Category Archives: Featured

Branson listed as one of The Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011

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

“A recent article entitled ‘Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011,’ by Laura Martone, published on the Moon Travel Guide website, is yet another affirmation of the great value Branson, Missouri offers its visitors,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The article listed Branson as one of the Best Places in the U.S. to travel to in 2011 under the category of ‘Top Bargain Destination,'” she continued.

Martone, is the author of a number of “Moon Travel Guides,” a seasoned traveler and a regular contributor to the Moon Travel Guide Website through her regularly published blog the “American Nomad.” The article, Martone’s American Nomad entry for January 3, was more than a simple list of the names of Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011. It was divided into different categories with one destination named for each category. Branson was listed as the “Top Bargain Destination.”

In describing why Branson was the “Top Bargain Destination” Martone said, “For those hoping to keep their vacation costs low, a trip to Branson Missouri, the self-proclaimed ‘live entertainment capital of the world,’ might be the perfect option. Catering to children as well as senior citizens, Branson boasts cheaper hotel rates and show ticket prices than most of the country’s other entertainment hot spots, including Las Vegas. Besides live music, visitors will find several affordable campgrounds, golf courses, and theme parks, plus a variety of museums, wineries, and outdoor diversions, from biking trails to canoe rentals.”

Johnson points out that in February of 2009, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) published a press release entitled “What U.S. Destinations Are Most Budget Friendly for Travelers” naming Branson as one of its “Most Budget Friendly” destinations. “In these challenging economic times, being a ‘bargain’ and ‘budget friendly’ are certainly things those planning a vacation or a trip should take under consideration. However, the really good news about Branson is its total value. It’s ‘bargain’ and ‘budget friendly,’ but from its largest and most popular attraction, the 1880;s themed Silver Dollar City, to dozens of other attractions, over 100 live shows of every type, spectacular shopping, natural beauty, pristine lakes, natural Ozark beauty and a bewildering choice of exciting and fun activities for everyone, Branson offers a unique world class vacation and entertainment experience that is unmatched anywhere at any price.”

For additional information or help in planning a trip to Branson, its live shows, attractions or 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.

Coldest day of the year is but another day of fun in Branson

Titanic seems to be sailing right into the Branson Strip

“Branson’s combination of live shows, attractions, shopping, lakes, spirit, character and the natural beauty of the Ozarks makes it one of the most unique travel destinations in the world,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She points out that even though it is located in the middle of the country and its winters are mild compared to many other areas, like most other travel destinations on any given day, weather can impact on the choices of entertainment and activities in which its visitors may choose to participate.

“Today, January 12, 2011, is a good example; the bad news is that your family wakes up in and it’s 15 degrees outside with a Wind Chill Factor that’s even lower,” she said. “The good news however, is that you are in Branson, Missouri, where everything is located relatively close together with parking that, in most cases, is within a few footsteps of attraction and activities with temperature controlled environments that will provide more than enough fun for most families,” she continued.”

A winter trip to Branson has many advantages Johnson points out. Winter visitors experience less traffic and people while having access the majority Branson’s attractions, shopping and other activities. Although its major attraction, Silver Dollar City is closed for the season, as are many of its live shows, she points out that the vast majority of Branson’s attractions, Historic downtown and other specialty shops, all of its major shopping malls, including Branson Landing, its most popular restaurants, museums and other activities remain open for business and fun all year long.

Using today as an example, let’s walk through just one scenerio of a day of family fun in Branson with mom, dad and two children between the ages of 8 and 11. Let’s start with breakfast at the Grand Buffet in the Grand Country Inn complex right in the middle of the Branson strip where there it is just about certain that every member of the family will find something they can enjoy. As soon as they finish breakfast, and without going back outside, there is an amazing 18 hole indoor miniature golf course that the whole family can enjoy playing within the same building.

Another choice, on the east side of the Grand Country parking lot, only a few steps away, is the fun and excitement of the “Grand Country Fun Spot,” featuring indoor activities such as “White River Black Light Mini-Golf Course in 3D, Mini-Bowling, and a state of the art video arcade game facility. With everything from space exploring and motocross racing the Fun Spot can provide hours of fun for the entire family.

After lunch how about a voyage aboard the Titanic, the world’s largest museum attraction? Built to approximately one half the size of the original with its bow towering 100 feet above the Branson Strip, it almost seems like it is ready to steam right across the highway.

What an exciting and fun filled adventure the family will have as they become passengers and receive their boarding passes and board the ship for their “voyage.” Along the way they will meet and interface with the crew and passengers, view over 400 personal artifacts, participate in interactive displays and activities and actually walk down a full sized exact replica of its spectacular “Grand Staircase” as they relive and experience the last fateful hours of the unsinkable ship.

After your “voyage,” let’s take a ride to Historic downtown Branson and visit one of the most unique attractions anywhere, Dick’s 5& 10. This old time “‘5 & 10” has it all, about 175,000 items ranging from basics, toys, novelties, gifts, souvenirs to just about anything most people would expect and will provide an exciting shopping adventure for the entire family. In talking about the variety that Dicks offers, Steve Hartley, one of the co-owners, said, “In candy alone we have one of, if not the largest, selections of candy in Branson. We specialize in Old Time and hard to find candies such as ‘Rocky Road,’ ‘Big Hunk Candy Bars,’ and ‘Abba-Zaba;’ novelty candies such as ‘Wax Lips’ and ‘Nickle Nips’ and a full selection of regular candy.” After visiting Dick’s the chances are that every member of your family will agree with Hartley when he said, “Dick’s 5 & 10, You’ll never find another store like it.”

After visiting Dick’s why not eat dinner at one of the conveniently located downtown Branson Cafes. Clocker’s is just across the street and two doors down on Commercial Street and the Branson Café and Farm House are located just a few doors west on Main Street.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that this is just one example of the fun and excitement that await Branson visitors even on one of the coldest days of the year. For help in planning a Branson vacation or for advice on all that Branson has to offer she suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson Track Family Fun Parks go to “Heavy Metal” for more fun

“‘The, no admission charge, ‘Track Family Fun Parks (The Track(s))’ have been entertaining Branson visitors and locals since 1981, offering multi story and ‘classic go-kart tracks for all ages, bumper boats/cars, laser tag, mini golf, kids’ rides, arcades, and more,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We offer our congratulations on the celebration of their 30th Anniversary this year and the three million dollar expansion of their facilities.”

Johnson’s comments are based on information received from The Track which indicates that the construction has already started in two-parks, “some of which will be completed in the spring of 2011. Track 4… will feature new the ‘Heavy Metal High Rise,’ while Track 3… will introduce a new classic go-kart track, an expanded building and other exciting family-themed elements.”

Larry Schmitt, President/Co-Owner of The Track Family Fun Parks said, “We could not be more thrilled to be reinvesting in our parks. This is an exciting time to offer something new in Branson.” He goes on to explain that the expansion is all part of an effort “to provide their guests with the most enhanced experiences” and expressed his hope “that Branson visitors and residents will be just as thrilled as we are with the results of the final plan.”

According to the information received, among other things the final plan includes:

Heavy Metal High Rise at Track 4 will be the latest addition to The Track’s high-rise family. The LumberJack at Track 5 and Wild Woody at Track 3 were built in 2001 and 2002, respectively. 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. Heavy Metal High Rise will be 1,200 linear feet long, and it will contain over 200 tons of steel and 700 cubic yards of concrete. After spiraling up four stories, riders will zoom down a three-tiered slope back to the ground.

The Track 3 facility will also see big changes in 2011. Its new classic track will be unlike any other at The Track facilities. It will be much more of a road course style with tighter and higher banked curves. There will be more turns, as well as more elevation changes throughout the riding experience. The capacity will also be much greater than the current classic track at that location, having a total of 20 single-rider and 10 double-rider go-karts. The height requirements will remain the same as the other classic tracks at 54″ for drivers and 36″ for passengers. In addition to the new track, the main guest services building will expand by 3,000 square feet, giving guests more than 5,500 total square feet of arcade games and indoor activities.

“And that’s just one of the many exciting and entertaining Branson Attractions that visitors can enjoy while visiting and vacationing in Branson,” Johnson added. For additional information or tickets for Branson Attractions or Shows 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.

5th Annual Titanic Ice carving competition features “Titans of Ice”

Beautiful ice sculpture with Jaynee, the Titanics First Class Maid.

“The ‘Titanic – Worlds Largest Museum Attraction,’ in Branson, Missouri, is an exciting attraction on its own every day, but throughout the year they have a number of exciting and unique special family events for Branson visitors to see and experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of their most anticipated events each year is its free annual Ice Carving Competition which will be held by the bow of the Titanic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2011.”

This 5th annual event will feature National Ice Carving Association’s (NICA) “Titans of Ice” competing against each other for cash prizes in two divisions, Professional and Amateur. At each level the competitors must create their sculptures from 250 pound blocks of ice within a prescribed period of time. The Amateur Division has three hours to carve one block and the Professional Division has four hours to carve two blocks. The sculptures will be judged by an official NICA judging panel with the results and prizes being awarded at 3 p.m.

NICA, is an association with the stated objective of “promoting ice sculpture through education, competitions, standardized judging, and exhibitions” and is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois. In addition to competing for thousands of dollars in cash prizes, the carvers will also be competing for professional recognition within NICA and seeking points under NICA’s certification program

Five years ago, prior to the holding of the very first Ice Carving Competition, Mary Kellogg, co-owner of the Titanic, said it was the first of many special family events coming to the museum designed to give their visitors something new and exciting to see every time they visited. The fact that the Titanic is hosting its 5th Annual Ice Carving Competition as part of their continuing series of unique special family events, including everything from straw horse art to wood carving and reindeer, as well as a continuous stream of exciting new exhibits and features within the museum itself, illustrates the Titanic’s commitment to making each “passenger” visit a fresh entertaining and educational experience.

Johnson points out that the ice carving competition draws thousands of visitor and suggests an early arrival for the best views of competition as these artists turn blocks of ice into fabulous sculptures. For additional information or tickets for the Titanic 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.

Exciting lineup of guest stars ushers in Branson’s New Year at Legends in Concert

The Blues Brothers are just one of the exciting acts of the Legends in Concert show.

“The normal variety in the Legends in Concert show in Branson parallels the breadth that Branson offers in its live shows,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, its New Year’s Eve show is really special with a lineup that is about as varied and entertaining as it can get.”

The spectacular New Years Eve show will feature some of the world’s greatest live tribute artists as they recreate the performances of some of the biggest names in the history of entertainment. See these incredible look and sound alike artists capture the mannerisms of The Temptations, Patsy Cline, George Strait, Michael Jackson, The Blues Brothers and Elvis using their own voices as they “portray them with amazing accuracy, emotion and attention to detail.”

“What better way to usher in the New Year than by celebrating with the Legends in Concert show at the iconic Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater,” Johnson said. She continues saying, “And this is just one of the many New Years Eve Shows that will be available for Branson guests.”

For additional information or tickets for the Legends in Concert show 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 “shows” the way into 2011

The Rightous Brother's Bill Medley is one of many shows that will be entertaining Branson guests on New Year's Eve.

“Branson, Missouri ends its 2010 season with a variety of live shows that provide an exciting entertaining way to ring out the old year and welcome in the New Year,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From morning to midnight on December 31st there will be a choice of shows offering something for everyone,” she continued.

“From Acrobats or a biblical spectacular on a 300 foot surround stage to a magical experience involving great illusions, comedy and ventriloquism or a meal on a showboat while being entertained by show stopping music and talking dogs, the variety of live shows that Branson will be offering is simply amazing,” Johnson said. The Official Show Schedule of Branson.Com, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, indicates the following shows are still available on December 31 for your New Year’s Eve entertainment:

10:00 am

Amazing Pets

2:00 pm

Comedy Jamboree

Hank Williams Revisited

3:00 pm

A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country

Legends in Concert

3:30 pm

Absolutely Patsy

Miracle of Christmas

4:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

5:00 pm

Circle B Supper Show

5:30 pm

Christmas on the Trail

8:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

9:00 pm

Acrobats of China

Grand Jubilee

Hamner Barber Variety Show

Righteous Brothers Bill Medley

Showboat Branson Belle

9:30 pm

Yakov’s Moscow Circus

Johnson points out that many of the shows starting 8:00 pm or later will also be having a celebration to bring in the New Year. She reminds Branson visitors that typically the demand for Branson’s New Years shows is great and that some of Branson’s lodging establishments are already closed for the season.

To ensure availability of shows and lodging she suggests making advance reservations and offers the assistance of the company she works with, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to answer questions and assist with reservations for shows and lodging. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

An entertaining Christmas Day in Branson

“Branson has live entertainment and attractions every day of the year including Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although the schedule of shows and attractions is pared down on Christmas Day, Branson offers a variety of shows and attractions for your entertainment and enjoyment,” she added.

The live shows that will be performing on Christmas Day sorted by performance time are:

9:00 am

Breakfast With Mark Twain

2:00 pm

Amazing Pets
Elvis and the Superstars
Hank Williams Revisited

7:00 pm
Amazing Pets

8:00 pm
Hank & Patsy Together Again

9:00 pm

IMAX Theatre

The following Branson attractionswill be open on Christmas Day:

Castle of Chaos – Enter the castle. Taste the chaos. Discover the fate of Carli and her crew. You will need every bit of adrenaline and stamina to join the battle against evil in the adventure of a lifetime.

Dinosaur Museum – Come face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Count the spikes on a Stegosaurus tail. Stand next to one of the most common predators, the Allosaurus.

Inspiration Tower – Branson’s “landmark on the horizon” — a massive 230′ tall structure located on Inspiration Point in The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. (Is included on the Trail of Lights.)

Haunted House – The Haunted House features some of the most cutting edge animatronics you’ll find. There are numerous gargoyles and monsters, as well as a nightmarish hall of sinister screen legends. A word of warning: If you have a clown phobia, close your eyes as you exit!

Hollywood Wax Museum – Branson’s finest small attraction with a tribute to Hollywood’s best,presenting a valuable, highly entertaining and memorable Hollywood celebrity encounter through a state of the art facility, with themed believable displays.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum – You’re in control as you enjoy your self-guided tour of this truly amazing experience. Take as long as you like to view and examine some of the most odd and amazing collections ever assembled.

Trail of Lights – The Trail also includes millions of multi-colored Christmas lights. Every building on park is completely illuminated and there are hundreds of lighted displays as well as the animated scenes. ( Includes Inspiration Tower.)

Vigilante Zipline – An exciting new thrill ride! The ZipRider zip line cable is based on the familiar concept of the back yard zip line but then turns that fun experience into an exciting, no-worries ride.

World’s Largest Toy Museum – Remembering your childhood has never been so much fun! The World’s Largest Toy Museum (Antique Toy Museum) is like Christmas morning every day!

Johnson also points out that Branson’s two major drive through lighting displays, the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and “The Branson Area Festival of Lights” will also be open on Christmas Day. She adds that starting December 26 and running through the end of Ozark Mountain Christmas on December 31 most of Branson other major attractions, including Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas will also be open along with additional shows and a great variety of entertainment for New Years Eve. She suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com, for additional information.

China meets Branson Haygoods style

The Haygoods!

“The ‘Acrobats of China‘ and ‘Legends of Kung Fu, Chun Yi‘ playing in Branson not only expands the great breadth of exciting live entertainment Branson offers its visitors, but gives them an opportunity to experience not only the amazing, talent, skill and excitement of their entertainers, but a little of the culture, history and tradition of China,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Now those living in China will get the opportunity to experience a little bit of Americana and what Branson entertainment is all about as the Haygoods take their unique and exciting musical and entertainment style to China for an extended tour during January of 2011.”

In an interview conducted on December 16 for the Branson Tourism Center, Tim Haygood said the tour will cover 18 performances in 18 different cities in China during the period January 3 through 30 in venues of from two to five thousand people including the Beijing Exhibition Center. He said the trip was made possible through the efforts of Mr. Lizhi Zhao, director and producer of the Acrobats of China show.

Haygood said, “The trip to china takes about 30 hours. After our New Years Eve show in Branson on December 31st we will get on a bus at 1:00 a.m., travel to St. Louis and fly out of there for China at 7:00 a.m.” Their first performance of the tour starts the day after they arrive in China.

He said, “It’s very rare for an American act to have an extended tour and even more so because we are a large family.” He said that in a family of eight, especially with one girl in the family, is so unique in China that it will be something a lot of the people they will be entertaining in China have never actually seen. He went on to explain that most of the Haygoods have never been out of the country, have no clue what to expect and have an “overwhelming sense of adventure and fun in their hearts about the trip.”

All eight of the Haygoods siblings Timothy, Patrick, Dominic, Shawn, Michael, Matthew, Catherine and Aaron; Daniel Dossey, drummer; Josh Cortz, soundman, and Adam Bowman, lightingman will be making the trip. He said that their mom and dad were not going on the tour saying, “This is the first time we have been on any sort of large tour without mom or dad along.”

Haygood said they have been working nonstop on creating an entirely new show for the trip. He said each performance will go for an hour and a half nonstop during which they will be presenting a variety of material in the show including some of their original music from their new album that will be released in the very near future such as “Country Boy,” “Rocking in the Sun” and “Run Like Hell.” They will also have a rock instrumental segment of Michael Jackson music including “Smooth Criminal; a Beatle segment including “Yesterday” and “Let It Be;” a Chinese love song by David Tao; the Beijing Olympics Song along with many others and, of course, a couple of the Haygood’s “patented,” exciting and action filled tap dancing routines.

He said that they are excited about the opportunity to share Branson with China as well as meet the Chinese people and experience firsthand all that it has to offer. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “It is an exciting opportunity for the Haygoods as well as Branson and the Chinese audiences attending their shows will experience some of the best of what Branson has to offer. We wish them ‘God Speed’ on their adventure.

Branson says “Happy New Year” like nowhere else

Welcome in the New Year with the excitment and color of the Acrobats of China

“Branson has more unique ways to celebrate the New Year than anywhere else in the country,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Whether your idea of celebrating New Year’s Eve is excitement, fun, and entertainment or simply an intimate quite celebration for two, Branson, Missouri is the place to be on New Year’s Eve,” she continued.

She goes on to point out that no matter what time of the day or evening you chose to do it, Branson has an exciting way for you and your family to bid adieu to 2010 and welcome in the New Year. Whether it’s magic, acrobats, dinosaurs, museums, Elvis, galloping horses, fireworks, shopping, attending one of Branson’s fabulous shows or something as simple as a walk on the Branson Landing Boardwalk along the beautiful Lake Taneycomo Lakefront, Branson has New Year’s fun for just about everyone and every budget. Click here for an extensive list of New Years activities, shows, and events.

One of Branson’s major dinner show attractions, Dixie Stampede will be offering its exciting family action show at 5:30 and 8 p.m. on December 31 including a show filled with horses, activity and audience involvement as well as a scrumptious four course meal. It’s something the whole family will enjoy. In addition two of Branson’s other dinner shows The Circle B Supper Club and Christmas on the Trail will be offering early dinner shows also. The timing of these shows is ideal for families with young children, those wanting to celebrate the New Year early or those wanting to see one of Branson’s other New Year’s Eve Shows.

One of Branson's hottest shows, the Haygoods, will be leaving to do an extensive series of show in China right after their New Years Eve show.

As one would expect in Branson, Missouri, “The live music show capital of the world,” Branson shows will provide New Years Eve entertainment, representing the full variety and range of entertainment that Branson has to offer. These include the spectacular Miracle of Christmas; the grace, beauty and the incredible skill and coordination of the Acrobats of China; Yakov’s Moscow Circus; the comedic genius of Jim Stafford,the magic and humor of the Hamner Barber Variety Show as they present their first ever New Year’s Eve Fiesta; the fantastic recreations of Patsy Cline, the Blues Brothers, Michael Jackson, George Strait, The Temptations and Elvis Presley at the Legends in Concert show; the music and comedy of the Grand Jubilee and Pierce Arrow; the musical variety of the Magnificent Variety and the excitment and action of the Haygoods along with the Righteous Brother Bill Medley, The Cats Pajamas and the Top Ten Rock and Roll Revue. Click here for a complete list and more details.

If you want to celebrate bringing in the New Year on a cruise, how about a cruise on the Branson Landing Princess or Lake Queen which sail from Branson Landing and will provide a fabulous view of the Branson Landing and the Branson Landing Fire and Light Show from Lake Taneycomo. Both cruises include music, dancing and a celebration bringing in the New Year. The Branson Landing Princess cruise includes a full dinner while the Branson Landing Lake Queen includes Hors’ d oeuvres and a dessert bar. Both will have a cash bar.

The Chateau on the Lake’s New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes a complete dinner, reception, dancing and New Years Eve party event. The Chateau’s fireworks, welcoming the New Year, is a spectacular display viewed in the reflection of Table Rock Lake. It is visible from many locations around Table Rock Dam, including the lake, the scenic overlook on State Highway 165, and other spots along State Highways 265 and 165.

In addition, most of Branson’s exciting attractions will be open on December 31 and January 1 as well as its two major drive through Christmas lighting displays, the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Area Festival of Lights. Factor in great shopping and dining and New Year’s Eve in Branson is a great way to welcome in the New Year and start 2011 off in a special way.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson advised that weather and other factors could cause schedule changes. For additional information on any of the shows mentioned 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

It’s a “White Flight” Christmas at Branson’s Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

A "living statute" and one of thousands of white butterflies interact with a family.

“Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the most unique Christmas celebrations in the Nation,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “That uniqueness stems from not only the traditional Christmas spirit it honors, but the spectacular and unique nature of the attractions and activities it offers,” she continued.

A developing tradition of Ozark Mountain Christmas is the “White Flight.”It is a unique Christmas exhibit made up of thousands of white butterflies flying in a rain forest sparkling with thousands of lights, living angel statutes, colorful white and red poinsettias and filled with the sounds of beautiful holiday music. “It’s the butterfly version of a ‘White Christmas'” said Johnson.

“White Flight” is currently appearing for its fourth Christmas season in Branson at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure through January 15, 2011. Sarah Bolend, General Manager, said the thousands of white butterflies used in “White Flight” are comprised of about 20 different species of tropical white butterflies with the most common being the “Paper Kite Butterfly”, also commonly called the “Rice Paper Butterfly.”

Bolend has previously pointed out “that the butterflies used in all the exhibits at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, including ‘White Flight,’ are shipped to them by air express in their chrysalis (cocoon) stage from tropical rain forests. They are released into the exhibit after the butterfly emerges from the cocoon and its wings dry where it lives out its average three week life span in a predator free environment.

Two of the many types of white butterflies in "White Flight," a Paper Kite and an Orange Tip.

In terms of the exhibit, she said the adventure starts in the attractions theatre with the viewing of a very well filmed, interesting and exciting 15 minute movie on the life of a rain forest butterfly. After the film the guests step from the theatre into the aviary where they interact, “up close and personal,” with thousands of butterflies. During “White Flight,” Nov. 1 through January 15, the butterflies are all colored white and provide a spectacular and unique display. Bolend said that from January 16 through the start of White Flight on November 1, the display is just as spectacular, but is composed of 50-60 species of different brightly colored butterflies.

Bolend also points out another unique feature of “White Flight.” In addition to the butterflies in the aviary, “White Flight” also includes the presentation of the centuries old art form of “living statutes” in the form of White Angels. As people walk through the exhibit and butterflies alight on and flutter around them, they present a picture of angelic beauty and tranquility, but if one watches closely, almost imperceptibly, the statutes slowly and subtly come to life. It might be just a change in the position of a head or the extension of a hand, but it’s fascinating to watch the ability of the artist playing the angels to interact with the guests.

In addition, the aviary is decorated with a number of poinsettias and other flowers and highlighted by a large poinsettia Christmas tree that provides an excellent place to take a picture. The whole “White Flight” experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statutes and beautiful music, is a unique Christmas experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

For additional information about “White Flight” and the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, Ozark Mountain Christmas, or Branson shows, attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.