Category Archives: Branson Attractions

July Family Fun in Branson

July is a great month for some wet fun at Silver Dollar City on rides like the Lost River of the Ozarks.

“Branson, Missouri is a fun place all year round,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “However for kids and families, July is special.”

He points out that arguably, on a year round mile by mile basis, there is not a destination city anywhere that has more variety, fun, atttractions and activities for families than Branson. He suggests that it would be very difficult to find any other place that has a pristine 43,000 acre fresh water lake like Table Rock Lake; world class fishing; the selection of live entertainment and shows Branson offers; Silver Dollar City, a world class theme park; a 12 acre outdoor water park like White Water; world class golf and attractions as diverse as Branson’s Titanic, the world’s biggest museum attraction; Branson Scenic Railroad; The Butterfly Palace and Rain Forest Adventure; cruises on the 278 foot long paddlewheel Showboat Branson Belle; the excitement and adventure of Dixie Stampede and many more all located within minutes of each other.

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is celebrating 50 years of helping people “Make memories worth repeating” during 2010. The award winning 1880s theme park has skilled Ozark craftsmen demonstrating their crafts, food, shows, interactive activities and over 30 rides and attractions offering as much excitement, thrills and adventure as most families could ever want.

“The neat thing about the rides at Silver Dollar City,” Miller says, “is that there is something for every member of the family to enjoy from the multi-looping coaster ‘WildFire’ to ‘The Grand Exposition,’ offering a selection of rides that can be shared by the whole family right down to the littlest child.” He also points out that its new $7 million “River Blast” ride will be just the ticket to cool off during the hot July weather. “You’ve never seen a water fight like this before,” he said.

The free Discovery Trolley provides an entertaining rountrip through historic downtown Branson to Branson Landing.

July is a special month at Silver Dollar City for families and kids because of “KidsFest,” which will be running from June 5 through August 8, and will continue during the whole month. In addition to everything else there is to do at Silver Dollar City, from Sponge Bob to VeggieTales to the magic of Peter Gossamer and Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience (TM) KidsFest is filled with a variety of additional entertainment and activities specifically for kids and families.

In addition, from go karts, movies, miniature golf, museums and helicopter rides to fishing, golfing and shopping, Branson offers exciting attractions and activities of every kind. Miller said, “And there is plenty of ‘Free’ stuff to do in Branson.” He points out that riding on the free Historic Downtown Branson “Discovery Trolley,” taking a tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery at the foot of Table Rock Dam, walking along the Branson Landing Boardwalk or feeding the ducks and geese down a Scotty’s Trout Dock are examples of the many things that families can do together that don’t cost anything.

He said that July is one of Branson’s busiest months and suggests making advance reservations for lodging and shows to ensure availability. For free personal concierge help in planning a family vacation to Branson Miller suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Showboat Branson Belle is 1,250 tons of floating entertainment and excitement

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle

“Branson, Missouri has so many fun filled things for people and families to do that the choices almost boggle the mind,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “One of its most unique shows and attractions, from its banana launch on August 12, 1994 to the entertainment experience it provides is the Showboat Branson Belle.”

Themed to capture the beauty, legend and lore of the early 1800 showboat era; the Showboat Branson Belle provides her passengers with a unique chance to experience the elegant grandeur of a bygone era while being able to dine, see a show, and experience the beauty of the Ozarks and its constantly changing scenery as they cruise the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. “The whole Showboat Branson Belle experience, has made its cruises one of the most popular attractions in Branson for individuals, families and groups of all sizes,” Miller said.

“When you first see her, you know that she is something special,” He continued. Her four decks and smoke stacks reach over 112 feet into the Ozark’s sky and her picture book grandeur transcends time, reminding everyone of the romance, adventure, and history of riverboats and sets the mood for the adventure, fun and entertainment that those boarding her will have.

As impossible as it sounds, the Showboat Branson Belle was built completely on the shores of Table Rock Lake in the immediate area of the White River Landing, where she is now berthed. On August 12, 1994 she was launched down a 140 foot launch ramp, that had been greased with an environmentally friendly two tons of bananas instead of other lubricants, into Table Rock Lake. She was christened on April 13, 1995 and made her first cruise that same month.

At 278 feet in length, 78 feet in width, and weighing 1,250 tons, the $8 million Showboat Branson Belle is almost as long as a football field and carries over 700 passengers as she cruises the scenic waters of Table Rock Lake. She is believed to the largest paddle wheel excursion vessel sailing in a landlocked waterway and is one of the few vessels of her size that does not provide alcoholic beverages or gambling of any type.

Like the true sternwheelers of the past, the Showboat Branson Belle is actually propelled through the water by her two huge stern paddlewheels at a peak speed of 11 miles per hour and an average speed of six miles per hour. Each is 24 feet in diameter, 16 feet wide and propelled by its own independent motor. Although her navigation into and out of her mooring facility is handled by bow and stern thrusters she is steered by a 10 foot 2 inch Captain’s Wheel “made of solid maple wood Restored from the C.C. Slider which operated 1928 – 1952.”

Miller said that the theatrical entertainment and great meals prepared onboard the ships galley for its lunch and dinner cruises are provided in an atmosphere that is as close to the elegance and adventure of the historical river boat era as one is likely to find. “In addition,” he said, “The Ozarks scenery seen from Table Rock Lake, as the Showboat Branson Belle cruises its waters, provides an unsurpassed constantly changing show of its own.

For additional information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle 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.

Why spend Memorial Day Weekend anywhere else but in Branson?

White Water is two million gallons of water fun and excitment for the whole family.

“Every weekend in Branson is special, but there’s just something about Memorial Day Weekend in Branson,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “Perhaps it’s because that’s the long weekend many people associate with the “unofficial” beginning of summer, but one thing is for certain, there is a synergy in the air in Branson that just seems to shout, ‘Let the summer fun begin.’”

What better place than Branson, Missouri for that to happen? Pristine lakes, great fishing, boating, golfing, hiking and access to the natural beauty of the Ozarks, coupled with its live shows, attractions, shopping and activities, make Branson the most unique and one of the most fun filled destinations in the world. Factor in the it’s a long holiday weekend and some of the other exciting things happening that weekend and why would anyone want to be anywhere else but in Branson over Memorial Day Weekend?

While the vast majority of Branson attractions are already open, its biggest water park, “White Water,” opens over Memorial Day Weekend. Featuring “Kalani Towers,” a 7- story, 6- slide, thrill ride, the 12 acre attraction has more than a dozen rides, and 7,000 feet of water slides all set in a tropical theme. From play areas for toddlers to the towering “Kalani Towers” White Water offers more than two million gallons of water excitement and fun for Branson visitors and is a wonderful adventure for all ages and families.

Silver Dollar City, celebrating its 50th Anniversary this season, will be hosting its “Bluegrass and BBQ Festival” featuring succulent BBQ served with a choice of over 100 sauces and great Bluegrass music. The festival includes over 50 Bluegrass bands and groups that will be presenting hundreds of performances of both traditional and contemporary Bluegrass music throughout the park. Over 15 of these groups will be appearing over the Memorial Day Weekend including the last day of “The Grascals,” 2010 SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year, on May 28 and IBMA Hall of Fame Inductee Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press on May 31.

The father and son team of Herkimer and Cecil provide some of their unique action filled comedy at "Presleys' Country Jubilee."

The Bluegrass and BBQ Festival is in addition to everything else that the 1880s Ozarks theme park is famous for. Its 100 craftsmen demonstrating glass blowing, basket weaving, blacksmithing, pottery, candy making, candle making, and many other crafts; over 30 rides and attractions; 60 unique shops; restaurants and the award winning friendliness of its staff have been “Creating memories worth remembering” for over 50 years.

Miller points out that Branson’s full schedule of live shows features a wide variety of live entertainment for every taste. From the amazing skill and agility of the “Acrobats of China,” to the magic, comedy and ventriloquism of “Hamner and Barber” and the spectacular biblical production “NOAH the Musical,” the majority of Branson’s most popular shows, such as “Jim Stafford,” “Presleys’ Country Jubilee,” “Pierce Arrow,” “SIX,” “Liver Pool Legends,” “Twelve Irish Tenors,” “Broadway the Star Spangled Celebration,” The Spirit of the Dance,” “The “Showboat Branson Belle,” “Duttons,” “Rankin Brothers”, “Haygoods,” “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express,” “Hughes Brothers, ” “Dixie Stampede,” “The Platters,” “Legends in Concert” and “The Righteous Brother Bill Medley,” will be performing.

“And those are just some of the dozens of regular Branson shows that will be open over the Memorial Day Weekend,” said Miller. He points out that in addition “The Oak Ridge Boys” and “Ronnie Reno and the Cumberland Highlanders” will be performing limited engagement appearances that weekend and that Branson’s unique Polynesian show “Island Fire,” starts its season on May 28.

From lakes, to water parks, Bluegrass, BBQ, attractions, live entertainment and fun for everyone in the family, Branson is the place to spend your Memorial Day Weekend. Miller advises advance reservations for lodging and shows to ensure availability and the best accommodations and seating. For additional information or tickets for any of the shows or attractions mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

Its historic downtown is a unique part of the Branson experience

In the snow of winter or the heat of summer, Dick's 5 & 10 is just one example of the unique things Historic Downtown Branson has to offer.

“Many downtown areas are a shell of what they used to be,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, “but historic downtown Branson is alive and vibrant. It has history, shows, restaurants, shopping and attractions and is truly the place ‘where it all started.’”

The Mabe family and their “Baldknobbers Jamboree,” Branson’s first show, is credited as being the “show that started it all.” They first performed in a small rented space in a civic building located behind the historic Owens Theatre in 1959 and now, 51 years later, the rest is history. The only buildings to survive the 1912 fire that virtually destroyed Branson’s downtown district within months after it became a city, the grave of the man it is named after and it’s oldest free standing commercial building are also located in historic downtown Branson.

Interestingly, Branson’s first show started its performances behind Branson’s first theatre, the “Owen Theatre,” built in 1936 by Jim Owen, a local float trip operator on the White River, to provide entertainment for the fishermen when they weren’t fishing. It was originally called the “Hillbilly Theatre” and, although originally a movie theatre, is considered Branson’s first “theatre,” movie or otherwise. Its distinctive architecture and beautiful interior stone walls make it one of the most unique buildings in Branson.

Miller goes on to point out that the term “Elvis is in the building” takes on new meaning in historic downtown Branson with two “Elvis” shows right across the street from one another. Dave Ehlert is currently performing “Elvis and the Superstars” in the “Hot Hits Theatre.” He has been performing the show in Branson for 16 seasons with one hour of his show devoted to “Elvis.”

The Kyle Hall family has completely remodeled and restored the historic Owens Theatre right across the street and it is the venue of Branson’s newest Elvis show, “Joseph Hall Presents Eras of the King.” Hall has placed in the top ten of the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest,” since its inception in 2007, had a top ten finish on “NBC’s America’s Got Talent” in 2008 and is officially recognized by “Elvis Presley Enterprises.” It is two hours of nonstop Elvis, one number after another covering all the eras of “Elvis’ career.

Historic downtown Branson has a variety of restaurants from Thai to good old fashioned Ozarks café cooking. “In fact,” Miller says, “Branson’s oldest cafes and restaurants are located in historic downtown Branson within a block of each other including the “Branson Café,” “Farm House,” “Clocker’s and “The Shack.” Also located within the historic downtown district is Thai Thai Cuisine,” “Bleu Olive Mediterranean Grille & Bar,” “Rocky’s Italian Restaurant” and Branson’s newest upscale restaurant, the “Level 2 Steakhouse,” located in the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

In terms of shopping, historic downtown Branson has too many opportunities to mention by name, but suffice it to say from the working art studio of noted outdoor and wildlife artist T. Morgan Crain to the unique merchandise of specialty shops such as “Branson Bills Emporium” and the beads of the “Plum Bazaar,” a shopping experience in Historic Downtown Branson is unique and special.

“Dick’s 5 & 10” is not only a one of a kind shopping experience harking back to the old time “5 & 10” stores, but is also one of Branson’s most popular attractions. It’s wide selection of varied merchandise has led some to say, “If you can’t find it at Dick’s you don’t need it.” Historic Downtown Branson also has a horse and carriage ride, a free “Discovery Trolley” that runs through the historic downtown area to Branson Landing and along the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront and the Branson Scenic Railway offering scenic excursions throughout the beautiful Ozark area surrounding Branson.

Keeping Branson’s history and heritage alive is an inherent part of doing business in Historic Downtown Branson. Among other things, Historic Downtown Branson sponsors a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The “37th Annual Plumb Nellie Arts & Crafts Festival,” featuring 200 crafters exhibiting their work, demonstrations, seminars entertainment and special sales by downtown merchants will be held in historic downtown Branson May 21st through the 23rd. Click here for a full schedule of the various events and festivals sponsored Historic Downtown Branson.

In terms of its history and heritage, historic downtown Branson is “The Heart of Branson.” In terms of having fun and sharing in a special unique experience, historic downtown Branson has it all and has it all within walking distance of each other.

For further information on historic downtown Branson or its events please call Historic Downtown Branson at 417-334-1358 or visit their website www.downtownbranson.org. For Branson lodging, show or attraction information or reservations please call 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 most popular ticketed attractions in Branson are?

Titanic seems to be sailing right into the Branson Strip

“Branson has more attractions and fun per mile than any other tourism destination of a similar size,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the things we are asked most often is “What are Branson’s most popular attractions?”’ He says the answer to that is subjective and depends on the entertainment experience a person is looking for, but one thing he is certain of, “For families having fun together, Branson is hard to beat.”

Getting technical for a moment, Miller said that Branson’s live shows and venues such as “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede,” the “Showboat Branson Belle,” and “Branson Landing” as well as its lakes, golf and many other things in Branson are certainly “attractions” because they “attract people by appealing to their desires or taste.” He points out that according to the Branson Lakes Area CVB statistics that Branson Landing, a waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo near historic downtown Branson, is probably Branson’s most popular attraction with over 60 percent of the people who come to Branson visiting it.

Miller, who has over 13 years experience helping Branson visitors have a great Branson experience says, “Although still subjective, it gets a little easier if the potential attractions are whittled down to those attractions that are paid, ticketed attractions and whose major point of “attraction” is not a show and is at a fixed location. He says that people driving on the famed “Branson Strip” just have to look for the bow of a huge ship plowing toward them, Branson’s biggest ape, a building that looks like it has been revenged by an earthquake and a palace on a hill to find four of Branson’s most popular ticketed attractions.

The bow of Branson’s Titanic Museum towers about a 100 feet above the Branson Strip and is built to about half the size of the original. While on their voyage aboard the Titanic’s passengers receive an exciting interactive adventure. They relive the last fateful hours of the unsinkable leviathan by talking with the ship’s crew, viewing over 400 personal artifacts, interactive displays and activities and actually walking down an exact replica of its spectacular “Grand Staircase.” Passengers also get to meet the Titanic’s new mascots “Carter” and “Molly,” two King Charles Spaniels, who are a new and exciting part of the Titanic’s visitor experience this year.

The unique exterior of the Hollywood Wax Museum makes it stands out even on the Branson Strip.

Within hailing distance of the Titanic, people driving down the strip might want to check the skyline for Branson’s biggest ape towering high above the distinctive facade of the “Hollywood Wax Museum.” The “Hollywood Wax Museum” is not your grandfather’s museum where all you did was look. In this museum most of the ropes and barriers have been removed and visitors have an opportunity to get “up close and personal with the stars.” They get a chance to have take their pictures with their favorite stars in their most famous scenes, skip down the “Yellow Brick Road, or have a photo taken with the gargantuan 40-foot King Kong. The Hollywood Wax Museum is part of the “Hollywood Entertainment Center,” containing the “Castle of Chaos,” “Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors” and, coming soon, a cool Hollywood themed miniature golf course.

Another of Branson’s most popular ticketed attractions, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum” is housed in one of the most distinctive and identifiable buildings in Branson built to reflect the effects of the 1812 New Madrid, Missouri earthquake. Visitors take an exciting self guided tour through about 400 of the most odd and amazing collections ever assembled.

One of Branson’s most unique ticketed attractions is the “Butterfly Palace & Rainforest” located in a “palace” on top of a hill at the far western edge of the Branson Strip. The butterflies come from rainforests all around the world and showcase something that most people haven’t seen before because none of the butterflies are native to the United States. Before stepping into the rainforest aviary and its thousands of butterflies visitors view a beautiful and exciting 15 minute movie on the life of a rain forest butterfly. In addition to the butterflies the experience also includes a maze that kids of all ages will love and a reptile display.

Branson’s most popular paid attraction is also its oldest and newest, Silver Dollar City, an 1890’s themed international award winning theme park. It is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the 2010 season and yet it never gets “old” because it is always adding new rides, festivals and things for its guests to do such as its new $7 million dollar ride, “Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast,” America’s biggest water battle which opened this year. Silver Dollar City’s unique combination of rides, craft demonstrations, shows, entertainment, festivals and the famed friendliness of their employees have been helping people to “Create Memories Worth Repeating” for 50 years. Silver Dollar City’s Blue Grass and BBQ Festival runs from May 13 through May 31.

For information or tickets for any of the attractions 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.

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.

There’s no place like Mother’s Day in Branson

"Broadway, The Star Spangled Celebration" is just one of the many Branson Shows open on Mother's Day.

Mothers Day is a special day and what better place to celebrate with Mom than in that special place called “Branson.” Whether it’s just a weekend of fun and entertainment or a special occasion like Mother’s Day it’s hard to beat the variety and quality of the entertainment Branson offers.

For many, a Mother’s Day brunch or buffet has become a tradition. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center points out that Branson offers a large selection of brunches and buffets with varying prices. Among others, these include the following, listed alphabetically with the adult’s price and phone number:

Bleu Olive Mediterranean Grille & Bar, Adults $25.00 417 332-2538
Chateau on the Lake, Adult $40.00, 888-333-5253
Devils Pool, Big Cedar Lodge, Adults $29.95, 800-225-6343
Golden Coral, Adults $12.29, 417-336-6297
Grand Country Square Buffet, Adults $10.99, 417 335-2434
Grandview Conference Center, Big Cedar Lodge, Adult $34.95, 800-225-6343
Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks, Adults $29.95, 417-239-1900
Level 2 Steakhouse, Hilton Covention Center Hotel, Adults $39.00, 417 243-3433.
Plaza View Restaurant, Grand Plaza Hotel, Adults $12.95, 417-335-2798
Steve’s Tree House Adults $22.95, 417-239-0445
Worman House, Big Cedar Lodge, Adults $34.95, 1-800-225-6343

Miller said that in addition to the above, the majority of Branson’s major restaurants will be open on Mother’s Day. He also points out that Dixie Stampede and the Showboat Branson Belle will also be available for Mom to be entertained while she is dining and that the Branson Landing Princess and Lake Queen will also be offering cruises including meals.

Branson is called by some, the “Live music show capital of the world” because of the variety and quality of its shows. Many of Branson’s finest shows will be open on Mother’s Day. Miller suggests this provides yet another way to make Mother’s Day just a little more special. The following list of shows that will be open is sorted by time:

2:00 p.m. Always Patsy Cline, Moe Bandy and Sunday Gospel Jubilee

3:00 p.m. Hamner Barber Variety Show, Legends in Concert, and Shake Rattle & Roll

4:00 p.m. Showboat Branson Belle

4:40 p.m. Dixie Stampede

5:30 p.m.Yakov’s Moscow Circus

7:00 p.m. Ozark Mountain Jubilee, Paul Harris Live and Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

8:00 p.m. Acrobats of China, Broadway The Star Spangled Celebration, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Country Tonite Featuring Marty Haggard, Jim Stafford, Kirby VanBurch, Legends in Concert, Mickey Gilley, The Texas Tenors and Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience.

Miller also suggests that another special way to celebrate Mother’s Day would be with a visit to “World-Fest” at Silver Dollar City. It is the last day of the country’s largest international festival and to see the show that is “igniting” the Branson entertainment scene with its uniqueness, musicality, and excitement, “Fiery Fiddles.”

For additional information on Mother’s Day in Branson or additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for free assistance. 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.