Celebrate the Summer & Father's Day in Branson this June

Branson is known for its family-friendly activities, and during the summer months there are even more fun things to do in Branson. The Branson theaters offer shows like the Acrobats of China, Jim Stafford and Dixie Stampede that bring exciting entertainment and hilarious comedy to the stage. Branson attractions like Silver Dollar City, White Water and Ride the Ducks are also a great way to experience Branson and see sights that are truly beautiful.

During June, there are several special events happening, including events that celebrate dear old dad. At the Titanic Museum, they are hosting a Titanic Father’s Day Boat Show on June 20 & 21. This free event will feature numerous boats including pontoon fishing boats by Tracker. A trip to the Titanic Museum might also float dad’s boat, so be sure to make time to tour the more than 400 artifacts located at the museum.

Other attraction Dad might like include the ’57 Heaven Museum, which showcases automobiles from 1957, complete with lifestyle exhibits to really bring the culture of ’57 home. Neal McCoy is also performing in Branson during the month of June and will showcase his Top 20 songs, such as “No Doubt About It,” “Wink,” “ The Shake,” and “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On.” If Dad is a big Beatles fan, then he’ll love The Liverpool Legends. Their two hour show pays tribute to The Beatles and is produced by Louise Harrison, the sister of George Harrison. If a taste of the islands is needed, head over to Island Fire at the Dutton Theater, where Samoans perform traditional dances and create fiery entertainment, all served with a delicious Polynesian inspired meal.

Golf in Branson is another way Dad’s are sure to have fun, as Branson is home to several world class golf courses. Whether he tees off at the extraordinary Branson Creek Golf Course or Murder Rock Golf Course, or sets his sights on the holes at Pointe Royale or Thousand Hills, there are plenty of ways for Dad to score a hole-in-one in Branson.

While visiting Branson, you’ll need a place to stay. Reserve Branson lodging now for the best savings and guaranteed lowest rates. Whether you are looking for a hotel, like 1st Inn Branson, or a condominium, like those offered at Still Waters Resort, Branson has something to fit your vacation needs.

Branson's Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade set for November 1st

Ozark Mountain Christmas is right around the corner.

The Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade, set for Nov. 1 at Branson Landing, will mark the kick-off for Ozark Mountain Christmas.

The event, the first of the 2008 festivities for Ozark Mountain Christmas, is set for 10 a.m., and officials said it will feature many Branson entertainers, a marching band, dancers, acrobats, drummers and more.

“This is going to be a wonderful event,” said Gary Bartlett, CEO of Midwest Concerts, who is helping organize the event. “Last year, we had between 2,000 and 3,000 people there. This year, we are expecting there to be a lot more people there.”

Grand Marshall for this year’s parade will be world-famous entertainer Andy Williams. Later in November, Williams will take to the world stage as he is scheduled to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

“(Williams) will be singing ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year’” said Gail Joist, with the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre.

Back in Branson on Nov. 1, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the north end of the Landing, near the Belk Department Store. The parade will move along the thoroughfare until it arrives in Town Square.

Along with the parade, there will be two live performance stages — one at the Landing Town Square and one near Bass Pro Shops.

“There is going to be a lot of entertainment and I think people are going to really enjoy who we are bringing in,” Bartlett said.

The entertainment lineup includes Andy Williams, American Idol contestant Jason Yeager, Star Search winner Jake Simpson, and local entertainers Bob Anderson, Moe Bandy, the Lennon Sisters, the cast of SIX, the Liverpool Legends, and more.

“There is definitely a wide variety of entertainment set for this event,” Bartlett said. “It’s going to be awesome.”

Bartlett said some bleacher seating would be available near both stages. He also encouraged those people coming to the event to bring their own folding chairs.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson Beatles Museum May Open This Fall

Beatles fans may soon want to put Branson on their travel agendas.

Branson officials said the nation's only Beatles museum might open as soon as this fall.
Louise Harrison, George Harrison's sister, plans to open the museum inside the Starlight Theatre, where Beatles memorabilia will be displayed.

The tribute band she founded -- Liverpool Legends -- performs nightly at the Starlite. Band member Marty Scott, who portrays George Harrison, said the group wants to open the museum by the start of the spring season, but could have it ready as early as this fall.

Scott said Beatles memorabilia at the museum will include items from Louise Harrison's collection that have never been on public display. She has letters from radio stations saying they weren't interested in the Beatles or their music.

Information courtesy of KMBC-TV

Branson's 53 Theaters Shine with Music, Dance and Drama

For those who have difficulty making a decision when all the choices seem good, Branson is becoming increasingly complicated.

But the mid-America entertainment hot spot is heaven for those who delight in having lots of options, including music, comedy, big production-style theater and a wholesome good time. With 53 theaters offering two or three shows a day, as well as more than a dozen museums, four theme parks, numerous outdoor activities, shopping and restaurants, making a choice could be a challenge.

About 100 shows play here on any given day. To help you decide which to see, here's a primer. We describe shows that will run throughout the summer and in major theaters, independent of theme parks or other venues.

What's new

The 339,000-square-foot Sight & Sound Theatre, which opened May 23, is the biggest building in Branson. Sight & Sound Theatres, with headquarters in Strasbourg, Pa., has been dubbed the "Christian Broadway," because of the company's high-quality productions of biblical stories. Noah – The Musical, complete with more than 100 live animals and 200 animatronics, plays Tuesday through Saturday until Christmas. Aisle seats afford the best view of the animals as they board the ark.

Making his first appearance in Branson in September will be Grammy winner Joe Diffie, whose "John Deere Green" and "If the Devil Danced in Empty Pockets" were No. l hits. He'll be onstage at 8 p.m. at the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre. Mr. Diffie includes the comedy of Paul Harris in his show.

New location

Liverpool Legends, a Beatles tribute in its third season, is at the Starlite Theatre. Fifties at the Hop has been playing in Branson for 14 years but only now has landed its own theater by the same name. Located in the Shoppes at Branson Meadows on Gretna Road, the new setting includes an expanded refreshment area and lobby that's almost as entertaining as the show inside. Look for additional room to dance in the aisles and a surprise rebel without a cause.

Liverpool Legends, a critically praised Beatles tribute in its third season, is in a new location, at the Starlite Theatre. Be in your seats 15 minutes before showtime to see news film from the Fab Four's U.S. tours. Louise Harrison, elder sister of George Harrison, is on hand to answer questions, and showgoers dance in the aisles.

New acts

The Rankin Brothers, who are from Trophy Club, have realized one of their career goals by landing a full-time gig in Branson at the Welk Resort Theatre. Their musical revue of everything from Neil Diamond to Buddy Holly to George Strait keeps hands clapping and toes tapping, just as when Matt and Mark Rankin played at the Garland Theatre. The suit Mark wears during the Elvis numbers was reputedly designed for the King himself.

The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Happy Trails Theater adds the duo's grandson to the lineup. Dustin Roy Rogers, who has served as general manager of the theater and museum since it opened five seasons ago, moves to the stage with his father and the High Riders. In addition to a couple of duets with his father and a solo of "Night Rider's Lament," Dustin shares memories of his grandparents.

Ann-Margret is joining Andy Williams at the Moon River Theatre through July 26. She first visited Branson with Andy in 2004. This season's show returns the duo to a 1960 screen test for the movie State Fair.

Plan lunch or dinner at the adjacent Moon River Grill, which opened in 2007. Andy eats a meal or two there each day, enjoying pot roast and rhubarb shortcake from his mother's recipes. He usually brings a celebrity guest or two to lunch with him.

Information and Images courtesy of The Dallas Morning News

Branson, Missouri Gears Up For Another Successful Season

"Stick to what you know" could be the motto for Branson this year as the Ozark resort town focuses on its wholesome country, pop music and family entertainment roots, plus recent upgrades in shopping and hotels, to ride out the national economic downturn.

Branson tourism leaders are hopeful they can continue a track record of outperforming the national industry, projecting between 2 and 3% more visitors than last year's 8.4 million. That would be just at or above the Travel Industry Association's forecast of 2% growth in leisure travel nationally.

"We are promoting our values and our value," Dan Lennon, vice president of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, said. "We want people to think about Branson as great place to bring families together."

Branson officials say costs for tourists there are below national averages. The average daily hotel rate is $75.90, compared with a national tab of $103, according to industry research group Smith Travel. The average show ticket in Branson is $29, while Las Vegas shows currently average $130 to $150 per ticket.

During the 2001 recession, Branson saw a 1.4% decline in tourists, but it rebounded in 2002 with 3.5% growth as people stayed closer to home following the Sept. 11 attacks. In the past two years, Branson's numbers grew 14%, while the national figure was 3%.

Tourism expert Steve Morse says Branson stands a good chance of meeting its growth goals this year because many Americans will pick destinations they can drive to rather than fly. With jet fuel even more expensive than gas, airlines have raised fares and cut back on capacity.

"The drive-to destinations will do better than the fly-to ones like Orlando," said Morse, an economist and director of the Tourism Institute at the University of Tennessee.

The two biggest new attractions in Branson this year fit the template of wholesome family fun.
One is a huge new theater with a wraparound stage the size of five basketball courts that will open May 24 for the debut of Noah — The Musical, based on the Biblical story. The $65 million, 2,085-seat Branson theater is the first new location for Lancaster County, Pa.-based Sight & Sound Theaters, which bills itself as "the Christian Broadway."

The family owned theater company specializes in bringing Gospel epics to the stage with massive sets, glossy production values, dozens of actors, and in the case of Noah, 100 live animals and 200 animatronic animals.

Another major newcomer is the $2-million Roaring Falls water ride, which drops visitors five stories. It's part of an expansion at Celebration City theme park.

Morse said Branson and other destinations will likely also profit from tax rebate checks that are the centerpiece of President Bush's $168 billion rescue package for a wobbly economy. The rebates will put up to $1,800 in the wallets of a couple with two kids in the coming weeks.
And higher gas prices mean that people will want to drive to places closer to home.

"When gas prices go up, people in the Midwest say, 'Let's go to Branson instead of Galveston, Texas, or the Gulf,'" Morse said.

That fits Branson's pattern of visitation. About 60% of visitors typically come from more than 300 miles, with an additional 28% from between 100 and 300 miles and 12% from the local area, city officials say.

The resort town is targeting its advertising in smaller Midwestern cities this year to net those vacationers who want to travel no more than a day's drive.

It is pulling dollars it used in the big metro markets of Chicago and Dallas last year to advertise instead in cities such as Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., Paducah, Ky., Champaign, Ill., and Des Moines, said Branson Lakes Area Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Ross Summers.

Peter Herschend, co-founder of the Herschend Family Entertainment company that owns major Branson attractions, including Celebration City, said the focus this year is on the things that have worked for Branson in the past.

"It is not only the theaters. It is the Ozarks, which make Branson unique, the lakes, and the world-class attractions," Herschend said.

He also mentioned a recent addition: Branson Landing, an outdoor pedestrian shopping center on Lake Taneycomo that opened two years ago with its own Hilton hotel and across the street from a new Hilton convention center.

"Strolling around Branson Landing, not just the shopping, is turning into a major attraction," Herschend said.

The Landing has a lakefront walkway, a water and fire fountain, waterfront restaurants and stores from Victoria's Secret to Bass Pro Shops, where you can buy hunting and fishing gear and boats.

The Landing was among the additions in the past few years aimed at drawing more families and baby boomers on top of a traditional clientele that came looking for country music. Newer shows featured more pop music, including the Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends and Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater.

Information courtesy of USA Today

Branson, Missouri Goes Upscale

Nearly everyone who's a regular visitor has an I-remember-Branson-when story. Here is Bob Allen's version: "When I first came down here, the only things in Branson were the Presleys, Silver Dollar City and bait shops."

Branson started as an Ozark fishing hole, with the Presley family setting up a metal building on Highway 76 in 1967 to provide wholesome entertainment for the sportsmen who used the man-made lakes. That simple start multiplied into some 50 theaters, earning Branson the title of America's live music capital. The evolution is continuing today, and Allen is a part of it.

Allen grew up in Springfield, Mo., where he was friends with Payne Stewart, the pro golfer who died in a plane accident in 1999 at the age of 42. Now, Allen is the club pro for Branson Hills Golf Co., which is putting the finishing touches on the Payne Stewart Golf Club, a tribute to his friend.

"Each hole of the course tells a story about Payne's experience on the tour," Allen said. "The golf course is $27 million, with five sets of tees from 7,400 yards. We can host national events, everything from Tiger to little tigers."

He led the way through the clubhouse, which has dark wood paneling, an outdoor pool and an area that will display memorabilia, including trophies won by Stewart and pairs of his signature gold-toe golf shoes. Everything in the clubhouse will be linen, crystal and silver — "no paper plates and Styrofoam cups," Allen said. "It's all going to be tip-top, Payne would be proud."

The public golf course will be the 12th in the Branson area — joining John Daly's Murder Rock as the latest additions — and cements Branson's role as a golf destination.

Add the upscale shopping at the new Branson Landing, the growing retirement and second-home community, and the recently opened convention center and second Hilton Hotel, and it's easy to see why Branson's backers say it has turned the corner in attracting the boomers needed to fill the vacancies left by fading World War II-era veterans and their spouses.

While the housing industry in other parts of the United States is ailing, Branson's market is holding its own during the national slowdown, said C. Craig Richards, president of Ozark Mountain Bank. "There's a lot of interest from people outside the area who see real estate in Branson as a good buy," Richards said. "The cost of construction is lower, as is the cost of land. People from California or Florida can sell their home there and buy three or four times the home for the money in Branson. We've got a good school system, good health service. That attracts people who are retirees but also families who want to get away from the big city. There's a strong feeling of family values in the area, probably tied to strong Christian beliefs."

The only downside, for Richards, is increased competition. "We've had five new banks in the last 10 years," he said. "They see the same numbers we do as far as commercial development and new home sales. In 1998, there were two homes that sold for over $350,000. Last year, there were more than 30."

And don't forget the new full-size airport scheduled to open next spring, said Dan Lennon, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce. "As soon as you get outside an eight-hour drive to Branson, some people perceive it's difficult to give up a day to get here," Lennon said. "With the new airport, it starts to be more practical for people to fly in. With those further out markets, Branson becomes a weekend getaway."

Branson's annual visitation grew 5.2 percent to 8.39 million last year, Lennon said. Over the last two years, total growth was 14 percent while the rest of the national tourism market was seeing 2 percent annual increases. How those numbers will shake out this year, in the face of high fuel prices and a sluggish economy, was an unknown, he added. Lennon emphasized that the culture that Branson was known for is alive and well. You can still find cornpone humor at the Presleys and Baldknobbers shows, motels still offer "2 for $32.95" in the off-season, go-kart tracks and water slides still line Highway 76, and traffic this summer will crawl as the commercial strip fills with gawkers.

But now you can shop for fancy undies at the Victoria's Secret at Branson Landing, or try out a new boat at the Bass Pro Shop dock on Lake Taneycomo. "The thing that brought the people in the 60s and 70s — the Ozark Mountain experience — that still happens, we've just added these higher amenities," he said. "Fifteen years ago, you'd have the Lawrence Welks. With the boomers, you have Dick Clark, the Acrobats of China, the Liverpool Legends."

The best known side of the town, the live music shows, also has a new player this season. The $65 million Sight and Sound Theater Branson will open May 24 with a stage area of 26,550 square feet, the equivalent of more that five basketball courts. The stage, largest in North America, is 300 feet long and wraps around three sides of the 2,085 seats, giving the audience the feeling of being inside an ark, with all the animals, for a production of "Noah — The Musical."

Sight & Sound Theatres is the nation's largest professional Christian theater company. Its headquarters theater in Lancaster County, Pa., is one of the most-attended live theaters on the East Coast with an annual audience of more than 800,000. Founded in 1976 by Glenn and Shirley Eshelman, the company produces epic biblical stories. Some 100 live animals, 200 "animatronic" animals and 45 human actors will be used in Branson to tell the story of the journey of Noah and his family.

"It's sometimes called Christian Broadway in Pennsylvania," said Joan Chowning, who ushered me into the theater where trainers were working with the live animals. "The employees all profess to be Christians. But we welcome the unchurched, as well as the churched, at our theaters."

Admission for both is $49 an adult, $25 for a teen and $15 for children.

As Allen, the golf pro, mentioned, Silver Dollar City has been around since the beginning. But it also continues to evolve, from a re-created Ozark mining town built above Marvel Cave and featuring arts and crafts, to a quality theme park in a landscaped setting with rides and a full schedule of live entertainment.

The biggest new attraction this season is at Silver Dollar City's sister park, Celebration City, where Roaring Falls, a $2 million water adventure, makes its debut this spring. General manager John Fitzgibbons gave a blow-by-blow description of the new ride: "Twenty passengers go up five stories in a boat, which falls in a 55-degree drop, ending with a splash that gets everybody in the boat, and everybody on the land nearby, wet. It has an Amazon theme, with crocodiles and hippos and fossilized rocks. There'll be fog and a mister going, and Amazon noises."

Celebration City, which is entering its sixth season, now has some 30 rides and attractions, including three roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. The park closes each evening with "Ignite the Night," which uses three projectors to display images on a water curtain, along with lasers and fireworks and music.

"We have a 50-foot Elvis walking on water and singing," Fitzgibbons said. "There's a dance party on the Great Lawn. We get kids, parents and grandparents up and dancing."

Silver Dollar City, which is a short ride away from Celebration City, also has a full schedule of events with World-Fest, April 3-May 4; Bluegrass & BBQ, May 10-June 1; National Kids Fest, June 7-Aug. 10; Southern Gospel Picnic, Aug. 28-Sept. 7; National Harvest Festival, Sept. 11-Oct. 25; and An Old Time Christmas, Nov. 1-Dec. 30.

Lisa Rau, spokeswoman for Silver Dollar City, said the park uses continuing feedback from customers to update attractions and facilities. "The bottom line is: We are not the boss, the guests are the boss and mostly Mom," Rauh said. "Roaring Falls is exactly what they wanted. A big, get wet, whole family, thrill ride."

Information courtesy of St. Louis Post-Dispatch