Author Archives: Gary Groman

Branson golf and entertainers featured in GOLFWEEK article

The Payne Stewart Golf Course is but one of Branson's many golfing opportunities.

When most people think of Branson, Missouri in conjunction with Shoji Tabuchi, Marty Haggard and Buck Trent they are thinking Branson shows, music and being entertained, but the August 12 edition of “GOLFWEEK” magazine presents them, and Branson, from a different perspective. In an article entitled, “A Lark in the Ozarks” Martin Kaufmann describes not only his golfing experiences with Tabuchi, Haggard and Trent on some of Branson’s fine golf courses, but does an excellent job of tying in what else Branson has to offer, not only in terms of its shows and entertainment, but in terms of lifestyle and a bit of history.

“What a wonderful way to share not only the great golfing that is available in the Branson area, but the total Branson experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. The article shares Kauffmann’s personal golfing experience with some of Branson’s premier entertainers at some of Branson’s best golf courses, personal insights on them and presents an interesting, very entertaining and insightful overview of Branson even to the point of saying, “Beyond Branson’s music, golf and other activities, what you’ll find here is a full-throated, unapologetic acclamation of the best of America: enterprise, initiative, unabashed love of country.”

Kaufman points out that Branson is home to “three Missouri’s top four public-access courses in the “GOLFWEEK’s Best rankings,” Branson Creek, Payne Stewart and Murder Rock.The article describes playing the newest, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, located in Branson Hills near the north side of Branson, with Marty Haggard. As he discusses playing the 210 yard par 3 second hole and the challenges it presented he shares Haggard’s reaction as they played the hole when he said, “Whoever designed this must have been angry the first few holes.”

He played another of Branson’s finest golf courses, Branson Creek, with Ross Summers, CEO of the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Shoji Tabuchi and Gene Litner. Kauffmann said, that the “Tom Fazio design, with its long views of the Ozarks, helped put Branson on the golf map when it opened in 1999.” In describing one hole they played, the par 5 18th hole, he compared it to Pebble Beach’s closing hole except that instead of the Pacific Ocean as the hazard there is a “sea of trees.” In pointing out Shoji’s evident love of golf Kaufmann said that he jokes about his hopes that his daughter Christina, who sings and dances in his show and has “a budding career in Nashville, ‘makes it big real quick so I can play golf every day.'”

While in Branson, Kauffman also played the LedgeStone Golf Club saying, among other things, its “back nine – with its elevated tees, doglegs and risk-reward options – might be the most thrilling stretch of holes in town and the centrally located Thousand Hills Golf Course. He also mentioned Buck Trent and The Pointe Royale golf course, which Trent finds time to play most afternoons. In discussing Trent he pointed out that Trent settled in Branson about 20 years ago because he liked the people, saying, “They’re my kind of people.” Somehow, as one reads Kauffmann’s article about golf and Branson, it’s not too hard to believe he knows and appreciates exactly what Trent meant.

Larry the Cable Guy and Tracy Lawrence for one performance each at Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater

Mister The "Git R Done," Larry the Cable Guy.

BRANSON, Mo.  “The ‘Git R Done’ man himself, Larry the Cable Guy and country music legend Tracy Lawrence will each be making a one performance limited engagement appearance at the Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater near Branson in Lampe, Missouri,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Larry the Cable Guy will be appearing at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 20th and Tracy Lawrence at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 2nd,” she continued.

In describing the performances, the Branson Tourism Center’s website says, “‘Git R Done’ is part of American Culture. Larry has thrilled audiences in The Blue Collar Comedy Tour. He has three Gold Certified Comedy Albums and has starred in five major movies. He is known as the voice of ‘Mater’ in the Disney Films “Cars” and “Cars Two”. He has his own series on the History Channel ‘Only In America With Larry The Cable Guy’.

“Larry’s special guest at Black Oak is Reno Collier. Reno has had his own series “Comedy Central Presents” and has been featured on Blue Collar. This will be a Comedy Show you will not forget!

Country music legend Tracy Lawrence.

“Country Legend Tracy Lawrence’s incredible vocals have produced hits like ‘Sticks And Stones’, ‘Time Marches On” and ‘Paint Me A Birmingham’. He has 18 number one Country Hits.

“His guests ‘Steel Magnolia’ blasted to national fame by winning CMT’s ‘Can You Duet’. Their hit single, ‘Keep On Loving You’, is the highest rated new duet in the history of Billboard. ‘JaneDear girls’ are ‘the girls next door who really kick it’. ‘Wildflower’ has thrilled audiences with high energy, soaring vocals and world class instrumentals.”

The Black Oak Amphitheater is on State Highway H about 1.7 miles west of its intersection with State Highway 13 and about 23 miles from the center of the Branson Strip.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests calling and booking these special limited engagement performances while seats are still available. For additional information or tickets for either Larry the Cable Guy or Tracy Lawrence please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-682-2021 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic is soul stirring music & hearty home cooked food

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.

Shoji Tabuchi, one of Branson’s premier entertainers

Shoji Tabuchi in his office during a recent interview.

BRANSON, Mo. One of the most popular shows in Branson for over two decades has been the Shoji Tabuchi Show. The great popularity of the show is attributable not only to the amazing talent of its star, but his supporting cast including one of the best bands in Branson and his very talented daughter Christina, great choreography, production, costuming and leading edge special effects.

In describing the Branson’s current show scene and the Tabuchi family’s influence on it, this writer wrote “five words just seem to fit together ‘fiddle,’ ‘production show,’ and ‘Shoji Tabuchi.'” Ever since Shoji started performing in his own theatre 22 years ago, he along with his wife Dorothy, have presented a show that sets the standard for “production” shows in Branson. Shoji said, “My wife Dorothy is the one who has made us the show we are. It is thanks to her vision, planning, and production.”

Shoji when referring to differences between the “violin” and “fiddle” said, “They are both the same instrument, it’s just how you fiddle around with them.” Branson’s most noted fiddle player began playing the violin at a young age when his mother started him playing using the “Suzuki method.” It wasn’t until Roy Acuff came to Japan and did a concert including “Listen to the Mocking Bird,” played on the fiddle, that Shoji decided to change the way he “fiddled” around with the violin and the rest is “History.”

He said, “It was his music and encouragement that inspired me to come to the United States and he was instrumental in having me play on the Grand Ole Opry in 1968. One of the numbers I played was ‘Listen to the Mocking Bird’ and the other was the ‘Orange Blossom Special.'” Shoji has two of Acuff’s favorite violins, one of which was presented to him by the Grand Ole Opry in commemoration of his 50th year with them.

Shoji points out that even with the large band and cast in their show that it is a family venture saying, “My daughter Christina sings and dances in the show and, as I have previously mentioned, my wife Dorothy produces the show.” He said that he loves performing in Branson because it gives him more time to spend with his family and enables him to perform in his own theatre, which was specifically designed for him, and allows him to perform his show the way he wants to giving the audience the very best show possible.

When asked why people coming to Branson should come and see his show Shoji said, ” Our goal, each and every year is to have our guests come see the show and walk away saying, ‘I didn’t think it could get any better, but it has!’ and to make our guests feel, at all times, from the time they drive into the parking lot to the time they leave, that they are very special and deserve the very best. The show is always new and exciting and there is truly ‘Something for everyone.'”

A tale of contrasts, what a difference a few months makes

Lake Taneycomo facing downstream from lake bed on July 24 during one of the very infrequent "board" draw downs that brings the lake down to its lowest level.

BRANSON, Mo. Powersite Dam, also known as “Ozark Beach Dam,” near Forsyth, Missouri was completed in 1913. It was the first impoundment of the “White River,” the first hydroelectric dam in Missouri, provided economic stability and income for the developing new town of “Branson” a few miles upstream, and formed Lake Taneycomo.

When they are not generating power or discharging water through the flood gates at Table Rock Dam, 22 miles upstream, the depth of Lake Taneycomo is controlled by the Powersite Dam. In addition to the water it runs through its generators the lakes depth is controlled by wooden “boards” inserted in the top of the dam to raise the water level of the lake.

Picture taken during the record high water levels of Easter week.

During periods of high water on Table Rock Lake requiring the release of water through flood gates of its dam, the boards either get damaged or have to be removed to minimize the flooding to low lying areas on Lake Taneycomo or its tributaries. When this happens Lake Taneycomo is drawn down to its lowest levels so they can work on or replace the “boards.”

Such a draw down took place over the weekend of July 23 and provided the opportunity to take a picture providing a comparison of Lake Taneycomo at its lowest level and its highest level. Both were taken off the River Point Road launch ramp. The first, upper right,  was taken July 24 from the lake bed, centered on the ramp, about 20 feet from the normal shoreline and is a downstream shot. The second was taken from the entrance to the boat ramp looking down into the lake during the record high water of Easter week.

To put things into perspective, the rushing water near the trees in the second photo is actually at the top of the boat ramp. The spot of the July 24 picture is actually 40 feet farther out into the lake. During the flood the water level would have been at least 12 to 14 feet over the top of my head standing in the spot from which the picture was taken.

Branson named “Best Small City for a Weekend” by AAA Midwest Traveler Magazine poll

The main gate to Branson's most popular attraction, and the winner of the polls "Best Theme Park," Silver Dollar City.

“2011 has been a banner year for recognizing Branson, Missouri for the exciting travel destination it is,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Earlier in the year it was named by ‘TripAdvisor’ as a winner of its inaugural ‘Travelers’ Choice Family Award-winning Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.’ The July/August issue of ‘AAA Midwest Traveler’ magazine, containing the results of the ‘Second AAA Best of the Midwest Poll,’ announced that Branson has been named the ‘Best Small City for a Weekend,'” she continued.

According to information received from the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB the “AAA Midwest Traveler” magazine “is mailed bi-monthly to approximately 530,000 AAA member households in Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana and eastern Kansas.” It should be pointed out that in addition to being named “The Best Small City for a Weekend” Branson was also prominent in two other first place and second place awards. Branson’s Chateau on the Lake was named the “Best Large Motel and Silver Dollar City was named the “Best Theme Park,” with “Table Rock Lake” taking second for the “Best Lake Getaway” and Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival taking second for the “Best Arts and Crafts Festival.”

In announcing Branson as “Best Small City for a Weekend,” AAA said that this is the second year in a row that the readers of “AAA Midwest Traveler” have picked Branson as “Best Small City for a Weekend.” In citing the reasons why Branson was picked the magazine said, “Certainly the mix of entertainment (more than 50 live shows), lakes, shopping and a bevy of family attractions, including an award-winning theme park, appealed to the majority of our readers.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that there are nearly 100 live shows in Branson offering just about every genre of music and everything from outdoor drama to comedy, acrobatics, Kung Fu and lots more. “There truly is a live show in Branson for just about everyone,” she said. “As an organization that works hard within Branson’s tourism industry to make sure that all its clients have the best Branson experience possible, the Branson Tourism Center sincerely appreciates the honor that the readers of “AAA Midwest Traveler” have bestowed on Branson over the last two years. We would invite all those who have never been to Branson to come, visit and experience Branson.”

For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A few personal moments with the amazing Wallendas

The Wallendas performing a three person pyramid. It gets even more exciting as Delilah comes to the full standing position on the chair.

BRANSON, Mo. The famous Wallenda family is performing their “Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus” as part of Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest. After their July 8 performance Nik Wallenda and his mother Delilah, the family’s beautiful and talented matriarch, were kind enough to share a bit about the Wallenda’s and their passion for the High Wire.

Nik Wallenda, a seventh generation Wallenda, has been walking the wire since his mother, Delilah, helped him get started at age two. He has been walking by himself on the wire since four and has been performing on the High Wire since age 13. He says that performing on the High Wire is simply a way of life and a passion that has been in his family for generations. His great grandfather, the famous Karl Wallenda said, “Life is being on the wire; everything else is just waiting.”

Well no one can accuse Nik or the Wallendas of just waiting. The day prior to the opening of their current show at Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest, the “Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,” Nik set yet another “Guinness World Record” while hanging from a trapeze suspended from a helicopter 265 feet above Silver Dollar City. After performing some tricks on the trapeze he hung suspended by only his jaw for 30 seconds setting the Guinness World Record for the highest “Iron Jaw Hang.” Wallenda holds world records for the “Longest Distance Traveled on a High Wire on a Bicycle,” at 235 feet; “Highest Bicycle Ride on a High Wire,” at 267 feet; “Highest Wheel of Death,” at 270 feet and as a participant in the “World Record Eight Person Pyramid on A High Wire.”

A week prior to opening in Silver Dollar City, Nik, the great-grandson of Karl Wallenda, and his mother Delilah, Karl’s grandaughter, walked the same “wire” that Karl had attempted to walk over 33 years earlier and from which he fell to his death. At over 100 feet in the air, with no net, they passed each other in the middle of the 300 foot wire, Delilah sat down on the wire and Nik stepped over her. Delilah then got up and, along with Nik, walked along the wire to opposite towers. The walk was to honor Karl.

Nik Wallenda and his mother Delilah

He initially didn’t want his mother to make the “walk” with him because he was concerned that his focus, which is so critical when walking the wire, would be split between concern for his mother and the walk. He said that knowing her passion to do the walk and that it was a once in lifetime opportunity to duplicate her grandfather’s last walk without a net made it impossible to say “No.” Delilah said, “I told him I had the ability, that I had been practicing and that it was very important to me. It took a little bit because he and my husband were very concerned, but they knew I’m a little bit hard headed when it comes to performing.”

Delilah, had been semi-retired for around six years until about two years ago when Nik surprised her with an opportunity to “walk” with him. She had showed up to watch him perform and he said, “Come on mom, do this walk with me.” She told him that she had no pole, shoes or costume, but he had them for her. She said, “It was wonderful and pulled me out of my semi-retirement leading to the Puerto Rico walk and performing every day at Silver Dollar City in the “Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus” show. She said, “It feels absolutely fabulous to be able to perform every day with my family.”

Nik is preparing to walk the High Wire across Niagara Falls from the U.S. side to Canada and hopes to get the required permissions and make the walk by the end of September. Both countries have laws prohibiting stunts above the falls The New York Legislature has already passed legislation permitting the walk and Nik will be going to Canada to try and get their permission as soon as the Silver Dollar City show closes.

When asked the simple question, “Are you nuts?” he replied, “This is a life style for me. My family has been doing it for more than 200 years and I have been walking the wire since I was two years old. Of course there is risk to it, but there’s a risk to just crossing the street. Wire walking is an art, it cannot be perfected, but you can get pretty darn close.”

Delilah said that as a mother she is concerned about her son making the walk, but as a Wallenda walking the wire is their passion, way of life and something that they train and focus on everyday. She encourages their fans and others to keep an eye on Nik as he prepares to walk across Niagara Falls. She said, “He’s very much like my grandfather, he’s got that drive and passion. When he wants to do something he’s going to do it and I’m so proud of him.” One can almost picture Karl looking down from above and smiling as he says, “”Life is being on the wire; everything else is just waiting. Godspeed Nik.”

The Wallenda family is performing their “Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus” during KidsFest at Silver Dollar City though July 23 at 11:15, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. For special “two day for one day pricing: on Silver Dollar City tickets or information on the “Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus” show please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A “Brady Day” in Branson starts with its newest show “Brady Brunch”

Cast photo of "The Brady Bunch."

“The premier of the new show ‘Brady Brunch with Barry Williams,’ in Branson is not only exciting,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Special Events for the Branson Tourism Center, “but adds yet another dimension to the breadth of the live entertainment Branson offers on a daily basis”. Milton said that the star of the show is Barry Williams, who played “Greg Brady” on the hit TV sitcom “The Brady Bunch” and that the limited engagement premier performance will run from August 2nd to the 14th.

In a recent interview Barry Williams said the show will be “All things Brady and beyond.” He described it as a “one man variety show” that will actively involve the audience in the show including contests; question and answers; learning the “the Brady choreography,” a combination of the “Brady moves” that were danced on the show; his singing; eating a “brunch that only Alice could make” and other surprises.

In talking about “The Brady Bunch,” Williams pointed out that, although the show went off the air in 1974, each of its episodes has been aired over 200,000 times in over 142 countries. The show has been the subject of a cartoon show, “A Very Brady Christmas” special which has been airing since 1989 and numerous other specials. William wrote a New York Times best seller about his experiences on the show entitled “”Growing Up Brady” which was made into an NBC Movie in 2000.

When asked what his favorite episode of “The Brady Bunch” was, Williams said it was the episode entitled ” Adios Johnny Bravo.” It was his favorite because it was a “musical episode about Greg Brady wanting to become a pop rock start and ultimately choosing family over stardom.” He said that “Johnny Bravo” will be making an appearance in the show.

Branson Tourism Center’s Milton encourages those who will be in Branson during August 2 thru August 14 to join Barry Williams for the limited run performances of this new Branson show and a morning of exciting interactive entertainment. For information on the “Brady Brunch with Barry Williams” show or tickets please call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-524-0222 or visit their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

It’s easier than ever to get to Branson by air

“The recent announcement by Frontier Airlines to add seasonal nonstop service between Branson Airport (BKG) and both Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)’ expands the choices available for Branson air travelers,” said Sharon Budnick, the Director of the Branson Travel Agency, a division of the Branson Tourism Center. “Couple that with the other Frontier, Branson AirExpress and AirTran service into the Branson Airport and the American, United, Alligent and Delta service into the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) and its easier than ever to, not only get to Branson by air, but find a value airfare,” she continued.

Budnick points out that the new Branson-Austin service will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday from September 16 through December 14, 2011 and will be provided on 50-seat Embraer 145 aircraft. The Branson-Phoenix service will operate Saturdays from September 17 through December 10, 2011 and will be on 138-seat Airbus 319 aircraft featuring stretch seating with 5 inches of additional legroom and 24 channels of DirecTV® at every seat.

A cooling thought in the heat of the summer, Silver Dollar City's "Old Time Christmas" is a highlight of "Ozark Mountain Christmas."

“The new service offers air travelers additional convenience and service during one of Branson’s busiest times of the year,” she said. From the middle of September until the middle of December, it seems like there’s just one exciting thing after another taking place in Branson. There’s the beautiful Ozark fall foliage, Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival, Branson Veteran’s Homecoming Week, Ozark Mountain Christmas and the excitement of the shoppers version of “Deer Season,” shopping in Branson, Missouri between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Branson is a great family and group destination offering its visitors the most exciting and unique vacation and entertainment experience available anywhere. The constantly expanding choice of air service for air travelers and the nonstop destinations available from both the Branson Airport and the Springfield-Branson National Airport make it more convenient and affordable than ever for groups and individuals to fly to Branson.

Budnick points out that there are special introductory fares beginning at $89 each way for the new Branson-Austin nonstop route and $105 each way for the new Branson-Phoenix nonstop routes that are available for purchase through Sept. 17, 2011 for travel through Oct. 31, 2011. She reminds travelers, especially those wanting to take advantage of the introductory fares, that the earlier flight and travel arrangements are made the better the prices and availability will be.

Especially during the fall and Ozark Mountain Christmas season, making arrangements for Branson shows, attractions and lodging as early as possible will ensure not only availability, but getting the best seating and accommodations available. Budnick offers her assistance with booking any Branson flights, making any Branson travel arrangements or to simply answer any questions about Branson. Please contact her through the Branson Travel Agency by calling 1-800-785-2176 or through their website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

Concierge Perks add even more value to BTC’s Concierge Program

Hooray for Hollywood is just one of the many shows participating in "Concierge Perks."

“Our latest enhancement to the ‘Branson Tourism Center Concierge Program’ is a great free value added feature that we, in conjunction with some of Branson’s most popular shows and attractions, are able to provide to our customers to help them get even more value as they have a great Branson experience,” said Mark Bryson, Director of Business Development, for the Branson Tourism Center. “Our new ‘Concierge Perks’ program is a win-win for everyone, BTC’s Concierge Program Members and our participating shows and attractions,” he continued.

All Branson Tourism Center customers automatically become members of its Concierge Program, aptly named because of the free personal “concierge” type Branson travel planning services that has become BTC’s hallmark. BTC’s service, value and dedication to providing each of its customers with a great Branson experience has enabled it to sell over 2.7 million Branson show and attraction tickets. The Concierge Program along with its new “Perks” enhancement is just another way of adding additional value for its customers while encouraging them to spend money inside each of the participating shows, attractions or businesses.

Each member of the Concierge Program receives a personal card and is immediately eligible for the appropriate benefits that BTC directly provides, depending on whether they are a Blue, Gold or Platinum level member. In addition, all Concierge Program members, regardless of their level, are eligible to participate in the new free “Concierge Perks” part of the program.

Simply by presenting their Concierge Card to any of the shows, attractions or other businesses participating in the program, Concierge Program members can get exclusive savings, extra discounts or even free souvenirs. From free “bobble head” with purchase of a Daniel O’Donnell DVD, to gift store and concession stand discounts and much more, the purpose of the program is to encourage the tens of thousands of Branson Tourism Center customers belonging to the program to not only visit the participating shows, attractions and other participating businesses, but to spend money while they are there.

The initial launch of the program is based on just the participation of BTC’s vendor shows and attractions, but, with this announcement, is now being expanded to other qualifying Branson businesses. Bryson points out that being a participant in the BTC Concierge Perks Program involves no out of pocket costs and will get your business listed on the “Concierge Perks” page of BTC’s website, on the list of “Concierge Program Perks Participants” that is personally handed to each Concierge Program member as they check in at the Branson Tourism Center for their Branson vacation and the potential to be mentioned in BTC Newsletters, web posting, and social media posts mentioning the program.

Click here for more information on the Branson Tourism Center Concierge Program and Concierge Perks. Program members should call 800-785-1550 to use their perks and those interested in more information on how to participate in the program should call Mark Bryson at 427-336-4402 Ext 193.