|
|
-
Do you find yourself asking, "Whatever happened to a traditional family Christmas?" Come to Branson, Missouri, and celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season. Nationally recognized by newspapers and travel associations as one of the top Christmas destinations in the nation, America's Live Entertainment Capital is all aglow in the spirit of the season. It all begins on November 1! With lots of star-filled Christmas shows, the famous 76 Strip and a glittering array of animated lighting displays including the 1-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through, a visit to Branson will create beautiful memories and new Christmas traditions for your family.
Branson's star performers, special effects and elaborate holiday production numbers are ready to dazzle visitors and their families in November and December. From the famous voice of "Mr. Christmas" Andy Williams to the multimedia extravaganza of The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller at The Grand Palace, as well as Mel Tillis and Connie Smith at the Welk Resort, there's a multitude of shows that deck the halls with boughs of holly and showcase the holiday's finest talent. Music fills the air at Branson's family shows like the Presleys, The Baldknobbers, and the Hughes Brothers and peals of laughter roll through the aisles at Jim Stafford, Hamner-Barber and Yakov Smirnoff's shows. From the Lennon Sisters with the Gatlin Brothers to Barbara Fairchild, the Twelve Irish Tenors and Broadway's Spirit of Christmas with The Osmonds, Branson wraps up its musical packages with one-of-a-kind holiday family fun. And, for the kids in all of us, there's a "magical" Christmas celebration as well, at world-famous Kirby VanBurch's Christmas Spectacular.
Silver Dollar City, an internationally awarded theme park, presents an all-new, $1 million light and sound extravaganza for "An Old Time Christmas" the park's biggest light show ever. Called "Christmas on Main Street," the show features a new 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree that blazes to the musical movements of Christmas songs, joined by one million lights on trees, shop fronts and hanging canopies all flashing, as surround-sound fills the Square. The entire park glows with millions of flickering lights and a Holiday Light Parade with colorful, musical floats winds through the streets.
The acclaimed Dickens' "Christmas Carol" returns with the special effects said to be one of the best productions in the history of the park. Plus, holiday food, strolling Christmas carolers and the roller coasters are open after dark for the thrill of the lights from above.
The Showboat Branson Belle is bedecked in Christmas finery and charts a course for holiday food and fun on Table Rock Lake though December.
Also, the World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction will be decorated with thousands of merry lights and holiday trim that recall those elegant Christmases past.
Your family can discover Branson's newest "Winter Wonder Landing" at the Branson Landing waterfront, featuring a promenade of trendy specialty shopping and dining establishments, the brilliant water and fire spectacular that dances to the sounds of the season in the Town Square and Santa Claus, who has even been known to vacation in Branson himself! For all of your Christmas shopping, there are three name-brand outlet malls, boutique shops at the Grand Village and Ozarks craftsmen at Branson Mills and Engler Block with their stores all decked out in lights with elaborate holiday decorations that beckon Yuletide visitors.
A host of Branson lodging options are available from a cozy cabin at one of the lakeside resorts to luxurious hotel rooms and condos throughout the area.
While in the Branson/Lakes Area you can also enjoy a Christmas light display at the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd. and the Christmas on the Trail show and Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead. On the first Sunday in December, thousands of people gather in downtown Branson to watch a Christmas parade dedicated to "the true meaning of the season." This year marks the 59th Adoration Parade in Branson, an evening event with dozens of high school bands and lighted floats. The theme has always been "Keeping Christ in Christmas."
"When I started my solo career, I believe God told me to come to Branson and sing with my kids. I'm a Southern California guy, but Christmas in the Ozarks is truly magical," says Righteous Brother Bill Medley, member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, who performs at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater.
Branson's Veterans Homecoming, Nov. 5-11, pays tribute to our nation's heroes from all wars and conflicts and all branches of service. For details about this weeklong series of events, tribute shows, reunions and more, click the above link.
Outdoor activities in the Ozarks like fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor pursuits are year-round opportunities for sporting enthusiasts in the Ozarks. The cool, crisp weather in late autumn and early winter is an appealing time for outdoor activities. Those three pristine lakes never freeze, so they are ideal for fishing for bass, trout, crappie and other species, and there is boating and many other types of water activities even in mid-winter. The mild winters also allow visitors to enjoy the area's dozen championship Golf courses.
Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
|
-
The Shine of Christmas lights will be coming from a different part of Branson this holiday season. Beginning on November 1 and all aglow through December 31, this year’s drive-through will be located at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane, close to the new Sight & Sound Theatre.
Experience the magic of an Ozark Mountain Christmas with the Branson Area Festival of Lights 2007 as all of Branson sparkles for the holidays. From fabulous Christmas shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenic beauty, Branson is a special gift for everyone in your family at this festive time of year.
The centerpiece, Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through, will delight children of all ages. Your journey begins with a magical 1-mile drive along a path aglow with over 120 displays. Conveniently located off of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway at Expressway Lane, this one-of-a-kind family experience promises to be memorable.
Also in the Branson/Lakes Area you can enjoy extraordinary Christmas lighting displays at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas celebration, the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd. and the Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills.
“It’s the perfect facility for the festival to grow, so we can add some new elements over the next couple years,” said Chamber Director of Tourism Development Krystal Simon.
2007 will mark BAFOL’s second year back in Branson after a one-year hiatus in 2005 due to the construction of Target, Home Depot and TJ Maxx in the Branson Hills area. Last year, the festival returned to Branson Hills Parkway but added traffic and the current Wal-Mart Supercenter construction project forced the chamber to look for a new venue for the holiday tradition.
“Expressway Lane has all the criteria that we need,” Simon said. “The drive-through was 1.25 miles long last year, so we’ll have plenty of room to make it about that length again. There is plenty of access to electricity, and there will be minimal interference with residential traffic.” Simon all stated that all of the 120 light displays used last year will again be utilized this season. “We’re going to be working with an individual to come up with a new design and configuration for the displays.”
The BAFOL Drive-Through will be open daily November 1st through December 31st from 5-11p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5p.m.-midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Admission fees for 2007 will be $50 for full-sized motorcoaches, $25 for mini-coaches, church vans and limos, and family vehicles will be $10.
Information courtesy of Branson Daily News and Branson Chamber of Commerce
|
-
The Kirby VanBurch show in Branson, Missouri combines family fun, great illusions and beautiful animals for an all-around unique family show. Recently, I went to see Kirby VanBurch perform his popular magic show at the Kirby VanBurch Theater and was genuinely impressed by the magic tricks performed.
The show jumped right into the action, with the tricks starting the minute the lights went down. Kirby began with illusions centered on making things disappear. Everything from assistants to his wife Bambi magically left the stage and in return were replaced with items such as a White Bengal Tiger, a boa constrictor and a panther. The illusions happen so gracefully and with such ease, it was certainly true magic being performed.
One of the best moments of the night is a magic trick between Kirby and Bambi. First, Kirby magically makes Bambi float on a fountain of water, and then makes the water disappear, so that Bambi is indeed floating in air. The illusion was truly mystifying and was quite appealing to the audience, who broke out in thunderous applause. Another top trick was the disappearance of a motorcycle. This heavy piece of machinery was lifted into the air and quickly disappeared, only to be replaced with Kirby himself. He truly is an extraordinary magician. Kirby VanBurch also did a homage to Houdini by walking through a plate glass window. A truly remarkable feat, you’ll have to see it to believe it yourself!
Throughout the show, Kirby and his wife Bambi engage the audience with questions and some members are even involved in a few of the magic tricks. The entire atmosphere is one of family fun, where each guest is truly treat to a night of magic. If you or your family like to be amazed, enjoy animals and are fans of magic, this is the Branson show for you!
Helpful Hint: The Branson Towers Hotel, Barrington Hotel & Suites and Savannah House Hotel are conveniently located to the Kirby VanBurch Theater.
|
-
The best family holiday vacations are like Christmas stockings filled perfectly for each family member, from the wide-eyed kids to grandparents. The perfect place for the whole family to celebrate Christmas is the 19th annual Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson, Missouri.
During November and December, Branson is aglow with some of America's most spectacular lighting and 200 displays from its historic downtown to new attractions. An ideal, affordable family destination in the Midwest, Branson's 52 theatres feature holiday sets, songs and costumes in their live shows. There's also the 59th annual Adoration Parade with 70 bands and floats and the climactic nativity scene lighting atop Mount Branson.
With outlet and boutique shopping; a scenic railway, showboat or lakeside dining; and with mild early winters, outdoor recreation at three lakes that never freeze -- certainly there's holiday magic cast in Branson.
Over the years, a leading travel industry organization has named Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas a Top 100 Event in North America. USA Today, A&E Network and the Wall Street Journal have recommended the area as an outstanding holiday vacation destination. As the Live Music Capital of the World, Branson offers more live music shows than anywhere in the U.S. and more theater seats than New York's Broadway district.
From famed "Mr. Christmas" Andy Williams to new additions Mannheim Steamroller and Broadway's Spirit of Christmas, Branson offers families world- class performances to help celebrate the holidays.
Discover Christmas past amidst today's technology at Silver Dollar City, an internationally awarded theme park. It offers strolling carolers in period costumes, roasted nuts and cider, a 17-foot talking Christmas tree, a five- story tree with synchronized lights and music and roller coaster rides after dark.
"The spirit of Christmas draws families together unlike any other holiday," says Lynn Berry, Branson/Lakes Area CVB. "Our Ozark Mountain Christmas is built on tradition, family and fun for a wholesome break from busy lives, yet in the companionship of loved ones. We promise good moments, great experiences and lasting memories as you step into this living Christmas card called Branson. There are good reasons why 75% of our visitors return and our satisfaction rates outperform other destinations."
Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
|
-
Branson Area Festival of Lights
November 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Join the community wide celebration as all of Branson is aglow for the holiday. Special holiday shows, drive through light displays and spectacular shopping and dining provide all the reasons to celebrate the holidays in Branson. Contact the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Trail of Lights
November 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Location: Shepherd of the Hills Homestead
Phone: 800-653-6288
White Flight
November 1, 2007 - January 15, 2008
Location: The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
Available exclusively during the holidays, White Flight will feature thousands of white butterflies fluttering like living snowflakes amid a rainforest sparking with thousands of twinkling lights. All of this while holiday music fills the soul. Simply unforgettable! This holiday journey also includes a stop in our 3-D theatre, rainforest critter center, and Emerald Forest Mirror Maze.
An Old Time Christmas
November 3, 2007 - December 30, 2007
Location: Silver Dollar City
(Open Wednesdays-Sundays through Dec. 2, Thursday - Sundays, Dec. 6-23, daily Dec. 26-30)
An Old Time Christmas takes one of its most popular icons and makes it bigger -- presenting a new 7-story Special Effects Christmas Tree for a Christmas Light Spectacular around the Square. One of the nation's most acclaimed holiday events, the festival includes the Holiday Light Parade, the popular show A Dickens' Christmas Carol, and over 4 millions holiday lights.
Veterans Homecoming
November 5, 2007 - November 11, 2007
Times: 2 p.m.
Location: Branson
Admission: FREE
Opening Ceremonies will be held at Mansion America Theater. Open seating, first come first served.
Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors Book Launch
November 6, 2007
Times: 9-11 a.m.
Location: Vendor Village at Celebration Hall
Admission: Open to the public
Six of the survivors plan to present. Ed Slater, Sherman Jones, Walt Whitcomb, Valdor John, Jim Yeager and Bob Sharpe.
Vietnam Wall Opening Ceremony
November 6, 2007
Location: Welk Resort Center
Phone: 417-337-8387
Admission: Open to the public
Women Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony
November 6, 2007
Times: 10 a.m.
Location: Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks
POW/MIA Remembrance Service
November 7, 2007
Times: 8 a.m.
Location: Welk Resort Branson
Speakers, wreath laying. The WALL is open Nov 5-11 for viewing.
11th Annual Military Gala & Banquet
November 9, 2007
Times: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa and Convention Center
Admission: $49 a person
Cocktail hour with a cash bar begins at 5pm. Evening includes dinner, salute, candlelight POW/MIA service, outdoor fireworks, entertainment and dancing. The evening honors all veterans and this year salutes veterans and service members in the SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND. Reservations required. Mess dress/business suits/cocktail dresses preferred. You need NOT be a veteran to attend.
232nd Marine Corps Birthday
November 10, 2007
Times: 9 p.m. to last call
Location: Radisson Hotel Branson
Admission: $10
Join us for birthday cake, entertainment, Hors D’oeuvres, cash bar. Casual attire please.
Tuskegee Airman Reunion
November 10, 2007
Times: 6 p.m.
Location: Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa and Convention Center
Call for reservations.
73rd Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony
November 11, 2007
Times: 11 a.m.
Location: Historic downtown Branson
Sponsored by American Legion Post 220.
Tony Orlando Show and Closing Ceremony
November 11, 2007
Times: 2 p.m.
Location: Welk Theater
Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
|
-
Legendary gospel and country singer, Barbara Fairchild returns to Branson in November and December to present her gospel matinee show at The Baldknobbers Theater.
“This is the first time we have had a show that is not the Baldknobbers at our theater. We chose Barbara for her grand country grace and her message of faith,” says Tim Mabe, producer of the Baldknobbers show.
Barbara’s career in country music gained national attention when she was nominated for two Grammy awards and “The Teddy Bear Song” reached # 1 on the charts. Her other hits include “Baby Doll” and “Kid Stuff."
Barbara has been recognized in the southern gospel music field with songs such as “Could You Walk A Mile," “Apples Of Gold” and “Uncommon Love." She was also a member of the gospel group, Heirloom along with Candy Hemphill Christmas, Sherri Easter and Tonya Goodman Sykes.
“I love Branson and can’t wait to be back this holiday season and to be at the Baldknobbers is going to be great fun! I think our two shows will compliment each other very well,” says Fairchild.
Barbara and her husband Roy have a regular tour schedule throughout the United States. Together they are a dynamic couple who have a powerful impact on the people they meet. They have a message to share that inspires and encourages others wherever they go.
The 3 p.m. matinee show features inspiring songs of faith, and melodies that bring the true meaning of the holiday season to stage. The Barbara Fairchild Show begins November 6 and runs through December 6, 2007.
Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
|
-
Celebration City, Branson’s Biggest Nighttime Family Attraction, presents a new fall experience -- Fall Family FUN Days on weekends during September and October. The additional days are full of new indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family along with Celebration City’s 30 popular rides and attractions.
Family activities include a tractor-pulled hayride through the woods complete with a sing-along and two large hay mazes – one designed just for kids. In the KidZone, kids can paint pumpkins and decorate faces and compete in daily pie-eating and apple-bobbing contests. Guests can stroll through Scarecrow Alley, home to over 100 scarecrows. Kids can sing along with the entire Veggie cast in the VeggieTales® Silly Song Sing-Along – featuring popular songs from the award-winning video series. After the show, kids can meet the stars, Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber.
Fall specialty foods are featured including pumpkin soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, roasted corn on the cob, smoked turkey legs, pumpkin casserole, sweet potato fries and desserts like apple dumplings with cinnamon ice cream and pumpkin and pecan pies.
This fall in Branson, visitors can also experience Celebration City’s new ride – The Stinger – that whirls riders up and around in the air as the cars spin in high-speed, circular flight. The Stinger is one of Celebration City’s 21 rides, including the classic wooden roller coaster Ozark WildCat.
The night explodes with one of the most spectacular laser light productions shows in the nation, Ignite the Night, a $3 million special effects show. Guests can see high-tech pyrotechnics with a pair of free "Pyro Goggles.” The evening dramatic presentation includes huge water cannons, mountainside video projections and special effects accentuating the story of the American spirit, all featured on the park’s Great Lawn at 9:30 p.m.
Celebration City, a Silver Dollar City Attraction, is open 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through October 27.
Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce
|
-
All veterans and their families will soon enjoy a home away from home while in Branson. But this new home is far more than a place to relax and swap stories with old buddies — Branson’s first-ever “Veterans Welcome Center” will offer a variety of services, from assisting with medical issues to discounts on area entertainment.
Eagle Plaza, currently known as Shake It Up ShowClub, will open its doors in the daytime for the new welcome center.
A grand opening is set for 3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 5, according to Shake It Up owner Steve Derringer. National, state and local VFW dignitaries are expected to attend.
“I was surprised to learn there is no VFW(Veterans of Foreign Wars) post in Branson,” Derringer said. “But this will be much more than a post — all veterans, regardless of affiliation, can enjoy a drink or sandwich, shoot a game of pool, and learn about relevant issues specific to veterans.”
Danny Ferguson, a local Vietnam veteran and VFW chairman, recently approached Derringer about the idea. “It took me about 30 seconds to think about it,” Derringer smiled. “It was a wholehearted ‘Yes’.”
The Missouri VFW will sponsor the center, but all veterans and their families are welcome, Ferguson said. Services being developed include a computerized touch screen where veterans can locate buddies, use of the 100-seat lounge for food, drinks, games and conversation, and having a service officer on duty to provide much needed veterans benefits and other support information.
In addition, discounts on area hotel/motels and shows will be offered.
“Veterans don’t always know what options they have,” Ferguson said. “For example, if they have hearing loss, or have issues related to how to best draw a disability pension, many of them don’t know how to file for these benefits.”
Other topics may include how to apply for the best home loan or future education needs.
At the welcome center, veterans won’t have to file claims or make appeals; once their information is entered, the service officer will carry through whatever process is required to receive applied for benefits, Ferguson said.
“We even hope to make it so they can get prescriptions filled while they’re in town,” he added. “Whatever they need, we want to be there for them. Branson is a vacation destination for more than 2 million veterans a year. Our mission is to help make their stay as enjoyable and worry-free as possible.”
Information courtesy of Branson Daily News
|
-
After 16 years and more than 10,000 performances in the Branson area, the Haygood Family will soon begin their final full season of shows.
David Sandy, president of David Sandy Productions, Inc., said in a press release that the Haygoods’ last season in Branson will be in 2008.
“We are so proud of what we have accomplished here in Branson,” said Timothy Haygood, the group’s oldest brother. “Over the years, we’ve had several opportunities offered to us outside of the Branson market, and we now feel it is time to take advantage of some of those options.”
He said the family also needs “time to rest and recoup.”
“We’ve been onstage performing nearly our entire lifetime,” he added.
The family (Timothy, Patrick, Dominic, Michael, Shawn, Matthew, Aaron and Catherine) has been performing in the Branson area since 1993, beginning their career at Silver Dollar City.
According to a press release, the group has already initiated the planning and early stages of production of a television show that will showcase the personalities and variety of talent within the family. Additionally, selected national and international tour dates have been proposed for 2009 and beyond.
“Although Branson is our home, we look forward to branching out and sharing our passion for music and entertainment with people who may never have the opportunity to visit Branson,” said Patrick Haygood. “We’ll continue to perform as a family wherever we go, and we look forward to coming back to Branson from time to time for select performance dates.”
The Haygood’s 2008 season will be performed at the Music City Centre in Branson, where the family has been since 2002.
Family members, according to the press release, were happy about their time spent in Branson.
“We absolutely love what we do,” said Dominic Haygood. “We are so very lucky to live out our dreams, and we have Branson to thank for giving us that opportunity at a very early age. We’ll always be grateful for the Branson audiences and tremendous support we’ve been given."
Information courtesy of Branson Daily News
|
-
For the first time in five years, BransonFest will not be held at the Welk Resort. Officials with the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and the annual festival announced at a press conference Tuesday morning that BransonFest 2008 will be held at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Complex on 76 Country Boulevard on April 8-12.
“BransonFest is coming back to ‘The Strip,’” Chamber CEO and President Ross Summers proclaimed.
BransonFest, which started in 1992 as Branson Jam, was the brainchild of Joe Sullivan while he was working on a chamber committee dedicated to extending the Branson show season.
“Back when we started this, the show season started May 1,” Sullivan said. “I had this idea for a T.V. program with a bunch of Branson entertainers all on the same stage in one venue, and it has become an annual event. In the third year after we started adding some of the tents and the food and the arts and crafts that’s when we started calling it BransonFest.”
Summers said the move to Dick Clark’s will help get BransonFest back to what it was originally intended, a festival that moves to various locations every few years.
Chris Lucchi, the operating partner with Dick Clark’s, said he is excited for the opportunity hosting BransonFest will give the theater. “We’re one of the newer theaters in town, so this will give us a chance to show people what we can do and introduce ourselves to the community,” Lucchi said.
The American Bandstand’s outdoor lawn, known as Area 57, will be utilized for the tents and vendor fair that have become synonymous with the event.
Tony Orlando was one of a handful of Branson entertainers that showed up for the announcement to voice his support of BransonFest.
“This is my 15th year here, and I’ve gotten to be a part of this over the years,” Orlando said. “It’s a real honor, and I want to keep supporting it.”
|
-
As a sportsman, Glenn Patch has enjoyed a week like few others. After spending the first part of this week as the Indianapolis Speedway, he returned to Branson to help christen the John Daly Murder Rock Golf & Country Club on September 21st.
“At Indianapolis, they let us take actual Indy 500 racecars around the speedway for six laps – that was fun,” Patch said. “To come back here and see this is something I’m very excited about and proud of.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen the course since it was finished. It’s met my expectations. This is what we want for this area. The views are gorgeous. I’m looking forward to people coming out and seeing it.”
The 6, 189-yard, par-71 course was actually ready for play on September 19th, but Patch phoned in instructions to club pro and general manager Chris Meade that nobody was to tee off until he and charter members did so on Friday.
“It would have cost someone $1 million to play before Glenn,” one golfer said jokingly on Friday.
Patch gave the course the proper opening it deserved by launching a 250-yard rocket off the No. 1 tee box that landed in the middle of the fairway and within an easy wedge shot of the green.
Charter members Shoji Tabuchi and Moe Bandy took some good-natured grief for out-driving Patch. Andy Williams’ first tee shot was also in the middle of the fairway, a perfect shot on a perfect day in his estimation.
“I’m very excited about the whole setup the Patches have put together here,” Williams said. “It’s fabulous. The clubhouse is gorgeous. This is something Branson has needed for some time, a course this good with a great clubhouse, good atmosphere, a big card room and beautiful pool. And, it’s a picture-perfect day today. I’m very glad to be here.”
Among the features Meade thinks first-timers will take note of on their first round of the semi-private course is the 300-foot change in elevation from the front nine to the back nine. No hole has been officially designated as the course’s signature hole, yet, but Meade figures the par-5, 502-yard No. 14 hole will be given such status.
“That’s where you get your best view of Branson,” Meade said. “You can easily see Shepherd of the Hills' Inspiration Tower from there.”
Patriot Bermuda grass makes up the fairways, unique to the Tri-Lakes area, and Crenshaw Bent green is on the putting greens.
“This is the fourth course I’ve helped open and it’s always a challenge opening a course,” Meade said. “But everyone is very please and obviously the clubhouse is wonderful.”
Information courtesy of Branson Daily New
|
-
Launching a major new production for the Festival of American Music & Crafts with the popular Salute to the Great American Cowboy, Silver Dollar City presents Headin’ West. The Broadway-style show is slated to be the park’s most impressive production ever, dramatizing the adventure of America’s Western expansion. Headin’ West debuted September 13 with the opening of the festival, which also features Western music stars, trick riding and roping, bluegrass bands and the nation’s top craftsmen. The Festival of American Music & Crafts runs through October 27 at the Branson, Missouri theme park.
An original musical production created exclusively by and for Silver Dollar City, Headin’ West tells the story of the American pioneer spirit through the characters’ quest for new frontiers in the 1870s west. The story comes to life with elaborate sets, surround-sound, revolving scenery, visual projections and period costumes. Impressive special effects immerse the audience in adventures from deep cave prospecting and white water rafting to a thundering buffalo stampede. A talented cast of 14 actors performs, with live music enhanced with an original orchestra score.
The festival also features Michael Martin Murphey in a special concert September 21, headlining the Western entertainment. Trick roper Johnny Lonestar, seen recently on America’s Got Talent, performs along with the Sons of the San Joaquin, cowboy poets, Roy Rogers Jr., a Native American hoop dancer, and the singing Sons of the Silver Dollar. An all new arena show features trick riders, World-Record holding palomino trick horses, wild mustangs and long-horned steers. Cowboy boot makers from around the country compete in the 2nd annual Best of American Boot Makers competition.
Widely recognized as the premier event for fine craftsmanship, the festival features custom hat makers, copper sculptors, silversmiths and stained glass artists, some of more than 125 visiting artists from across the country who fill booths lining the streets of the theme park with their colorful handwork. Best of Missouri Hands juried artists are spotlighted around the Square with wares including silver wire jewelry, handcrafted pewter ware, hand woven baskets and stoneware pottery. A special showcase of western crafters features custom made leather hats, spur making, western art, bronze sculpture, and leather saddle and tack making.
The tastes of the fall harvest are served up throughout the park, with smoked turkey legs, roasted corn on the cob and hearty skillet meals cooked on open grills. For a full festival feast, guests can dine at Tastes of America in the Red Gold Heritage Hall, featuring barbecued ribs, roasted prairie chicken, southwestern tacos or buffalo chili, and desserts from blackberry cobbler and peach pie to hot apple dumplings, while trick riders, ropers and rodeo stars perform in the Red Gold Arena.
The Cowboy Festival also allows visitors to meet some of television’s top western heroes when Gunsmoke’s Buck Taylor hosts stars of classic American Westerns from Wagon Train to F Troop, and you can also catch performances by Waddie Mitchell and other Western Heritage Cowboy Poets. Dancers can kick up their heels at the country barn dance. The sounds and smells of the fall harvest fill the Silver Dollar City Square, where guests can see sorghum and apple butter making. A cast of talented singers and dancers perform in This Country’s Rockin’ at Echo Hollow Amphitheatre each evening.
Throughout the festival, the park is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays,
and 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
Information courtesy of The Cushing Daily Citizen
|
-
More than 75,000 visitors are expected to flock to Downtown Branson for the 34th Annual Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival which begins today and runs through Sunday.
“It is a long time tradition,” Downtown Branson Main Street Association Executive Director Gayla Roten said. “It is a good time to come back to downtown and experience the historic district. Fall is in the air.”
Beginning at 9 a.m. this September 20th, the Awbery Parking Lot on the corner of Commercial and Atlantic Street, as well as down Commercial Street, more than 150 craft vendors from all over the country will set up in the area.
Autumn Daze is the largest independent arts and crafts festival in southwest Missouri. Artists striving to keep the traditions and cultures of America’s past alive will be showcasing their work.
Applicants are screened by a jury committee to ensure that products are hand-made and exhibited by the person who made them. Another reason the artists are hand picked is to guarantee a wide array of original arts and crafts for patrons.
Roten said there will be a lot of items for people looking to decorate their homes with or to get some early Christmas shopping done.
Patrons strolling the downtown area will find unique items such as pottery, quilts, paintings, jewelry, wood carvings, toys, lotions, candles and floral arrangements. Many times the creators of the products will be on-hand, demonstrating their crafts as well.
Many of the downtown stores will also be setting up sidewalk sales throughout the event for more shopping and browsing options. Authentic crafts won’t be the only thing patrons will be able to get their hands on. Food vendors will be cooking up traditional Ozarks foods such as kettle corn, homemade ice cream, funnel cakes, deep fried twinkies, buffalo burgers, steamed corn on the cob and fruit smoothies. Downtown restaurants will also be open and welcome festival goers to enjoy family-style favorites as well as authentic food choices.
“It is another reason to come to downtown Branson,” Roten said.
Information courtesy of Branson Daily News
|
-
Branson visitors and residents will get another chance in the near future to see how a winery works. The Branson Board of Aldermen gave initial approval to the Branson Ridge Winery and Marketplace planned development on Thursday, September 13.
Don Stephens, the city’s planning director, described the nearly 18-acre development as having “a wine country bed and breakfast atmosphere.”
“It is a mixed use development, it has some commercial uses, agricultural uses, office, residential and recreation uses,” Stephens said of the development that will include a vineyard, event lawn and outdoor market.
One of the owners of the project, Jacob Fleig, said an area will be available for people to reserve for various events.
“We’re looking at things like wedding receptions,” Fleig said of the uses of the event lawn. “I couldn’t imagine anything that would be more than 300 (people).”
He said a market area will also allow for a location to have a farmers-market-type of an event.
“It’s really not more space than probably space for 15 or 20 10-by-10 open-air little canopy-type booths,” Fleig said.
He said the winery would also be growing its own grapes. The grapes will be used to make wine on the property, which will be located off of Sunrise Drive, just north of Cannonball Loop and to the west of U.S. 65.
“We have soil to be tested right now. We had done that previously and it looks adequate for what we would need,” Fleig said of growing grapes native to the state.
Branson Alderman Dick Gass voiced his approval of the project and the benefit it will be to the tourist community.
“It’s a nice project. I like it,” Gass said. “It’s going to be nice for our tourists.”
Aldermen will vote on the final approval of the project at their meeting on Sept. 24.
Information courtesy of Branson Daily News
|
-
For the first time in more than 20 years, cruises from Branson to Rockaway Beach will be available, as early as mid- to late-October. The news of the upcoming delivery of the first of two sight-seeing boats to be included in the Gage’s Branson Landing Marina and Shoppes complex was announced during the MDA telethon events over Labor Day Weekend.
“It will be the first public sight-seeing cruises since the original lake Queen in Branson, more than 20 years ago,” said Rhonda Hartzell, director of marketing for Gage’s Branson Landing Marina and Shoppes.
Branson’s Landing Princess, a 100-foot luxury yacht, will be arriving late this month and will be ready for operation a few weeks later. Hartzell said an area will be temporarily set up for boarding while the rest of the complex is still under construction.
The second sight-seeing boat, the new Branson’s Lake Queen, a 100-foot double-decker paddle wheeler, is also being constructed.
“The paddle wheeler will follow, but the date is undetermined,” Hartzell said. “Starting next spring both will offer dinner and luncheon cruises.”
Both boats will be able to accommodate 149 passengers. Special events such as weddings, business meetings, birthday parties and other kinds of special events will be able to be held on the boats.
The complex, which is currently under construction and is estimated to be completed within the next few months will include several businesses such as Shorty Small’s Restaurant and Pub, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Parlor, Denny’s Harley Davidson store, an 18-slip marina for pontoon boat rentals as well as have a stationary dock-side event center on the south end of the second floor of the complex. The center includes a floor to ceiling glass banquet room called the Fountain Room.
“People on board will be able to view the fountains at Branson Landing,” she said. “That is one of the features that are fun for people.”
The center piece of the complex will be the old Lake Queen which is currently a undergoing restoration and remodeling of excess of $150,000. The Branson icon, which hasn’t cruised Taneycomo for more than 20 years, will be stationary inside of the complex. Visitors will be able to see a bit of Branson’s history as they board the 1958 paddle wheel.
“There will be artifacts, history, photographs and memorabilia of sight-seeing cruises of the White River and Lake Taneycomo,” Hartzell said, recalling what it was like to watch the original paddle wheel on Lake Taneycomo during its glory days.
The original Lake Queen cruised the local waters for decades before sitting idle for many years.
“It has been sitting in Roark Creek, near the end of Branson Landing, for many, many years deteriorating,” Hartzell said. “When Gages found out it was scheduled for demolition, they decided to rescue it and restore her since it was a part of their family’s history.”
The grandfather of Justin and James Gage, Fred Stewart, built Lake Queen. The Gages are partnering with SkipperLiner Industries out of LaCrosse, Wisc., on the entire complex.
Information courtesy of Branson Daily News
|
|
|