Category Archives: Branson Attractions

Anyone for a unique and fun way to experience Branson history?

One of the beautiful and unique views from inside Marvel Cave.

BRANSON, Mo., December 29, 2013 – “Branson is steeped in the history and heritage of the Ozarks,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “In fact, Branson’s now famous tourism industry got its first major push from a book based on that very thing when Harold Bell Wright published the novel ‘The Shepherd of the Hills’ in 1907.”

Even before that however, Branson’s oldest attraction, “Marble Cave,” operated by the Lynch family, had been providing tourists with an opportunity to go deep beneath the Ozark Mountains on cave tours since about 1894. The cave is now called “Marvel Cave,” is a National Natural Landmark and offers “free”offers, but interestingly, each year hundreds of thousands rush right past its entrance seemingly without noticing or, if they do, without a second thought.

There’s a pretty good reason for that however, because the cave is actually located just inside the main entrance to Silver Dollar City, the international award winning 1880s styled theme park that is easily Branson’s most popular attraction. From a historical perspective, Silver Dollar City is also Branson’s first and longest continuously operated attraction because it includes “Marvel Cave” which was continuously operated by the Lynch family for 50 years prior to the Herschend family leasing it in 1950. In 1960 they started “Silver Dollar City” at the entrance of the cave as a way to entertain visitors waiting for their cave tour and as some say, “The rest is history.”

A tour of Marble Cave is one of the many activities included with an admission ticket to Silver Dollar City and provides those taking the tour a unique and interesting opportunity to experience something that is a special part of Ozark Mountain history and, most certainly, something they will not see in any other theme park. Weather permitting, tours depart every 30 minutes, take about 60 minutes and include a unique exit, from far below the surface, via an inclined tram built by the Herschend family prior to the opening of Silver Dollar City.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson invites anyone wanting more information about “Marvel Cave” and “Silver Dollar City or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 and talk with one of its trained Branson based Travel Planners.

How about a winter getaway to one of Branson’s indoor water attractions?

One of Grand Country Inn’s 500 gallon splash buckets.

BRANSON, Mo., December 27, 2013 – During the season, many Branson visitors enjoy outdoor swimming and water activities in Branson’s pristine Table Rock Lake, its major water park White Water and in the outdoor swimming pools available at many Branson hotels and motels. Although the winter weather does curtail the outdoor aspects of the majority of swimming and aquatic activities Branson is blessed with three indoor water attractions and a number of hotels and motels that have heated indoor pools permitting its visitors to swim and enjoy water activities in climate controlled comfort. All three of the water attractions are connected with lodging facilities and provide all the “wet watery fun” anyone could desire regardless of the temperature outside. Missouri’s first indoor water attraction, “Splash Country Indoors” at the Grand Country Inn is right in the middle of the Branson Strip and is part of the Grand Country Complex, including the Grand Country Buffett,  theatre and shows, mini golf courses, the Fun Spot Arcade and much more. Its 20,000 square feet “of squirting, falling and tumbling water fun is open 365 days a year no matter what the weather is like outdoors. Welk Resort’s “Splash-A-Torium” attraction is open year round from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. It provides 10,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor water fun featuring “an outrageous 100 foot” plus indoor water slide, kid’s splash-zone and indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub.

One of Castle Rock Resort’s water slides.

Castle Rock Resort provides “a truly weather-proof vacation destination for the whole family” where they “can splash & play in the climate controlled 84 degree temperature of its indoor water attraction. With its two water slides, two 500 gallon dump buckets, activity pools, lazy river, themed water statutes, a multi-level sun deck and more there is fun for everyone, from tiny tots to adults. These are the indoor water attractions in Branson, but many of its motels and hotels such as the Radisson, La Quinta Inn, Grand Plaza and others have heated indoor pools with hot tubs and other aquatic amenities. Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that during the winter months, especially on the weekends, the demand for rooms at these facilities often outstrips availability. She recommends advance reservations and offers the assistance of one of BTC’s locally based Travel Planners to assist in helping find the ideal facility to fit your family’s wants and budget and make reservations. There is no charge for this service and they may be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550.

“White Flight” provides unique White Christmas for Branson

Live "angel" sharing butterfly with family during "White Flight."*

BRANSON, Mo., December 20, 2013 — “It’s not the traditional ‘White Christmas’ sung around Christmas, but ‘White Flight’ is one of the unique features of Ozark Mountain Christmas that makes Christmas in Branson so exciting and special,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. 2013 is the seventh Christmas season that “White Flight,” consisting of thousands of white butterflies flying in a “rain forest” amid thousands of sparkling lights, colorful red and white poinsettias, living angel statutes, to the sounds of beautiful Christmas music, has been presented. “White Flight” is a limited engagement exhibit at Branson’s Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure through January 15, 2014.

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 referred to as the “Rice Paper Butterfly.” The majority of the butterflies used in White Flight, as is the case with all the exhibits at the Butterfly Palace, are shipped to them by air express in their chrysalis (cocoon) stage from tropical rain forests. After the butterfly emerges from the cocoon and its wings dry, it is released into the exhibit, aviary, where it lives out its average three week life span in a predator free environment.

In addition to the butterflies in the aviary “White Flight” also includes unique and amazing performances 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 the angels they present a statuesque picture of angelic beauty and tranquility. 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 as the artists playing the angels to interact with the guests.

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 for picture taking. The whole “White Flight” experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statutes and beautiful music, is a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson reminds Branson visitors that “White Flight” is just one of the many special events that are part of “Ozark Mountain Christmas.” For additional information or tickets for “White Flight” and the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, “Ozark Mountain Christmas” or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 800-785-1550.

 

“Cruise With The Stars” ends season in Legendary fashion

Dean Z, the winner of the 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, is just one of the "stars" on the cruise.

BRANSON, MO, November 30, 2013 —  “The extremely successful 2013 Cruise With the Stars entertainment experience concludes in ‘legendary’ fashion on December 5th,” said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center. “Those participating in this unique entertainment experience will join the stars of Branson’s Legends in Concert for an exclusive luncheon cruise at 12:15 PM on December 5 aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ 100 foot climate controlled luxury yacht, the Landing Princess,” she added. During the cruise they will get to meet and interact with the stars performing in the Legends in Concert Show “Stevie Wonder,” “Alan Jackson,” “Cher,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Elvis.”

“Cruise With the Stars” provides the ultimate complete entertainment experience combining two activities, the unique VIP luncheon cruise and the opportunity to see these amazing performers perform live in the Legends of Concert Show. While on the cruise guests will have an unparalleled opportunity for personal interaction with these amazing performers, get autographs and take pictures while enjoying the beautiful view of Lake Taneycomo and its environs including the opportunity to see Bald Eagles and the Great Blue Heron.

Then, either before or after the cruise, those participating in the event will have the opportunity to see these “universally-renowned performers,” who transform themselves through hours of practice at their craft, using their own natural voices, to not only look and sound like the stars they portray, but incorporate their mannerisms into their tribute performances. How good are they?

Dean Z, who does the Elvis tribute in the show, won the 2013 national “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest,” in front of a full house at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, TN earlier this year. Sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ involved hundreds of Elvis tribute artists competing in 28 preliminary Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ events all over the United States for cash and an invitation to the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ Finals in Memphis during Elvis Week.

Jeannie Horton, the General Manager of “Branson’s Legends In Concert” said that although the Legends in Concert is presenting “a Christmas show you won’t want to miss, each performer will sing the songs that made their character the ‘Legend’ they are today.” She also points out that the performers for the Christmas show have been hand-picked because they also have a great Christmas hit which will be performed during each performers set as “Dean Z performs BLUE CHRISTMAS which was Elvis’s signature holiday song, Alan Jackson performs LET IT BE CHRISTMAS, Cher sings PLEASE COME HOME, Stevie Wonder performs THIS CHRISTMAS and The Blues Brothers perform a Grinch Medley that is truly one of a kind. The show finishes with a beautiful finale sure to give you goose bumps as Bucky Heard (Jake Blues) and Kelly Smith (Cher) perform a special rendition of MARY DID YOU KNOW. In addition, there’s an appearance from Santa and snow in the auditorium.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood advises that there are only a limited number of seats left for the December 5th Legends Cruise With The Stars and recommends making advance reservation as soon as possible. For tickets or information on the exclusive event please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-875-1550.

 

 

National Harvest Festival salutes craftsmanship and cowboys

One of many visiting artists and craftsmen.

BRANSON, Mo., September 12, 2013 — “Silver Dollar City’s annual National Harvest Festival (Festival), running from September 12 – October 26, is an excellent illustration of why the U.S. Congress proclaimed Silver Dollar City as ‘The Home of American Craftsmanship,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The festival will feature over 125 visiting craftsmen and artists from all over the country along with Silver Dollar City’s 100 resident craftsman and artists,” she added.

The Festival offers a unique a opportunity to see craftsmen and artists demonstrate their craftsmanship and artistry on a variety of American crafts at one of the largest gatherings of some of the top craftsmen and artists in America. See demonstrations on crafts such as cornshuckery, weaving, jewelry making, glass blowing, knife making, cooperage, Native American flutes, gourd carving and dozens of others “including Best of Missouri Hands juried artists and a showcase of Western artists.”

The Festival’s theme will be the American Cowboy. “The Pinkerton Man,” an original new Western stunt show debuting during the 2012 Festival has been expanded to include “a bigger cast and expanded fight scenes.” The musical production is presented in the parks 4,000 seat Echo Hollow Amphitheatre because it’s the only venue in the park big enough to hold all the “high-flying action and special effects, including dramatic 3-story falls, high-slide rappels, hero fights, pyrotechnic effects and explosions, with professional stunt men and women leading a cast of 16, plus live animals, comedy and original live music performed by the ‘Sons of the Silver Dollar.'”

Texas Trick Riders.

New this year will be the new “Texas Trick Riders show which will be presented in Silver Dollar City’s Red Gold arena through October 6. The show has a troupe of 7 stunt riders and 9 horses who will perform “precision trick riding and daring stunts” from Roman riding to flying vaults and much more.

The Festival’s entertainment also includes Western musicians such as “double-Grammy-winning musicians and 7-time Western Music Association’s (WMA)  ‘Entertainers Of the Year’ “Riders in the Sky;” WMA Crescendo Award winner “The Quebe Sisters Band” and others. Other featured events include Kent Rollins, a ranch owner whose chuck wagon cooking talents has put him on the Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” will be demonstrating trail-side cooking; mustang expert Fred Woehl will tame and train rescued wild mustangs and three-time winner of the Academy of Western Artists’ “Will Rogers Award,” Cowboy Poet Chris Isaacs will present cowboy stories and poems.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that all of the activities of the National Harvest Festival are in addition to everything else the award winning 1880’s theme park offers on a daily basis including 30 rides and attractions. Recently its new Outlaw Run wooden coaster received the coveted “Golden Ticket for Best New Ride” from “Amusement Today Magazine.”

In term of value and being able to enjoy all that Silver Dollar City has to offer at your leisure, she points out that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has two day Silver Dollar City tickets for the price of a one day ticket. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, the National Harvest Festival or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/.

 

Cruising into spectacular Branson Fall foliage

View of the first "blush" of Fall foliage from the bow of the "Landing Princess."

BRANSON, Mo., August 25, 2013 – “The rains experienced during July and August have set Branson up to have a great fall foliage season,” said Loralei McCoy, Director of Operations for Main Street Lake Cruises. “It’s a spectacular show put on by Mother Nature and one of the best seats ‘in the house’ to experience it is on Lake Taneycomo while cruising aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats,” she added.

Lake Taneycomo, is a long narrow impoundment of the White River, with its shorelines being much closer together than other lakes such as Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes providing a unique opportunity to truly experience the brilliance, color and vividness of the Ozark’s fall foliage. A typical cruise aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats is a spectacular experience any time of the year offering an up close chance to view Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, other birds, deer, other wildlife, panoramic vistas and bluffs not available through any other means except by boat on Lake Taneycomo. They are seen by very few the millions who visit Branson each year.

As the foliage changes color, these panoramic vistas turn into magnificent “masterpieces” that have to be seen to be believed. Operating the only cruises on Lake Taneycomo, whether on a sightseeing cruise aboard the Lake Queen, a modern day replica of the grand riverboats which used to ply the White River or a dinner cruise aboard the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess, the boats of Main Street Lake Cruises provide an unparalleled view of not only the magnificent beauty of the changing Ozark’s foliage, but of Lake Taneycomo and its natural scenic wonders.

Main Street Lake Cruises’ McCoy points out that, depending on the weather, the first blush of color is toward the end of September with its peak at about the third week of October. Because of the popularity of these cruises she suggests making advance reservations. For additional information on Branson’s fall foliage season or Main Street Lake Cruises please call 1-877-382-6287.

Legendary Mickey Gilley guest hosts exclusive Branson “Cruise With The Stars”

Mickey Gilley

BRANSON, MO, August 17, 2013 — “Congratulations to Mickey Gilley upon his selection for induction into the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame which will take place on August 31, 2013, said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center. “Yet another accomplishment for this legendary performer who will be the guest host for Branson Tourism Center’s next exclusive Cruise With The Stars event at 11:45 AM on September 19,” she added.

The Cruise With The Stars events are offered exclusively to customers of Branson Tourism Center because of the special relationship it has with the various stars and shows involved with the cruises and Main Street Lake Cruises, who operates the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess. No other company offers this unique experience.

The Cruise With The Stars event, guest hosted by Mickey Gilley, combines two separate entertainment activities into one unique and exciting event available only to those who have taken advantage of the exclusive offer and purchased Cruise With The Stars tickets. The first activity is the opportunity to experience a live performance of this legendary star at the Mickey Gilley Show anytime between September 15th and1 8th.The second is the exclusive VIP luncheon cruise on September 19th.

The cruise is on beautiful Lake Taneycomo aboard the Landing Princess, a luxuriously appointed 100 foot luxury yacht. Each VIP cruise includes lunch and an unparalleled f up close and personal experience with Gilley including opportunities for photos and autographs. In addition, as is the case with all Main Street Lake Cruises, the cruise will provide a view of beautiful Lake Taneycomo with its wildlife, birds, scenic vistas and so much more as Mother Nature presents a constantly changing show that can only be seen from the lake and is experienced by very few of the millions of visitors who come to Branson every year.

The schedule of the remaining Cruise With The Stars events for 2013 is:

The Haygoods – October 4th, 2013

Yakov Smirnoff – October 14th, 2013

Tony Orlando – November 7th, 2013

Legends in Concert – December 5th, 2013

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood advises that there are only a limited number of seats for each Cruise With The Stars event and recommends making advance reservation as soon as possible. For tickets or information on the exclusive Cruise With The Stars event, the Mickey Gilley Show or for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

Branson is “Creating Memories worth repeating”

Innovations like its new world breaking "Outlaw Run" wooden coaster have helped Silver Dollar City "Create memories worth repeating" for over 50 years.

BRANSON, Mo., July 1, 2013 – “One of the remarkable things about Branson is the number of repeat visitors it gets each year with some coming back year after year,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) “and a big reason for that is that Branson, like its most popular and oldest paid attraction, Silver Dollar City, specializes in “Creating memories worth repeating.” Johnson points out that the perfect example would be that of long time BTC customers George and Sally Kaup, from Woodridge, IL, who have been coming back to Branson each year since at least 1996, sometimes by themselves and, at other times, bringing their family.

For many people those memories generally involve one or more of the three major things that attract and draw people to Branson. Those would be its fabulous live shows, the natural beauty of Branson’s lakes and surrounding Ozark Mountains and its major attractions such as Silver Dollar City, the Titanic Museum Attraction and others.

How important are Branson’s live shows in “Creating Memories worth repeating?” “Very” according to a report that the Branson Board of Aldermen received last year from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB about a study they did on what brings people to Branson. The study concluded that “Branson’s Shows” are the Number 1 reason people come to Branson.

A quick glance at some of Branson’s most popular shows, as featured in the Official Branson.Com Show Schedule, powered by Branson Tourism Center, will show that Branson offers a breadth of live show that is unmatched by most major tourist destinations. When the quality of those shows is coupled with the fact that they are mere minutes from the natural beauty of Branson’s lakes, the beautiful natural scenery of the Ozark Mountains and its major attractions the result is an unmatched opportunity for “Creating Memories worth repeating” and one that brings visitors back year after year.

The pristine waters of Branson’s two closest lakes, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, and of the ever present Ozark Mountains is a unique draw for Branson visitors. Whether it’s fishing for bass in the warm waters of Table Rock Lake or the elusive Rainbow and Brown Trout in the colder water of Lake Taneycomo, swimming, boating, camping and or simply relaxing and viewing the beautiful ever changing Ozark scenery; it all plays an important part in “Creating Memories worth repeating” and bringing visitors back to Branson year after year.

Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction, the award winning 1880s style theme park, Silver Dollar City has attracted tens of millions of guests to Branson over the years with its rides, shows, festivals, food services, demonstrating craftsmen and much more. From the very beginning their mission has been to be a place that creates “Memories worth repeating” that will bring visitors back time and time again. The fact that they have been entertaining Branson visitors for over 53 years testifies to its success. The constant addition of new attractions, such as the Titanic Museum Attraction and dozens more, provide still more exciting and fun ways to help Branson visitors create special memories.

It is the “Creating of memories worth repeating” that not only brings families and visitors back to Branson each year, but is the promise that attracts many initially. Branson’s commitment to and keeping that promise is what makes it such a unique and special place.

A cruise on Lake Taneycomo with some absolutely awesome teens

"Operation Liftoff "teens and caregivers on bow of "Lake Queen" as they boarded.

BRANSON, MO, June 28, 2013 — I have been on many cruises aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen, but none was more special or personally significant than yesterday. I had the opportunity to cruise with 10 awesome courageous teenagers who are fighting Cancer and were in Branson on an “Operation Liftoff Teen Trip” with their seven care givers.

Randi McCormick, a Sales Manager with the Group Sales Division of Branson Tourism Center, said that she was contacted by John McLaughlin of Operation Liftoff through the BTC website, www.Branson Tourism Center.Com about setting up a Branson trip for the teenagers, each of whom is fighting Cancer. McCormick explained that from a logistical and processing perspective the planning of the group’s itinerary and Branson activities was routine and was designed to help the Group Leader, in whatever way possible, to plan and provide their group with a great Branson experience. From a personal perspective however, it was much different.

McCormick said that both of her parents are fighting Cancer. “The planning of this trip was very near and dear to my heart, but this group just kind of touched us all and brought us all together as we thought about what these kids are going through and fighting; we just wanted to do a little extra.” The result was a number of surprises for the kids from a brownie and ice cream party provided by Branson Landing, a pool side pizza party hosted by the Hilton Promenade Hotel as well as other surprises from Dixie Stampede, Branson Tourism Center and Main Street Lake Cruises.

John McLaughlin, the Group Leader, said that he has been involved with Operation Liftoff for over 20 years in different capacities. Currently he is a board member who heads up its “Teen Trip Program” which is the part of Operation Liftoff that provide trips for teenagers who are currently fighting Cancer and could not otherwise afford to make a trip like this on their own. McLaughlin pointed out that in addition to the fun, one of the primary benefits that a trip like this offers is a chance for the kids to get together with other kids who are in similar circumstances.

Bald Eagle just prior to launching into flight.

Just about every teen on the trip, under the watchful eye of Captain Brian Ayers, took advantage of the opportunity to sit in the Captain’s Chair and steer the Lake Queen on her return trip from Rockaway Beach. Although it was one of the hottest days of the year, as is normally the case, the cold waters of Lake Taneycomo mitigated the heat. In addition to the spectacular rock formations downstream from Branson, panoramic vistas and the beauty of Lake Taneycomo’s shore line, the group was treated to a show by a Bald Eagle who posed from its perch and preened itself prior to launching itself into flight from its lakeside perch.

The group had a full itinerary on their trip in addition to their cruise on the Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen including Dixie Stampede, Silver Dollar City and the Showboat Branson Belle. I had a short interview with three of the teens from the group, none of whom had been to Branson before, about the cruise and what they thought of Branson.

Miss NM* said that the cruise was “awesome,” extremely relaxing, that she had never seen an Eagle in the wild before and would definitely recommend the cruise to other teenagers, a sentiment echoed by Misters CJ* and RR.* RR said “you will never get bored in Branson” and all three spoke about the great time they had at Dixie Stampede the night before and of how eager they were to go to Silver Dollar City. Even with another day and a half in Branson ahead of them, all three expressed their eagerness to come back to Branson. RR said that he would live in Branson if he could.

Each year, groups of all sizes come to Branson for many reasons from reunions, meetings, competitions and conventions etc. because of all that it has to offer. How special is it that what Branson offers was able, even if only temporarily, to offer respite, fun and relief to these special teens from the daily challenges that their battle with Cancer presents?

* Initials used to protect the privacy of these teenagers.

 

America’s biggest National KidsFest celebrates final year

The "barrell roll" is one of the three inversions on the world record setting "Outlaw Run."

BRANSON, MO, June 19, 2013 – “It may be the last year of America’s biggest KidsFest at Silver Dollar City, but two things are for sure,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “This year’s final National KidsFest (KidsFest), running through July 21 will be filled with the family fun, excitement and adventure that Silver Dollar City’s world class festivals are known for and, knowing Silver Dollar City, whatever replaces it next year will be even bigger and better. I can’t wait to see what it is!”

With its 30 plus rides and attractions every day, Silver Dollar City has something for kids, teens, adults and every member of the family from the fun and security that Half Dollar Holler offers the littlest kids to the excitement of Silver Dollar City’s newest attraction, the world record setting wooden coaster ride Outlaw Run for everyone who wants the adventure and ride of a lifetime. In between there is a variety of other rides such as Geyser Gulch®, 10 rides that the whole family can enjoy together at The Grand Exposition, “Spine-tingling, super-swooping, multi-looping thrills aboard rides like The GIANT Barn Swing, WildFire®, PowderKeg® and more!” Beat the heat of the Ozarks summer with the “wet” fun and excitement of Silver Dollar City’s exciting and entertaining “water rides including RiverBlast, Lost River of the Ozarks and American Plunge.”

Added to the parks demonstrating craftsmen and other activities are the special KidsFest shows. These include “‘Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience’ featuring amazing canine athleticism and a powerful message about pet adoption;” “Wacky Science With Professor David Willey” as he takes his “audiences for a walk on the wild side of science” and “Championship Cloggers.” Close out your day by seeing “Country Nights in Echo Hollow®. Great American Country and Silver Dollar City present the nation’s only live stage version of the popular television show, Wednesday through Monday evenings at ‘park closing.'”

Kids can meet their favorite cartoon characters such as Backyardigans; George Jetson & Astro; Scooby Doo & Shaggy; Team Umizoomi; Fred, Barney & Dino and many more who will be appearing at different times during National KidsFest at “Character Meet-And-Greets” and “Character Breakfasts.”

In addition to the excellent food service offered on a daily basis  through out the park. Silver Dollar City’s Reunion Hall will feature a special “Pizza Buffet” from 11 AM to 3 PM daily except Sunday. It will feature a variety of foods for the whole family including of course Pizza with a wide variety of toppings; Pasta with Spaghetti Sauce; Mac and Cheese; Garlic Bread; Chicken Strips; Hot Chips; Assorted Salads; Chocolate Pudding and more!”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that those purchasing their Silver Dollar City tickets through the Branson Tourism Center will receive a two day pass for the price of a one day pass. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, the National KidsFest or any of its other festivals or for Branson 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.

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