid-Atlantic region. More than 350 full time jobs have been created and 80 percent of Hollywood Casino Perryville’s employees are Cecil and Harford County, Maryland residents.

Penn National has scheduled an official grand opening ceremony with Maryland Governor, Martin O’Malley; Penn National President and Chief Operating Officer, Tim Wilmott; and other company representatives, local officials and media for Thursday, September 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Hollywood Casino Perryville.

Peter M. Carlino, Chief Executive Officer of Penn National, commented, “Less than two years after Maryland voters approved slots facilities in the state, we have developed a first-rate casino that flawlessly executes our unique Hollywood brand and design. With our strategic location less than a half-mile from Interstate 95, we expect Hollywood Casino Perryville to be a popular stop for the more than 82,000 cars passing the Perryville/Port Deposit Exit 93 on a daily basis. Hollywood Casino Perryville is also expected to capture a high percentage of the players who travel to Delaware casinos as we estimate that more than 40 percent of the players in Delaware are coming from Maryland.

“The accelerated opening is also being facilitated by the work of the Maryland State Lottery Commission, which has ensured that Maryland’s first casino offers the best slot floor available to casino players on the East Coast. In addition, we are grateful to Maryland Video Lottery Terminal Facility Location Commission, our hosts, Cecil County and the City of Perryville, and the many other local and state government officials who have worked tirelessly with our team throughout the planning and construction process. The opening will result in over 350 new full time jobs as well as significant tax revenue and other sustainable economic benefits for the community, county and state.”

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Hollywood Casino Perryville features the newest slot machines available. The casino is home to the world’s largest concentration of Advantage Revolution™ machines that feature two high-definition video screens combined with traditional mechanical reels as well as approximately 200 BLUEBIRD xD™ games which create an interactive experience between the gaming content and the gaming cabinet and are equipped with state-of-the art Bose® audio.

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Other featured slots include Sex And The City, Kitty Glitter, Jeff Foxworthy’s Redneck Rumble, and Cash Spin, a new groundbreaking machine that allows players to spin a virtual wheel on the game’s display. A mix of classic slot machine favorites are also included throughout the casino floor, and guests can enjoy a cocktail while playing video poker at the Sunset Video Poker bar. All slot machines are coinless, so there’s no need for guests to carry heavy buckets when they play.

In addition, Hollywood Casino Perryville offers players six electronic table games with five player stations each, including video roulette, three-card video poker and video blackjack.

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Hollywood Casino Perryville offers several delicious dining choices for guests available every day of the week. The Epic buffet is open daily for lunch and dinner. Guests can dig into a never-ending parade of flavors, including shrimp, seafood, pasta, freshly carved meats, salads, a sweet collection of delectable desserts and more.

Extras Grill starts the day with signature breakfast specials. Players looking to grab a quick bite at any time the casino is open, enjoy a selection of pastries and Starbucks® coffees, and a lineup of juicy burgers and sandwiches, piled high.

The Rodeo Drive Gift Shop sells an array of Hollywood Casino logoed merchandise as well as Maryland souvenirs, sunglasses, jewelry and handbags.

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Hollywood Casino Perryville is approximately 30 minutes from Baltimore and Wilmington and an hour and a quarter from Washington, D.C.’s Capital Beltway. The casino offers 1,600 parking spaces with valet and self-parking. In addition, 13 motor coach companies from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area offer trips to the casino, which are listed on the casino website.

For more information, go to www.hollywoodcasinoperryville.com

About Penn National Gaming

Penn National Gaming owns, operates or has ownership interests in gaming and racing facilities with a focus on slot machine entertainment. The Company presently operates twenty-three facilities in sixteen jurisdictions, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. In aggregate, Penn National's operated facilities feature over 27,800 gaming machines, over 500 table games, over 2,000 hotel rooms and over one million square feet of gaming floor space.

Penn National Gaming recently added table games to its facilities in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Through a joint venture, Penn National is developing a full casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, which is anticipated to open in the first half of 2012, and is also developing casinos in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio, with openings targeted for 2012. The Company recently agreed to establish a joint venture (subject to final approval by the Texas Racing Commission and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions) to own and operate pari-mutuel operations in Texas, including the Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, Texas, the Valley Race Park in Harlingen, Texas and a planned racetrack in Laredo, Texas.

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This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may vary materially from expectations. Although Penn National Gaming, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively 'Penn National') believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Meaningful factors that could cause Penn National's actual results to differ from expectations include, but are not limited to, risks related to the following: our ability to maintain regulatory approvals for our existing businesses and to receive regulatory approvals for our new businesses; delays in obtaining regulatory approvals required to complete, or other delays or impediments to completing, our pending transactions, including relative to satisfaction of certain conditions to closing; the passage of state, federal or local legislation that would expand, restrict, further tax, prevent or negatively impact operations (such as a smoking ban at any of our facilities or the results of local referenda) in the jurisdictions in which we do business or seek to do business; the activities of our competitors and the emergence of new competitors; construction factors, including delays, unexpected remediation costs, local opposition and increased cost of labor and materials; the costs and risks involved in the pursuit of those development opportunities; the availability and cost of financing; the effects of local and national economic, credit, capital market, housing, energy conditions on the economy in general and on the gaming and lodging industries in particular; and other factors as discussed in Penn National's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC. Penn National does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.