Category Archives: Featured

Flying Wallendas perform in Branson after commemorating great-grandfather’s final high wire walk

“What an amazing, daring and caring family tribute the Wallenda family performed on June 4th in San Juan, Puerto Rico to commemorate and honor Karl Wallenda, the founder and family patriarch of the ‘Flying Wallendas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s most trusted and respected providers of Branson show and attraction tickets, lodging and other Branson travel services. “What a thrill it will be for Branson visitors to be able to personally see the ‘Flying Wallendas’ performing in ‘The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,’ a new show created exclusively for KidsFest at Silver Dollar City from June 11 through July 24,” she added.

Karl Wallenda, the founder of “The Flying Wallendas,” known since their inception for their fearless performances on a high wire with no safety net, fell to his death, at age 73, on March 22, 1978, while doing what he loved, “walking the wire.” That wire was over 100 feet in the air and stretched for 300 feet between the two towers of the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel in San Juan Puerto Rico. A saying attributed to Wallenda says, “Life is being on the wire; everything else is just waiting.”

Even with the loss of its patriarch the Wellenda family has never left “being on the wire” and has been carrying on the traditions of their great-grandfather and the Wallenda legacy by entertaining audiences all around the world with death defying high wire and acrobatic performances. On June 4, 2011 however, there was a special performance when over 33 years of “waiting” came to an end.

Nik Wallenda, the great-grandson of Karl, and his mother Delilah, walked the same “wire” that Karl had walked over 33 years earlier. At over 100 feet in the air, with no net, they passed each other in the middle of the 300 foot wire. When they met, Delilah sat down on the wire and Nik stepped over her. Delilah then got up and, along with Nik, walked along the wire to opposite towers.

Reports of the commemorative high wire walk said that Nik Wallenda had seen the video of his great-grandfather falling hundreds of times, had been mentally prepared for the walk all his life and that it was something that he had been wanting to do for their family. Originally, his mother was not scheduled to walk the wire, but she convinced Nik otherwise.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “The Wallenda family is a perfect fit, not only for KidsFest at Silver Dollar City, but with the family aspect of what Branson is and of families performing together entertaining other families.” She also reminds Branson visitors that Nik Wallenda will be performing high flying acrobatics from a helicopter over 200 feet in the air as part of the a spectacular kick off for KidsFest at approximately 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 10.

For additional information on “The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,” KidsFest, Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements 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.

A high flying death defying start to Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest

“Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest is America’s biggest KidsFest for a good reason,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is designed from the ground “up,” from food to special acts, entertainment and activities just for kids and their families.” KidsFest will run from June 11 through July 24 at the 1880’s themed park.

“When it was announced that one of the acts appearing at KidsFest included the legendary ‘Flying Wallendas and Nik Wallenda, double Guinness World Record holder for his feats on the high wire, everyone knew the excitement was going up to a new level,” Johnson continued. “However, today’s announcement from Silver Dollar City literally adds yet another level of danger and excitement to KidsFest and shows why the Wallendas are still, after seven generations, exciting audiences all over the world and the excitement and adventure never ends at Silver Dollar City.”

Nik Wallenda, “King of the Highwire,” will perform a special one time performance as a spectacular kick-off for America’s largest KidsFest and as part of a Discovery Channel TV event for its new series “Life on a Wire.” At approximately 4:00 p.m. on June 10, Wallenda will perform “never-before-seen, high-flying acrobatics from a helicopter, 200 feet above the ground” and the audience that will be watching from Silver Dollar City’s “Echo Hollow Amphitheatre.”

Starting on June 11 and running through July 24, Wallenda and his family will be performing an exciting “all-new show, ‘The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,’ created exclusively for KidsFest at Silver Dollar City. ” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that the Wallendas are just part of the excitement that KidsFest will feature other acts such as Chris Perondi and his stunt dogs performing amazing feats of “canine athleticism and agility;” your kid’s favorite cartoon characters, and other exciting activities that will be integrated with the dozens of rides, craft demonstrations and excitement that Silver Dollar City provides its guests every day.

For additional information about KidsFest or tickets to Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com. To make an exciting event even more exciting, Johnson points out that every Silver Dollar City ticket purchased through BTC provides for two days fun at Silver Dollar City for the price of one.

Photo courtesey of www.NikWallenda.com.

Low airfares and value make Branson even a more exceptional experience

“With its great value and fabulous choice of family fun activities, live shows, exciting attractions, lakes and its beautiful natural environment Branson, Missouri is one of the most unique, popular vacation destinations in America,” said Sharon Budnick, the Director of the Branson Travel Agency (BTA). “Factor in low airfares and, even in these economic challenging times, Branson should be on anyone’s vacation radar screen,” she continued.

With lakes, shopping, attractions like Silver Dollar City, The Shepherd of the Hills, White Water, the Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not to the Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, The World’s Largest Toy Museum or Branson’s championship golf courses, it’s no wonder that Branson has received national recognition. It was recognized as “A Top Ten Family Destination for 2010,” a winner TripAdvisor’s 2011 inaugural “Travelers’ Choice® Family Award-winning Great U.S. Destinations to Discover” and most recently was selected by TripZoo.Com as its “Destination of the Week.”

“The neat thing,” Budnick says, “is that Branson is as much of a value as it is fun and exciting.” She points out that Branson offers perhaps the biggest selection of value priced lodging and entertainment of any major tourist destination with something for every budget and taste. In 2009 it was selected by the “American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)” as one of the most budget friendly destinations for travelers.

With the “Springfield-Branson National Airport” and “Branson Airport” providing excellent service, air travelers have a great choice of carriers and fares to pick from when planning to fly to Branson. One of the main considerations for many air travelers, whether it is flying to Branson, or just about anywhere else, is how to get the lowest fares consistent with scheduling that meets their needs.

“There are three words one should remember if they want to get the lowest possible airfare, ‘early,’ ‘earlier’ and ‘earliest.'” Budnick said. She goes on to point out that generally, the farther ahead one can plan their air travel and get their tickets the lower the air fare. Airlines are, almost on a daily basis, especially during the height of the Summer travel season, adjusting airfares, adding additional fees and other things that can increase the cost of air travel. Typically however, those changes do not apply to those who have already purchased their tickets. For even more value she suggests combining low cost airfares with one of BTA’s great vacation packages.

Budnick suggests that not only is it a good idea to purchase airline tickets as early as possible, but that the same principle applies when making Branson show, attraction and lodging arrangements. The earlier arrangements are made, the more flexibility travelers have in terms of pricing, availability, choices of accommodations and show seating. “Typically, because of the excellent relationship Branson Tourism Center has with the shows, attractions and lodging facilities it does business with we are able to get our customers exactly what they want, but at certain times of the year, most notably major holidays and during “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” the earlier arrangements are made the better the chance of getting exactly what you want,” Budnick said.

The Branson Travel Agency, a full service travel agency, is a division of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s more respected and trusted providers of Branson travel services and seller of more than 2.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “We would love the opportunity to help make your next trip to Branson the best vacation you have ever had,” said Budnick. The Branson Travel Agency can be reached by call ing 1-800-785-2176 or through its website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

Innovative Concierge Program stars Branson visitors

BTC's Concierge Program treats you like a star.

“You’re treated like a star,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Special Events for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), when referring to BTC’s innovative new Concierge Program. “Since the inception of BTC, our passion has always been toward our customers and ensuring that they have the best Branson experience possible. Our new Concierge Program is yet another way to enhance that experience.”

Not so strangely, the “concierge” process has played a foundational roll ever since Lianne Milton, the co-owner of BTC with her husband Larry, founded the company on the concept of providing Branson visitors with a free personal “concierge” type planning service. With one simple toll free call to 800-785-1550, prospective Branson visitors could relax and have fun planning their vacation as they discussed the many exciting options available for a Branson vacation with a trained BTC Travel Planning Specialist leaving the work, planning, reservations and tickets to BTC. Hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers and almost three million Branson show and attraction tickets later, the success of that concept is evident.

“Our free Concierge Program is simply an extension of that basic concept adding even more value and service to our customer’s Branson experience,” Milton said. Like all of BTC’s services, there is no charge for the program and every customer of the Branson Tourism Center becomes a member of the program and automatically receives “Concierge” level benefits.

“Concierge” benefits include exclusive Concierge Member discounts on vacation packages, a free Branson Vacation Savings Book with every vacation package, and a 20¢ per gallon discount on gas (up to 20 gallons) with every vacation package purchase. It also includes advance notice of special limited engagements; a free monthly e-newsletter with the latest Branson entertainment news, updates and events; online vacation and show itineraries and free show alerts to notify you of changes and cancellations.

Even more value and convenience is added as customers achieve “Concierge Gold Status” and “Concierge Platinum Status.” Gold status is achieved when a customer spends $400.00 annually with BTC and includes all the benefits of Concierge status plus an exclusive check-in-line at Branson Tourism Center, free photos of some of your favorite Branson entertainers and shows when you check in and a free Vacation Cancellation Protection credit that can be used on any future order.

When a customer spends a total of $1,500 with BTC over three consecutive years they automatically qualify for Platinum status. In addition to all the Gold status benefits, Platinum members receive the assistance of a personal dedicated Concierge Agent, free Cancellation Protection for life and free lifetime Platinum membership. In addition, they will receive exclusive invitations to intimate gatherings with their favorite Branson entertainers as well as reserved show and event seating for themselves and all members of their party.

“The Concierge Program is a way to say thank you to our customers, not only for doing business with BTC, but for choosing to visit Branson and share in our wonderful live shows, attractions and everything else that makes it the exciting, vibrant and fun filled place that it is,” Milton said. “Our goal with the Concierge Program, and everything else we do at the Branson Tourism Center, is to provide Branson visitors with a great experience so that they will say, ‘That was the best vacation ever. Let’s go back next year.'”

Family Summer fun in Branson for younger children

Family fun in White Water's Surfquake Wave Pool.*

“‘How friendly is Branson to kids and families?’ is a question we get all the time.” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The simple one word answer is, ‘Very.'”

From its lakes and natural beauty to live shows, attractions, theme parks and many other activities, Branson offers many unique and exciting choices for families and kids to have fun and share together, from the oldest “kids” to the youngest. Obviously, a seven year old probably would not have the same experience on Silver Dollar City’s world class roller coaster, “Wildfire” as would a teenager, but then a teenager probably wouldn’t be too happy playing inside Silver Dollar City’s new million dollar ‘Half Dollar Holler’ area designed for kids through the age of seven either.

Older kids and teenagers probably won’t be interested in Silver Dollar City’s ten ride “Grand Exposition,” an area specifically designed so that families can enjoy those rides and have a lot of fun together. It has three rides tucked safely away in a corner for the littlest children as well as other rides all designed and placed so that mom and dad or grandparents can ride sitting next to their kids if they choose or just sit on a bench and watch them ride.

“And that’s the magic of Branson, there truly is something for everyone, but in this case let’s take a look at things, that could very well appeal to the whole family, but which would have a special appeal for the younger kids. It should be stressed that with all that Branson has to offer for younger children and kids this is not meant to be an all inclusive list, but merely an illustration of some of the things that will provide a great experience for Branson’s younger visitors.

Before leaving Branson’s largest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City, it should be noted that America’s biggest KidsFest, the National KidsFest will be held at Silver Dollar City from June 11 to July 24. As its name implies, this festival is designed with activities for families and kids. With special acts and shows featuring the “Legendary Flying Wallendas,” “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience,” “Science Madness,” the opportunity to meet some of your kids favorite cartoon characters Tom & Jerry, Scooby Doo, Sponge Bob and much more. When you add the special events of KidsFest to all the shows rides, shows, crafts and everything else Silver Dollar City offers its hard to imagine there is not something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

What kid, or adult for that matter wouldn’t love meeting “Molly” and “Carter,” the loveable King Charles Spaniels who are the mascots for the Titanic Museum as part of their “voyage.” The Titanic’s crew interaction with their passengers throughout the voyage and the interactive gallery filled with fun and interesting interactive activities, simulating what the passengers on the Titanic went through, provide passengers of all ages a fun filled and exciting experience. You can almost bet that one of your children will say, “Wow, was that water cold.”

Branson many mini golf courses, some indoors and some outdoors, provide an opportunity for all members of the family, from the oldest to the youngest, to have fun together. Even Branson’s go-cart tracks take the younger members of the family into consideration. The Track Family Fun Parks operates four parks in the Branson area with go-carts tracks ranging from the multistoried wooden “Wild Woody” and the fastest go-cart track in Branson. For the younger kids they have the new “Rookie Track” and “Kiddie Go-Carts” in their “Kid’s Country” which also offers an assortment of rides that will amuse and entertain children up to about the age of 7.

White Water, Branson’s 12 acre water park, is two million gallons of cool liquid fun and excitement with more than 7,000 feet of water slides, a dozen exciting rides and features the seven story tall six slide ride “Kalani Towers.” Its youngest guests will have fun at “Coconut Cove, ” an area with activities and rides designed just for them such as interactive sprays and shooting nozzles in a shallow pool of water, a multi-lane slide and much more. Why mom might even want to take them on White Water’s newest ride, a gentle, but wet ride, down the 800 foot “Aloha River” that was designed “with mom in mind.”

Cirque Montage's exciting "German Wheel."

Branson is referred to as the “Live music show capital of the world,” and offers some of the finest and most entertaining music and variety shows in the world, but it also offers something else, a variety of shows that will appeal to younger children. Now this is not a matter of being “suitable” for children, this writer has never seen one, content wise, that wasn’t. It’s about shows, that this writer believes, will have a special appeal for younger children and entertain them. The following list is not inclusive, is subjective, sorted alphabetically and contains a few words on specifically what the author believes will appeal to children.

Acrobats of China – color, constant action and one exciting act after another
Amazing Pets – Cats, dogs, birds and interaction with kids.
Cirque Montage – The color, action and excitement of the various Cirque acts
Dixie Stampede – Excitement, color,horses and animals, action, competition and meal
Duttons – The involvement of their kids interacting with your kids
Hamner Barber Variety Show – Great magic and ventriloquism with Pecos Pete and others.
Jungle Jack Hanna – Excitement of the animals (One Day only June 19)
Kirby VanBurch – kids love magic shows
Legend of Kung Fu – Excitement, color, and exciting action
Magic Champion Dennis Alm – Kids love magic shows
NOAH the Musical – Live animals, spectacular 300 foot surround stage with great sets and costuming
Presleys’ Country Jubilee – The action comedy of the father and son Team Herkimer with colorful costuming
Showboat Branson Belle – Excitement of being on the water, dinner, magician in show
The Hughes Brothers – The involvement of their kids interacting with your kids
Todd Oliver & Friends – Ventriloquist with talking dogs and puppets
Yakov’s Dinner Adventure – Lots of color, different action, constant action and dinner

“There is just so much to pick and choose from in Branson,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. “We would be happy to provide free personal assistance in help you plan the perfect Branson vacation for your family,” she continued. For additional Branson information, tickets or lodging please feel free to contact us by either calling our toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through our website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Photo courtesy of www.whitewater.silverdollarcity.com

Memorial Day and summer fun increase because Branson’s Table Rock Lake “has more lake to love”

Along with the obvious, swiming, boating and fishing, parasailing is just one of the many other exciting activities available on Table Rock Lake.*

“Of course it is and there’s more lake to love,” said Pat Cox, the co-owner of the State Park Marina, the largest marina on Table Rock Lake, located off of Highways 165/265 just south of the Table Rock Lake Dam. Cox’s statement came as part of a response to a question as to whether Table Rock Lake was ready for the Memorial Day Weekend and the beginning of the summer season after Easter Week rains raised the lake levels to record highs.

“The lake is always more beautiful when it is full than when it is lower,” Cox said. He explained that the lake clarity is good, there is nothing abnormal about any potential floating hazards and that the lake is ready to provide Branson visitors with all the water recreation, fun and excitement for which it is noted. He does point out that, with the higher water, while boating or wave riding, it is a good idea to stay out from shore and shallow water unless you are familiar with the area. He also suggests, as is the case on any lake at any time, that normal, prudent, and safe boat operation and practices will enhance not only the safety of your Table Rock Lake experience, but its enjoyment.

The State Park Marina is a full service marina with a 600-slip marina and much more. It is a one stop water recreation center offering boat and wave runner rentals, guided fishing trips, parasailing, a full service dive shop and cruises on the “The Spirit of America”—a 48-foot sailing catamaran. In addition, it has everything from ice and sunscreen, to bait and tackle, Danna’s BBQ, Hawaiian Shave Ice, shopping at the “Boathouse Boutique store” and much more.

“Table Rock Lake is one of the major Branson outdoor attractions that helps make it the wonderful, exciting and unique tourist destination it is,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “‘With more lake to love,’ he continued, “this could be one of the most exciting and fun filled years ever on Table Rock Lake.”

For additional information on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo or for information or tickets for 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 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Photo courtesy of State Park Marina.

“Heavy Metal” brings even more excitement as The Track Family fun Parks celebrate 30th

Riders on The Track's new "Road Course" go-cart track.

The Track Family Fun Parks (The Track), will have the grand opening for its three million dollar two park expansion on Saturday,June 4. It has long been one of Branson’s most popular attractions, with four locations and has been entertaining Branson visitors and locals alike since 1981 offering “high-rise and classic go-kart tracks for all ages, bumper boats/cars, laser tag, mini golf, kids’ rides, arcades, and more.”

The new “Heavy Metal High Rise,” at Track 4, is the newest addition to The Track’s High Rise go-kart family. Towering four stories above the Branson strip, the 1,200 linear foot long track contains over 200 tons of steel and 700 cubic yards of concrete. After spiraling up to the top of its four stories, riders zip back “to the ground on a three-tiered slope.” In addition, according to information received from The Track, “The new track’s state of the art steel and concrete construction will be more weather-friendly and will offer a completely different experience than its wooden counterparts.”

At Track 3, a new “Road Course” style track with more turns, elevation changes and tighter and higher banked curves will offer Branson visitors a unique Branson go-kart experience. It is located in the shadow of one of The Track’s two exciting multi-level spiraling, twisting and elevating wooden tracks, ” Wild Woody.” and Track 3’s new “Tri-Oval Track” designed to meet the desires of those who want more speed in their go-kart experience. This track, and its go-carts, is the fastest of any of the go-kart tracks at any of The Track locations and requires a valid driver’s license. On the other end of the spectrum is the new “Rookie Track” and “Kiddie Go-Carts” which are also at Track 3.

“We congratulate The Track Family Fun Parks organization not only on the grand opening of their exciting new facilities, but on the 30th Anniversary of their providing varied, exciting and innovative entertainment for Branson visitors,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. For additional information or tickets for The Track Family Fun Parks 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 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Top Bluegrass artists scheduled to perform at Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass and BBQ Festival

Rhonda Vincent, seven time winner of IBMA's Female Vocalist of the Year performing at a previous SDC Bluegrass & BBQ Festival.

“Silver Dollar City’s festivals have a reputation for being world-class events and its Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, running from May 12 – 30, it is no exception,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Among the dozens of top Bluegrass performers from all over the nation who will be performing during the 19 days of the festival are ‘Rhonda Vincent,’ seven time winner of IBMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year; ‘Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out,’ 2010 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year and seven time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year and ‘The Grascals,’ two time winner of IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year.”

Although subject to change, the list of artists and the dates of the scheduled performances are:

Gold Wing Express
May 12 – 13
Lindley Creek
May 12 – 13
The Martin Family Band
2011 SPBGMA Fiddle Performer of the Year May 12 – 13
Midnight Flight
May 12 – 13
The Kruger Brothers
May 12 – 15
Audie Blaylock & Redline
May 14 – 15
Brightwater Junction
May 14 – 15
Bull Harman & Bull’s Eye
2011 Midwest SPBGMA Instrumental Group of the Year, Bluegrass Band of the Year -Contemporary, Guitar Performer of the Year and Mandolin Performer of the Year
May 14 – 15
Sherman Mountain Boys
May 14 – 15
The Chapmans
May 14 – 16
Bluegrass Brigade
2011 Midwest SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year – Contemporary, Male Vocalist of the Year – Contemporary and Banjo Performer of the Year
May 16 – 17
The Harper Family
May 16 – 17
Hunt Family Bluegrass
May 16 – 17
Midwestern Town
2011 SPBGMA International Band Championship Winner
May 16 – 17
Next Best Thing
May 16 – 18
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
Seven time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year 2011 SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year – Contemporary, and Entertainer of the Year
May 16 – 18
Darrin & Brooke Aldridge
May 17 – 19
Meyer Bluegrass Band
May 18 – 19
Redhead Express
May 18 – 19
Triple L Band
May 18 – 20
Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass
May 19 – 20
Missouri River Band
May 19 – 20
IIIrd Generation Bluegrass
May 19 – 21
Cedar Hill
May 20 -21
Louisiana Grass
May 20 – 21

The Red Head Express, Meghan, left with bass fiddle, LaRae, Kendra and Alisa.

Nothin’ Fancy
SPBGMA 2010, 2009 & 2008 Entertaining Group of the Year
May 20 – 23
The Pickin’ Chicks
May 21 – 22
Monroeville
May 21 – 23
The Link Family
May 21 – 24
The Cleverlys
May 21 & May 28
Kenny & Amanda Smith
Three time IBMA Award Winners & Grammy Nominee
May 22 – 23
Jed & Harry Clark Band
May 22 – 24
The Farnum Family
May 22 & May 30
The Kellys
May 23 -24
Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out
Seven time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year
2010 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year – Russell Moore
May 23 – 24
Mississippi Sawyers
May 23 – 24
The Bankester Family
May 24 – 25
The Hillbenders
2010 National Single Microphone Championship Winners
May 24 – 25
Larry Stephenson Band
Five time SPBGMA Male Vocalist
May 24 – 26
Blue Steel Rail
May 25 – 26
2011 Midwest SPBGMA Entertaining Group of the Year and Entertainer of the Year
May 25 – 26
The Grascals
2011 SPBGMA Instrumental Group of the Year, Mandolin Performer of the Year – Danny Roberts, Banjo Performer of the Year – Kristin Scott Benson
May 25 – 27
The Wintons
May 25 – 27
The Expedition Show
May 26 – 27
Lonesome Meadow
May 26 – 27
The Stockdale Family
May 26 – 30
Lonesome Road
May 27 – 28
Missouri Boatride
May 27 – 28
Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice
2011 SPBGMA Song of the Year – Train Without A Track
May 27 – 29
County Line Bluegrass
May 28 – 29
Southern Raised
May 28 – 30
The Spinney Brothers
May 28 – 30
Link Family Gospel Concert
May 29
Bluegrass Missourians
May 29 – 30
Petersen Family Band
Winners of 2010 Branson CAM Gospel Singoff
May 29 – 30
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band
May 30

Johnson points out that “BBQ” of the “Bluegrass & BBQ Festival” will be BBQ of every style, from Carolina vinegars and smoky Texas-style to Memphis dry rubs, which will be served in “The House of BBQ.” The festivals BBQ offerings are in addtion to to Silver Dollar City’s signature BBQ dishes it serves on a daily basis in its “Lucky Silver Mine Restaurant” and the “Riverside Ribhouse.”

All of the activities involved with the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival are in addition to everything else the 1880’s theme park offers on a daily basis. It features 30 rides and attractions from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen; unique shopping and some of the best live shows and entertainment available in Branson.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, which includes the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, and 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. Johnson points out that when you purchase your Silver Dollar City Tickets through BTC you get two full days for the price of one.

Memorial Day Weekend kicks off Branson’s summer outdoor season

BRANSON, Mo “Memorial Day Weekend in Branson is special,” says Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Not only is it a long weekend, but it signifies the beginning of the summer outdoor season in Branson that highlights one of the most unique aspects of what Branson has to offer, the natural outdoor beauty of the Ozarks.”

From its most popular and endeared attraction, Silver Dollar City, to its newest and biggest shopping mall, Branson Landing, Branson’s blend of natural beauty and lakes with everything else that Branson offers makes it a special unique family destination. What other major tourist destination offers the choice of great live entertainment, attractions, shopping and activities that Branson does all amid the natural wonder and beauty of a place like the Ozarks and less than five minutes from a pristine 43,000 acre lake?

“There are very few theme parks in the country, perhaps in the world,” said Kurtright, “where the surrounding natural environment has been integrated into the park the way it has with Silver Dollar City.” The view from the loops on its multi-loop world class coaster “Wildfire” is spectacular not only because of its beauty, but that it is combined with one of the most thrilling and exciting coaster rides available anywhere and is one illustration of how nature, Branson and the summer outdoor season go together.

to the excitement Silver Dollar city's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake.

Silver Dollar City’s “Bluegrass and BBQ Festival,” featuring over 50 Bluegrass bands and groups presenting hundreds of performances of Bluegrass music throughout the park as well as succulent BBQ served with a choice of over 100 sauces, runs from May 12 through May 30. Among other the Bluegrass groups,”Lonesome Road;” “Missouri Boatride;” “Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice;” “The Grascals,” 2010 SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year and the “Peterson Family,” winners of the “2010 Branson CAM Gospel Sing Off,” will be appearing during the Memorial Day Weekend.

Table Rock Lake provides Branson locals and visitors alike with 43,000 surface acres of potential aquatic fun, excitement and adventure. Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kick off a summer of fun on the lake including sunbathing, swimming, boating, water skiing, scuba diving and just about any other summer water activity a person would want to get involved in.

And speaking of water, Branson’s biggest water park, “White Water,” also will be open over Memorial Day Weekend. White Water offers more than two million gallons of water excitement and fun for Branson visitors featuring “Kalani Towers,” a 7- story, 6- slide thrill ride and more than a dozen rides. The 12 acre attraction has 7,000 feet of water slides all set in a tropical theme, a play area for toddlers and will be opening up its new “Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay” ride for the 2011 season. The Polynesian jungle themed ride has over 800 feet of “unexpected twists and turns, fountains, misters, bubblers, geysers, a 30-foot tall tiki water tower and more.”

From great golfing, ziplines, hiking, boating, fishing and just about any other outdoor activity a person could want Branson has it all. “The really nice thing,” says Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright “is how all the outdoor activities combine with Branson’s live shows, attractions, shopping and other exciting activities to provide a unique vacation experience not available anywhere else.

Kurtright points out that Memorial Day Weekend is one of Branson’s busiest weekends and suggest advance reservations for lodging and shows to ensure availability and the best accommodations and seating. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

City of Branson Campground RV Park reopens

Some of the first campers back into the city's Campground and RV Park after its reopening.

BRANSON, Mo. The city of Branson’s Campground, located on the shore line of Lake Taneycomo is again open for business. The record setting release of water from the Table Rock Dam caused the closing of the closing of the camp ground. During an interview on May 6, Jim Dikes, who manages the campground for the city with his wife Sherrell, said that, thanks to the tireless efforts of the city administration and its employees, the campground has reopened for business.

Dikes said although not all the spots, especially those nearest the lake are ready for occupancy, there is a large number that are. He also said that electric, cable, water etc. are available for all the sites that are open as well as the campgrounds public washrooms, toilets and showers.

He points out that the city is continuing the work on the rest of the spots and they will be opening on an “as available basis.” He suggests that those who made reservations prior to the camp grounds closing might want to call the camp ground at 417-334-2915 to reconfirm. That number may also be used to make reservations for the campground as well.

“What a great job the city has done in getting its campground reopened as quickly as they did,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is unique in terms of its location right next to Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo and it’s just one of Branson’s many campgrounds and RV parks.” Bransons’s selection offers a choice and variety of camping facilities to meet every taste. Combine that with everything else that Branson has to offer and the result could be one of the most exciting and entertaining camping experiences ever.”

For additional information on Branson area campground and RV parks or for information or tickets Branson’s 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.