The "Downing Family" is one of the dozens of Southern Gospel groups performing at Silver Dollar City's "Southern Gospel Picnic."
BRANSON, Mo. “Some things just seem to fit together,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “There’s just something about combining the sounds of Southern Gospel music and people laughing and having fun at Silver Dollar City during Silver Dollar City’s ‘Southern Gospel Picnic’ that is special and relates to both the spirit and values of what Branson represents,” she continued.
Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic is one of the seven world class festivals held at the park throughout the year and will run from August 25 – September 5. Although it’s one of the newest festivals, as well as one of its shortest, lasting for only 12 “inspirational toe-tapping” days, it is a great opportunity for Southern Gospel music fans, as well as for those who have never been exposed to it, to hear it at its “uplifting soul-stirring” best.
Among the dozens of groups performing over 400 performances during the event will be the Downing Family; the legendary Blackwood Quartet; The Chuck Wagon Gang; The Isaacs, 2010 Dove Award Winners and 2011 Dove Award nominees; The Peterson Family, 2010 winners of the 2010 Branson CAM Gospel Sing Off; Karen Peck & New River; Gold City; The Perrys; The Hoppers and the Legacy Five.
The daily performances will be followed each night by the “Southern Gospel Nights” concert which will be held in Echo-Hollow, Silver Dollar City’s 4,000 seat amphitheater. On Sunday August 28 and September 4 there will be a worship service held in the Red Gold Heritage Hall with Hosea Bilyeu on August 28 and noted humorist and evangelist Dennis Swanberg on September 4.
Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that the “picnic” in the “Southern Gospel Picnic” will feature “The House of Chicken & Fixin’s” featuring Apple Butter Glazed Chicken, Golden Fried chicken, Orange Glazed Chicken and BBQ chicken, all with picnic-style fixings.” This will be in addition to all the delicious food normally available throughout the park.
Along with the special activities and events involved in the Southern Gospel Picnic, all the excitement and adventure that the international award winning 1880s’s theme park is noted for is also available. This includes “100 resident craftsmen, 2 dozen rides and attractions including the new million dollar play area for kids: Half Dollar Holler.”
For further information on Silver Dollar City, the Southern Gospel Picnic or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.