Category Archives: Featured

Branson is Not Flooded FAQ and Status Report

Last Updated – June 5, 4:00 p.m. -This is the last update we plan to post as all items are current. The latest update for each item is posted in bold type.

Looking east on Branson Strip at height of the high water discharge. It is high and dry and, media reports to the contrary, has never had a drop of water on it from water being discharged from Table Rock Dam.

[Special Tornado Note: We have received a number of calls from customers concerned that Branson was affected by the horrible tornado(s) that struck Joplin on Sunday, May 22. Branson is located approximately 100 miles from Joplin and was not impacted physically at all by the tornadoes and their accompanying storms. The impact of what has happened to our friends and neighbors in Joplin is  on our hearts and they are in our prayers.]

“Media stories and pictures create the erroneous impression that Branson is flooded,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “This FAQ and Status Report provides facts establishing that “Branson” never was flooded, is open for business as usual and is providing its visitors with a unique blend of value priced family entertainment, fun, adventure and excitement that is only available in Branson, Missouri.”

1. Is Branson flooded? No. A few low-lying areas located along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo and its tributaries get flooded when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is forced to release waters through the flood gates of Table Rock Dam. The most water ever discharged through the dam was 68,000 cfs during the Easter Rain event of 2011. As unfortunate as that is for those effected, no Branson Show, retail store or factory outlet, including Branson Landing, and the vast majority of Branson’s attractions and restaurants was closed because of high water.

UPDATE – June 5 – 4:00 p.m. All discharges of water through the flood gates terminated as about 4:00 p.m. June 3. The only water being discharged from Table Rock Dam is through its four generators.

UPDATE – May 28 – 3: p.m. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers has dropped the discharges from Table Rock Dam down to about 20,800 cfs. See Item 13 below for current information on actual lake levels and discharge rates.

UPDATE – May 26 – 10 a.m. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers is still  discharging 53,600 cfs,but it appears that Table Rock Lake crested at 11:00 p.m. on May 25 at 934.16. To help keep things in perspective, during the Easter Week rains 68,000 cfs was being discharged and Table Rock crested at 935.47. See Item 13 below for current information on actual lake levels and discharge rates. This FAQ will be updated on an item by item basis should and as the need arises.

UPDATE – May 24 – 10 a.m. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers began discharging 53,600 at 10 a.m.To keep things in perspective, during the Easter Week rains 68,000 cfs was being discharged. See Item 13 below for information on actual lake levels and discharge rates. This FAQ will be updated on an item by item basis should and as the need arises.

UPDATE – May 23 The U.S Army Corps of Engineers has announced that they will be discharging a total of 20,000 Cubic Feet of Water Per Second (cfs) through the Table Rock Lake Dam because of the rains over the weekend starting this morning and will adjust the discharge rates as appropriate.

2. Are all Branson shows open? Yes. All Branson’s shows are located well away from the few low lying areas impacted by the high waters. They were never effected by the water, are open and providing that great live entertainment experience for which Branson is famous.

3. What about the Showboat Branson Belle, isn’t it located on Table Rock Lake? Yes she is, but throughout the Showboat Branson Belle is doing what she’s made to do, cruising Table Rock Lake giving hundreds of passengers each day an exciting entertainment and dining thrill.

An icon of the fun, adventure and excitment that is Branson, Silver Dollar City's spectacular world class coaster, "Wildfire."

4. Are all of Branson’s attractions open? The vast majority of Branson’s attractions, including two of its most popular Silver Dollar City and the Titanic Museum are located well away from the few low lying areas impacted by the high waters, were never effected and are providing Branson visitors with the excitement, fun and adventure that is Branson. Generally, because of their location on the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo, on the lower level of Branson Landing, the cruises of the Branson Landing Lake Princess and Lake Queen will be suspended at water discharges greater than 46,000 cfs (See Item 13 below.)

UPDATE – May 30 – 2: p.m. The Branson Landing Lake Princess and Lake Queen Cruises went back in operation May 29.

5. Are Branson’s major factory outlet malls, Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Hills and its retail shops open? Yes. No factory outlet mall or retail store in Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Hills or elsewhere in Branson was impacted by the high water. All are open for the shopping pleasure of Branson visitors.

6. Didn’t I see pictures of Branson Landing being flooded? Branson Landing’s retail shops are located on the promenade level and were never effected by the high waters. The pictures relating to the high water at Branson Landing involved pictures of water covering the fountains and flowing through the lower levels of the development exactly as it is supposed to do under the high water conditions for which the Landing was designed. The fountains and lower levels are located near the lake’s normal shoreline and well away from its retail promenade level.

7. Aren’t some of the restaurants at Branson Landing Closed? The high water level resulted in the temporary closing of White River Fish House Restaurant which actually floats on Lake Taneycomo. In addition, Shorty Smalls and Texas Land and Cattle Company, located on the east side of the promenade, as a precaution because the propane supply used for their cooking is located in the lower levels.

UPDATE – June 1 – 4:00 p.m. White River Fish House is reopened.

UPDATE – May 30 – 2: p.m Shorty Small’s is now reopened and it is anticipated that the White River Fish House will reopen Wednesday of Thursday of this week.

UPDATE – May 28 – 3: p.m. Texas Land and Cattle Steak House is reopened as of today.

8. Are Branson’s Restaurants open? Yes. Of the 242 restaurants in Branson, as discussed in #7 above, only about three restaurants located on the east side of Branson Landing are effected by the high water. All of Branson’s other approximately 239 restaurants remained open.

9. Are any of Branson’s championship golf courses flooded? No. If anything the rain has made Branson’s golf courses even more lush and beautiful.

10. With the high water at Table Rock Lake are its resorts and businesses open? Yes, the businesses and resorts on Indian Point, and other businesses on the shores of Table Rock Lake, are open for business.

Another Branson icon, the Showboat Branson Belle, like Branson itself, is cruising into the 2011 season providing its visitors with the fun, excitment and entertainment Branson is famous for.

11. Are any of the main roads in Branson flooded? None of the main roads in Branson were flooded. Highway 65, Business 65, Highway 76 (The Branson Strip), Fall Creek Road, all the Branson colored routes and just about any other road that tourists normally travel in Branson are open and were never closed.

12. In terms of the flooding that did take place in those few low-lying areas what happened? The Branson area received about 15 inches of rainfall during Easter Weekend and the first part of Easter Week. This resulted in Table Rock Lake reaching a record high level of 935.47 feet and record releases of water through the floodgates of the Table Rock Lake Dam of 68,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) into Lake Taneycomo. In the immediate Branson area, the record rain and releases of water into Lake Taneycomo caused isolated local flooding and damage in some of the low-lying areas and damage to a few of the homes, condos and docks located right on the banks of the lake and some of its tributaries because of the water level, current and soil erosion

UPDATE – May 24 – 9:00 p.m.. Lake levels that were abnormally high because of the Easter Week rains started to rise again with the rains since May 20 resulting in the Corps having to again discharge water through the Table Rock Lake Dam flood gates. It started at about 20,000 cfs and is now at about 53,600 cfs. See item 13 below for latest changes.

13. What is the comparative status of the lake levels and water being discharged through the Table Rock Dam?

UPDATE – June 5 – 3:00 p.m.

Table Rock Lake Level – Highest 935.47* (Apr. 27) 927.48 (June 5) [Lake crested at 934.16 at 11:00 p.m. on May 25]
Lake Taneycomo Level – Highest 727.86 (Apr. 27) 709.22 (June 5)
Water release from Table Rock Dam – 68,000 cfs** (Apr 27) 10,757 cfs (June 5)****
Normal Elevation – Table Rock Lake 915 Lake Taneycomo about 701

* Levels are all “feet above sea level.”
** cfs- Cubic Feet Per Second
*** Water being released from the Dam is a combination of generators and flood gates. Under normal operating conditions up to 14,000 cfs is discharged through the generators alone.
**** The fluctuations on Lake Taneycomo in terms of elevation and cfs are being controlled by the dams four generators and are within the normal daily parameters typically encountered on the lake.

14. If I was considering coming to Branson for a vacation this year should I change my plans because of the high water? Absolutely not. There was not one iota of effect on the shows, attractions, shopping, lodging, restaurants and the many other activities that the vast majority of Branson’s visitors come to Branson to enjoy with their families. Branson has all the fun, activities and excitement your family deserves to have on a vacation and with its everyday value pricing and other discounts is extremely affordable. Why not plan to spend your vacation in Branson and help your family create memories that will last a lifetime?

15. Was the Branson City Campground impacted? Yes. .It is located right on the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo at lake level. Information received from the City of Branson is that the campground is temporaily closed. Call 417-334-2915 for additional information. It had just reopened on May 6 from the Easter Week high water. Click here for details.

UPDATE – June 5, 4:00 p.m. The campground is completely reopen. Call 417-334-2915 for additional information

UPDATE – May 28, 2:00 p.m. Although the water levels of Lake Taneycomo have dropped back to within their normal levels today, at 9:00 a.m. this morning personnel from Scotty’s Trout Dock were in boats going over the top of camp sites to get to where some of their boats had been tied for safe keeping during the high water. The camp ground will reopen as soon as city personnel can remove debris, make appropriate repairs and remove the silt etc. Based on past experience it will reopen in sections with those farthest from the lake shore opening first and the process will take from a couple of days  up to a week. For more specific informaiton please call the camp ground directly at 417-334-2915 .

16. Is Scotty’s Trout Dock Open? Yes.

17. Are the Branson resorts on Lake Taneycomo open? Yes, with the exception of the Taneycomo Lakefront Resort & RV Park, located at the north end of Lake Shore Drive,we are not aware of any that are closed in the immediate Branson area. Although the Taneycomo Lakefront Resort is closed, its RV Park. though lacking certain amenities, is open.

UPDATE – June 5 -4:00 p.m. – Latest information from Taneycomo Lakefront Resort & RV Park indicates that they are planning to reopen by July 1. Please call them at 417-334-7375 for additional information.

18. How is the trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo and is it safe to fish? It is excellent and it is safe to fish.

UPDATE – June 5 -4:00 p.m. The fluctuations on Lake Taneycomo in terms of elevation and cfs are being controlled by the dams four generators and are within the normal daily parameters typically encountered on the lake. (See #13 above.)

UPDATE – May 28, 2:00 p.m. With discharge levels back down to to 20,800 cfs, with the exercise of normal and prudent boating and safety practices, safety shouldn’t be an issue. The fishing should be excellent and this writer observed people fishing from the banks near the south end of  the Bass Proshop parking lot of  Branson Landing and they were catching trout so things are looking up.

UPDATE – May 24 With discharge rates at 53,600 cfs, the safety risks from current and current driven debris increases significant.

19. Will this FAQ Status Report Be updated? Yes on an as need basis. When it is, the date of the latest update will be placed at the top of the page under “Update Status” along with the Number of the item impacted by the update. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com. For information specifically relating to lake levels, water discharges and their potential impact please feel free to contact Gary Groman at 417-294-0404. June 5 – 4  p.m. This is the final update. The information is as current as we can get it.

Branson is an Unbeatable Value for Family Friendly Activities and Entertainment

The Yakov Smirnoff show is a funny, colorful and exciting show for the whole family.

“Millions know what an exciting, fun filled and entertaining place Branson, Missouri is,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Whether it’s something special to celebrate like Mother’s Day or Memorial Day; one of Branson’s many exciting live shows; major attractions like Silver Dollar City, White Water or the Titanic Museum; its lakes, golf courses, shopping, go carts, mini-golf, zip-lines or dozens of other activities, it is unlikely there is another comparable size tourist destination on earth that offers the number and variety of family friendly activities that Branson does.”

“What many do not know however, is what a great value Branson is and how to make it an even better value” Johnson continued. She points out that Branson’s everyday prices for its lodging, attractions, great live shows and other activities are some of the best entertainment values in America and suggests that the they become even a better value when things like packages or bundling, family passes, gas coupons, and other discounts are factored in.

Many people make their lodging reservations and show, attractions, and activity arrangements separately. In the vast majority of cases this results in paying more than if the same services were purchased as part of a package. The Branson Tourism Center (BTC) offers a number of packages, combining or bundling lodging, shows, attractions and activities together or can develop a customized package for your family. These packages can provide substantial savings over purchasing the same services separately. For example, the “Branson Family Fun Package” saves a family of four $88.00 on a fun filled four day three night package including, two of Branson’s most popular shows, the Legend of Kung Fu and the Hamner and Barber Variety Show, one of Branson’s most popular attractions the exciting Titanic Museum and much more.

Johnson explains that “Family Passes” for certain Branson shows and attractions is another way for families to save money on their Branson vacation. As just one example of the savings that are possible, the use of Family Passes to see the famous Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff saves a family of two adults and three children $49.00.

“In these economic times, every penny saved is important,” Johnson says. That’s why BTC offers its customers, living 100 or more miles from Branson, a gas coupon good for a $.20 per gallon discount for up to 20 gallons per vehicle at the Phillips 66 gas station located adjacent to the Branson Tourism Center Building as a way of saying, “Thank you for doing business with us.”
Yet another way to save money is to take advantage of the special offers and discounts available through Branson Tourism Center from the partner theatres and attractions with whom they do business. The “Two Days for the Price of One” at two of Branson’s Biggest and most popular attractions, Silver Dollar City and White Water are two examples of special discounts that can add even more value to your Branson vacation.

“In all honesty, and at the risk of sounding self-serving, my decades of providing Branson visitors with the best experience possible leads me to the conclusion that one of the best ways to have the best Branson experience for your family and get the greatest value in terms of convenience and saving time and money is to use the services of a tourism service organization like the Branson Tourism Center (BTC),” said Johnson. She explains that using the free services of a trained Branson Vacation Specialist who lives in the Branson area, is familiar with all it has to offer, and can be reached with the convenience of one toll free call to 1-800-785-1550, just makes good sense when one considers the myriad of choices involved in planning a trip to Branson. It makes even more sense when one considers that there are no additional fees or service charges to use the services BTC provides.

Branson has all the fun, activities and excitement your family deserves to have on a vacation and with its every day value pricing and other discounts is extremely affordable. Why not plan to spend your vacation in Branson and help your family create memories that will last a lifetime?

Another first for Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Two firsts joined together to provide another first when “Presleys’ Country Jubilee Television Show,” live from Branson, Missouri, first aired on the “RFD-TV Network” on March 6 of 2010. When the world’s first 24 hour rural TV network combined with Branson’s Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first show on the now famous Branson Strip, the result was the telecast of the first Branson show to have its own regularly scheduled show on a national TV network.

In a recent interview with Steve Presley, one of the original co-founders of the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, he said that the TV show stems from a relationship that was established between Patrick Gottsch, the founder of RFD-TV, and the Presleys’ almost from his first days in Branson. In announcing the initial show Gottsch said, “The Presley family is an absolutely perfect fit for RFD-TV. Our audience loves country, gospel, bluegrass, and family-oriented humor. To have all these interests combined into one, terrific, fast-paced show with the Presley touch is sure to be a hit.”

“When the opportunity with RFD-TV came about, with its reach into over 40 million households in the United States and even more internationally, it just seemed like a natural fit for our show and Branson,” said Presley. “We saw an opportunity to reach potential Branson visitors before they came to Branson by giving them a snippet of what the Presley show is like and highlighting other Branson shows, attractions and activities.” He indicated his hope that the result would be to bring more people to Branson to experience not only their show, but everything else that Branson has to offer.

He said that they went on the air on RFD-TV on March 6, 2010 and filmed their first season of 26 half hour episodes, each of which has aired twice. They are currently filming episodes 31 and 32 of their second season. All the programs are filmed in the Presleys’ Theatre on the famed Branson Strip and are a natural extension of their live show.

The show uses the same successful format that has made them a Branson standard for over for 45 years, a variety of music, vocals and instrumentals, from country to pop and gospel with just about every music genre in between and their unique brand of comedy provided by Herkimer and Cecil (Gary & Eric Presley). In addition, the TV show usually includes the addition of a guest performer each week who is either a regular Branson performer or a performer currently performing in Branson.

Steve who has been performing as the drummer in the show since he was ten years old said, “I’ve learned more new songs over the last year than I have in my whole career.” He points out that the development of the new material for the TV show has given them even more opportunity to experiment and add new material to their Branson show almost on a weekly basis.

The “Presleys’ Country Jubilee TV Show” is broadcast every Saturday night at 6:30 Eastern Time and 7:30 Central Time on RFD-TV. For additional information or tickets for the Presleys’ Country Jubilee in Branson 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.

Photo courtesy of Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Student youth groups discovering the Branson experience

Performing youth group from Sauk Prairie High School performing at the Branson Variety Theatre. Photo by: Randy Luher

BRANSON, Mo. “Branson is one of the fastest growing destinations in the student group market,” said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s catching on with the youth groups market that Branson is a blast of a place to go, is filled with fun and excitement and, from an expense perspective, offers is a lot of value as compared to many other destination cities.”

One unique segment of student youth groups is “performance” groups, generally those school, church and other groups who sing, dance, play instruments or are otherwise involved in performing. Wood points out that the term also includes things other than singing and dancing such as production, lighting and sound and how uniquely positioned Branson is to service that market.

She said that one of the key things about working with youth performance groups is being able to keep them focused on music and the arts by providing them with the chance to come to a place like Branson and giving them the opportunity to see and experience how it really works from backstage to actually performing. With its 50 theatres and 100 live shows, Branson offers youth performance groups an opportunity to perform in a state of the art theatre with professional lighting and sound technicians before a live audience. They perform in venues such as Silver Dollar City and do 20 to 30 minute pre-shows at Branson theatres. It is not uncommon to have youth performance groups perform in more than one venue while they are in Branson.

In addition, many of the groups also attend workshops or clinics as part of their Branson experience. Wood said that because of the relationship Branson Tourism Center has with a lot of the entertainers and theatres we know which ones will fit in best with a particular type and size of group; are able to provide a selection of workshops and clinics that will meet just about every group’s need from singing and dancing to choreography, production, lighting and sound. All the entertainers and professionals used for the clinics and that help the kids in our groups are very personable, kid friendly and work hard to make them feel at home as they perform on their stages.

And when they are not performing or in clinics they do the same thing that the rest of the youth groups that come to Branson do, just have fun. We have wonderful shows, attractions such as The Titanic Museum, The Track Family Fun Parks, Silver Dollar City, White Water and all kinds of things that they enjoy experiencing including Table Rock Lake and its 745 miles of shoreline and 45,000 surface acres of watery fun, adventure and excitement.”

Wood, who works with a staff of seven Group Sales managers explains that whether it’s performance youth groups, church, school or other youth groups all it takes is one phone call to 800-268-4014 and Branson Tourism Center will handle it all. “Our staff is dedicated to just one thing, helping you provide your group with the best Branson experience possible,” she said, “We look forward to opportunity of sharing all that Branson has to offer with you and your youth group.”

Fill your Easter with Branson spirit, fun and excitement

The spectaular and unique view from Silver Dollar city's world class coaster, "Wildfire."

BRANSON, Mo. “The combination of its core beliefs, spirit and values, along with all the amazing opportunities it provides for fun, entertainment, shopping and just plain relaxing, all amidst the natural wonder and beauty of the Ozarks makes Branson a unique and special place to visit not only during Easter, but all year-round,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From a Sunrise Service on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, to Easter Egg hunts, numerous buffet choices and all the shows, attractions, entertainment, and shopping that Branson is known for, Easter in Branson is a special time.”

The immediate Branson area has dozens of churches of every denomination that will be celebrating the true meaning of Easter with special services. Click here for a list of most of the Branson Area Churches with contact information. There will be a special Sunrise Service and Breakfast in the beautiful Rockaway Beach Park on the shores of Lake Taneycomo starting at 6:45 a.m. on Easter morning.

A special Easter meal is a traditional part of the celebration of Easter for many people. With over 200 restaurants in Branson, there is no problem finding just the right restaurant, meal and price range for your Easter meal. Here’s a list of some of Branson’s most popular restaurants and buffets as listed on www.Branson.com. For many, an Easter buffet is traditional. The Golden Coral, Grand Country Buffet and others offer great buffets on a daily basis and Easter will be no exception. In addition, click here for information about the elaborate Easter buffets being offered by the Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks, Level 2 Steak House at the Hilton Branson Convention Center and the Chateau on the Lake. The Easter dinner cruise aboard the beautiful Branson Landing Princess is yet another choice that is available. Another exciting and fun filled dining and entertainment option is the excitement and adventure of Dixie Stampede.

Two major Easter Egg hunts are scheduled, one sponsored by the Hollister Chamber of Commerce and the other by Factory Merchants Mall. The Factory Merchants Mall (Red Top Mall) Easter Egg Hunt is for children ages 10 and under, will be held in the upper courtyard, have a special area set aside for toddlers and will start promptly at 10:30 a.m. The 26th Annual Hollister Easter Egg Hunt will be conducted on Saturday, April 23rd from 12:30 – 2:00pm at the Hollister High School Football Field. It includes children’s activities and games such as giant inflatable’s, clowns, face-painting plus a visit from the Easter Bunny. The event starts at 12:30 p.m. with the Easter Egg Hunt starting at 1:00 p.m. promptly.

Branson’s largest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City will be open throughout the Easter week except April 24 – 26 with it celebration of World-Fest continuing until May 8

3 Red Neck Tenors, Billy Joe, right, Billy Billee and Billy Bob

In addition, the majority of Branson Attractions will be open for the entire Easter week including The Titanic Museum, The Track Family Fun Parks, Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Vigilante Zipline to name a few. Branson’s championship golf courses, as well as hiking, fishing, boating, shopping and all the other exciting and fun filled activities that Branson is known for are also available for Easter visitors enjoy.

And of course, what would the Branson experience be like without its live shows? Most of Branson’s live shows are open for the season and will be performing their regular schedules throughout Easter week. In addition, the following shows also be open on Easter Sunday and are sorted alphabetically by time:

9:00 a.m.
IMAX Theater

2:00 p.m.
A Tribute to Marty Robbins
Always Patsy Cline
Red, Hot & Blue
Shake Rattle & Roll
Sunday Gospel Jubilee

3:00 p.m.
Legends in Concert

5:30 p.m.
Dixie Stampede

7:00 p.m.
Motown Downtown
Ozark Mountain Jubilee

8:00 pm
3 Redneck Tenors
Acrobats of China
Alabama Revival
Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express
Hank Williams Revisited
Haygoods
Hooray for Hollywood
Jim Stafford
Legend of Kung Fu
Legends in Concert
Mickey Gilley

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that in addition to Branson’s great lineup of regular shows there will be limited engagement performances during Easter week by the Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniel’s Band and Sawyer Brown.

For additional information or tickets for any of the shows, attractions or activities listed in this article 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.

Table Rock Lake guide, Larry “Doc” Seger breaks into PAA’s top ten

CPAA's Jim Thompson, right and Larry "Doc" Seger.

BRANSON, Mo. “I am honored to be fishing in the PAA this year and satisfied, at this point, with my tenth place finish in my first tournament,” said Larry “Doc” Seger, a Table Rock Lake guide from Kimberling City, Mo. Doc’s comment came shortly after the Professional Angler’s Association (PAA) held their first tournament of the “2011 Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix” on Lake Lanier in northeast Georgia March 31st through April 2nd.

“I caught every fish on a Chompers 3/8 ounce Pro Shaky Head Jig with a Green Pumpkin Salty Sinker soaked in Chompers Formula G Garlic,” he said. During the first two days he limited out, but on the last day he only caught two fish. He said that last day was windy, the bass had changed the way they were hitting and he had trouble feeling the hits. As a result, although he estimates he had about 10 bites, he only hooked and brought two to the boat.

Doc indicated that his satisfaction at this point stems from the fact that he took tenth place out of a field of over 60 of the finest professional fishermen in the country, won over $6,900 in his first PAA tournament and is in an excellent position to qualify for the “Toyota Texas Bass Classic” (TTBC) to be held October 28 – 30 at Lake Conroe in Conroe, TX. The top 15 finishers in the PAA’s regular tournament series, consisting of three tournaments, the one just completed at Lake Lanier, the second to be held on Table Rock Lake June 23 – 25 and the third on Neely Henry Lake in Gadsden, AL August 18 – 20, will go on to compete in the TTBC.

The TTBC has a unique championship format in that its field is made up of the top 15 fishermen from the three major national bass fishing circuits, the FLW, BASS, and the PAA all fishing against each other. Last year the TTBC was won by Brian Snowden of Reeds Spring, Mo, who bested Mike Iaconelli by just over a pound and won $110,000 and a new bass boat in the process.

Seger points that just qualifying for TTBC means that you have already earned tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes as a result of fishing just the three PAA Tournaments. “Depending on the number of competitors in each tournament there is up to $250,000 in cash and prizes to be won in each,” he continued.

He said that he is focusing on one tournament at a time with the next PAA tournament being conducted on his home lake and the lake that he guides on, “Table Rock Lake.” When asked if that gave him an advantage he said that although fishing your home lake is obviously an advantage that the playing field is leveled for all the fishermen by the PAA’s 30 day off limits rule. This rule prohibits any tournament fisherman from fishing on a tournament lake within 30 days of the tournament.

Doc says the journey with PAA has been a wonderful experience starting with his winning the Central Pro-Am Association’s “Angler of the Year” in 2010. One of the prizes for winning that title was an all expense ‘ride’ to fish the entire 2011 PAA Tournament Series, including paid entry fees, food, fuel and lodging allowances worth, with entry fees etc. over $18,000. He credits his experience in fishing with the Central Pro-Am Association over the years for helping put him his current position.

Jim Thompson the owner of Central Pro-Am Association said, “Larry is a great fisherman and all-around good guy. We congratulate him on his great finish, are very proud of his accomplishments and wish him well on his wonderful journey.”

With Jim Stafford you can’t hold the laughter in

Jim Stafford performing his rendition of "Wildwood Flower."

BRANSON, Mo. “Laughter has its own way out if you try to hold it in,” says Jim Stafford as he begins two hours of making it just about impossible not to laugh. As I was reviewing a recent performance of the Jim Stafford Show for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, it was easy to see how this remarkable entertainer has gained iconic status in Branson over his 22 years of entertaining Branson audiences with his unique brand of humor, charisma, and musical talent.

Jim’s comedy is the mainstay of the show and is worked in throughout to keep the audience in a constant state of anticipation and laughter. He has a unique style and ability that gets the audience involved in the humorous stories he is telling about things to which we can all relate. For example, most of us have all been in a hot tub at one time or another, but after hearing about Jim’s hot tub escapade it is doubtful any of us will ever get into a hot tub again without chuckling.

The shows first number, “Let the Good Times Roll” really tells the story of what is going to be happening for the next two hours as the audience experiences one of the most unique comedy and musical presentations on any stage in Branson. It’s not just the music or the humor, although that would be enough, but it’s the way it is combined to flow effortlessly from one segment to the next along with great special effects.

From lighting and sound to holography, black light and 3D, this show is packed with special effects. This writers favorite and one that really appealed to the kids in the audience, was the “black light” presentation in conjunction with Jim’s performance of  “Spiders and Snakes.” The shows use of 3D in the second half was another segment that, while entertaining the whole audience, just had the kids mesmerized.

Shea and GG Stafford perforning "Chariots of Fire."

I could not help, but notice that the show held the interest of the whole audience, including children, as it effortlessly went from one exciting segment to another. While being primarily an adult show its special effects, surprises like the “stampede” and the tossing of cow patties make this an ideal show for both adults and children.

Jim is also a talented musician on a number of instruments, particularly the acoustical guitar. His rendition of “Malaguena” is simply beautiful and I loved his rendition of the old country classic “Wildwood Flower, but it should be remembered that in this show laughter could be but a note away. Jims two children, his daughter GG and son Shea play a variety of music throughout the show from GG’s unique version of the old rhythm in blues standard “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” to Shea’s rendition of the fiddle classic “Orange Blossom Special.” This writer’s personal favorite was their version of “Chariots of Fire” with Shea on the piano and GG on the harp.

Perhaps the words of Patina and Don, from Maine, who attended the same show I did, sum up the Jim Stafford Show experience best. “When we came to the show, we were in a blah mood because of the rain, clouds and no sun, but we’re in a light hearted sunny mood now. He’s really funny and so personable. His son and daughter are so fantastic on the piano. I loved the whole show and his guitar playing, but my favorite part is when he tells his jokes. We definitely recommend this show, it’s fantastic.” And to that this writer would say, “Amen.”

World-Fest’s “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” will have you smiling

Dearbhail Finnegan playing "Inisheer" on the Irish Harp.

BRANSON, Mo. All eyes are smiling not just Irish eyes at Silver Dollar City‘s “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” show being presented as part of the nation’s biggest international festival, World-Fest. As I sat in the show reviewing it for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, I was struck by the unique beauty of the music and its manner of presentation.

Anyone who appreciates Irish music or wants a special and unique musical experience will simply love this show. It is a straight forward, simple, and elegant presentation of Irish music well played and sung by a great harpist, a wonderfully talented tenor vocalist and a great live band.

From her very first note on the Irish Harp or “Clairseach,” the official National Emblem of Ireland, it is very clear why Dearbhail Finnegan is considered Ireland’s Premier Harpist. It is one of those unique and beautiful things that, but for World-Fest most people would never experience and, the sad thing is, would never know what they had missed. Although she plays a number of songs, my personal favorites were her lilting presentation of “Inisheer,” about the small island of Inisheer, located in Galaway Bay, Ireland and her rendition of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra” from the musical “Finian’s Rainbow.

Michael Londra during his performance of "Danny Boy."

From his opening number, the modern Irish folk song called, “Wild Mountain Thyme” or “Will You Go Lassie, Go” to his closing number, a touching presentation of “Danny Boy,” the tenor voice of Ireland’s Premier Tenor, Michael Londra is a joy to hear. The unique way that both Dearbhail and Michael interact with the audience simply enhances the entertainment experience and by the time they joined together with the audience for the finale, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” this writer had a smile not only in his eyes, but in his heart.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said that “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” is but one of the special shows and activities being presented for World-Fest. Other shows and acts include the “Russian Academic Band;” “Diego Martin Footprints Folk Performers” from Trinidad and Tobago with steel drums, stilt dancing and fire limbo; “Ecuador Manta;” “Canadian Powerhouse,” world-championship fiddlers and step-dancers and the “Mayorov Russian State Circus” featuring the “German Wheel,” amazing acrobatic feats, barbell juggling, comedy and much more.

She points out that all the World-Fest activities and shows are in addition to everything else Silver Dollar City offers on a daily basis. The 1880’s international award winning theme park features 30 rides and attractions encompassing everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to a new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7 and dozens of demonstrating craftsmen. World-Fest will continue through May 8.

Live shows or outdoors Branson is fun, excitement and adventure

George Dyer Branson’s “tenor extraordinaire.”

Many refer to Branson as “The live music show capital of the world” because of the number, quality and variety of the live shows it offers. “One of the things that makes Branson so unique and exciting,” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “is that in addition to ‘what’ Branson offers, great shows, attractions, shopping, value lodging, golf, fishing, boating and a host of other activities is ‘where’ they are offered, in the peace, beauty and outdoor splendor of the Ozark Mountains.”

How can anyone who wants to see live entertainment not have fun in a place like Branson with the caliber and diversity of the shows it offers. Branson has an unrivaled choice of live entertainment that is fresh, fun and exciting. Where else can you find a variety of live shows offering the great tenor voice of George Dyer, the music of the 70s Super Show with the Village People or the violin and fiddle playing of the incomparable Shoji Tabuchi? How about the honky-tonk of Mickey Gilley, harmonies of the Osmonds, the music and comedy variety of Pierce Arrow, Presleys’ Country Jubilee or unique one person comedy or music show such as Red Skelton – A Tribute by Tom Mullica or A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country featuring Cody Dooley and so many others? The answer is, “Not many if any and absolutely none that offers it in conjunction with the opportunities for outdoor fun, adventure and excitement that Branson does.”

The par 3 fourth hole at the Branson Creek Golf Course.

Its natural beauty and three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals, provide an unparalleled opportunity for families to experience the same level of quality, variety, excitement and fun in outdoor entertainment as is offered by Branson’s shows. Whether it’s a leisurely walk along the Branson Landing Board Walk or hiking one of Branson’s many other trails; golfing at one of Branson’s championship golf courses; enjoying a round of miniature golf at the unique Shoot for Stars course or one of Branson’s other mini-golf courses; zip lining on one of Branson’s zipline attractions such as the Shepherd of the Hill’s Vigilante Zipline; bird watching; swimming; fishing; boating, kayaking, geocatching or…well, I guess you get the drift, just about anything to do with outdoor fun and excitement, Branson has it.

Branson’s biggest and most popular attraction, the 1880’s theme park Silver Dollar City, blends in so beautifully and naturally with the Ozarks beauty that surrounds it. This writer has never seen a theme park that has incorporated the natural outdoor beauty surrounding it into its very essence like silver Dollar City has. It’s an inherent part of the Silver Dollar City experience. Couple that with its many exciting rides, including the spectacular and extraordinary view from the top of its multi-loop world class coaster ride “Wildfire” and it’s hard not to realize what a huge part of the Branson experience involves the outdoors and natural beauty of the Ozarks.

The spectacular Showboat Branson Belle cruising Table Rock Lake.

Of course Branson’s Lakes are a major source of outdoor excitement and fun. Lake Taneycomo is one of the finest trout fisheries in the Nation and runs 22 miles from the foot of Table Rock Dam right by downtown Branson and Branson Landing. Although the water temperature and current from power generation at Table Rock Dam makes swimming impracticable fishing and boating, including canoeing and kayaking are very popular.

By far, Branson’s most popular lake is Table Rock Lake. Its 745 miles of shoreline and 45,000 surface acres provides a watery paradise of fun, adventure and excitement. Its bass fishing is legendary. It hosts national tournaments for groups such the Professional Anglers Association, and FLW, regional tournaments such as the Central Pro-Am Association and thousands of individual fishermen providing all with one of the finest bass fishing experiences available anywhere.

Table Rock Lake’s warm water temperature makes it ideal for boating, water skiing and just about every water activity imaginable. The majestic Showboat Branson Belle cruises Table Rock Lake giving its passengers a unique opportunity to see scenic Ozark vistas as it silently glides along while also providing them with an exciting production show and a scrumptious meal.

Still Waters Resort on the shores of Table Rock Lake

One excellent way for families to enhance their outdoor and Table Rock Lake experience would be the convenience, excitement and adventure of staying in one of the resorts located right on the lake. Two full service resorts offering a full range of accommodations and recreational amenities would be the Treehouse Condominiums and  Still Waters Resort. They have the added benefit of being located within the natural beauty and serenity of Indian Point and being located just moments from the back, virtually traffic free, entrance, to Silver Dollar City while being just a short trip away from everything else Branson has to offer.

The Branson experience is all about excitement, entertainment, adventure and people having fun together. It offers a blend of live entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities all presented within the background of the natural outdoor splendor of the Ozarks providing an unique entertainment experience not available anywhere else and one, that once experienced will not soon be forgotten.

New excitement as the Showboat Branson Belle again cruises Table Rock Lake

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle as she leave the dock on her first cruise of 2011.

BRANSON, Mo. – Amid an aura of excitement, Senior Captain Don McMahon edged the Showboat Branson Belle away from her moorings at the White River Landing on Table Rock Lake for its 4:00 p.m. cruise on April 7. It  marked the beginning of a new era for the magnificent ship as she cruised the waters of Table Rock Lake for the first time since she drifted ashore in December of 2010.

Jim Moeskau, General Manager of the Showboat said that they were excited to actually be cruising again and being able to add that element back into the experience that is the “Showboat Branson Belle.” He went on to say that, in addition to a brand new state of the art propulsion system, major changes have been made to the interior of the ship, particularly the show room, lighting, the show and the menu. He said, “It’s an all new experience this year. Even if you have been on the showboat before you really haven’t experienced anything like you will experience this year.”

He points out that the show is completely different from anything the Showboat has had in its 15 year history. Entitled “ENCORE!,” it features the artistry and talent of Janice Martin, a world class, Julliard trained violinist, musician and vocalist as she brings her unique talents to the Branson Belle’s stage. One of the highlights of the show is her aerial silk performance high above the stage as she plays the violin.

Also appearing in ENCORE! is a new six man vocal and dancing group called “The Showmen” who perform a powerful blend of harmonies and solo performances with a variety of music from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s. Christopher James will be returning as the master of ceremonies, magician and comedian, and the Showboat’s signature live band “Rockin’ Dockers” complete the shows cast.

“In addition to the new show, there is an entirely new menu,” Moeskau said. The dinner cruise includes Beef Tenderloin in a Cabernet Sauce and Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs with a touch of Dijon Sauce, Sweet Potato Mash and French Green Beans and a fabulous dessert, “Anna Belle’s Golden Brittle Torte” drizzled with caramel.

“Ladona,” who recently experienced the 2011 Showboat experience prior to today’s cruise said, “This is a great show for any age with great food and service. I loved the shows variety with music, magic, an aerialist and the violin and the way it rotates between the different acts to keep things fresh and moving along. My favorite performer was Janice Martin, the violinist, aerialist and singer and my favorite part of the show was when she  played “Stairway to Heaven” on the violin while doing her aerial silk act.”

“We at Branson Tourism Center share the excitement of having the Showboat Branson Belle again cruising on Table Rock Lake.” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is one of our most popular shows and attractions receiving consistently high reviews from our clients and staff.”

For additional information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle 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.