Author Archives: Gary Groman

Table Rock Lake hosts PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament

CPAA's Jim Thompson, right and Larry "Doc" Segerwho is currently in 10th place in the PAA overall tournament standings..

“It’s another exciting testimony as to the great bass fishing available in the Branson area,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center in referring to the fact that that Table Rock Lake will be hosting the second tournament in the “2011 PAA (Professional Anglers Association) Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series” presented by Carrot Stix on June 23 through June 25. He stated that Table Rock Lake had also hosted the last event of the series in 2010 won by Shane Long, of Sarcoxie, MO.

Jim Thompson, the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association said that the relatively high water of Table Rock Lake due to the rains earlier this Spring should not have a major impact on the fishing. “These guys are the consummate pros and catch fish on just about any body of water whether it’s low or high. I expect it will be a great tournament with some big bags weighed in.”

Thompson also pointed out that there are a number of local anglers participating in the tournament including local Table Rock Lake Guide, Larry “Doc” Seger, who placed tenth in the first tournament of the series, held on Lake Lanier in northeast Georgia earlier this Spring. Other local anglers are Stacey King, Reeds Spring; Brian Snowden, Reeds Spring; Kelly Power, Cape Fair; Shane Long, Sarcoxie; James Watson, Waynesville and Lance Williams, Billings

The tournament will launch from the Chateau on the Lake Marina on June 23, 24 and 25 at 6:00 a.m.. The tournament weigh-ins June 23 and 24 will take place at the Chateau on the Lake Marina at 3:00 p.m. During those two days the starting field of 61 anglers will be narrowed down to the top 20 anglers who will compete in the Finals on Saturday, June 25. The championship weigh-in will take place at the Fountains at Branson Landing at 4:00 p.m. with the tournament winner being the angler with the highest weight total for the entire three day tournament.

In talking about his PAA experience this year, local Table Rock Lake guide Larry “Doc” Seger, from Kimberling City, who is currently in 10th place overall in the PAA tournament standings, said that his journey with PAA has been a wonderful experience and started with his winning the Central Pro-Am Association’s “Angler of the Year” in 2010. One of the prizes for winning that title was an all expense ‘ride’ to fish the entire 2011 PAA Tournament Series, including paid entry fees, food, fuel and lodging allowances worth, with entry fees etc. over $18,000. He credits his experience in fishing with the Central Pro-Am Association over the years for helping put him in his current position.

KidsFest embodies the spirit and essence of Branson family fun

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 sound of laughter and people having fun is a normal part of a visit to Branson’s oldest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City, but it has a special ring during Silver Dollar City’s “National KidsFest” currently being held at the 1880s theme park until July 24. It is “America’s largest KidsFest” and, through the unique combination of the special events and activities associated with KidsFest and the 30 attractions and rides Silver Dollar City offers on a daily basis, provides an unrivaled experience filled with fun, excitement and adventure for the whole family.

Attractions and rides are an exciting part of everyday at Silver Dollar City, but they just seem to naturally fit into the fun and adventure of KidsFest. The parks rides and attractions have something for everyone in the family from the sedate and relaxing “Grand Exposition,” where all the members of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, can share a fun filled ride together to the more exhilarating adventure of “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour or relief from the Summer heat with water rides such as RiverBlast, Lost River of the Ozarks and many other exciting rides and attractions.

In addition, KidsFest is featuring exciting acts and activities for the whole family. The “Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,” staring members of the legendary high wire “Wellenda” family as well as the “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog ExperienceTM” will be performing throughout KidsFest. One of the other KidsFest activities that the younger kids just love is the appearance of their favorite cartoon characters throughout the festival. The following are scheduled to appear on the dates indicated:

Ben 10, June 16-18
Chowder, June 23-25
Scooby Doo & Shaggy, July 1-4
Fred Flintstone, Barney & Dino, July 7-9
Mac & Bloo, July 14-16
Sponge Bob & Patrick, July 21-23
Tom & Jerry, July 28-30
Backyardigans, August 4-6

Silver Dollar City is noted for the outstanding quality and value of the food it normally serves throughout the park, but, as is the case for all its world class festivals, will be adding additional food selections themed for KidsFest. This will include items such as “Hot Diggety Dogs,” “Dippy Dogs” or “Chicken Crunchers,” served with the choice of Fruit Cup or Crinkle Fries and Juice Box or 12 ounce soda; a choice of five tasty flavors of Snow cones; specialty drinks including strawberry smoothes and fresh squeezed lemonade; pizza and salad bars that are sure to be kid pleasers. The KidsFest selections are in addition to the normal selection of tasty food and nonalcoholic drinks available throughout the park.

Silver Dollar City is always a place filled with those experiences from which “memories worth repeating” are made and that is even more so for families during KidsFest.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City and KidsFest or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to 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 https://www.bransontourismcenter.com.

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

A Branson family summer vacation provides excitement, value, fun and special memories

White Water's seven story high "Kalani Towers" provides wet, exciting and thrilling relief on a hot summer day.

Even with all that is going on in today’s world and the personal pressures being generated, many people know that they and their families need and deserve a vacation this summer. Branson, Missouri is a premier Midwest vacation destination noted for its unique blend of value, fun and its spirit of family, God and country. It is a special, almost magical place for families, at any time of the year, but there’s just something about the Summer and the pronounced influx of families with children that makes it my favorite time of the year.

What can show the heart and spirit of what Branson is more than the sound of kids and families laughing, talking and having a good time together. From its restaurants and lodging facilities to its attractions, lakes, shows and other activities it seems that there is a special vibrancy and intensity as families relax, spend time together, unwind and just have fun as they create vacation memories.

“In these economic challenging times, the cost of a vacation is certainly a consideration,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Branson is one of the best vacation values anywhere and has been recognized nationally, by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), as the “third most budget friendly destination in America.”

The unique one of a kind bird illusion of Dave and Denise Hamner is just part of the magic, excitement, comedy and entertainment of the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

Johnson points that Branson’s value gets even better if travelers bundle lodging, shows, attractions and activities together into one package. For example, the “Branson Family Fun Package,” offered by BTC, provides lodging for two nights and a full breakfast at either Grand Plaza Hotel or Hotel Grand Victorian; family passes to your choice of one of two great shows for families with kids, The Hamner Barber Variety Show or the Legend of Kung Fu; a family pass to one of Branson’s premier attractions, the Titanic Museum Attraction; a Branson Vacation Savings Book with more than 500 coupons and over $1,500 in savings and more, all at a saving of 27 percent!

If one places any value on their time, another way to increase value, avoid stress and, in a real sense start your vacation early, is to use the free personal “concierge” type planning services of a company like the Branson Tourism Center. It has built its well deserved reputation, A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accreditation and sold over 2.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, by providing hundreds of thousands of Branson visitors with the assistance and help needed to have a great Branson vacation. Factor in “Gas Discounts” and the perks of BTC’s free new customer loyalty “Concierge Program” and the value of a Branson vacation increases even more.

When it comes to fun and things for families to do while on vacation, from its lakes to its live shows, attractions, shopping and other activities, Branson provides a choice of unique, fun and exciting things to do that is unmatched by any other tourist destination of its size. Where else can a family vacation where they can frolic and enjoy a 45,000 surface acre lake like Table Rock Lake, with its 745 miles of shoreline, located just minutes away from the fun, excitement and adventure of everything else that a special place like Branson offers?

Whether its Silver Dollar City and KidsFest, the 12 acre two million gallon water park White Water, the Titanic Museum Attraction, Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, a tour through the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery, something as simple as a walk along the Branson Landing Boardwalk or any of dozens of other attractions and activities, Branson is filled with activities for families to share and enjoy together from the oldest to the youngest. It also has a variety of activities that can be enjoyed as a “slip away” such as shopping, championship golf, some of the finest bass and trout fishing available anywhere, scuba diving and much more.

“Branson is referred to by some as ‘The live music show capital of the world,'” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. “In terms of summer fun and excitement for families, it should be remembered however, that Branson’s live entertainment has not only some of the world’s best music, comedy and variety shows, all of which are suitable for children, but also has a number of shows that will have a special appeal for younger children and the whole family. These shows include a variety ranging from the Acrobats of China, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, NOAH the Musical, Hamner Barber Variety Show, the Showboat Branson Belle, Yakov’s Dinner Adventure, Dixie Stampede and many more.

You deserve a vacation with your family. Branson, Missouri offers the ideal combination of value, fun and excitement that will provide a vacation full of memories that will last a lifetime.

A high flying death defying start to Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest

“Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest is America’s biggest KidsFest for a good reason,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is designed from the ground “up,” from food to special acts, entertainment and activities just for kids and their families.” KidsFest will run from June 11 through July 24 at the 1880’s themed park.

“When it was announced that one of the acts appearing at KidsFest included the legendary ‘Flying Wallendas and Nik Wallenda, double Guinness World Record holder for his feats on the high wire, everyone knew the excitement was going up to a new level,” Johnson continued. “However, today’s announcement from Silver Dollar City literally adds yet another level of danger and excitement to KidsFest and shows why the Wallendas are still, after seven generations, exciting audiences all over the world and the excitement and adventure never ends at Silver Dollar City.”

Nik Wallenda, “King of the Highwire,” will perform a special one time performance as a spectacular kick-off for America’s largest KidsFest and as part of a Discovery Channel TV event for its new series “Life on a Wire.” At approximately 4:00 p.m. on June 10, Wallenda will perform “never-before-seen, high-flying acrobatics  from a helicopter, 200 feet above the ground” and the audience that will be watching from Silver Dollar City’s “Echo Hollow Amphitheatre.”

Starting on June 11 and running through July 24, Wallenda and his family will be performing an exciting “all-new show, ‘The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,’ created exclusively for KidsFest at Silver Dollar City. ” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that the Wallendas are just part of the excitement that KidsFest will feature other acts such as Chris Perondi and his stunt dogs performing amazing feats of “canine athleticism and agility;” your kid’s favorite cartoon characters, and other exciting activities that will be integrated with the dozens of rides, craft demonstrations and excitement that Silver Dollar City provides its guests every day.

For additional information about KidsFest or tickets to Silver Dollar City 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. To make an exciting event even more exciting, Johnson points out that every Silver Dollar City ticket purchased through BTC provides for two days fun at Silver Dollar City for the price of one.

Photo courtesey of www.NikWallenda.com.

Low airfares and value make Branson even a more exceptional experience

“With its great value and fabulous choice of family fun activities, live shows, exciting attractions, lakes and its beautiful natural environment Branson, Missouri is one of the most unique, popular vacation destinations in America,” said Sharon Budnick, the Director of the Branson Travel Agency (BTA). “Factor in low airfares and, even in these economic challenging times, Branson should be on anyone’s vacation radar screen,” she continued.

With lakes, shopping, attractions like Silver Dollar City, The Shepherd of the Hills, White Water, the Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not to the Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, The World’s Largest Toy Museum or Branson’s championship golf courses, it’s no wonder that Branson has received national recognition. It was recognized as “A Top Ten Family Destination for 2010,” a winner TripAdvisor’s 2011 inaugural “Travelers’ Choice® Family Award-winning Great U.S. Destinations to Discover” and most recently was selected by TripZoo.Com as its “Destination of the Week.”

“The neat thing,” Budnick says, “is that Branson is as much of a value as it is fun and exciting.” She points out that Branson offers perhaps the biggest selection of value priced lodging and entertainment of any major tourist destination with something for every budget and taste. In 2009 it was selected by the “American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)” as one of the most budget friendly destinations for travelers.

With the “Springfield-Branson National Airport” and “Branson Airport” providing excellent service, air travelers have a great choice of carriers and fares to pick from when planning to fly to Branson. One of the main considerations for many air travelers, whether it is flying to Branson, or just about anywhere else, is how to get the lowest fares consistent with scheduling that meets their needs.

“There are three words one should remember if they want to get the lowest possible airfare, ‘early,’ ‘earlier’ and ‘earliest.'” Budnick said. She goes on to point out that generally, the farther ahead one can plan their air travel and get their tickets the lower the air fare. Airlines are, almost on a daily basis, especially during the height of the Summer travel season, adjusting airfares, adding additional fees and other things that can increase the cost of air travel. Typically however, those changes do not apply to those who have already purchased their tickets. For even more value she suggests combining low cost airfares with one of BTA’s great vacation packages.

Budnick suggests that not only is it a good idea to purchase airline tickets as early as possible, but that the same principle applies when making Branson show, attraction and lodging arrangements. The earlier arrangements are made, the more flexibility travelers have in terms of pricing, availability, choices of accommodations and show seating. “Typically, because of the excellent relationship Branson Tourism Center has with the shows, attractions and lodging facilities it does business with we are able to get our customers exactly what they want, but at certain times of the year, most notably major holidays and during “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” the earlier arrangements are made the better the chance of getting exactly what you want,” Budnick said.

The Branson Travel Agency, a full service travel agency, is a division of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s more respected and trusted providers of Branson travel services and seller of more than 2.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “We would love the opportunity to help make your next trip to Branson the best vacation you have ever had,” said Budnick. The Branson Travel Agency can be reached by call ing 1-800-785-2176 or through its website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

“Creating memories worth remembering” is the Declaration for Branson visitors

The stages and grills will be full of great bluegrass music and BBQ at Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival running from May 12-30.

BRANSON, Mo. “This weeks federal Disaster Declaration for Taney County, wide spread flooding elsewhere in the Midwest and earlier media reports about flooding in Branson could create the impression that Branson is flooded or recovering from a flood,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Even at the height of the high water the Branson area experienced during Easter week, media reports aside, the Branson that the majority of tourists come to experience, was never flooded or impacted by the high water, remained open for business and provided its visitors with the same fun filled shows, attractions, shopping, entertainment and value that has made it the exciting travel destination it is. The federal Disaster Declaration for Taney County doesn’t change those facts at all,” he added.

In an effort to provide prospective Branson visitors with accurate and timely information about what was actually happening and is happening in Branson regarding the flooding issue, BTC published the ‘Branson is Not Flooded FAQ and Status Report’ on May 3 (FAQ) which has been updated as needed, with its latest update being today. Question #1 on that FAQ asks “Is Branson flooded?” The answer was “No. A few low-lying areas located along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo and its tributaries were flooded by the record setting recent rainfall combined with water released from the Table Rock Lake Dam over Easter week. As unfortunate as that is for those effected, no Branson Show, retail store or factory outlet, including Branson Landing, and the vast majority of Branson’s attractions and restaurants was ever closed because of high water.”

Among other things, the Disaster Declaration will provide federal financial and other assistance to those individuals and businesses in the few low-lying areas whose property was effected. Kurtright points out that there is no more water coming through the flood gates of Table Rock Dam and that the only water being discharged into Lake Taneycomo from Table Rock Lake is through the dams four power generators. Although that amount can fluctuate, it will be within the normal limits of what one can expect when power is being generated, generally less than 15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).

The “Branson” that the majority of the millions of visitors come to see and have fun in every year was never “closed” and, in terms of its visitors, continued doing exactly what it is doing today and has done for over 50 years, providing people and families with one of the most exciting, fun filled and economical vacations available anywhere. Branson’s first attraction, and still its most popular, Silver Dollar City has been dedicated to providing its guests with the opportunity for “Creating memories worth remembering” since it opened over 50 years ago.

When that spirit and the philosophy of God, country, patriotism, and family is combined with all the fun, excitement, adventure and entertainment that is Branson “Creating memories worth remembering” is simply a natural result. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Click here for the Branson is Not Flooded FAQ and Status Report with latest updates.

Branson is Not Flooded FAQ and Status Report

Last Updated – June 5, 4:00 p.m. -This is the last update we plan to post as all items are current. The latest update for each item is posted in bold type.

Looking east on Branson Strip at height of the high water discharge. It is high and dry and, media reports to the contrary, has never had a drop of water on it from water being discharged from Table Rock Dam.

[Special Tornado Note: We have received a number of calls from customers concerned that Branson was affected by the horrible tornado(s) that struck Joplin on Sunday, May 22. Branson is located approximately 100 miles from Joplin and was not impacted physically at all by the tornadoes and their accompanying storms. The impact of what has happened to our friends and neighbors in Joplin is  on our hearts and they are in our prayers.]

“Media stories and pictures create the erroneous impression that Branson is flooded,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “This FAQ and Status Report provides facts establishing that “Branson” never was flooded, is open for business as usual and is providing its visitors with a unique blend of value priced family entertainment, fun, adventure and excitement that is only available in Branson, Missouri.”

1. Is Branson flooded? No. A few low-lying areas located along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo and its tributaries get flooded when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is forced to release waters through the flood gates of Table Rock Dam. The most water ever discharged through the dam was 68,000 cfs during the Easter Rain event of 2011. As unfortunate as that is for those effected, no Branson Show, retail store or factory outlet, including Branson Landing, and the vast majority of Branson’s attractions and restaurants was closed because of high water.

UPDATE – June 5 – 4:00 p.m. All discharges of water through the flood gates terminated as about 4:00 p.m. June 3. The only water being discharged from Table Rock Dam is through its four generators.

UPDATE – May 28 – 3: p.m. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers has dropped the discharges from Table Rock Dam down to about 20,800 cfs. See Item 13 below for current information on actual lake levels and discharge rates.

UPDATE – May 26 – 10 a.m. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers is still  discharging 53,600 cfs,but it appears that Table Rock Lake crested at 11:00 p.m. on May 25 at 934.16. To help keep things in perspective, during the Easter Week rains 68,000 cfs was being discharged and Table Rock crested at 935.47. See Item 13 below for current information on actual lake levels and discharge rates. This FAQ will be updated on an item by item basis should and as the need arises.

UPDATE – May 24 – 10 a.m. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers began discharging 53,600 at 10 a.m.To keep things in perspective, during the Easter Week rains 68,000 cfs was being discharged. See Item 13 below for information on actual lake levels and discharge rates. This FAQ will be updated on an item by item basis should and as the need arises.

UPDATE – May 23 The U.S Army Corps of Engineers has announced that they will be discharging a total of 20,000 Cubic Feet of Water Per Second (cfs) through the Table Rock Lake Dam because of the rains over the weekend starting this morning and will adjust the discharge rates as appropriate.

2. Are all Branson shows open? Yes. All Branson’s shows are located well away from the few low lying areas impacted by the high waters. They were never effected by the water, are open and providing that great live entertainment experience for which Branson is famous.

3. What about the Showboat Branson Belle, isn’t it located on Table Rock Lake? Yes she is, but throughout the Showboat Branson Belle is doing what she’s made to do, cruising Table Rock Lake giving hundreds of passengers each day an exciting entertainment and dining thrill.

An icon of the fun, adventure and excitment that is Branson, Silver Dollar City's spectacular world class coaster, "Wildfire."

4. Are all of Branson’s attractions open? The vast majority of Branson’s attractions, including two of its most popular Silver Dollar City and the Titanic Museum are located well away from the few low lying areas impacted by the high waters, were never effected and are providing Branson visitors with the excitement, fun and adventure that is Branson. Generally, because of their location on the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo, on the lower level of Branson Landing, the cruises of the Branson Landing Lake Princess and Lake Queen will be suspended at water discharges greater than 46,000 cfs (See Item 13 below.)

UPDATE – May 30 – 2: p.m. The Branson Landing Lake Princess and Lake Queen Cruises went back in operation May 29.

5. Are Branson’s major factory outlet malls, Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Hills and its retail shops open? Yes. No factory outlet mall or retail store in Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Hills or elsewhere in Branson was impacted by the high water. All are open for the shopping pleasure of Branson visitors.

6. Didn’t I see pictures of Branson Landing being flooded? Branson Landing’s retail shops are located on the promenade level and were never effected by the high waters. The pictures relating to the high water at Branson Landing involved pictures of water covering the fountains and flowing through the lower levels of the development exactly as it is supposed to do under the high water conditions for which the Landing was designed. The fountains and lower levels are located near the lake’s normal shoreline and well away from its retail promenade level.

7. Aren’t some of the restaurants at Branson Landing Closed? The high water level resulted in the temporary closing of White River Fish House Restaurant which actually floats on Lake Taneycomo. In addition, Shorty Smalls and Texas Land and Cattle Company, located on the east side of the promenade, as a precaution because the propane supply used for their cooking is located in the lower levels.

UPDATE – June 1 – 4:00 p.m. White River Fish House is reopened.

UPDATE – May 30 – 2: p.m Shorty Small’s is now reopened and it is anticipated that the White River Fish House will reopen Wednesday of Thursday of this week.

UPDATE – May 28 – 3: p.m. Texas Land and Cattle Steak House is reopened as of today.

8. Are Branson’s Restaurants open? Yes. Of the 242 restaurants in Branson, as discussed in #7 above, only about three restaurants located on the east side of Branson Landing are effected by the high water. All of Branson’s other approximately 239 restaurants remained open.

9. Are any of Branson’s championship golf courses flooded? No. If anything the rain has made Branson’s golf courses even more lush and beautiful.

10. With the high water at Table Rock Lake are its resorts and businesses open? Yes, the businesses and resorts on Indian Point, and other businesses on the shores of Table Rock Lake, are open for business.

Another Branson icon, the Showboat Branson Belle, like Branson itself, is cruising into the 2011 season providing its visitors with the fun, excitment and entertainment Branson is famous for.

11. Are any of the main roads in Branson flooded? None of the main roads in Branson were flooded. Highway 65, Business 65, Highway 76 (The Branson Strip), Fall Creek Road, all the Branson colored routes and just about any other road that tourists normally travel in Branson are open and were never closed.

12. In terms of the flooding that did take place in those few low-lying areas what happened? The Branson area received about 15 inches of rainfall during Easter Weekend and the first part of Easter Week. This resulted in Table Rock Lake reaching a record high level of 935.47 feet and record releases of water through the floodgates of the Table Rock Lake Dam of 68,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) into Lake Taneycomo. In the immediate Branson area, the record rain and releases of water into Lake Taneycomo caused isolated local flooding and damage in some of the low-lying areas and damage to a few of the homes, condos and docks located right on the banks of the lake and some of its tributaries because of the water level, current and soil erosion

UPDATE – May 24 – 9:00 p.m.. Lake levels that were abnormally high because of the Easter Week rains started to rise again with the rains since May 20 resulting in the Corps having to again discharge water through the Table Rock Lake Dam flood gates. It started at about 20,000 cfs and is now at about 53,600 cfs. See item 13 below for latest changes.

13. What is the comparative status of the lake levels and water being discharged through the Table Rock Dam?

UPDATE – June 5 – 3:00 p.m.

Table Rock Lake Level – Highest 935.47* (Apr. 27) 927.48 (June 5) [Lake crested at 934.16 at 11:00 p.m. on May 25]
Lake Taneycomo Level – Highest 727.86 (Apr. 27) 709.22 (June 5)
Water release from Table Rock Dam – 68,000 cfs** (Apr 27) 10,757 cfs (June 5)****
Normal Elevation – Table Rock Lake 915 Lake Taneycomo about 701

* Levels are all “feet above sea level.”
** cfs- Cubic Feet Per Second
*** Water being released from the Dam is a combination of generators and flood gates. Under normal operating conditions up to 14,000 cfs is discharged through the generators alone.
**** The fluctuations on Lake Taneycomo in terms of elevation and cfs are being controlled by the dams four generators and are within the normal daily parameters typically encountered on the lake.

14. If I was considering coming to Branson for a vacation this year should I change my plans because of the high water? Absolutely not. There was not one iota of effect on the shows, attractions, shopping, lodging, restaurants and the many other activities that the vast majority of Branson’s visitors come to Branson to enjoy with their families. Branson has all the fun, activities and excitement your family deserves to have on a vacation and with its everyday value pricing and other discounts is extremely affordable. Why not plan to spend your vacation in Branson and help your family create memories that will last a lifetime?

15. Was the Branson City Campground impacted? Yes. .It is located right on the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo at lake level. Information received from the City of Branson is that the campground is temporaily closed. Call 417-334-2915 for additional information. It had just reopened on May 6 from the Easter Week high water. Click here for details.

UPDATE – June 5, 4:00 p.m. The campground is completely reopen. Call 417-334-2915 for additional information

UPDATE – May 28, 2:00 p.m. Although the water levels of Lake Taneycomo have dropped back to within their normal levels today, at 9:00 a.m. this morning personnel from Scotty’s Trout Dock were in boats going over the top of camp sites to get to where some of their boats had been tied for safe keeping during the high water. The camp ground will reopen as soon as city personnel can remove debris, make appropriate repairs and remove the silt etc. Based on past experience it will reopen in sections with those farthest from the lake shore opening first and the process will take from a couple of days  up to a week. For more specific informaiton please call the camp ground directly at 417-334-2915 .

16. Is Scotty’s Trout Dock Open? Yes.

17. Are the Branson resorts on Lake Taneycomo open? Yes, with the exception of the Taneycomo Lakefront Resort & RV Park, located at the north end of Lake Shore Drive,we are not aware of any that are closed in the immediate Branson area. Although the Taneycomo Lakefront Resort is closed, its RV Park. though lacking certain amenities, is open.

UPDATE – June 5 -4:00 p.m. – Latest information from Taneycomo Lakefront Resort & RV Park indicates that they are planning to reopen by July 1. Please call them at 417-334-7375 for additional information.

18. How is the trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo and is it safe to fish? It is excellent and it is safe to fish.

UPDATE – June 5 -4:00 p.m. The fluctuations on Lake Taneycomo in terms of elevation and cfs are being controlled by the dams four generators and are within the normal daily parameters typically encountered on the lake. (See #13 above.)

UPDATE – May 28, 2:00 p.m. With discharge levels back down to to 20,800 cfs, with the exercise of normal and prudent boating and safety practices, safety shouldn’t be an issue. The fishing should be excellent and this writer observed people fishing from the banks near the south end of  the Bass Proshop parking lot of  Branson Landing and they were catching trout so things are looking up.

UPDATE – May 24 With discharge rates at 53,600 cfs, the safety risks from current and current driven debris increases significant.

19. Will this FAQ Status Report Be updated? Yes on an as need basis. When it is, the date of the latest update will be placed at the top of the page under “Update Status” along with the Number of the item impacted by the update. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com. For information specifically relating to lake levels, water discharges and their potential impact please feel free to contact Gary Groman at 417-294-0404. June 5 – 4  p.m. This is the final update. The information is as current as we can get it.

Branson is an Unbeatable Value for Family Friendly Activities and Entertainment

The Yakov Smirnoff show is a funny, colorful and exciting show for the whole family.

“Millions know what an exciting, fun filled and entertaining place Branson, Missouri is,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Whether it’s something special to celebrate like Mother’s Day or Memorial Day; one of Branson’s many exciting live shows; major attractions like Silver Dollar City, White Water or the Titanic Museum; its lakes, golf courses, shopping, go carts, mini-golf, zip-lines or dozens of other activities, it is unlikely there is another comparable size tourist destination on earth that offers the number and variety of family friendly activities that Branson does.”

“What many do not know however, is what a great value Branson is and how to make it an even better value” Johnson continued. She points out that Branson’s everyday prices for its lodging, attractions, great live shows and other activities are some of the best entertainment values in America and suggests that the they become even a better value when things like packages or bundling, family passes, gas coupons, and other discounts are factored in.

Many people make their lodging reservations and show, attractions, and activity arrangements separately. In the vast majority of cases this results in paying more than if the same services were purchased as part of a package. The Branson Tourism Center (BTC) offers a number of packages, combining or bundling lodging, shows, attractions and activities together or can develop a customized package for your family. These packages can provide substantial savings over purchasing the same services separately. For example, the “Branson Family Fun Package” saves a family of four $88.00 on a fun filled four day three night package including, two of Branson’s most popular shows, the Legend of Kung Fu and the Hamner and Barber Variety Show, one of Branson’s most popular attractions the exciting Titanic Museum and much more.

Johnson explains that “Family Passes” for certain Branson shows and attractions is another way for families to save money on their Branson vacation. As just one example of the savings that are possible, the use of Family Passes to see the famous Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff saves a family of two adults and three children $49.00.

“In these economic times, every penny saved is important,” Johnson says. That’s why BTC offers its customers, living 100 or more miles from Branson, a gas coupon good for a $.20 per gallon discount for up to 20 gallons per vehicle at the Phillips 66 gas station located adjacent to the Branson Tourism Center Building as a way of saying, “Thank you for doing business with us.”
Yet another way to save money is to take advantage of the special offers and discounts available through Branson Tourism Center from the partner theatres and attractions with whom they do business. The “Two Days for the Price of One” at two of Branson’s Biggest and most popular attractions, Silver Dollar City and White Water are two examples of special discounts that can add even more value to your Branson vacation.

“In all honesty, and at the risk of sounding self-serving, my decades of providing Branson visitors with the best experience possible leads me to the conclusion that one of the best ways to have the best Branson experience for your family and get the greatest value in terms of convenience and saving time and money is to use the services of a tourism service organization like the Branson Tourism Center (BTC),” said Johnson. She explains that using the free services of a trained Branson Vacation Specialist who lives in the Branson area, is familiar with all it has to offer, and can be reached with the convenience of one toll free call to 1-800-785-1550, just makes good sense when one considers the myriad of choices involved in planning a trip to Branson. It makes even more sense when one considers that there are no additional fees or service charges to use the services BTC provides.

Branson has all the fun, activities and excitement your family deserves to have on a vacation and with its every day value pricing and other discounts is extremely affordable. Why not plan to spend your vacation in Branson and help your family create memories that will last a lifetime?

Another first for Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Two firsts joined together to provide another first when “Presleys’ Country Jubilee Television Show,” live from Branson, Missouri, first aired on the “RFD-TV Network” on March 6 of 2010. When the world’s first 24 hour rural TV network combined with Branson’s Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first show on the now famous Branson Strip, the result was the telecast of the first Branson show to have its own regularly scheduled show on a national TV network.

In a recent interview with Steve Presley, one of the original co-founders of the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, he said that the TV show stems from a relationship that was established between Patrick Gottsch, the founder of RFD-TV, and the Presleys’ almost from his first days in Branson. In announcing the initial show Gottsch said, “The Presley family is an absolutely perfect fit for RFD-TV. Our audience loves country, gospel, bluegrass, and family-oriented humor. To have all these interests combined into one, terrific, fast-paced show with the Presley touch is sure to be a hit.”

“When the opportunity with RFD-TV came about, with its reach into over 40 million households in the United States and even more internationally, it just seemed like a natural fit for our show and Branson,” said Presley. “We saw an opportunity to reach potential Branson visitors before they came to Branson by giving them a snippet of what the Presley show is like and highlighting other Branson shows, attractions and activities.” He indicated his hope that the result would be to bring more people to Branson to experience not only their show, but everything else that Branson has to offer.

He said that they went on the air on RFD-TV on March 6, 2010 and filmed their first season of 26 half hour episodes, each of which has aired twice. They are currently filming episodes 31 and 32 of their second season. All the programs are filmed in the Presleys’ Theatre on the famed Branson Strip and are a natural extension of their live show.

The show uses the same successful format that has made them a Branson standard for over for 45 years, a variety of music, vocals and instrumentals, from country to pop and gospel with just about every music genre in between and their unique brand of comedy provided by Herkimer and Cecil (Gary & Eric Presley). In addition, the TV show usually includes the addition of a guest performer each week who is either a regular Branson performer or a performer currently performing in Branson.

Steve who has been performing as the drummer in the show since he was ten years old said, “I’ve learned more new songs over the last year than I have in my whole career.” He points out that the development of the new material for the TV show has given them even more opportunity to experiment and add new material to their Branson show almost on a weekly basis.

The “Presleys’ Country Jubilee TV Show” is broadcast every Saturday night at 6:30 Eastern Time and 7:30 Central Time on RFD-TV. For additional information or tickets for the Presleys’ Country Jubilee in Branson 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 by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Photo courtesy of Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Student youth groups discovering the Branson experience

Performing youth group from Sauk Prairie High School performing at the Branson Variety Theatre. Photo by: Randy Luher

BRANSON, Mo. “Branson is one of the fastest growing destinations in the student group market,” said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s catching on with the youth groups market that Branson is a blast of a place to go, is filled with fun and excitement and, from an expense perspective, offers is a lot of value as compared to many other destination cities.”

One unique segment of student youth groups is “performance” groups, generally those school, church and other groups who sing, dance, play instruments or are otherwise involved in performing. Wood points out that the term also includes things other than singing and dancing such as production, lighting and sound and how uniquely positioned Branson is to service that market.

She said that one of the key things about working with youth performance groups is being able to keep them focused on music and the arts by providing them with the chance to come to a place like Branson and giving them the opportunity to see and experience how it really works from backstage to actually performing. With its 50 theatres and 100 live shows, Branson offers youth performance groups an opportunity to perform in a state of the art theatre with professional lighting and sound technicians before a live audience. They perform in venues such as Silver Dollar City and do 20 to 30 minute pre-shows at Branson theatres. It is not uncommon to have youth performance groups perform in more than one venue while they are in Branson.

In addition, many of the groups also attend workshops or clinics as part of their Branson experience. Wood said that because of the relationship Branson Tourism Center has with a lot of the entertainers and theatres we know which ones will fit in best with a particular type and size of group; are able to provide a selection of workshops and clinics that will meet just about every group’s need from singing and dancing to choreography, production, lighting and sound. All the entertainers and professionals used for the clinics and that help the kids in our groups are very personable, kid friendly and work hard to make them feel at home as they perform on their stages.

And when they are not performing or in clinics they do the same thing that the rest of the youth groups that come to Branson do, just have fun. We have wonderful shows, attractions such as The Titanic Museum, The Track Family Fun Parks, Silver Dollar City, White Water and all kinds of things that they enjoy experiencing including Table Rock Lake and its 745 miles of shoreline and 45,000 surface acres of watery fun, adventure and excitement.”

Wood, who works with a staff of seven Group Sales managers explains that whether it’s performance youth groups, church, school or other youth groups all it takes is one phone call to 800-268-4014 and Branson Tourism Center will handle it all. “Our staff is dedicated to just one thing, helping you provide your group with the best Branson experience possible,” she said, “We look forward to opportunity of sharing all that Branson has to offer with you and your youth group.”