Author Archives: Gary Groman

Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo in Branson

“From its shows and attractions to the Fall foliage and festivals such as Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival there is so much to see and do in Branson in the Fall,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Branson will have a new Fall event this year,” she said. “The ‘Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo,’ will be at the Branson Convention Center on October 8-10.”

The “Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo” (Expo) is owned and presented by “J & M Sports Shows, LLC” (J&M). Jim Thompson, owner of the Central Pro-Am Association and Mike Webb, of K.A.S.T (Kids are Special Too) are both principals in J& M. The Expo is sponsored by the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and Branson.com, Branson’s oldest continuously operated and most trafficked destination web site.

Thompson said that the Expo will consist of vendors exhibits, seminars by top hunting and fishing pros, great activities for kids and will just be a great time for those who love hunting and fishing. “We’re going to have a hundred plus vendors there such as 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 and the Missouri Department of Conservation to mention a few.

Noted hunter and outdoor TV personality Jerry Martin *

He was really excited about the level of expertise that will be putting on seminars saying, “There will be specific detailed seminars by top hunting and fishing professionals.” Although the final list of speakers is still being finalized Thompson did point out that in the area of fishing there will be seminars by professional bass fishermen Stacy King, Brian Snowden, Pete Winter, Mike Webb; fly fishing by one of the country’s top women fly fishers, Branson’s own Carolyn Parker and others. World renowned Ozark knife maker Tom McGinnis will be speaking as well as noted hunters Jerry Martin and Alan Treadwell.

Mike Webb said, “There will be plenty of activities for children too.” He said that among other things there will be face painting, balloon animals as well as a kid’s casting contest and other activities.

Thompson said there is a limited number of 10′ x 10′ exhibition booths available for the Expo. He also pointed out that the Expo will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson reminds those planning on attending the Expo of all that Branson has to offer in conjunction with the Expo. In addition to all of Branson’s other shows and attractions there will be Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival and limited engagement performances by Viki Lawrence, Ray Stevens and the Texas Tenors. “And speaking of the outdoors,” she said, “what could be more ‘outdoors’ than the spectacular foliage of the Ozarks in the Fall?”

She suggests that it would be a good idea to make advance reservations for lodging and shows and offers the free service of the Branson Tourism Center to help design your own custom made package of Branson shows, attractions and lodging in conjunction with attending the Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo. The Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

Silver Dollar City and Southern Gospel Music are a perfect combination

The Dove Award winning Jeff & Sheri Easter will be performing at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

“It seems like a perfect fit,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center as she reflected on the “Southern Gospel Picnic” that will be held at Branson’s Silver Dollar City August 26 – September 6. “People relate both to the spirit and values that both represent and will be celebrated during the popular, inspirational and toe-tapping 12 day festival.”

The festival coordinator D. A. Callaway said, “When we launched the Southern Gospel Picnic as a festival four years ago, we knew it would be a great opportunity for Southern Gospel fans to gather and enjoy the ‘best of the best’ of the genre.” He went on to point out that in the years since the Southern Gospel Picnic started that they have “found that guests who had never before been exposed to the music are becoming the newest fans, and the festival keeps growing each year.”

The festival will feature special Sunday worship services with inspirational speaker David Ring on August 29, and noted humorist and evangelist Dennis Swanberg on September 5. Each day will be filled with performances by the top names in the music genre with over 350 performances during the festival and followed each evening by the “Southern Gospel Nights” concerts in Echo-Hollow, the parks 4,000 seat amphitheater.

The performers will include “Dove Award winners Jeff & Sheri Easter and The Isaacs; Hall of Famers The Kingsmen and The Perrys; Grammy nominee Karen Peck and New River and fan favorites including the Inspirations, Squire Parsons, Legacy Five and the Reggie Sadler Family, led by former R&B artist Reggie Saddler who performed with artists from Jerry Lee Lewis to the Drifters before entering the gospel music ministry.” Click here for a complete list and schedule of festival performers.

“Let’s not forget the picnic part of the ‘Southern Gospel Picnic'”, said Johnson. She points out that, in addition to all the delicious food normally available at Silver Dollar City, the festival will feature “‘The House of Chicken and Fixin’s on the Square’ featuring double-battered southern fried chicken, slow-roasted apple-glazed chicken and smoked barbecue chicken, with favorite ‘fixin’s’ from potato salad and coleslaw to Silver Dollar City’s official 50th Birthday Cake: Chocolate RiverBlast Raspberry.”

Johnson also points out that the special activities and events involved in the celebration of the festival are in addition to all the excitement and adventure that the international award winning 1880s’s theme park is noted for including craft demonstrations and over 30 fun filled rides and attractions. For further information on 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.

Branson’s Table Rock Lake hosts special Fall events for Ironmen and Kids

Launching the Branson.Com boat into Table Rock Lake for the Purple Heart tournament held earlier this year.

“Branson is blessed with Table Rock Lake and its 43,000 acres of pristine water for fishing, boating, swimming and other activities. That, along with the natural beauty of the Ozarks Mountains and Branson’s great selection of shows, attractions, restaurants, shopping and other entertainment, provide the synergy for a wonderful and unique travel experience,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Over the next few weeks and into the Fall, Table Rock Lake will be the home of a number of special events hosting everyone from Ironmen to kids and fishermen to families and kids.”

Kurtright points out that the “KSwiss Ironman 70.3 Branson Inaugural Race,” a triathlon, will be held in Branson, Missouri on September 19. The triathletes will be competing against each other in a test of endurance for a share of $25,000 in prize money and to qualify for the “2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3″ in Clearwater, Florida. The course includes a 1.2 mile swim in Table Rock Lake, a 56 mile bike race through the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains and a 26.2 mile run ending at the Branson Landing Fountains on the shores of Lake Taneycomo.

The “Central Pro-Am Association’s (CPAA) Pro-Am and Team Tournament Series” will end its 2010 season with a Pro-Am Tournament on August 21 and a Team Tournament on August 22 out of Ahoy’s in Kimberling City. Jim Thompson, the owner of CPAA points out that this tournament will determine the CPAA Pro and Amateur Champions of the year. “That’s a real big deal this year,” said Thompson. “In addition to the CPAA tournament winnings, the highest placed finisher in both the Pro and Non Boater (Amateur) Divisions, who are also members of the Professional Anglers Association, will win a paid ‘ride’ to fish the entire 2011 PAA Tournament Series including paid entry fees, food, fuel and lodging allowances for the entire season.”

The final event in the national “Professional Anglers Association’s (PAA) 2010 Tournament Season” will be held on Table Rock Lake October 14 through October 16. The tournament is jointly hosted by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and BransonOnTheWeb, an affiliate of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. The PAA anglers will be competing for $400,000 in prizes, will depart the State Park Marina daily with the weigh-ins scheduled for the State Park Marina on October 14 and 15 and at “Branson Landing/Bass Pro Shops” on Oct. 16.

On October 23, KTTS Radio, Central Pro-Am Association and K.A.S.T. (Kids Are Special Too) will join together at the Port of Kimberling Marina to help fight childhood cancer with a benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event will combine a Buddy Bass Tournament hosted by Central Pro-Am and KTTS and a family fun event hosted by K.A.S.T and KTTS.

The tournament will start at 7:00 a.m. with a weigh-in at 3:00 p.m. The entry fee per team is $170.00 with 70 % going for payouts and 30% to St. Jude’s. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. there will be fun and games for the kids with a kid’s fishing contest, casting contest, games, treats and lots of fun for families. CPAA’s Thompson encourages all fishermen to enter the tournament and invites all families with children to participate in the family fun event.

Kurtright reminds everyone that as these events are taking place on Table Rock Lake that Branson and all it has to offer is but minutes away. Couple that with the Fall of the year in the Ozark Mountains and Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival and the opportunities for fun and excitement in Branson seem as numerous as the beautifully colored leaves that will be falling from the trees.

Because of the Fall Foliage, Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival and all the other exciting events going on in Branson in October such as “The Front Men” featuring Alabama’s Randy Owen, Lonestar’s Richie McDonald and Restless Heart’s Larry Stewart together in one concert, he recommends that advance reservations be made for shows and lodging to ensure not only availability, but to obtain the best seating and accommodations available. Kurtright offers the service of Branson Tourism Center in that regard and points out that the Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart to perform together in Branson

Branson, Missouri again shows why it is billed as “the live music show capital of the world.” For the first time, the lead singers of the “Supergroups” Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart will come together for one performance on one stage at the Tri-Lakes Theatre in Branson on October 22. “What a unique and wonderful entertainment experience it will provide for Branson audiences,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. The concert entitled “The Front Men” will feature Alabama’s Randy Owen, Lonestar’s Richie McDonald and Restless Heart’s Larry Stewart.

She points out that as unique as having all three stars on one stage at once is the concert’s format is equally unique. All three stars will be on stage for the entire concert performing as an “all star” band for each others sets. “With its unique format and over 50 original number one hits between them it promises to be a show that is as exciting and amazing as it is unique,” she continued. Johnson also said that all three will be available after the show to meet and greet those attending.

Alabama's Randy Owen

Randy Owen and Alabama have sold over 73 million albums, including 21 gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications. They have 42 number one singles including “Feels So Right,” “Mountain Music, “Reckless” and many more. Since its inception Alabama has received over 150 industry awards including multiple Grammys and induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Owen was diagnosed earlier this year with Prostate Cancer, but has undergone a course of treatment and, according to his doctor, “is doing great and is just about fully recovered.”

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald was the original lead singer and played rhythm guitar, piano, and keyboards for Lonestar from 1992 until his departure for a solo career in 2007. During that time Lonestar had nine number one hits including “Runnin’ Away with My Heart, “I’m Already There” and their biggest hit “Amazed” which was a crossover reaching Number One on both the country charts and the Billboard Hot 100. He is an accomplished song writer who, among many others wrote “I’m Already There,” a song that has touched the hearts of so many especially America’s military and their families. He has “earned six gold and platinum albums, several CMA and ACM awards as well as BMI awards for songwriting.”

Restless Heart's Larry Stewart

Larry Stewart is the lead singer and rhythm guitar player for Restless Heart. Restless Heart was formed in 1984 and has had many number one hits including “Bluest Eyes in Texas,” “I’ll Still Be loving You, “That Rock Won’t Roll” and many others including the pop cross over hit “”When She Cries.”

Johnson said that the chance to see these three amazing singers performing the hits that helped make the groups they sang with famous is a unique opportunity. She also anticipates that because there will be only one show tickets will go fast and suggests making reservations as soon as possible. For additional information or tickets for The Front Men 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.

More Branson excitement – Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest and Moonlight Madness

“What a great week at Silver Dollar City,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center

Silver Dollar City's Wildfire takes on an exciting different perspective during Moonlight Madness.

. “Not only is KidsFest still going on, but Silver Dollar City is celebrating ‘Moonlight Madness’ and staying open until 10:00 p.m.”

Johnson said, “KidsFest is one of the biggest festivals of the year for Silver Dollar City and will run until August 8.” She points out that in addition to all the great rides, shows, craft demonstrations and everything else there is to do at Silver Dollar City there are many additional KidsFest activities. These include the magic and illusions of Peter Gossamer, Sponge Bob, VeggieTales, stunt dogs and much more.”

“What could be better than a day at Silver Dollar City,” asked Johnson. “How about a chance to ‘ride, scream, soar and dance under the stars?’” Silver Dollar City “as well as 30 rides and attractions will remain open until 10:00 along with select shops and restaurants staying open late with supper specials and thrill-seeker deals.”

“Moonlight Madness is created for families looking for something special at the end of summer,” said Silver Dollar City General Manager Brad Thomas. “With Silver Dollar City open 12 ½ hours daily, there’s everything to explore from the coolness, literally 60 degrees, of Marvel Cave to the rides from daylight into night. There’s nothing like a nearly 15-story drop in the dark on Wildfire, or a moonlit water battle on Riverblast.”

Johnson reminds everyone that both KidsFest and Moonlight Madness” end August 8. She said, “Silver Dollar City is a beautiful place anytime, but it takes on a whole different look at night.”

For additional information or tickets for 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.

Branson entertainer Michael Grimm makes the semifinals of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Michael Grimm during Branson interview. He has a new look for the AGT Semi Finals.

Branson, Missouri, known as the “Live music show capital of the world,” has some of the finest singers and musicians in the world playing in its live shows. Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that Michael Grimm, who was a guitar player and vocalist with the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley Show” in Branson, was selected by America voting to go into the semifinals of the NBC prime time hit show “America’s Got Talent (AGT)” earlier this week.

Grimm was playing with the Bill Medley show in Branson when he auditioned for AGT. After his initial appearance on AGT in the Los Angeles auditions he was selected to go to Las Vegas for the next round of competition. After his June 5th performance with the Bill Medley show he left Branson to devote full time to the AGT competition. The auditions and Las Vegas shows were taped for TV, but the Los Angeles show was performed live in front of millions of TV Viewers.

In addition to being performed live, it is the first time during the competition this year that America has gotten to vote for who they wanted to go to the next level. Up to this point the three judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osborn and AGT’s newest judge, Howie Mandel made the decisions on who progressed to the next level. On the live show, they make recommendations and America votes. In selecting who will go into the semifinals the popular vote selects three out the four from each show and the judges pick the fourth.

The words of AGT host Nick Cannon, after watching Grimm’s audition performance, almost seems prophetic. He said, “That’s a Super Star’s voice right there.” Evidently, America agrees with him because Grimm was advanced to the semifinal round by its popular vote.

During an interview prior to leaving Branson Grimm said “I just want to get as far as I can get. It would be an honor if I can make it a couple of rounds, open some doors for my career, and make enough money to build my Grandma a new house.”

He said that his relationship with his Grandma, Laura Butters, goes back to about age four when she took over the raising of him and his sister after their parents separated. He said, “My grandma is my inspiration,” He credits her, not only with his interest in music and the start of his professional career. His career started at the age of twelve as he sang in “hole in the wall” bars in the Waveland Bay St. Louis area in southern Mississippi as his Grandma chaperoned him and sit there drinking “Diet Cokes” all night until he was through..

During that interview he also said, “It is a once in a lifetime experience and it’s been quite a ride.” Well hold on Michael the rides not over and there’s still have a house to get for Grandma.

For additional information or tickets for the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley Show” 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.

Finding Branson and where you want to go in Branson the easy way

One of Branson's most recognizable landmarks, The Titanic Museum, located at the western end of Branson Blue Route.

“As recently as today, there was a question from a potential Branson visitor saying, ‘I don’t know for sure how to get to Branson,’” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Others either want detailed maps of Branson or help on how to navigate around in Branson once they get here.”

Johnson continues, “Although there are many ways to get maps and directions to Branson, one of the simplest is to go to www.BransonTourismCenter.com and click on “Driving Directions” located under “Help” in the left hand column. This one click takes you to the page “Directions and Maps to Branson Tourism Center.”

In the “Your Address” box type in your city and state i.e. “Chicago, Illinois.” Click the “Go” box” and a specific map from that city and state, along with detailed driving directions to Branson, will be generated. If a map and driving directions from a specific address is desired just enter the address prior to the city and state. Although the map and directions generated are based on the location of the Branson Tourism Center, they are in essence a map and directions to Branson because of BTC’s central location, one tenth (.1) of a mile west of U.S. Highway 65 at the first Branson Exit (Branson Hills Parkway/ Bee Creek Rd) coming south from Springfield, Missouri.

“Once in Branson, getting to where you want to go is easy using the one page Branson Map showing its main routes and colored coded alternate routing system.” said Johnson “The full colored Branson map is easily accessed at www.BransonTourismCenter.com,” by clicking on “Map of Branson” under “Branson Info” in the left hand column. The map may also be downloaded in PDF format for easy printing and is available free at the Branson Tourism Center, located 220 Branson Hills Parkway in Branson.

Johnson also points out that Branson’s excellent system of alternate routes provides convenient alternate access to many Branson shows, attractions and activities. These alternate routes are color coded for ease of use and generally run parallel to the famous “Branson Strip (Highway 76),” with the Yellow Route paralleling to the south and the Blue and Red Routes to the north. The colored routes are appropriately signed, provide north south access to Highway 76 through arterial roads and are featured on the Branson Map mentioned above.

She mentioned that the Branson Map and colored alternate routes are extensively covered in an article entitled, “Branson’s colored traffic routes ‘shows’ the way.” Johnson said “The article also shows the location of specific Branson shows, activities and Branson attractions and explains how to use the alternate routes to get to them.

For additional information or directions on how to either get to or around Branson, or for tickets to any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Blue Grass, BBQ and Plumb Nellie Days means it must be May in Branson

Rhonda Vincent is one of the Bluegrass stars that will be playing at Silver Dollar City's "Bluegrass and BBQ Festival."

“One of Branson’s constants is that there is always something new and exciting to do,” says Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Whether it is one of the many Branson shows or attractions making a change, the change of the seasons, limited engagement performances, a new festival being celebrated at Silver Dollar City, other activities, shopping or dining there is always something fresh to experience in Branson as indicted by what will be happening in the next few weeks.”

One of the biggest events, as Silver Dollar City continues to celebrate its 50th year will be, Silver Dollar City’s “Bluegrass and BBQ Festival” which will run from May 13 through the 31st. In addition to all the craftsmen, rides and entertainment that Silver Dollar City is famous for, the festival will include Blue Grass music presented by national stars such as The Grascals, Rhonda Vincent and others, all styles of BBQ, and two exclusive special events, the Annual Single Mic Championship and KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest.

Johnson said that there is additional fun and excitement for the Silver Dollar City guests this year, a new ride that just opened up called “Tom & Huck’s River Blast.” It is a new $7 million raft ride with a twist. Brad Thomas, the General Manager of Silver Dollar City said, “The twist is that there are water guns on the rafts and on the shore. Riders can shoot their water guns at folks on the shore, folks on shore can shoot their water guns at people on the boats and when you come face to face with another boat you can blast the people on that boat as well. It’s basically this big organized, well maybe not so organized, water fight.”

Among other events, there will be the “9th Annual Branson Motorcycle Rally” that takes place May 20 through 23. It will feature “rides, ” poker runs, a sanctioned boxing match exciting live entertainment, vendors, food and the “Rally Ally Tavern” beer tent.

Historic downtown Branson will be celebrating the 50th year of its “Plumb Nellie Days Arts and Crafts Festival in historic downtown Branson May 21through 23. It will feature over 200 American crafters, entertainment, seminars and other activities

Bill Medley and daughter McKenna.

Johnson points out that the “Official Branson.Com Show Schedule,” powered by the Branson Tourism Center, indicates that Branson’s 2010 live show season, like the beautiful Ozark Mountain scenery, is in full bloom. Most of its shows are open with “The Righteous Brothers Bill Medley” with his daughter McKenna Medley opening on May 18, “Island Fire,” Branson’s unique Polynesian show, opens May 28 and Branson newest show, “Legends of Kung-Fu-Chung Yi” opens June 2. Limited engagement performances by “The Gatlin Brothers,” “The Oak Ridge Boys,” “The Texas Tenors,” “Ray Price,” and “Roy Clark” just add to the excitement and variety of Branson’s live music show offerings.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, any of the shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

50th Birthday Party highlights Silver Dollar City’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

Silver Dollar City celebrate 50 years of helping to "Create Memories Worth Repeating." (Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City)

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction, is celebrating 50 years of helping people “Create Memories Worth Repeating” throughout its 2010 season. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center points out however, that the weekend of May 1 will be a major highlight of the celebration as Silver Dollar City holds its 50th Birthday Party with special events and extended hours.

Silver Dollar City and all its rides will remain open until 10:00 pm on Friday, April 30 and on Saturday May 1, 1960. Miller says, “And that’s just the beginning; there is a whole weekend of special events planned in addition to World-Fest, the nation’s largest international festival and all the rides, entertainment and craftsmen for which Silver Dollar City is famous.

There will be two special concerts by the “Ozark Mountain Daredevils” on Friday, April 30. The concerts will be held in the Echo Hollow Amphitheatre at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and will require the purchase of a separate $5.00 event ticket. At 9:00 p.m. on both days, there will be a “Street Dance” on Main Street that will be lead by Silver Dollar City’s street characters as everyone dances “the night away with such family classics as the Macarena, the Hokey Pokey, and the ever-popular Chicken Dance.”

The official premiere of the new “Great American Country Nights” show in Echo Hollow will be presented at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 1st “with a special appearance by GAC show host Storme Warren, and a fireworks finale.” On Sunday, May 2nd the Birthday events will conclude with the 200 voice James River Assembly and Second Baptist Church choirs presenting a special “Night of Praise” at 6:00 p.m. in the Echo Hollow Amphitheatre.

Miller said, “May 1st is a very special day for Silver Dollar City and the entire Branson area because it will be 50 years from the day that Silver Dollar City first opened.” Special celebratory events marking that occasion will involve a special opening ceremony as the park opens at 9:00 a.m. on May 1st, just as it did 50 years ago and one of the biggest Birthday parties southwest Missouri has ever seen.

Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday Party will be held at 12:00 p.m. in the Echo Hollow Amphitheatre. Various dignitaries will be present and there will be special performances by the Baldknobbers, Haygoods, Lennon Sisters, and the Blues Brothers. Even the Birthday Cake will be special. It was baked from a recipe selected from recipes submitted by people from all over the country in a “Taste Of Home” contest specifically to select the “Official Birthday Cake.” The cake and winner will be revealed during the party and, of course, there will be birthday cake for everyone.

Miller points out that the May 1 weekend will be a very busy weekend in Branson, particularly for hotel and lodging. He suggests making reservations prior to traveling to Branson. For additional information on Silver Dollar City, the 50th Birthday events over the May 1st weekend, or for any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for hotels or lodging he suggests contacting 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.