Category Archives: Featured

Branson’s unique vibrant downtown district filled with history and fun

Free Downtown Trolley is both an attraction and a connection between Historic Downtown Branson and Branson Landing.

BRANSON, Mo. “What a blessing,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “even in these trying economic times, historic downtown Branson is vibrant, alive and thriving.” She points out that the historic downtown district has it all, fun, shows, festivals, restaurants, shopping, attractions and history all in a unique, quaint, comfortable and laid back atmosphere that truly represents “small town” America at its best.

In terms of history, Branson, Missouri, the place that is today called “The live music capital of the world” got its start in historic downtown Branson. The “Baldknobbers Jamboree,” credited with being the “show that started it all,” held the city of Branson’s first commercial theatre performances in a small rented space inside a civic center building located in historic downtown Branson. Historic downtown Branson is the location the of grave of the man Branson is named after, Ruben S. Branson; it’s oldest free standing building Sullenger’s Saloon and the only buildings to survive the 1912 fire that virtually destroyed Branson’s downtown district within months after it was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1912.

If you’re thinking that makes Branson 100 years old in 2012 you’re right. And what a century it’s been, truly “A Century to Celebrate!” Branson’s Centennial Celebration, during the entire year of 2012, will do just that honoring “100 years of Heritage, Harmony & Hospitality.”

But, historic downtown Branson is much more than just history. With festivals, parades, shows, restaurants, attractions, and shopping galore, it’s a wonderful place to relax have fun and experience a special and unique part of Branson.

Its three primary festivals, “Plumb Nellie Days,” the “Fiddle Festival,” and “Autumn Daze,” help preserve Ozarks history and culture in terms of arts, crafts, music and just getting together and having fun. Historic downtown Branson has two major parades each year; “The Branson Veteran’s Day Parade,” which has been held at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month for the last 77 years and its “Adoration Day Parade,” a night parade which has been held for 64 years, honoring the true meaning of Christmas.

It offers shows such as Elvis and the Superstars, Breakfast with Mark Twain, Motown Downtown and others. It has a selection of restaurants located close together that includes four of Branson’s oldest the “Branson Café,” “Farm House,” “The Shack” and “Clockers,” all located within a block of each other and noted for their home-style cooking; “Rocky’s Italian Restaurant” and its three newest restaurants, Branson’s upscale “Level 2 Steakhouse,” located in the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel; the unique “Table 22,” “where the earth speaks,” and the “Downtown Dinner” located next to the historic Owen Theatre.

Just one of the many aisles of merchandise in the unique shopping experience that is Dicks 5 & 10.

Historic downtown Branson is a shopper’s dream in terms of the unique shopping opportunities it offers. From unique shops such as “Branson Bills Emporium” “Rosa’s Lost Treasure Chest,” “Lil’ Shoppe of Leather” “Hollywood Studio Store & More,” the “Burlington Annex” and dozens of others, the shopping experience in historic downtown Branson is unique and special. And, if that’s not enough there is a “Free Downtown Trolley” service” between the historic downtown district and Branson Landing, which opens up a whole new area of exciting shopping opportunities.

And that’s not counting ,“Dick’s 5 & 10,” celebrating its 50th anniversary during 2011, a one of a kind shopping experience harking back to the old time “5 & 10” stores. Dicks is so unique that it 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 other attractions such as horse and buggy ride,a  “Free Downtown Trolley” that runs through the historic downtown area to Branson Landing and along the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront every few minutes, the Branson Scenic Railway, and its newest attraction, the “Gone With the Wind Museum” commemorating the spectacular 1939 film that won 10 academy awards. In this writer’s opinion, the totality of the experience that historic downtown Branson offers is in itself an attraction.

When Branson became a city on April 1, 1912 downtown Branson was the “heart” of its business district, now almost 100 years later, in terms of history, heritage, harmony, and hospitality, it’s still a major part of the “heartbeat” that makes Branson the special place that it is. For additional information on historic downtown Branson and all it has to offer 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 by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Look at the stars performing limited engagements in Branson this Fall!

Multiple Grammy award winner Michael Bolton

BRANSON, Mo. The seasons and weather may change, but one thing that is a constant, in the place called “The live music show capital of the world,” is the variety and quality of its live entertainment. From the comedy to acrobats, horses to tigers and music representing just about every musical genre Branson has a choice of live entertainment available on a daily basis during the season, that is unsurpassed by any destination city in the world.

“The breadth of the entertainment offered in Branson becomes even more amazing when one considers the limited engagement performances performed during the year,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Just look at the amazing acts coming to Branson this Fall,” she continued. “And that’s in addition to all of Branson’s other great live shows. If a person wants live entertainment, in a friendly, safe, family environment, why would they go anywhere else?”

The following list, current as of August 17, 2011, shows the major limited engagement acts scheduled for this Fall in Branson. It includes a link for each to a show description, schedule, pictures and ticket prices and is sorted alphabetically by date:

Christian Action Ministries’ Gospel Sing-Off, September 4

Andy Williams with guest Ann-Margret, September 12 through October 22. The Andy Williams Christmas Show runs from November 1 through December 10.

Gatlin Brothers, September 20 – 22

Oak Ridge Boys, September 20 – 22

Bill Anderson – A Night With A Legend, September 23 and 24

Brule, October 4 – November 18

Gatlin Brothers, October 4 – 20

Oak Ridge Boys, October 4 – 20

Neal McCoy, October 6 – 28

Michael Bolton, October 8

Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Joe Diffie, October 15

Mid West Country Stars, October 18 – 20

Tim Conway and Friends, October 21 – 22

Marty Stewart, October 21 – 22

Don Williams with guest Little Jimmy Dickens, October 22

Vicki Lawrence/Mama, November 4 – 5

Although not Fall limited engagements, Johnson suggests that those wanting to see the Andy Williams Christmas Show, Johnny Mathis Christmas Show November 18 – 19 or the Glen Campbell Farewell Concert, with special guest Restless Heart, December 2 – 3 should make their reservations as soon as possible.

For additional information or tickets for any of the limited engagement performances 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 by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Presleys’ Country Jubilee is a Branson entertainment experience without peer

Ambrus Presley singing "I Will Always Love You."

BRANSON, Mo.  Every night, as the curtain of the Presleys’ Country Jubilee Show (Presleys’) goes up, the audience becomes part of two wonderful unique experiences. They become part of Branson history and get to enjoy the legendary, one of a kind, music and comedy variety show that has made the Presleys’ a have to see show in Branson for over 44 years.

The history “experience” really started over 44 years ago, in June of 1967, as Lloyd and Bessie Presley “grabbed for their dream” of performing in their own theatre in Branson. To make the dream a reality they sold their family home in Springfield, Missouri, moved their entire family to Branson and became “Branson’s original show on the strip.”

Performing in that show were two of their sons, Gary and his younger brother Steve who have been continuously performing as a regular part of the show ever since, Gary as the incomparably funny “Herkimer” and Steve as the show’s drummer. Their 44 year run is the longest continuous performance run of any Branson entertainer. Each night they step on the stage the audience gets to participate in a new page of Branson history as it is being written.

And what a fun and entertaining way to become a part of that history as the audience also gets to experience two of the most entertaining hours available on any Branson stage. In a 2007 review of Presleys’, which he has quoted in subsequent reviews of the show simply because that opinion has remained unchanged, this writer said, “It is doubtful that one will find a show that entertains them or their families more or that has more musical or comedic talent than Presleys’ Country Jubilee.” After seeing the 2011 show recently I would have to underscore that and, without taking anything away from the great entertainment experience this show has always been, say, “There is just something extra special about this year’s show.”

Greg Presley is a master on the harmonica.

Like many Branson shows, and for good reason, they helped create the model decades ago, Presleys’ follows the time tested Branson entertainment model of presenting a variety show of music, both vocals and instrumental, and comedy. That said however, it must be pointed out that it’s not what they do, but from music to comedy, how they do it that makes Presleys’ Country Jubilee the special unique entertainment experience it is and separates it from any other show in Branson.

The shows variety of music covers everything from rock and roll, to gospel, country, classical and more all performed by musicians and vocalist who are not only very good at what they do, but appear to love what they do and relate well to the audience. The Presleys bring their own unique style and arrangements to the music in their show. It’s a wonderful thing to sit in the audience and listen to these talented performers take a piece of music and “make it their own.”

Although there were many, in terms of writing this review, this writer’s three favorite vocal moments were Ambrus Presley singing the Dolly Parton Classic, “I Will Always Love You;” Kimberly Barber’s rendition of the song that won Miranda Lambert a Grammy in 2010, “The House that Built Me” and the Gospel classic, “I Bowed on My Knees” by the shows gospel quartet consisting of Bruce Haynes, Tim Gregg, Jay Wickizer and Chuck Crain. In terms of instrumentals, his three favorites would be, John Presleys’ unique rendition of “Chopsticks,” Greg Presleys’ great harmonica version of “Southbound” and the Presleys’ version of “Dueling Banjoes” with lead in by Mark Walker on the five string banjo.

"Herkimer," red shirt, and "Cecil," with a little assist from "Cecil Jr," provide their own unique and funny brand of comedy.

When it comes to comedy, the Presleys’ Country Jubilee is in a class by itself, not only in Branson, but anywhere, for the uniqueness, quality and variety of its humor. Whether it’s a one liner about today’s current events, a discussion of “Patti Possum Lips,” by “Herkimer,” played by Gary Presley; a comical demonstration of making a balloon “Poodle” for presentation to an audience member by his stage son, “Cecil,” who also happens to be his real son Eric or one of the many original comedy segments strategically placed throughout the show, the audience is kept in a constant state of laughter and expectation.  They simply don’t know what’s coming next from this zany and funny duo, or “Wait a minute, is that a trio, is there a ‘Cecil Junior?'”

One of the remarkable things about the Presleys’ Country Jubilee is that although the show is constantly changing and evolving, in terms of music and comedy, Presleys’ is the perfect example of “The more things change the more they remain the same.” Although the content, costuming and other aspects of the show change to provide new freshness, the basic quality and format that has endeared the Presleys’ to their audience for all these years has not. It is more than ever, “a special and unique Branson entertainment experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere else by anyone else.” Not to see the Presleys’ Country Jubilee while in Branson would be like going to New York City and not seeing the “Statute of Liberty.”

For additional information or tickets for Presleys’ Country Jubilee or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson golf and entertainers featured in GOLFWEEK article

The Payne Stewart Golf Course is but one of Branson's many golfing opportunities.

When most people think of Branson, Missouri in conjunction with Shoji Tabuchi, Marty Haggard and Buck Trent they are thinking Branson shows, music and being entertained, but the August 12 edition of “GOLFWEEK” magazine presents them, and Branson, from a different perspective. In an article entitled, “A Lark in the Ozarks” Martin Kaufmann describes not only his golfing experiences with Tabuchi, Haggard and Trent on some of Branson’s fine golf courses, but does an excellent job of tying in what else Branson has to offer, not only in terms of its shows and entertainment, but in terms of lifestyle and a bit of history.

“What a wonderful way to share not only the great golfing that is available in the Branson area, but the total Branson experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. The article shares Kauffmann’s personal golfing experience with some of Branson’s premier entertainers at some of Branson’s best golf courses, personal insights on them and presents an interesting, very entertaining and insightful overview of Branson even to the point of saying, “Beyond Branson’s music, golf and other activities, what you’ll find here is a full-throated, unapologetic acclamation of the best of America: enterprise, initiative, unabashed love of country.”

Kaufman points out that Branson is home to “three Missouri’s top four public-access courses in the “GOLFWEEK’s Best rankings,” Branson Creek, Payne Stewart and Murder Rock.The article describes playing the newest, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, located in Branson Hills near the north side of Branson, with Marty Haggard. As he discusses playing the 210 yard par 3 second hole and the challenges it presented he shares Haggard’s reaction as they played the hole when he said, “Whoever designed this must have been angry the first few holes.”

He played another of Branson’s finest golf courses, Branson Creek, with Ross Summers, CEO of the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Shoji Tabuchi and Gene Litner. Kauffmann said, that the “Tom Fazio design, with its long views of the Ozarks, helped put Branson on the golf map when it opened in 1999.” In describing one hole they played, the par 5 18th hole, he compared it to Pebble Beach’s closing hole except that instead of the Pacific Ocean as the hazard there is a “sea of trees.” In pointing out Shoji’s evident love of golf Kaufmann said that he jokes about his hopes that his daughter Christina, who sings and dances in his show and has “a budding career in Nashville, ‘makes it big real quick so I can play golf every day.'”

While in Branson, Kauffman also played the LedgeStone Golf Club saying, among other things, its “back nine – with its elevated tees, doglegs and risk-reward options – might be the most thrilling stretch of holes in town and the centrally located Thousand Hills Golf Course. He also mentioned Buck Trent and The Pointe Royale golf course, which Trent finds time to play most afternoons. In discussing Trent he pointed out that Trent settled in Branson about 20 years ago because he liked the people, saying, “They’re my kind of people.” Somehow, as one reads Kauffmann’s article about golf and Branson, it’s not too hard to believe he knows and appreciates exactly what Trent meant.

Larry the Cable Guy and Tracy Lawrence for one performance each at Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater

Mister The "Git R Done," Larry the Cable Guy.

BRANSON, Mo.  “The ‘Git R Done’ man himself, Larry the Cable Guy and country music legend Tracy Lawrence will each be making a one performance limited engagement appearance at the Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater near Branson in Lampe, Missouri,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Larry the Cable Guy will be appearing at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 20th and Tracy Lawrence at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 2nd,” she continued.

In describing the performances, the Branson Tourism Center’s website says, “‘Git R Done’ is part of American Culture. Larry has thrilled audiences in The Blue Collar Comedy Tour. He has three Gold Certified Comedy Albums and has starred in five major movies. He is known as the voice of ‘Mater’ in the Disney Films “Cars” and “Cars Two”. He has his own series on the History Channel ‘Only In America With Larry The Cable Guy’.

“Larry’s special guest at Black Oak is Reno Collier. Reno has had his own series “Comedy Central Presents” and has been featured on Blue Collar. This will be a Comedy Show you will not forget!

Country music legend Tracy Lawrence.

“Country Legend Tracy Lawrence’s incredible vocals have produced hits like ‘Sticks And Stones’, ‘Time Marches On” and ‘Paint Me A Birmingham’. He has 18 number one Country Hits.

“His guests ‘Steel Magnolia’ blasted to national fame by winning CMT’s ‘Can You Duet’. Their hit single, ‘Keep On Loving You’, is the highest rated new duet in the history of Billboard. ‘JaneDear girls’ are ‘the girls next door who really kick it’. ‘Wildflower’ has thrilled audiences with high energy, soaring vocals and world class instrumentals.”

The Black Oak Amphitheater is on State Highway H about 1.7 miles west of its intersection with State Highway 13 and about 23 miles from the center of the Branson Strip.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests calling and booking these special limited engagement performances while seats are still available. For additional information or tickets for either Larry the Cable Guy or Tracy Lawrence please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-682-2021 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic is soul stirring music & hearty home cooked food

The "Downing Family" is one of the dozens of Southern Gospel groups performing at Silver Dollar City's "Southern Gospel Picnic."

BRANSON, Mo.  “Some things just seem to fit together,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “There’s just something about combining the sounds of Southern Gospel music and people laughing and having fun at Silver Dollar City during Silver Dollar City’s ‘Southern Gospel Picnic’ that is special and relates to both the spirit and values of what Branson represents,” she continued.

Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic is one of the seven world class festivals held at the park throughout the year and will run from August 25 – September 5. Although it’s one of the newest festivals, as well as one of its shortest, lasting for only 12 “inspirational toe-tapping” days, it is a great opportunity for Southern Gospel music fans, as well as for those who have never been exposed to it, to hear it at its “uplifting soul-stirring” best.

Among the dozens of groups performing over 400 performances during the event will be the Downing Family; the legendary Blackwood Quartet; The Chuck Wagon Gang; The Isaacs, 2010 Dove Award Winners and 2011 Dove Award nominees; The Peterson Family, 2010 winners of the 2010 Branson CAM Gospel Sing Off; Karen Peck & New River; Gold City; The Perrys; The Hoppers and the Legacy Five.

The daily performances will be followed each night by the “Southern Gospel Nights” concert which will be held in Echo-Hollow, Silver Dollar City’s 4,000 seat amphitheater. On Sunday August 28 and September 4 there will be a worship service held in the Red Gold Heritage Hall with Hosea Bilyeu on August 28 and noted humorist and evangelist Dennis Swanberg on September 4.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that the “picnic” in the “Southern Gospel Picnic” will feature “The House of Chicken & Fixin’s” featuring Apple Butter Glazed Chicken, Golden Fried chicken, Orange Glazed Chicken and BBQ chicken, all with picnic-style fixings.” This will be in addition to all the delicious food normally available throughout the park.

Along with the special activities and events involved in the Southern Gospel Picnic, all the excitement and adventure that the international award winning 1880s’s theme park is noted for is also available. This includes “100 resident craftsmen, 2 dozen rides and attractions including the new million dollar play area for kids: Half Dollar Holler.”

For further information on Silver Dollar City, the Southern Gospel Picnic or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Midwest Living designates Branson as one of the “25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots”

The Showboat Branson Belle cruising on Table Rock Lake combines the natural beauty of the Ozarks with great dining and entertainment.

“Branson’s designation as one of the ‘25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots‘ by ‘Midwest Living’ is yet another recognition of what millions of people have already found out,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Branson, Missouri is a ‘cool’ place for individuals, families and groups of all types to visit for vacations, meetings, special events and to simply relax, have fun, be entertained, shop or enjoy any of the many other amazing activities Branson offers,” she continued.

In designating Branson as one of “25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots,” the article specifically mentions Table Rock Lake, one of Branson’s three “Tri-Lakes,” the other two being Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake. Table Rock Lake with its 43,100 surface acres is the “crown jewel” of Branson’s water related recreational activities, is located just minutes from the famed Branson Strip and provides the source for the majority of the water related sports activities in the Tri-Lakes and some of the finest bass fishing in the United States.

In terms of Branson, the “cool” referred to in the article title goes well beyond Table Rock Lake, which is actually mentioned only minimally in the article when it says, “Chill on Table Rock Lake, take a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle, then settle in for one of this southwest Missouri town’s glittering live music shows.” In addition to Branson’s live shows the article attributes Branson’s selection as one of the “25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots” to Silver Dollar City,  historic downtown Branson, loaded with little souvenir shops and cafes and its ” posh outdoor shopping mall,” Branson Landing.

Johnson points out that what’s really “cool” is that  during 2011, in addition to being named as one of the “25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots” by Midwest Living, Branson has received a number of recognitions for the quality of the entertainment experience it provides. These include being named the ‘Best Small City for a Weekend,” for the second year in a row, by the AAA in the July/August issue of ‘AAA Midwest Traveler’ magazine and being named by “TripAdvisor” as a winner of its inaugural “Travelers’ Choice Family Award-winning Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.”

“Everyone in Branson works so hard to make sure our visitors have a great experience while they are in Branson,” Johnson continued. “It’s rewarding when organizations like Midwest Livinge, AAA and Trip Advisor, whether directly or through their readers or members, recognize that effort and help us share what a wonderful place to visit and vacation Branson, Missouri is.”

Shoji Tabuchi, one of Branson’s premier entertainers

Shoji Tabuchi in his office during a recent interview.

BRANSON, Mo. One of the most popular shows in Branson for over two decades has been the Shoji Tabuchi Show. The great popularity of the show is attributable not only to the amazing talent of its star, but his supporting cast including one of the best bands in Branson and his very talented daughter Christina, great choreography, production, costuming and leading edge special effects.

In describing the Branson’s current show scene and the Tabuchi family’s influence on it, this writer wrote “five words just seem to fit together ‘fiddle,’ ‘production show,’ and ‘Shoji Tabuchi.'” Ever since Shoji started performing in his own theatre 22 years ago, he along with his wife Dorothy, have presented a show that sets the standard for “production” shows in Branson. Shoji said, “My wife Dorothy is the one who has made us the show we are. It is thanks to her vision, planning, and production.”

Shoji when referring to differences between the “violin” and “fiddle” said, “They are both the same instrument, it’s just how you fiddle around with them.” Branson’s most noted fiddle player began playing the violin at a young age when his mother started him playing using the “Suzuki method.” It wasn’t until Roy Acuff came to Japan and did a concert including “Listen to the Mocking Bird,” played on the fiddle, that Shoji decided to change the way he “fiddled” around with the violin and the rest is “History.”

He said, “It was his music and encouragement that inspired me to come to the United States and he was instrumental in having me play on the Grand Ole Opry in 1968. One of the numbers I played was ‘Listen to the Mocking Bird’ and the other was the ‘Orange Blossom Special.'” Shoji has two of Acuff’s favorite violins, one of which was presented to him by the Grand Ole Opry in commemoration of his 50th year with them.

Shoji points out that even with the large band and cast in their show that it is a family venture saying, “My daughter Christina sings and dances in the show and, as I have previously mentioned, my wife Dorothy produces the show.” He said that he loves performing in Branson because it gives him more time to spend with his family and enables him to perform in his own theatre, which was specifically designed for him, and allows him to perform his show the way he wants to giving the audience the very best show possible.

When asked why people coming to Branson should come and see his show Shoji said, ” Our goal, each and every year is to have our guests come see the show and walk away saying, ‘I didn’t think it could get any better, but it has!’ and to make our guests feel, at all times, from the time they drive into the parking lot to the time they leave, that they are very special and deserve the very best. The show is always new and exciting and there is truly ‘Something for everyone.'”

Moonlight Madness expands opportunity for Silver Dollar City excitement

Wildfire, Silver Dollar City's world class coaster is an entirely different experience at night.*

BRANSON, Mo. “Just before school starts Silver Dollar City’s Moonlight Madness again gives kids and families even more time to enjoy the fun and excitement of Silver Dollar City together as it remains open until 10:00 p.m.,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “That means over 12 hours of Silver Dollar City rides, shows, craft demonstrations, unique shopping, activities and everything else that makes it such a wonderful experience. Moonlight Madness runs from July 23 to August 7 and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the park from a different perspective,” she continued.

Silver Dollar City’s General Manager Brad Thomas said previously, when speaking about guests attending Moonlight Madness, “We want them to be able to experience Silver Dollar City as they never have before, to see the stars between their toes on the ‘Giant Swing’ and see Table Rock Lake from the top of ‘WildFire,’ through the thrill of darkness,” One can only imagine the uniqueness of a night time ride on “PowderKeg,” “Thunderation,” “American Plunge” or some of the parks other rides.

In addition to all the other great entertainment Silver Dollar City provides to its guests everyday, those attending Moonlight Madness will be able to see “Science Madness” with David Willey complete with zany experiments, explosions, fire and “demonstrations that have been featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Holding over from their performance during KidsFest, “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” will also be featured. The kids will be able to meet some of their favorite cartoon characters including SpongeBob & Patrick, Tom & Jerry and The Backyardigans Thursdays through Saturdays during Moonlight Madness.

Silver Dollar City’s country music show, GAC Nights in Echo Hollow, is available free to Silver Dollar City guests Tuesdays through Sundays, beginning at 7 p.m. And the entertainment and fun doesn’t stop there because all guests are invited to the Silver Dollar City Street Dance beginning at 9:00 p.m. each evening in the City Square where they can join with hundreds of others for fun dances such as the Electric Slide, The Chicken Dance and The Macarena.

Throughout Moonlight Madness, “select shops and eateries will remain open until 10 pm and food and merchandise specials will be available.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, offers a two day Silver Dollar City Pass for the price of one day. For information or tickets to Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or lodging arrangements please contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City.

A tale of contrasts, what a difference a few months makes

Lake Taneycomo facing downstream from lake bed on July 24 during one of the very infrequent "board" draw downs that brings the lake down to its lowest level.

BRANSON, Mo. Powersite Dam, also known as “Ozark Beach Dam,” near Forsyth, Missouri was completed in 1913. It was the first impoundment of the “White River,” the first hydroelectric dam in Missouri, provided economic stability and income for the developing new town of “Branson” a few miles upstream, and formed Lake Taneycomo.

When they are not generating power or discharging water through the flood gates at Table Rock Dam, 22 miles upstream, the depth of Lake Taneycomo is controlled by the Powersite Dam. In addition to the water it runs through its generators the lakes depth is controlled by wooden “boards” inserted in the top of the dam to raise the water level of the lake.

Picture taken during the record high water levels of Easter week.

During periods of high water on Table Rock Lake requiring the release of water through flood gates of its dam, the boards either get damaged or have to be removed to minimize the flooding to low lying areas on Lake Taneycomo or its tributaries. When this happens Lake Taneycomo is drawn down to its lowest levels so they can work on or replace the “boards.”

Such a draw down took place over the weekend of July 23 and provided the opportunity to take a picture providing a comparison of Lake Taneycomo at its lowest level and its highest level. Both were taken off the River Point Road launch ramp. The first, upper right,  was taken July 24 from the lake bed, centered on the ramp, about 20 feet from the normal shoreline and is a downstream shot. The second was taken from the entrance to the boat ramp looking down into the lake during the record high water of Easter week.

To put things into perspective, the rushing water near the trees in the second photo is actually at the top of the boat ramp. The spot of the July 24 picture is actually 40 feet farther out into the lake. During the flood the water level would have been at least 12 to 14 feet over the top of my head standing in the spot from which the picture was taken.