Category Archives: Featured

Branson’s Centennial Concert just might be “The Branson Show of the Century!”

Presleys' Country Jubilee comedian "Herkimer," Gary Presley, in the red shirt and drummer, Steve Presley, have been performing on a continuous basis since the show first opened on the Branson Strip in 1967.

BRANSON, Mo. “Although there will be other special events in connection with Branson’s Centennial celebration, the show billed as ‘Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century’ will truly be one of the most popular highlights of the Centennial,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It might very well be the most unique and entertaining show ever presented in Branson,” she added.

Bill Lennon, the show’s producer concurred adding, “It’s a show that will be full of history, nostalgia and entertainment, but most of all fun. After all, it’s a birthday celebration!” From the show’s original overture, incorporating 100 years of Branson history and music, to its historical elements, entertainers and the way it is all woven together, it is truly a once in a hundred year event of special significance.

There will be some special and unique performances. How often have the Baldknobbers Jamboree, acknowledged as Branson’s first show, and the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Branson’s first show on the Branson Strip, performed together? How about a jam session with Jim Stafford and Ronnie Prophet and perhaps another special guest performer? Is there a possibility that the “Foggy River Boys” might be singing with “New South?” The unique possibilities and potential surprises for this once in a lifetime show are as endless as they are exciting.

Shoji Tabuchi and his daughter Christina are just two of the many Branson stars, present and past, scheduled to perform in the show.

That’s even more so when performances by the incredible Shoji Tabuchi and his daughter Christina; the Lennon Sisters; Yakov Smirnoff and a host of other Branson entertainers including “local songstress and portrayer of Aretha Franklin at the Legends in Concert, Nedgra Culp…; The Haygoods; Roy Rogers, Jr. and the High Riders; a special pre-show welcome from noted ventriloquist Jim Barber; a Happy Birthday sing-along with ‘Marilyn Monroe’, who also appears at Legends in Concert” and other surprises are factored in. It is easily one of most star studded shows Branson has seen in its 100 year existence.

To add to the enjoyment and fun, the live performances, Carrie April Tillis will act as the mistress of ceremonies and there will be a live 11 piece house band. Other special events and surprises will be incorporated into the show highlighted by an interactive performance of historical pictures and videos, music and a live narration presented by an “Original Ozark’s Mountain Gem,” Greg Pyron.

“In a sense, it has taken 100 years for this show to come to fruition and it’s not something most of us will see again in our lifetimes,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. She points out that there will only be one performance of this show, starting at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday April 15, tickets are selling fast and suggests that those wanting tickets get them as soon as possible. She expects large crowds in Branson that weekend because of the combination of Silver Dollar City’s WorldFest and the Titanic Museum Attraction’s “A Night to Remember” on April 14 in addition to Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century and all the fun and excitement Branson offers on a regular basis. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center either by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“Speech, Song and Celebration” to start Branson Centennial

Branson Centennial Logo

BRANSON, Mo. It is not an April fool’s joke, the City of Branson was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1912 and will be celebrating “100 years of Heritage, Harmony, and Hospitality” with special events throughout 2012, starting with the kick off of its “Centennial Celebration” (Centennial) on April 1, 2012. Although many events will be tied into the Centennial such as the Titanic Museum Attraction’s, “A Night to Remember” on April 14, the “The 52nd Annual Plumb Nellie Days” May 17-19 and others; the primary Centennial events will be the “Centennial History Museum Grand Opening and Celebration,” in Historic Downtown Branson on Sunday, April 1; “Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century,” on Sunday April 15 and “Branson’s 100th Fest and Street Dance,” at a place TBD, on Saturday, July 7.

The first official event of the Centennial will be the “Centennial History Museum Grand Opening and Celebration,” which will be held at the Museum, located at the corner of Main Street and Veterans Boulevard, Business Highway 65, in the heart of Historic Downtown Branson, on Sunday, April 1, with the actual ceremony starting at 2:00 p.m. The short ceremony will include “a blessing of the crowd by Bob Hubbard, the National Anthem, performed by renowned tenor George Dyer, and a Color Guard presentation by local Veterans will set the tone for an earnest, but uplifting celebration for its citizens. Celebrity Ventriloquist Jim Barber will serve as Emcee, and featured Speakers in addition to Mayor Presley include Museum Supporter Leon Combs and Katie Danner, Department of Missouri Tourism.”

After the ceremony the crowd can follow a Dixieland band into Historic Downtown Branson for more music, fun and festivities until 5pm. This will include an afternoon of street musicians, walking tours, and story tellers and other entertainment.

The Branson Centennial Museum will remain open throughout 1912 and is made possible through the combined efforts of “The Downtown Branson Main Street Association,” The White River Valley Historical Society, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (BLACC) and the City of Branson. It will be located at 101 Veterans Boulevard in a building formerly housing the Morris Oil Company and donated for the Centennial by Jim D. Morris, philanthropist and local merchant.

Some of the Museums initial exhibits are planned to include “Early Branson, prior to its 1912 incorporation,” “The White River,” “The Roots of Tourism” “School Days” and others. With its prime visibility, visitors and locals alike will find the museum attractive and engaging. To keep the exhibits fresh, interesting and exciting many will be rotated “on a six-eight week basis.”

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, said, “The Centennial Celebration activities and events will be another unique and exciting thing for Branson visitors to experience in Branson during 2012.” For additional information on Branson’s Centennial Celebration or for information or tickets for 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s “acrobatic” action, spectacle and excitement

The synchronized unicylists are just one of the many exciting and colorful acts in the Acrobats of China.

BRANSON, Mo. “Branson’s acrobatic shows provide everyone in the family, from preschoolers to grandparents, or just about anyone else who enjoys watching the color, action, and excitement of shows featuring skilled acrobats and performers doing unusual feats of grace, daring, physical prowess and dexterity, with a wonderful and different Branson entertainment experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Like its music shows and other entertainment, Branson is all about giving its visitors a choice of  quality entertainment options and fun for the whole family even within entertainment categories.”

Johnson points out that there are at least four Branson shows that fit within the genre of acrobatic type shows described above. Although each is unique, “The Acrobats of China,” “Cirque Montage,” “Legend of Kung Fu,” and “Yakov’s Dinner Adventure,” all fall within that genre.

Branson’s longest running show of this type, the Acrobats of China has been amazing Branson audiences since 1998. In a 2011 review of the show this writer said, “Everything involved with this show is about excellence, synchronization, excitement, precision, skill and entertainment. Even something as seemingly mundane as the beating of Chinese drums is turned into a colorfully synchronized entertainment experience that is amazing to see and hear. Acrobats of China is a virtual cornucopia of one amazing, entertaining, and exiting act after another that seamlessly melds into one grand choreographed entertainment experience for both adults and children.”

Cirque Montage made its premier Branson performance in 2009 and has been bringing its unique cirque style excitement back to Branson ever since. Its combination of the skill, daring, strength, grace, and agility of former artists with various Cirque du Soleil shows into one show, showcasing each individual performers unique talent, makes it unique among cirque shows. Judy Blake, one of the promoters of Cirque Montage has pointed out that in the typical cirque show there is a lot of other things going on concurrently while the individual artists are performing She has referred to  Cirque Montage as “cirque lite” because the show emphasizes and focuses on the individual artists themselves as they perform and interact with the audience.

One of the spectacular sets from The Legend of Kung Fu.

The Legend of Kung Fu is a spectacular and colorful production of a simple story about a very young boy who is left at the temple by his mother to apprentice as a monk and learn the art and culture of Kung Fu. The story is told with beautiful choreography, spectacular sets, costuming and an extremely talented Chinese cast of dozens.. Factor in the mystique, culture and heritage of China along with the excitement and action of Kung-Fu and the result is an exciting and unique show with something for everyone to enjoy.

Yakov’s Dinner Adventure combines the skills “from 15 international acts” into an original “fairy tale” story involving relationships, love between sisters, young love found, betrayal, redemption, and, as would be expected, a happy fairy tale ending. The story is set in the exciting environment of a Russian Circus and, as it unfolds, is artfully woven around the acts in the circus and its characters. From the graceful performance on the aerial hoop high above the stage to the final act, a beautiful and exciting combination adagio dance and aerial silk act, Yakov’s Dinner Adventure is constant action, variety and entertainment for the whole family. As the title of the show suggests, dinner is also part of the show and its presentation is as wonderful as the food is tasty.

Experience the excitement and awakening of Spring in Branson

View the beauty of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake from the top of "Wildfire." SDC's world class coaster.

BRANSON, Mo. From a temperature perspective, it seems as if the Winter of 2011-2012 forgot to come to a large part of the country including Branson, except in name. The unseasonably mild weather since Fall almost mutes the fact that the official first day of Spring begins at 12:14 (CDT) on March 20. Temperatures and weather aside however, as the other harbingers of Spring begin to manifest themselves, Branson’s Ozark Hills come to life, not only with their natural beauty, but with the sounds and sights of people simply having fun and enjoying themselves as they bask in the first natural blush of Spring.

The first wave of those celebrating Spring Break in Branson are just in time to experience the explosive natural beauty of the Ozarks with a spectacular display including the Bradford Pears, Dogwoods and Redbuds along with the opening of Branson’s great live shows, activities, shopping and attractions, including the opening of “Silver Dollar City.” The majority of Branson’s major attractions such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum,” “Hollywood Wax Museum,” “Veterans Memorial Museum” and many others are open year round, but Spring brings the excitement of the reopening of many of Branson’s other exciting seasonal attractions such as “Ride the Ducks,” “Branson Scenic Railway,” Branson’s many outdoor mini golf courses including “Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf” and of course, its biggest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City.

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is an internationally recognized 1880’s style theme park that opened its 2012 season on March 15. The park features over 30 rides and attractions including its high-flying multi-looping world class roller coaster “WildFire” reaching speeds of up to 66 miles per hour; demonstrating craftsmen working at crafts that have been passed down from generation to generation; some of the best live shows in Branson; unique shopping and food and a series of world class festivals starting with “World-Fest,” the country’s largest international festival, running from April 12 through May 6

Spring brings freshness and  renewal to most of Branson’s live shows as they present their new 2012 shows. From the addition of “Rumble in the Tree Tops” at “Dixie Stampede,” the spectacular new production of Joseph and shows as varied as the Acrobats of China, “The Baldknobbers Jamboree,” Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Haygoods, “it presented by the Hughes Brothers,” “the Duttons,” SIX, “George Dyer,” “Grand Jubilee,” Shoji Tabuchi, Pierce Arrow, “Jim Stafford,” “Doug Gabriel,” “Legends in Concert” and “Amazing Pets,” just to mention a few, Branson’s offers a variety of live entertainment that is unrivaled in any destination city of its size anywhere.

Branson is almost as famous for its shopping as it is for its live shows, attractions and other activities. “Branson Landing,” with its lakeside location, fire and water show, restaurants, “Bass Pro Shop” and 100 other retail shops, two factory discount malls, countless specialty shops in historic downtown Branson and throughout Branson provide a unique and unparalleled shopping opportunity.

Spring activities for a lot of people include golf. The mild winter and excellent course maintenance has Branson’s world class golf courses, including the Payne Stewart Golf Course at Branson Hills, Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and Branson Creek, among others, ready to provide a great golfing experience for the seasoned champion tournament player and challenge for the beginner as well as.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, also reminds potential visitors that the Spring of 2012 will be very special in Branson. The city of Branson is celebrating its Centennial with special activities on April 1 and 15 and the Titanic Museum Attraction is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic during 2012, including a Night to Remember on April 14 and other events. For additional information on any of the shows, attractions, events or activities mentioned in this article please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The “Dogs of Branson”

Informal moment with Todd Oliver and his "talkative" canine friends Irving, left, Elvis and Lucy

BRANSON, Mo. For everyone who has heard about the “Dogs of the Dow” investment strategy, there are probably hundreds, if not thousands, that haven’t heard about the “Dogs” of Branson.” It’s time to change all that and introduce you to some of the “Dogs of Branson,” the most talkative “Irving,” “Lucy,” and “Elvis;” the cutest “Molly” and Carter” and the zaniest “Chico Pete.”

“Irving,” a Boston Terrier; “Lucy,” a West Highland mix and “Elvis,” a Basset Hound are “talking dogs” who work with their partner, Todd Oliver in the Todd Oliver and Friends show . They present one of the most unique and funny entertainment experiences not only in Branson, but anywhere. As Irving says, “If you can’t laugh at a talking dog you probably own a cat!”

David Letterman has proclaimed Oliver one of the “Top Ventriloquists in The World!” He and his canine friends have appeared on Letterman’s show, “The Today Show”, “Walker Texas Ranger” and many more. In addition to his talking dogs, Oliver’s Branson show also includes the “Smiling Eyes Band,” and a “cast” of characters including “Pops,” “Miss Lilly,” and “Joey.”

The cute Molly and Carter with Titanic First Class Maid Jaynee and Captain Smith.

Any of the other “Dogs of Branson” would be hard pressed to displace the Titanic Museum Attraction’s “Molly” and “Carter” as Branson’s cutest dogs. The two adorable King Charles Spaniels are the Titanic’s mascots.

As part of their duties, when the ship’s whistle blows at noon, they come around the bow and promenade down the winding walkway and past the waterfall to the iceberg by the museum’s entrance where they “greet” the ships guests and pose for pictures. In addition, passengers on the Titanic are likely to meet them either as they walk through the ship with their handlers or while they spend time relaxing in their lavish climate controlled “kennel” aboard the ship.

Jim Barber and the zany Chico Pete

“Chico Pete,” unlike the other “Dogs of Branson,” is not actually a “dog,” but “he” is probably the most zany, unique and funny “Chihuahua” most will ever meet. Chico sings, talks and performs in the Hamner Barber Variety Show with his buddy, nationally known ventriloquist and comedian, Jim Barber. Barber, has been on the Dave Letterman Show and won numerous awards and together, in the opinion of this writer, the crazy, entertaining and audience pleasing antics of “Chico” not only qualifies “him” to join the ranks of “The Dogs of Branson,” but makes him their zaniest member. It should be pointed out that “Chico” is just one small part of the great magic, comedy and entertainment making up the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

Tornado shouldn’t interrupt Branson Spring Break or vacation plans

Titanic Museum Attraction earlier today in all her Spring Break splendor

BRANSON, Mo.  In the wake of the tornado that hit Branson during the early morning hours of February 29 some might ask, “Why should I plan to visit or vacation in Branson?” The answer is simple. For the same reason that you would have come to Branson before the tornado, to have a great time with your family and enjoy the unique exciting experience that only Branson can provide.”

That potentially raises another question, “But is it the same experience after the storm as before?” Without diminishing in any way the anguish and damage suffered by those whose lives or property was impacted by the storm, Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the largest providers of Branson travel services says, “The answer to that question would have to be a resounding, ‘Yes.'”

Yesterday, while at Scotty’s Trout Dock in downtown Branson, I received confirmation of that fact from a chance encounter. A man came into the office with his two sons and rented a pontoon boat. As he was out in the boat rigging up the rods they would use to fish we started to talk and “shoot the breeze.”

I did not get his name, because we just talking and shooting the breeze at the time, but he is from Memphis, TN and had never been to Branson before. He and his family decided to come and spend their “Spring Break” in Branson because they had heard a lot of great things about it and, although they own a lake property nearer to Memphis, they decided they wanted to try something different this year.

When asked if the tornado had almost caused them not to come he said that it had not, because when they “checked it out” they decided that they could do anything they wanted to do. During their week in Branson, among other things,  they plan to go trout fishing and can check that one off their list; see SIX; visit the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Titanic Museum Attraction and go to Silver Dollar City later in the week.

Given that Branson was hit by an EF-2 tornado, the blessing is that it’s direct impact on the lives, property and economy of the area it tracked over was no greater than it was. Media sensationalism to the contrary, the reality is that there were no fatalities; relatively few injuries and, as this family found out, the vast majority of the property over which the tornado passed was left undamaged including the vast majority of the attractions, shows, shopping and other activities that are the foundation of Branson’s tourism based economy and provide the fun, excitement and adventure for which Branson is famous.

Branson Tourism Center’s Milton adds that from a fun and entertainment perspective, the Branson named as one of 2012’s Best Family Vacation Destinations by Away.com, a division of Orbitz.com, is ready to provide your family with one of the most exciting, unique and entertaining vacations they will ever experience. For additional information about Branson and all it has to offer, please contact the Branson Tourism Center 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.

Spring Break starts Silver Dollar City’s biggest festival and show year ever

The beauty of the Ozarks with a glimpse of Table Rock Lake from the top of SDC's world class coaster "Wildfire."

BRANSON, Missouri – March 6, 2012  “As great as Silver Dollar City already is, it seems like it just keeps outdoing itself in a constant quest to provide its guests with a fresh, exciting and memorable experience every season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The addition of new shows, events and expanded festivals’ shows that 2012 is certainly not going to be an exception.”

Silver Dollar City starts its 2012 season on March 15, the first day of its “Family Spring Break Days.” This first event of its 2012 season not only provides families and those on Spring Break a opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Ozarks during the Spring, but to ” be among the first to launch into the 2012 season on the thrill ride ‘PowderKeg,’ soar above the high flying, multi-looping cobra rolling roller coaster ‘WildFire,’ and fly over seven stories high on the ‘Giant Swing.’ The Grand Exposition includes 10 rides ranging from the Magnificent Wave Carousel to the Royal Tea Party. Entertainment includes Doc Gizmo Science Theatre, making science fun with amazing experiments.”

The full 2012 schedule of Silver Dollar City’s Special Events is as follows:

Family Spring Break Days – March 15-18; March 22-25
Young Christian Weekend – March 30 – April 1
Easter Weekend – April 5-7
World-Fest – April 12 – May 6
Bluegrass & BBQ – May 10 – June 3
National KidsFest – June 9 – July 22
Independence Day – July 4
Moonlight Madness – July 21 – August 5
Southern Gospel Picnic – August 24 – September 3
Country Music Weekend – September 8-9
National Harvest Festival – September 13 – October 27
An Old Time Christmas – November 3 – December 30

Although not on its “2012 Special Events Calendar,” Silver Dollar City will also be hosting “Midwest’s Premier Christian Youth Event: Young Christians’ Weekend. March 30-April 1.” This event will include Christian performers including “The Museum,” “The Afters!,” “Chris August” and much more.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson says that all the activities involved with Silver Dollar City’s festivals and events are in addition to everything else that the internationally award winning 1880s-style theme park offers, including 30 rides and attractions, demonstrating craftsmen, shows and restaurants. She also points out that those purchasing their Silver Dollar City tickets through the Branson Tourism Center get a bonus day, two days 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 the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

AAA Midwest Traveler shares 10 surprising things about Branson you didn’t know

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many fun things for families to share in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. An article entitled, “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Branson, Mo,”* written by Marge Peterson, is featured in the March-April edition of AAA’s “Midwest Traveler Magazine.” It said that Branson is one of the “Midwest’s most popular vacation spots” and that a “multitude of stories have been written about Branson over the years about the music, theatres, stars, water recreation and the natural beauty of the area.”

After inquiring as to the depth of the reader’s knowledge about Branson, in a rhetorical sense, the article offers “10 Branson tidbits that may surprise you.” From the “King of Branson,” to “Mullets and Music,” and the “City’s Deepest Darkest Secret,” this interesting article about the city some call the “Live music show capital of the world,” shares 10 “tidbits” about Branson “that may surprise you. “One thing for sure though,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “surprising or not, they illustrate the variety and depth of the fun, excitement and adventure that Branson offers.”

From a date perspective, two things are mentioned; the fact that the city of Branson, incorporated on April 1, 1912, is celebrating its Centennial and that the Titanic Museum Attraction is remembering the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Johnson points out that there will be special events in connection with each. For example, on April 14 a special VIP event, “A Night To Remember,” will be held as the Titanic Museum Attraction remembers the tragic sinking with a day full of tributes, choral groups, the lighting of the Titanic Eternal Flame and the launching of distress fire rockets as the “once-in-a-lifetime event, not to return for 100 years,” concludes.

Other tidbits in the article include how the magnificent Showboat Branson Belle was launched in 1994 with tons of bananas lubricating the launch ramp as she slid into Table Rock Lake; the world class fishing offered in Branson’s three lakes, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lake’s that make Branson a fisherman’s “Paradise;” America’s largest Veterans Day celebration, “Branson Veterans Homecoming;” the many animals involved with Sight and Sound’s spectacular production of Joseph which will be premiering in Branson on April 14; interesting facts on Branson’s “popular and insightful comedian, Yakov Smirnoff;” the initial challenges Shoji Tabuchi faced and the uniqueness of his theatre’s restrooms, how “3 Redneck Tenors” get to Carnegie Hall and the wonder’s of Silver Dollar City‘s Marvel Cave. Some might say, “But you haven’t told us who is the “King of Branson” and what the “The City’s Deepest Darkest Secret” is.

Johnson would suggest that, although in terms of the article, the answers are contained above, that the real “King of Branson” is each of the millions of guests who visit it each year and that Branson’s “deepest secret” is not dark at all. It is the simple fact that there is not a place on earth that offers families the combination of spirit, natural beauty, water recreation, entertainment, excitement, shopping and adventure that Branson offers. “The 10 things that people don’t know about Branson illustrates one big reason for families to plan to spend their vacation in Branson, during 2012,” she added.

Johnson said that the knowledgeable staff of the Branson Tourism Center would be happy to help in answering any questions about Branson that people might have or assist them in planning a trip or vacation to Branson experience. The Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Article based on review of hard copy of issue. No link provided because, as of the time of the posting of this article, none was available on the AAA Midwest Traveler site.

“Ozarks Romance” first of many Branson historical exhibits during Centennial Celebration

This 1894 nightgown was worn by Delphia Francis Spradlin following her marriage to John Samuel Reish.Nightgown from the Reish Family Collection on loan to the WRVHS courtesy of Joe and Barbara Reish.

BRANSON, Mo “The White River Historical Society’s ‘Ozarks Romance’ is yet another unique and diversified activity for Branson visitors to consider while visiting Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The items from the Reish Family collection are opportune because Branson is celebrating its Centennial this year and the family still operates Branson’s longest running commercial business, ‘Reish Shoes,’ in historic downtown Branson,” she continued.

Information received from The White River Historical Society says “When did the tradition of a bride wearing white develop? What homespun remedy is a ‘sure cure, for a complexion problem? How can you be sure you dream of your future spouse? Answers to these questions and more are answered during the White River Valley Historical Society’s ‘Ozarks Romance’ exhibit, where love is in the air, through March 30.

“The exhibit, created by members of the Society, gives visitors a look at marriage and courtship in the area, including folklore, chivarees, anniversaries, hope chests, and shotgun weddings.  Vintage gowns and nightgowns are part of the display, as well as valentines from the 1930’s, albums, hope chest items, and a ‘parlor’ ready for the big day!”

The White River Valley Historical Society is located at 297 Main Street, Forsyth, across from the Taney County Judicial Facility, its operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and there is no admission charge. For further information on the “Ozarks Romance” exhibit, any of the many other special events that will be taking place during the celebration of the Branson Centennial or Branson’s shows, attractions or lodging, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Last Two Days to Vote for Silver Dollar City as Best Theme Park

The beauty of the Ozarks with a glimpse ofTable Rock Lake from the top of SDC's world class coaster "Wildfire."

BRANSON Mo. “There is only two days left, including today, to vote for Silver Dollar City as the Best Theme Park in the ’10 Besties Readers’ Choice Travel Awards,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Johnson points out that voting in the online competition for the “Best Theme Park” and other categories, is open through Sunday and that voting is done by simply mouse clicking on your favorite. Those wishing to vote may do so at www.10best.com/TravelAwards/Vote/best-theme-parks.

Martha Bohner, Publicist for Silver Dollar City Attractions said that “everyone has an opportunity to log on and vote, check rankings and cast additional votes each day through Sunday. “Nominations like this show that Branson and its attractions rank high in popularity for family travel,” she added.

Johnson said, “We congratulates Silver Dollar City on its nomination and our prayer is that they win the Best Theme Park Award. It would be wonderfully deserved by the park and their employees and yet another indication of the quality of the entertainment experience provided by Branson’s shows and attractions. She points out the international award winning 1880s-style theme park, with its 30 rides and attractions, demonstrating craftsmen, shows, restaurants and eight featured festivals and events will open its 2012 season on March 15 and that it will run through December 30.

For additional information on Silver Dollar City, any of its festivals or events or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center  by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day, or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.