Author Archives: Gary Groman

An entertaining Christmas Day in Branson

“Branson has live entertainment and attractions every day of the year including Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although the schedule of shows and attractions is pared down on Christmas Day, Branson offers a variety of shows and attractions for your entertainment and enjoyment,” she added.

The live shows that will be performing on Christmas Day sorted by performance time are:

9:00 am

Breakfast With Mark Twain

2:00 pm

Amazing Pets
Elvis and the Superstars
Hank Williams Revisited

7:00 pm
Amazing Pets

8:00 pm
Hank & Patsy Together Again

9:00 pm

IMAX Theatre

The following Branson attractionswill be open on Christmas Day:

Castle of Chaos – Enter the castle. Taste the chaos. Discover the fate of Carli and her crew. You will need every bit of adrenaline and stamina to join the battle against evil in the adventure of a lifetime.

Dinosaur Museum – Come face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Count the spikes on a Stegosaurus tail. Stand next to one of the most common predators, the Allosaurus.

Inspiration Tower – Branson’s “landmark on the horizon” — a massive 230′ tall structure located on Inspiration Point in The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. (Is included on the Trail of Lights.)

Haunted House – The Haunted House features some of the most cutting edge animatronics you’ll find. There are numerous gargoyles and monsters, as well as a nightmarish hall of sinister screen legends. A word of warning: If you have a clown phobia, close your eyes as you exit!

Hollywood Wax Museum – Branson’s finest small attraction with a tribute to Hollywood’s best,presenting a valuable, highly entertaining and memorable Hollywood celebrity encounter through a state of the art facility, with themed believable displays.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum – You’re in control as you enjoy your self-guided tour of this truly amazing experience. Take as long as you like to view and examine some of the most odd and amazing collections ever assembled.

Trail of Lights – The Trail also includes millions of multi-colored Christmas lights. Every building on park is completely illuminated and there are hundreds of lighted displays as well as the animated scenes. ( Includes Inspiration Tower.)

Vigilante Zipline – An exciting new thrill ride! The ZipRider zip line cable is based on the familiar concept of the back yard zip line but then turns that fun experience into an exciting, no-worries ride.

World’s Largest Toy Museum – Remembering your childhood has never been so much fun! The World’s Largest Toy Museum (Antique Toy Museum) is like Christmas morning every day!

Johnson also points out that Branson’s two major drive through lighting displays, the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and “The Branson Area Festival of Lights” will also be open on Christmas Day. She adds that starting December 26 and running through the end of Ozark Mountain Christmas on December 31 most of Branson other major attractions, including Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas will also be open along with additional shows and a great variety of entertainment for New Years Eve. She suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com, for additional information.

China meets Branson Haygoods style

The Haygoods!

“The ‘Acrobats of China‘ and ‘Legends of Kung Fu, Chun Yi‘ playing in Branson not only expands the great breadth of exciting live entertainment Branson offers its visitors, but gives them an opportunity to experience not only the amazing, talent, skill and excitement of their entertainers, but a little of the culture, history and tradition of China,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Now those living in China will get the opportunity to experience a little bit of Americana and what Branson entertainment is all about as the Haygoods take their unique and exciting musical and entertainment style to China for an extended tour during January of 2011.”

In an interview conducted on December 16 for the Branson Tourism Center, Tim Haygood said the tour will cover 18 performances in 18 different cities in China during the period January 3 through 30 in venues of from two to five thousand people including the Beijing Exhibition Center. He said the trip was made possible through the efforts of Mr. Lizhi Zhao, director and producer of the Acrobats of China show.

Haygood said, “The trip to china takes about 30 hours. After our New Years Eve show in Branson on December 31st we will get on a bus at 1:00 a.m., travel to St. Louis and fly out of there for China at 7:00 a.m.” Their first performance of the tour starts the day after they arrive in China.

He said, “It’s very rare for an American act to have an extended tour and even more so because we are a large family.” He said that in a family of eight, especially with one girl in the family, is so unique in China that it will be something a lot of the people they will be entertaining in China have never actually seen. He went on to explain that most of the Haygoods have never been out of the country, have no clue what to expect and have an “overwhelming sense of adventure and fun in their hearts about the trip.”

All eight of the Haygoods siblings Timothy, Patrick, Dominic, Shawn, Michael, Matthew, Catherine and Aaron; Daniel Dossey, drummer; Josh Cortz, soundman, and Adam Bowman, lightingman will be making the trip. He said that their mom and dad were not going on the tour saying, “This is the first time we have been on any sort of large tour without mom or dad along.”

Haygood said they have been working nonstop on creating an entirely new show for the trip. He said each performance will go for an hour and a half nonstop during which they will be presenting a variety of material in the show including some of their original music from their new album that will be released in the very near future such as “Country Boy,” “Rocking in the Sun” and “Run Like Hell.” They will also have a rock instrumental segment of Michael Jackson music including “Smooth Criminal; a Beatle segment including “Yesterday” and “Let It Be;” a Chinese love song by David Tao; the Beijing Olympics Song along with many others and, of course, a couple of the Haygood’s “patented,” exciting and action filled tap dancing routines.

He said that they are excited about the opportunity to share Branson with China as well as meet the Chinese people and experience firsthand all that it has to offer. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “It is an exciting opportunity for the Haygoods as well as Branson and the Chinese audiences attending their shows will experience some of the best of what Branson has to offer. We wish them ‘God Speed’ on their adventure.

It’s a “White Flight” Christmas at Branson’s Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

A "living statute" and one of thousands of white butterflies interact with a family.

“Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the most unique Christmas celebrations in the Nation,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “That uniqueness stems from not only the traditional Christmas spirit it honors, but the spectacular and unique nature of the attractions and activities it offers,” she continued.

A developing tradition of Ozark Mountain Christmas is the “White Flight.”It is a unique Christmas exhibit made up of thousands of white butterflies flying in a rain forest sparkling with thousands of lights, living angel statutes, colorful white and red poinsettias and filled with the sounds of beautiful holiday music. “It’s the butterfly version of a ‘White Christmas'” said Johnson.

“White Flight” is currently appearing for its fourth Christmas season in Branson at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure through January 15, 2011. Sarah Bolend, General Manager, said the thousands of white butterflies used in “White Flight” are comprised of about 20 different species of tropical white butterflies with the most common being the “Paper Kite Butterfly”, also commonly called the “Rice Paper Butterfly.”

Bolend has previously pointed out “that the butterflies used in all the exhibits at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, including ‘White Flight,’ are shipped to them by air express in their chrysalis (cocoon) stage from tropical rain forests. They are released into the exhibit after the butterfly emerges from the cocoon and its wings dry where it lives out its average three week life span in a predator free environment.

Two of the many types of white butterflies in "White Flight," a Paper Kite and an Orange Tip.

In terms of the exhibit, she said the adventure starts in the attractions theatre with the viewing of a very well filmed, interesting and exciting 15 minute movie on the life of a rain forest butterfly. After the film the guests step from the theatre into the aviary where they interact, “up close and personal,” with thousands of butterflies. During “White Flight,” Nov. 1 through January 15, the butterflies are all colored white and provide a spectacular and unique display. Bolend said that from January 16 through the start of White Flight on November 1, the display is just as spectacular, but is composed of 50-60 species of different brightly colored butterflies.

Bolend also points out another unique feature of “White Flight.” In addition to the butterflies in the aviary, “White Flight” also includes the presentation of the centuries old art form of “living statutes” in the form of White Angels. As people walk through the exhibit and butterflies alight on and flutter around them, they present a picture of angelic beauty and tranquility, but if one watches closely, almost imperceptibly, the statutes slowly and subtly come to life. It might be just a change in the position of a head or the extension of a hand, but it’s fascinating to watch the ability of the artist playing the angels to interact with the guests.

In addition, the aviary is decorated with a number of poinsettias and other flowers and highlighted by a large poinsettia Christmas tree that provides an excellent place to take a picture. The whole “White Flight” experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statutes and beautiful music, is a unique Christmas experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

For additional information about “White Flight” and the  Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, Ozark Mountain Christmas, or Branson shows, attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Showboat Branson Belle launches new show and menu in 2011

Janice Martin performing the aerial fiddling segment of her act.

“When the Showboat Branson Belle launches its 2011 season it will be with a new show and a new menu,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson’s comments were based on a recent press release from Silver Dollar City announcing some of the changes that will be taking place in 2011 with their Branson attractions.

A completely new show for the 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. cruises aboard the Showboat Branson Belle will be called “ENCORE.” It  is billed as “an unforgettable musical journey” featuring two new headline acts to the Branson entertainment scene.

Janice Martin, is the only fiddling aerialist in the world. Martin, is heralded worldwide for her artistry as a world-class violinist, pianist and vocalist; has been dubbed by “The New York Times” as “A violinist with a strong personality” and “The Miami Herald” called her a “A stunning talent.” Those who attended Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest in 2010 saw her mesmerizing and exciting performance as part of the featured show, “Fiery Fiddles.”

“ENCORE!” will also feature “The Showmen, a new male vocal group. The Showmen are “a six-piece all male vocal group” who will be performing a broad variety of musical selections from the 60’s to today and electrify audiences with “a contrast of raw power and their amazing vocal range.” Comedian and magician Christopher James will be the master of ceremonies, the Showboats “signature live orchestra will provide the music and there will be exciting new “staging components” and costuming.

To complete the biggest changes the Showboat has undergone in her 15 year history, her chefs are putting the finishing touches on the new menu that will be used. “As wonderful as the entertainment experience has always been on The Showboat Branson Belle, in 2011 passengers will have a completely new experience,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson.

She also points out that the 4:00 p.m. cruises December 26 through December 30 will be the last chance to see Todd Oliver and his famous “talking dogs” or the “Showstoppers Show” aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. Starting in 2011 Oliver will be performing at the Jim Stafford Theatre. Johnson anticipates that tickets for the last performances of Oliver will be in high demand and recommends advance reservations.

For additional information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle 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.

*Photo courtesy of www.janicemartin.com

Branson Entertainers participate in 12th Annual Nativity Celebration

Duttons performing the finale in their Branson show.

“A number of Branson entertainers will be featured in the 12th Annual Nativity Celebration to be held in Springfield, Missouri the first two weekends in December,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “According to information received from the events sponsors, the Branson entertainers, scheduled to perform, along with school and community ensembles, are SIX, Duttons, Hughes Brothers, Brett Family, Wayne Galley, Thomas Brothers (performing with the Osmonds), Wornock Singers and George Dyer,” she continued. Click here for a schedule of individual performances.

The 12th Annual Nativity Celebration is being hosted by the LDS Church, 4450 S. Farm Rd 141 (Cox Road) in Springfield, MO from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 3, 4 and 5 and December 10,11 and 12,”. It will feature “live Nativity actors portraying a life like Nativity Scene complete with a rustic manger, stable, and live animals” with performances reenacted every 20 minutes during the scheduled hours of operation.  Learn about Nativity traditions from all over the world through the all New International Nativity Display consisting of a “hundred beautiful handcrafted nativity sets showing how people from countries all over the world celebrate the Nativity.”

Refreshments will be served. For additional information and detailed performance schedules visit www.nativitycelebration.com or email [email protected].

Highlights of Special Events honoring Veterans during Branson Veterans Home Coming Week

“Thousands of Veterans and active duty U. S. Military personnel and their families will be honored in Branson during Branson Veterans Home Coming Week, November 5 through the 11,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Here is a list of some of the events, many of them free, compiled by the Branson Veterans Task Force and Branson Lakes Area CVB,” she added.

The list is sorted by starting date and is subject to change:

Veterans Day Room (Friday, Nov. 5 – Wednesday, Nov. 10)
Location: Factory Merchants Branson
Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Phone: 417-335-4041
Admission: Free Admission

Traveling Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall (Friday, Nov. 5 – Monday, Nov 15)
Location: Welk Resort Branson
Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
Admission: Free Admission

Lost Heroes Art Quilt (Friday, Nov. 5 – Monday, Nov. 15)
Location: Welk Resort Branson
Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
Admission: Free Admission

WWII Aviation Art Prints on Display (Friday, Nov. 5 – Monday, Nov. 15)
Location: Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10 (Historic Downtown Branson)
Hours: 8:30 AM – 9 PM Mon. – Sat. 9 AM – 9 PM Sun.
Admission: Free Admission
Over 85 WWII aviation art prints permanently on display.  Most prints are signed by pilot(s) and crew who were on the mission that the print depicts.

Opening Ceremony (Friday, November 5)
Location: Sight & Sound Theatres
Hours: 12 PM – 2 PM
Admission: Free Admission

Showboat Branson Belle “Special Salute to Veterans” (Friday, Nov. 5)
Location: Showboat Branson Belle
Hours: 8 PM (Boarding begins at 7 PM)
Admission: $44 Per Person (all inclusive rate includes cruise, meal, show, tax and gratuity)
Web: http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com
Branson’s only Entertainment Dining Cruise! Two hour cruise on beautiful Table Rock Lake with Showstopping Production Show, fabulous 3-course meal plus, that evening, a special salute to Veterans!

Reveille and Retreat (Saturday, Nov. 6 – Wednesday, Nov. 10)
Location: Factory Merchants Branson
Hours: Daily 7 AM Reveille and 4 PM Retreat
Admission: Free Admission

Veterans Village and BVTF Tactical Operations Center (Saturday, Nov. 6 – Thursday, Nov. 11)
Location: Factory Merchants Branson
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
Phone: 417-337-8387
Admission: Free Admission

Veterans Registry (Saturday, Nov. 6 – Thursday, Nov. 11)
Location: Factory Merchants Branson
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
Phone: 417-337-8387
Admission: Free Admission

Persian Gulf War Mini Reunion (Saturday, Nov. 6)
Location: Golden Corral
Hours: 9 AM – 12 PM
Admission: Free Continental Breakfast and Entertainment
This event is for those who served during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Coordinated by Branson Veterans Events & Reunions, and hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913, Branson, MO.

WWII Veterans Mini Reunion (Saturday, Nov. 6)
Location: College of the Ozarks
Hours: 3 PM – 5 PM
Phone: 417-337-8387
Admission: Free Admission

Veteran’s Shoot (Sunday, Nov. 7)
Location: Ozark Shooters Sports Complex (759 US Hwy 65, North of Branson)
Hours: 10 AM – 12 PM
Sporting Clays, Trap and Wobble Trap. Lunch will be available.

Video Presentation by Lt. Col. Bill Groninger, SR-71 Blackbird Pilot (Sunday, Nov. 7)
Location: Branson Shenanigans RV Park Clubhouse (3675 Keeter Street)
Hours: 7 PM
Admission: Free Admission
The Blackbird was the Air Force’s fastest, highest flying manned spy plane ever flown.  Featured on the Discovery Channel.

Women Veterans Mini Reunion Reception (Monday, Nov.8)
Location: Branson Mall Meeting & Event Center
Hours: 5 PM – 7 PM

Women Veterans Mini Reunion Show (Monday, Nov.8)
Location: Mickey Gilley Theater
Hours: 8 PM
Admission: Free Admission for Veterans

14th Annual Military Gala & Banquet (Monday, Nov.8)
Location: Chateau on the Lake Resort
Hours: 5 PM
Phone: 866-481-GALA (4252) for Reservations (Required)
Admission: $51 per person
Tickets include the salute to National Guard and Reserve forces, POW/MIA candlelight service, dinner and outdoor fireworks display.  Cash bar cocktails begin at 5 p.m. with salute beginning at 6 p.m. and fireworks just before 8 p.m.  Master of Ceremonies is Erwin Schultze, National Service Officer for the Disabled American Veterans.  TOPS IN BLUE, the US Air Force’s premier musical group performs following the fireworks display.

Tops in Blue Performance (Monday, Nov.8)
Location: Chateau on the Lake Resort
Hours: 8 PM
Admission: Free Admission
United States Air Force Tops in Blue perform following the gala and banquet.  Doors open to the public for the FREE performance at 8 p.m.  Reservations are not required for the performance.  Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion (Tuesday, Nov. 9)
Location: Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
Hours: 9 AM – 12 PM
Phone: 417-365-1389
Admission: Free Admission

Women Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony (Tuesday, Nov. 9)
Location: Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks
Hours: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Admission: Free Admission

William G. (Jerry) Boykin, Lt. Gen. (ret.) U.S. Army to Sign Books (Tuesday, Nov. 9)
Location: Bass Pro Shops in Springfield
Hours: 11 AM – 1 PM
Admission: Free Admission

William G. (Jerry) Boykin, Lt. Gen. (ret.) U.S. Army to Sign Books (Tuesday, Nov. 9)
Location: Bass Pro Shops in Branson
Hours: 4 PM – 6 PM
Admission: Free Admission

Penny Gilley Show featuring Jeff Brandt (Tuesday, Nov. 9)
Location: The Mansion Theatre
Hours: 3 PM
Admission: Free Admission for Veterans (Reservations Recommended)

POW/MIA Service (Wednesday, Nov. 10)
Location: Welk Resort Branson at the Vietnam Memorial Wall
Hours: 8 AM
Admission: Free Admission
Service will be held outdoors.  Sponsored by the Welk Resort Branson.  Music by the LeCroy Sisters, wreath laying, guest speakers.

Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion (Wednesday, Nov. 10)
Location: Charlie’s Steak, Ribs & Ale
Hours: 2 PM – 5 PM
Admission: Free Admission

235th Marine Corps Birthday Ball (Wednesday, Nov. 10)
Location: Branson Convention Center
Hours: 5 PM – 11 PM
Phone: 866-279-3415 for Reservations
Admission: $60 Per Person (Seating is limited)
Web: http://www.branson.com or http://www.veteransgalleria.com
Open to all Marines and the general public.  The celebration includes social hour with cash bar, the traditional U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony and cake cutting, an elegant dinner and dancing until 2400 hours (Midnight) with a surprise or two along the way. The Key Note Speaker is Col. Jim Sims (ret), National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, former Aide to the White House Chief of Staff, former Secretary of the General Staff of the Marine Corps Headquarters.  For more information call 417-334-2360.

76th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade (Thursday, Nov. 11)
Location: Historic Downtown Branson
Hours: 11 AM
Phone: 417-337-8387
Admission: Free Admission

Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute (Thursday, Nov. 11)
Location: Welk Resort Branson
Hours: 2 PM
Phone: 800-505-9355
Admission: Free Admission For Veterans and (1) Guest (Reservations Recommended)

Closing Ceremony (Thursday, Nov. 11)
Location: Tri-Lakes Center
Hours: 2:30 PM
Admission: Free Admission

Johnson suggests calling the Branson Veterans Task Force at 417-337-8387 for the latest information on these and other events associated with Branson Veterans Homecoming Week. Additionally, she offers the assistance of the company she works with, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, in answering questions regarding Branson Veterans Week activities, the U.S. Marine Corps Ball or Ozark Mountain Christmas. BTC would also be pleased to assist with information or tickets for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550, at their offices conveniently located at 220 Branson Hills Parkway in Branson, or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

One man’s confessions about the reality of Branson

Presleys' Country Jubilee, Branson's first show on the now famous "Branson Strip."

“This is a great story about Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Initially, as I read the title of the story and the first few paragraphs of “Confessions From Branson,” written by Errol Laborde,* I was wondering if Johnson had gone nuts. However, as I read the whole story I saw a master writer artfully “confess” the reality of what millions of visitors to Branson have discovered.

Laborde’s confessions were the result of visiting Branson while attending “a magazine publishing conference at a resort near Branson.” While describing some of the image problems he says some have with Branson, Laborde’s very entertaining and informative piece said, “In fairness though, image aside, it is also a place that offers excellent entertainment.” His description of the entertainment experience that he and his colleagues had indicates their image of Branson upon their departure might have been much different than it was upon their arrival.

Laborde said he went to “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” and confessed, “Usually in a theater, I get restless rather quickly. Here I was totally entertained for two hours.” He went on to point out that most of his colleagues, “many of whom were cynical journalists, went to a Beatles revival show [Liverpool Legends] produced by the late Beatle George Harrison’s sister…” He continued, ” They expected the worst but came back with reviews as glowing as when the Fab Four first stood before the cameras at the Ed Sullivan Show.”

Branson's Titanic Museum "...could have made it on Broadway."

He said his visit to Silver Dollar City, Branson’s international award winning 1880’s theme park, “was as good as any theme park” even though while there he received a text message about a kick shanked to the left and how it affected the outcome of the Saints game against Atlanta. In describing his experience at Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction Laborde said, “Nothing had more potential for tastelessness and tackiness than a ship-shaped museum about the Titanic. Yet it was just the opposite; it featured artifacts, re-creations of the ship’s rooms and backgrounds of the passengers and crew. This museum could have made it on Broadway.”

Entertainment aside, in describing his Branson experience Laborde hit the nubbin of what makes Branson the successful tourist destination it is. He said, “Branson is what it is partially because of what it is not. There are no casinos there, no strip joints, no saloons. It is a wilderness beacon for Middle Americans –– perhaps, if you will, the Bible Belt’s Las Vegas, though without the preaching.”

Most telling and neatest of all is his last confession, “If given the chance, I would go back to Branson.” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “That’s the very heart beat of Branson. We must constantly strive to make sure that every Branson visitor has a great experience exceeding their expectations and making them want to come back again.”

* Errol Laborde is the Editor/Associate Publisher of New Orleans Magazine and Editor/ Publisher of Louisiana Life Magazine. Click here to read Mr. Laborde’s entire article.

Hunting, Fishing and NASCAR, Branson’s “Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo” has it all

NASCAR Series Sprint Car driven by Jamie McMurray, winner of the Daytona 500 and Joplin, Missouri native.

“Branson has many shows, attractions and activities, but for those who love the outdoors, Branson’s first ‘Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo (Expo)’ being held at the Branson Convention Center October 8 through 10 should not be missed,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center the event’s sponsor. “From seminars presented by top fishermen and hunters, to almost 100 exhibitors, kids events, a NASCAR Series Sprint Car driven by Jamie McMurray, winner of the Daytona 500 and Joplin, Missouri native and much more. This exciting Expo will have something of interest for everyone.”

Jim Thompson, owner of the Central Pro-Am Association and one of the principals in J & M Sports Shows, the owner and presenter of the Expo said, “We are really excited about the mix of our vendor/exhibitors, speakers and the variety of things that will be available to see and do at the Expo. Our vendors will include Ranger Boats, Tracker/Nitro Marine, Phoenix Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Table Rock Lures, Ozark Knife Makers, Humminbird Marine Repair, the Wild Turkey Federation, Wild Idea Archery, Outlaw Rods, O’Reilly, Central Pro-Am Association, Missouri Water Patrol, Scotty’s Trout Dock, the Missouri Department of Conservation and many more.

Thompson is especially excited about the caliber and level of expertise of the people that will be putting on seminars. In the area of fishing, among others, there will be seminars by professional fishermen Stacy King, Brian Snowden, Robert Robbins, Pete Winter, and Mike Mills. World renowned Ozark knife maker Tom McGinnis are scheduled as well as noted hunters Jerry Martin and Alan Treadwell.

In addition, the NASCAR Series Sprint Car driven by Jamie McMurray, the 2010 Daytona winner from Joplin and the truck driven by Austin Dillon in the 2010 NASCAR Camper World Truck Series, both sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, will be on display. Another unique and exciting event will be the “TeamBowmasters 3D Archery Shoot Competition” which will be held on all three days. The competitors will actually compete against each other under realistic simulated hunting conditions. It is an event that is exciting to watch as it is to compete in.

Mike Webb of K.A.S.T (Kids are Special Too), a professional fisherman and co principal of J & M Sports Shows, LLC said “We haven’t forgotten the kids. From face painting, balloon animals a kid’s casting contest and other activities there will plenty of things for the kids to do and have fun.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson said that the Expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 8 and 9 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday October 10. She also reminds those attending that in addition to the Expo and all the other wonderful shows and attractions that that Branson has to offer that Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival; limited engagement performances by the Oak Ridge Boys, Viki Lawrence, Ray Stevens and the Texas Tenors as well as the 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event and a unique way to see the beautiful fall foliage on the Branson Scenic Railway will also be available this weekend.

“It’s another exciting fun filled weekend in Branson,” she said. Johnson suggests that it would be a good idea to make advance reservations for lodging and shows and offers the free services of the Branson Tourism Center to help design your own money saving customized package of Branson shows, attractions and lodging. The Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Ozarks’ Hunting and Fishing featured in museum exhibit

18 foot canoe with a 1926 Evinrude Elto motor is one of many items in the Sportsman’s Paradise Exhibit.

“Visitors to the Branson, Missouri area have yet another unique activity to consider,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “If you like the outdoors, history and Ozarks heritage then the ‘Sportsman’s Paradise Exhibit’ at the White River Valley Historical Society (WRVHS) Museum in Forsyth, Missouri might be for you.”

“Many people from all over the country come to Branson for its live shows and great attractions,” she continued, “In addition however, many come to enjoy a taste of Ozark Mountain history and heritage and the constantly evolving wonder of its outdoors with a myriad of activities, beautiful scenery, lakes and gently rolling mountains.”

Information received from the WRVHS indicates that Sportsman’s Paradise is an original exhibit, designed and presented by WRVHS members featuring a combination of historical Ozark hunting and fishing items and photos. Among the items on display will be “the 49 pound Missouri state record Striped Bass from 1986, a 40-year-old 18 foot canoe with a 1926 Evinrude Elto motor, assorted hunting accouterments, and dozens of images. Items on loan from local sportsmen add to the display of vintage lures, reels, and minnow traps, including examples of making lead lures, wooden lures, and fly tying.”

Operating hours of the exhibit are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday through October 29. Although donations are welcome, admission to the Sportsman’s Paradise exhibit is free.

The WRVHS is located at 297 Main Street, Forsyth, across from the Taney County Judicial Center about a leisurely 30 minute drive from Branson. Johnson reminds everyone that the timing of the event with the Ozarks Fall foliage will even make the drive from Branson to Forsyth a beautiful memorable part of the experience.

For more information on the Sportsman’s Paradise exhibit please call 417-546-2210 or visit the WRVHS website at www.wrvhs.org. For information or tickets for 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.

*Photo courtesy of WRVHS.

Branson’s Dutton Show drives to new entertainment heights

( Branson, MO ) “A recent Branson show review appearing on www.Branson.Com/News describes Branson’s Dutton Show as ‘a driving, exciting, touching, comfortable and simply wonderful entertainment experience,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets, lodging and vacation planning services. “It was a great review, entitled ‘The Duttons drive their audience to new entertainment heights,'” she continued.

Johnson points out that the reviewer said the shows enjoyment goes beyond its “instrumentality, vocal skills, great sets, costuming, choreography and the way the show seamlessly flows from one enjoyable element to the other.” The review refers to the synergy of the show’s individual elements resulting “in a dynamic and unique quality family entertainment phenomenon that thrills and delights the audience.”

It also indicates that children should just love this show because of the artful integration of the Dutton grandchildren into the show at key points. The reviewer said, “The way additional younger family members are worked into the show is a joy to experience…. Whether its playing a Munchkin, singing or playing a fiddle, the participation of the younger children in the show is well planned, professional, and not only enhances the total entertainment experience of the show for adults, but gives the children in the audience something they can specifically relate to and enjoy.”

Excerpts:

The “driving start” to this year’s show gives the audience an idea of some of the surprises and exciting entertainment that lies ahead. There’s nothing ordinary about any part of this show…

Their “initial set,” including the Alabama hit “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler),” their own special rendition of “The Orange Blossom Special,” the Duttons’ “patented” musical introductions using the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown, the Buddy Holly hit “All My Love All My Kisses,” “Footloose ” and others, sets the tenor for what is to follow. Within those first few numbers, the audience not only meets the Duttons, but experiences the power, diversity, excitement, originality, energy and beauty of the entertainment experience that is “The Duttons!”

Click here to read the entire review.