Category Archives: Branson Attractions

A little help in planning a great Ozark Mountain Christmas experience

Silver Dollar City's “Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade” winds its way toward the City Square and the five story Special Effects Christmas Tree.

“Branson’s 2010 Ozark Mountain Christmas is a wonderful thing to experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. In an article entitled “Plan for a Branson Christmas in the heat of summer,” published during the 100 degree heat of last summer, she said that it was the busiest season of the year in Branson and recommended that advanced reservations be made for lodging and shows.

She also said, “During Branson’s regular season there are periods when shows and lodging fill up. However, during Ozark Mountain Christmas, particularly with the more popular shows and lodging establishments, that situation increases greatly.” The article points out that not only do the chances of non availability increase, but the chances of getting the best show seats, choice of accommodations and the best prices decrease the longer one waits.

Now, actually into the second week of Ozark Mountain Christmas, with some of the busiest times of the year coming up in the next few weeks, Johnson again encourages those coming to Branson for Ozark Mountain Christmas to make show and lodging reservations ahead of time to ensure availability and avoid frustration. She says that many of Branson’s more popular shows are booked for many performances and lodging is tight, but emphasizes that need not detour anyone from coming to Branson.

She points out that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and well on its way to selling its three millionth Branson show and attraction ticket. BTC enjoys an excellent reputation with Branson’s shows, attractions and lodging establishments which enables them, even at a busy time of the year like Ozark Mountain Christmas, to help their customers obtain not only the best seats and accommodations for shows, attractions and lodging but, in most cases, to save money when they are purchased together.

“There is much to consider when planning a trip to Branson and it’s not just shows and rooms,” she advises. For example, Silver Dollar City’s Ole Time Christmas is an outstanding event with so much to do, including great shows, such as “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” rides, craft demonstrations etc. that one day might not be enough time to experience all that Silver Dollar City and an Old Time Christmas have to offer. However, with a little advance planning one could purchase a two day ticket from BTC for the price of a one day ticket and have plenty of time to comfortably see and enjoy all that Old Time Christmas has to offer.

“The good news,” Johnson said, “Is that Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has a trained staff of Branson Vacation Planners who will answer any questions about Ozark Mountain Christmas or any other Branson show, attraction, or lodging. Their advice is free and there is never a service fee of any kind when purchasing tickets or lodging through the Branson Tourism Center.” BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” is a special Christmas experience

The snow filled finale of a Dickens' Chirstmas Carol.

“What a wonderful fantastic show,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center right after seeing “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” recently at Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas.” “It is yet another example of the quality and variety of Branson’s live shows,” she continued.

In a town like Branson, known for its live shows, one does not normally think of shows when thinking about its number one and longest running paid attraction, Silver Dollar City. However, here’s a little secret, Silver Dollar City puts on some of the best produced, entertaining and most unique shows in Branson including, but not limited to its productions of “Fiery Fiddles” during Worldfest, “Headin’ West” during the National Harvest Festival and, of course, “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” as part of its Old Time Christmas.

This 60 minute musical adaptation of the Dickens classic novel was created specifically for Silver Dollar City and is not just a remarkable entertainment event, but a unique and special Christmas experience not available anywhere else. It features an extremely talented cast, “a live band, astounding special effects, stunning Victorian scenery and exquisite period costuming.” Combined with the spirit, energy and talent of the cast, the story of the skinflint Scrooge and his journey of change from “Humbug” to the true Christmas spirit comes to life in an exciting and inspirational manner.

“A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” is playing at the Opera House Theatre in Silver Dollar City and is included as part of your Silver Dollar City experience. The schedule of its performances, subject to change, as of November 7 is:

November 6, 13, 20, 26, 27 at 12:45, 2:15, 3:45, 5:45, 7:15 & 8:45
November 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 28 at 1:45, 3:15, 4:45, 6:15 & 7:45
November 7, 14, 21 at 1:45, 3:15, 4:45 & 6:15
November 25 at 4:45, 6:15 & 7:45
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 19, 22, 23, 26 – 30 at 1:45, 3:15, 4:45, 6:15 & 7:45
December 4, 11 & 18 at 12:45, 2:15, 3:45, 5:45, 7:15 & 8:45
December 5, 12 at 1:45, 3:15, 4:45 & 6:15

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests, because of the show’s popularity and everything else there is to do at Silver Dollar City, those planning to see the show should plan their Silver Dollar City stay accordingly and leave enough time to see this wonderful and unique show. She also points out that those buying their Silver Dollar City tickets through Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, get two full days at Silver Dollar City for the price of one.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City 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 www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar City’s aglow for An Old Time Christmas

The City Square with its five story Christmas Tree and the "Holiday of Lights Parade" passing through.

“How exceptional is Silver Dollar City’s ‘An Old Time Christmas?’ In 2009 it won second place in the prestigious Golden Ticket Awards in the “Christmas Event” category, placing higher than either Disney’s ‘Magic Kingdom’ or ‘Disney World,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She points out that it has also been recognized as one of the nation’s top Christmas celebrations and is one of the major center pieces of Branson’s celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas. Running from November 6 through December 30, An Old Time Christmas will conclude Silver Dollar City’s season long celebration of its 50th anniversary in spectacular fashion sharing the spirit of the old time traditional Christmas with its guests.

“What a year!” said Peter Herschend, co-founder of Silver Dollar City. “We’ve laughed and cried and shared memories with thousands of people whose families have been coming to see us for 50 years. Now, with one last hurrah of the celebration, we present the brightest festival of all – and the one most steeped in family traditions,” Herschend continued.

Johnson says that An Old Time Christmas transforms the 1880s-style theme park into a glowing Christmas extravaganza with over four million sparkling lights throughout the park. The focal point of the celebration is in Silver Dollar City’s square, which is the setting for “Christmas on Main Street,” Silver Dollar City’s biggest light show ever!”

The park’s Christmas centerpiece, a 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree is located in the City’s Square. It comes to life each day at dusk playing Christmas music such as “Carol of the Bells, “Joy to the World,” “Suite from Polar Express” and more as its many colored Christmas lights twinkle and dance in unison with the one million plus lights of the surrounding City square area.

The “Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade,” with over 100,000 lights, passes through the park twice each evening if the weather permits. Although it is a spectacular sight anywhere in the park as it passes by the Christmas Tree and its lights are combined with the lights of the tree and surrounding square it is truly a breathtaking sight.

The Christmas lights and Light Parade are just part of the joy and fun that is An Old Time Christmas. There is a variety of shows including, the Broadway style production of an original musical adaptation of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” produced by Silver Dollar City; “The Living Nativity” and” Frosty.” Weather permitting and in temperatures down to 42 degrees F there are rides where you can “soar into the night” for a unique and inspiring view of the lights far below.

In addition there’s Santa Claus at Kringles Krossing, the creation of one-of-a-kind handmade gifts showcased by Silver Dollar City‘s 100 demonstrating craftsmen, and festive holiday foods offering the tastes of the season “throughout the park, including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites such as turkey with all the fixings.” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “Factor all that in with the award winning friendliness of Silver Dollar City’s staff and spirit of the traditional Christmas that seems to permeate throughout Silver Dollar City during the event and the result is the type of inspirational special Christmas memory that could last a lifetime.”

She points out that An Old Time Christmas runs Thursdays through Sundays through December 19, plus Wednesday, November 24 and December 22-23. It is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day and open daily December 26-30. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. most days. For additional information or tickets for An Old time Christmas 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.

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.

Silver Dollar City co-founders Jack and Pete Herschend at Springfield book signing

Silver Dollar City's founders, left to right, Jack, Mary and Peter Herschend.

“What a special remembrance and keepsake of the 50th Anniversary of Silver Dollar City, ” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Kurtright was referring to the announcement that the co founders of Silver Dollar City, Jack and Pete Herschend and their wives, will be in Borders at 3300 S. Glenstone Avenue in Springfield, from Noon until 2 p.m. Saturday October 16 to sign copies of the Springfield News Leader’s SDC 50th Anniversary book “50 Years of Making Memories.” The stores phone number is 417 881-4111.

A spectacular 50th year anniversary celebration of Silver Dollar City’s opening is winding down. The book signing provides a unique opportunity to not only get your copy of the book signed but to meet the Herschends personally.

Kurtright points out that even as the book signing is going on, Silver Dollar City will be doing what is has done for over 50 years, helping people “Create Memories Worth Repeating” as they attend the parks National Harvest Festival running through October 30. The last event of Silver Dollar City’s 50th Anniversary celebration will be its world class award winning festival, An Old Time Christmas.

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.

A ride on Branson Scenic Railway offers history, nostalgia and Ozarks Fall foliage

Traveling over Lake Taneycomo.

“An excursion on the Branson Scenic Railway is always an exciting and relaxing way to experience a part of the Ozarks that most people never see while reliving the memories of a by-gone era riding aboard vintage railroad cars from the 40’s and 50’s,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The fact that the Ozarks fall foliage is about to burst into its annual fall show of vibrant colors over the next few weeks just adds to the enjoyment of this unique experience.”

The history and nostalgia of the excursion starts before the train is even boarded because they depart from one of the oldest surviving buildings in historic downtown Branson, the 104 year old Branson Train Depot. Its completion in 1906 was just a year prior to the publication of Harold Bell Wright’s famous novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills, credited with being the spark that started the “tourism fire” that is called now “Branson.” In 1912, shortly after becoming a city, a fire destroyed the entire downtown business district except for a few businesses of which the Train Depot is one.

The dome cars provide a spectacular unique view of the Ozarks.

The train itself is composed of different types of vintage cars dating from the 40’s and 50’s being pulled by a locomotives that was originally built in 1951. The train includes a 60 passenger coach car, buffet lounge car, domed lounge coach, dining car and domed observation cars among others.

Regardless of where one sits originally they can get up and move around the train at any time. A part of the excursion is the opportunity to walk through the train and actually be in the different types of cars dating back to 1939. It is a unique chance to experience a bit or railroad history that is not commonly available.

The 40 mile round trip excursion takes about one hour and 45 minute and may go either north or south out of Branson depending on the schedule of trains operated by Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad. This writer traveled the southern route.

As the train pulls out of the Branson Depot, it provides an excellent view of the Lake Taneycomo Lake front and the city owned city camp ground just prior to crossing over a short wooden trestle and onto the Lake Taneycomo Bridge and over Lake Taneycomo. As it travels through the city of Hollister and alongside its famed “Downing Street” there is a unique view of its historic downtown including its English Tudor style buildings.

Between Hollister and the end of the southern line the train travels through tunnels and over trestles and past the ruins of long gone communities such as “Melva” which was destroyed on March 11, 1920 by a tornado and never rebuilt. Along the way you will travel through some of the prettiest country, forests and wilderness in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas with the opportunity to see some its abundant wildlife. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that in addition, at this time of the year, the route provides a unique and relaxing way to see the beautiful fall foliage.

The Dinner Train features an a candlelight dinner in the dining car.

A special once a week “Dinner Train,” departing at 5 p.m. on Saturday only, provides its passengers with a unique opportunity to experience the “traditional-style dining that was the ultimate experience long ago when riding the rails.” Guests enjoy a four course candlelight dinner in the dining car while on the excursion with their choice of a half of rotisserie chicken, baked fish or prime rib entrée, appetizer, salad, vegetable, dessert, and beverage. The dinner train is recommend for children ages 10 and up.

For additional information or tickets for the Branson Scenic Railway 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.

The Track Family Fun Park #3 hosts benefit for Gift of Hope on October 2

The Track Family Fun Park #3 located at 2505 W. Hwy 76, Branson will host a Gift of  Hope Fundraiser for the benefit its Backpack Club and Christmas Share programs on Saturday, October 2, 2010 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Those attending will enjoy reduced rates with $5.00 one-pass rides including bumper boats and miniature golf and “Kids Kountry” passes at $5.00 for 1 hour.”

The Gift of Hope’s mission is “Providing essentials and pathways to independence for Taney County Families.” One of the ways it does that is through “The Backpack Club” which provides a backpack of nutritious food for children who have shown signs of hunger outside of the school meal program.  Children receive the food each weekend during the school year. The Christmas Share program will provide customized assistance to approximately 30 families in need during the winter months.

“Branson visitors as well as locals can enjoy this great event,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The Track Family Fun Park #3 has many of ways for the whole family to have fun with everything from the “Wild Woody Go Cart Track,” to bumper boats, miniature golf, a “Kids Kountry” with special rides for the younger children and so much more. What a great way for families to have an afternoon of fun, save money and help a great cause.”

She also reminds Branson visitors that Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival runs through October 30. For information on the Gift of Hope Benefit please call 417-546-8062. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Like the leaves of fall a variety of entertainment is falling on Branson

The Grammy award winning, Michael Bolton

“The breadth of the regular live shows that Branson has to offer is amazing, ” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The variety of its regularly scheduled shows covers just about every area of entertainment from acrobats, cirque and Kung Fu to showboats, outdoor drama, thundering horses, the circus, and every genre of music from country and blue grass to pop, rock and roll and easy listening with everything in between.”

“When that variety is expanded with the addition of shows that perform limited engagements in Branson there is a variety of live shows that is unequalled by any other destination city anywhere near Branson’s size,” she continued. “Look at the variety of the limited engagement entertainment that visitors to Branson will have the opportunity to see between now and the end of October.”

The following list is sorted by starting date. For many, links are provided for further information, schedules and pricing:

Andy Williams, September 2 through October 23 (Christmas Show starts November 1)
Roy Clark with Justin David, September 13 through October 26
Ray Stevens, September 15 through Oct 23
Country’s Family Reunion, September 19 and 20
Ozark Murder Mysteries Sundays only
Oak Ridge Boys, September 21 through October 21
The Texas Tenors, September 28 through October 23
Vicki Lawrence/Mama, October 8 and 9 only
Mid West Country Stars, October 20 and 21 only.
The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar, and Restless Heart October 22 only
Michael Bolton on October 23 only.
Miracle of Christmas, starts for Christmas season October 30.

Johnson also points out that the limited engagement performances are in addition to the full complement of Branson’s many other shows, attractions, festivals and major activities that will be taking place between now and the end of October such as:

Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival, September 11 – October 30
Shepherd of the Hills Fall Harvest Festival, September 7 – October 23
Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, September 16 -19
Ironman Branson 70.3, September 19
12th Annual Hollister Grape & Fall Festival, September 25
First Annual Titanic Firehouse Chili Cook-off, October 2
BBQ & Big Smith at Branson Creek, October 2
Titanic’s 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event, October 8 – 10
Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo, October 8 -10

“Mother Nature adds perhaps the greatest “‘show’ of all to the mix,” said Johnson. “In addition to everything else Branson has to offer, the Fall foliage in the Ozarks is a beautiful thing to see.”

She advises that the Fall Season is a particularly busy one in Branson and recommends making show and lodging reservations well in advance to insure that the seating and accommodations meet expectations. For additional information or tickets for these shows, attractions or events mentioned in this article, 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. It can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The National Harvest Festival – one reason why Silver Dollar City is “The Home of American Craftsmanship”

Gourd Painting is just one of the many crafts featured in the National Harvest Festival.

“You know fall is coming to the Ozarks when the National Harvest Festival starts at Silver Dollar City,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s been an exciting and important part of fall in the Ozarks for decades.”

The National Harvest Festival is an inherent part of the experience that Silver Dollar City has provided its visitors since its early days “when its founding family wanted to share the ways of the Ozarks with visitors to the Ozark Mountains.” It is a festival of “American crafts and demonstrating craftsmanship – celebrating the handwork, the foods, the music and the long-established camaraderie of the harvest…” Long known for preserving our Ozarks, history, heritage and craftsmanship, the U.S. Congress recently recognized Silver Dollar City by proclaiming it “The Home of American Craftsmanship.”

Silver Dollar City’s “National Harvest Festival,” running from September 11 through October 30 not only illustrates the appropriateness of that recognition, but will provide Silver Dollar City guests with a unique opportunity to view a variety of some of the finest craftsmen in America. Over 130 visiting craftsmen from all over the country will demonstrate their art or craft. From glass blowing and painting to basket weaving, Native American flutes, knife making, basket weaving and many more crafts. The National Harvest Festival is one of the largest gatherings of demonstrating artists and craftsmen anywhere in America.

New to the Festival this year will be the “Craft in America Exhibit” from the creators of the Peabody awarded PBS documentary series featuring 50 works from nationally acclaimed artisans such as Kit Carson, Richard Notkin, Tom Joyce and many others; the “Craftsmen’s Reunion Showcase” featuring renowned craftsmen previously featured at Silver Dollar City such as noted outdoor artist Tom Crain and wood carver Peter Engler; the “Caricature Carvers of America Showcase” and the “Learn-How-To-Do-It-Yourself Craft Workshops.” Returning again this year will be the  “Best of Missouri Hands” featuring some of the best of Missouri’s craftsmen and artists featuring juried members of the “Missouri Artisans Association” who are all Missouri residents and recognized as masters in their respective “medium.”

The National Harvest Festival will also present an original award winning musical production sharing the harrowing adventures and colorful characters of America’s westward expansion during the 1860s entitled “Headin’ West.” The production has ” surprising special effects, vivid scenery and talented performers and is Silver Dollar City’s biggest production show ever!” In 2009 it won the “Big-E” award for “Best Overall Production” presented by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Headin West will run from September 11 through October 24 at 11:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the Opera House Theatre.

Another fun activity of the National Harvest Festival will be the opportunity to participate in the “Missouri’s Largest Barn Dance.” It will be held on the giant dance floor inside the Red Gold Heritage Hall and feature live bands such as Horsecreek Band, Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys, Missouri Travelers and others will be playing your favorite country & western and western swing tunes. In addition, “seasoned dancers will be on hand to give tips and instruction to beginners.”

And what would a Harvest Festival be without the tastes of fall. From “Great Northern Ham and Beans” to “Indian Tacos,” “Wrangler’s Buffalo Chili, “Goodnight’s Son of a Gun Beef Stew” and desserts such as blackberry cobbler and hot apple dumplings, there is something for just about every palette as the “Tastes of America,” are shared in the restaurants throughout the park.

The National Harvest Festival starts September 11 and will run through October 30, Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. For information, schedules and tickets, feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, 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.

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