Category Archives: General

Tornado has minimal impact on Branson entertainment

This picture of Dixie Stampede, taken the afternoon of March 2, as is the case with the vast majority of Branson's theatres and attractions, shows no indication of any damage from the tornado that passed through Branson earlier this week.

CURRENT BRANSON TORNADO INFORMATION (Timeline starts with most current information at the top. For additional information please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550, through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.Com or on Facebook at facebook.com/bransontourismcenter.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 5, 4:00 p.m.) The Veteran’s Memorial Museum – It has been reported in various news outlets that sustained major damage during the storm. According to June Tillis, the museum director, “We’re A-OK. The plane and sculpture in front of the museum were damaged, but the museum itself is fine. Power was restored to the museum this morning and we are welcoming our veterans and other visitors as we have been for more than a decade.”

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 5, 10:00 a.m.) Entire Branson Strip from Highway 65 to western end is reopened.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 4, 10:00 a.m.) Tornado has no impact on the 21st NAIA Division II Men’s National Basket Ball Tournament taking place in Branson this week at the College of the Ozarks starting with their Opening Ceremony at Dixie Stampede on Tuesday, March 6. The tournament itself runs from March 7 through March 13 and is expected to draw 16,000 to 20,000 people to Branson during the week.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 3, Noon) Wal-Mart on Highway 76 is reopens except for the “Tire and Lube” service area located at the east end of the building.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 3, 8:00 a.m.) The Branson Convention Center and Hilton Convention Center Hotel are closed, but expected to reopen within 100 days according to Bill Tirone, Assistant General Manager of the Branson Convention Center Hotel. In the meantime, Tirone’s staff is rescheduling events at other Branson facilities and finding other accommodations for guests scheduled to stay at the hotel during its rehabilitation.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 2, 6:00 p.m.) Controlled Access to Certain Portions of Highway 76 after 11:00 p.m. The City of Branson Police Department will allow limited pedestrian and vehicular access to Highway 76 tonight between the hours of 11:00 pm to 6:00 am. This limited access area will range along Highway 76 between Roark Valley Road and Highway 165. This limitation is being made for the safety and security of properties affected during the tornado event. A similar restriction was in place over the last two nights, and Branson Police are pleased to report no major incidents occurring. Visitors will be able to get to and from the shows playing this evening, and to and from their hotels and restaurants.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 2, 2012, 12:30 p.m.) – New article added about the state of Branson after the tornado. Click here to view it.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 2, 11:00 a.m.) Branson Landing reopens. Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing for the Branson Landing advises that starting today, Branson Landing will be open regular business hours. Retailers on the north end of Branson Landing from Belk to Town Square and retailers on the south end of Branson Landing from Bass Pro Shops to Famous Dave’s will be accessible through their normal mall entrances. Retailers receiving the heaviest damage between Famous Dave’s and Town Square will be opening as they are ready over the next few days. The Branson Landing fountains will begin their hourly performances at Noon today.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 1, 2012, 4:30 p.m.) – Branson Strip Reopening – Thanks to the “heroics” of everyone involved the famed “Branson Strip,” Highway 76, is now reopened to traffic.

Taken in the early afternoon on February 29, like the majority of Branson's Theatres, this picuture shows that the Clay Cooper Theatre was not damaged by the tornado.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 1, 2012, 4:30 p.m.) Shows and Attractions – Although the vast majority of Branson’s theatres and attractions were not damaged by the tornado, the following did receive damage and are listed alphabetically below along with their current status:

SHOWS

Baldknobbers Jamboree – opening night is postponed until 8:00 p.m. Mar. 8
Americana Theatre – Closed pending repairs.
Branson Variety Theater – Closed pending repairs.
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre – Closed for repairs
Hot Hits Theatre – Closed pending repairs*
Icon Theatre – General Manager Barrie Cunningham, said that the minor damage the theatre received will not affect the theatre’s scheduled opening on March 22.
Owens Theatre – Closed pending repairs*

*Located in historic downtown Branson

ATTRACTIONS

Adventure Helicopter Tours – Closed pending repairs
Branson Auto Museum – Closed pending repairs.
Branson Veterans Museum – Closed pending repairs
Dinosaur Museum – Closed pending repairs
The Track #4 Location for the Track Family Fun Parks – Closed pending repairs.
Lost Treasure Mini Golf – Closed pending repairs

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo. (March 1, 2012, 4:30 p.m.) Branson Landing – Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing for the Branson Landing advises that “Branson Landing has made significant progress in the clean-up of the promenade from the high winds/tornado that swept through Branson on February 29, 2012. In an effort to safely continue the clean-up today, Thursday, March 1st, Branson Landing will remain closed.

“Keeping Branson Landing closed one more day will allow us to expedite the contractor work that needs to continue so we can return the Landing to a clean, safe and secure shopping center for our shoppers,” said David Ayer, General Manager. Bass Pro Shops and Belk are open for business today and it is anticipated that the majority of retailers and restaurants will be open for business tomorrow morning, Friday, March 2, 2012.”

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo.(Mar. 1, 2012 6:30 a.m.) Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing for the Branson Landing advises that Branson Landing’s two main anchors. Belks and Bass Pro Shops remain open. The restaurants and stores within the Promenade are closed for safety reasons while glass and other debris is being cleaned up and some windows replace and, although there is no specific date, should reopen shortly.

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo.(Feb. 29, 2012 10:00 p.m.) A spokesperson for the city of Branson said the tornado has had no impact on the city’s Lakeside RV park and it remains open and ready for business.

The Branson Variety Theatre was one of the few theaters that suffered damage during the tornado...

UPDATE: BRANSON, Mo.(Feb. 29, 2012 5:00 p.m.) Just got off the phone with Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley. She said that she was so grateful for the support shown to Branson by so many. When asked when the Branson Strip would reopen she said that the western end was never closed and that crews are working hard installing poles and the other infrastructure necessary to completely restore power and expects that the closed portion will be reopened sometime tomorrow.

BRANSON, Mo (Feb 29, 2012, 1:00 p.m.) February 29 turned out to be more than simply the day that makes 2012 Leap Year as what is believed to be an EF-2 Tornado hit the Branson area during the early morning hours. Although some businesses, most of which are being featured in the national and other media, were damaged, the vast majority of Branson’s major attractions and shows received minimal if any damage and will be open for business as soon as Thursday.

Branson Missouri Tornado 2012 west part of the strip

Thankfully, most Branson businesses were spared damage from the tornado.

During an early morning press conference about the tornado, Branson Mayor, Raeanne Presley, while acknowledging the tornado’s damage, stressed what a blessing it was that there were only minor injuries and that there were no fatalities. She also pointed out that the vast majority of Branson’s major attractions, shows and other activities that the millions of visitors coming to Branson every year enjoy, were not damaged by the storm and will be ready to entertain Branson visitors as soon as Thursday.

The primary emphasis is on getting the power restored and opening those portions of the Branson Strip that are temporarily closed for clean up and the restoration of power. Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) said, “We have been in contact with most of the major shows, attractions, and other Branson activities and they indicate as soon as power and access is restored they are ready to open.

Lisa Rau, the Director of Public Relations for Silver Dollar City, Branson largest and most popular attraction, the 1880s styled them park Silver Dollar City said there was no damage. She said that they are eagerly looking forward to their opening on March 15. She also pointed out that the Show Boat Branson Belle, Ride the Ducks, and White Water will open on schedule as well. Mary Kellogg, the owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction, said there was no damage and would be accepting passengers as soon as power is restored.

Johnson suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center for further current information by either calling 1-800-785-1550, through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.Com or via Facebook at facebook.com/bransontourismcenter.

“Hearts of love” show Branson artist’s wife “Thou art every day my Valentine!”

Tom and Susan in their historic downtown Branson Gallery.

BRANSON, Mo. The British poet and humorist, Thomas Hood, said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!” “Valentine’s Day in Branson will be celebrated by special performances of its shows, menus in its restaurants and in many other ways by individuals,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, in terms of the desire expressed in Hood’s loving prose becoming reality, one does not have to look too far beyond the “hearts of love” that noted Branson Artist Tom Crain puts in his paintings to show his wife Susan, “thou art every day my Valentine!”

It would be no exaggeration to call T.(Tom) Morgan Crain, Branson’s preeminent wildlife, bird, western, outdoor and nostalgia painter and one of the top painters of such subjects in the nation. Tom has been painting and doing art work for over 32 years with some of his career highlights including Silver Dollar City, the Franklin Mint, over 20 magazine covers for Cabela’s, Ozark Mountaineer, Fiocchi of America, Blue Book of Gun Values, Springfield Magazine and many others as well as 22 plus limited edition prints and countless individual commissions.

How good an artist is the quiet, unassuming and humble man? Although, earlier in his career he had won the prestigious Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year and was the first two time winner of the Missouri Waterfowl Stamp Design, until 2010 he had not entered a State Duck Stamp Competition for about 20 years. In 2010 he decided to compete again, entered the competition in 10 states and out of ten states he placed in eight, winning in three, Missouri, Ohio and Delaware.

Wait, we digress too much about Tom the artist, it’s Valentine’s Day, we are celebrating so let’s get back to Tom the romanticist, love and matters of the heart. Tom and Susan Crain have been married since November of 2000, but prior to that, as their budding romance developed, Tom discovered that Susan, because of their symbolic relationship to “the heart of man” loved and collected things with heart shapes in them. He shares how her friends and family knew about that love and collected heart shaped things for her.

Happy Valentine's Day! Branson Artist, Tom Crain's, painting, "Home of the Brave," with its "hearts of love," sharing the love and romance of Valentine's Day everyday with his wife Susan.

As one of the ways of showing Susan how much he loved her, Tom decided to incorporate hearts into his paintings and has been doing so every since in the vast majority of his works. His first “heart of love” was a heart shaped U.S. Flag on a watch he had.

His powerful, majestic and breathtaking “Home of the Brave,” was painted in June of 2000 and shares a compilation of his memories of a special fishing trip into the Colorado Rockies with his son, his love and appreciation of the majesty and grandeur of God’s creation, love of country and his love for Susan. This painting is one of Crain’s most popular, toured China and the Orient and is the first of his major paintings incorporating his “hearts of love.” His hearts are ever so subtly worked into his paintings reminding one of the bible verse, ” Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant…”

In fact, that’s the true beauty of his “hearts of love.” In a testament to his remarkable artistic ability, although, in most cases there is more than one “heart of love” in a painting, Tom is able to share his love for his wife so subtly that one really has to know what they are looking for to find one, let alone the other hearts or his “Susan” that are in the painting.

In the illustration of Tom’s “Home of the Brave,” used with his permission, this writer has loosely outlined the major “heart of love” with a pink heart that is not in the original painting. Notice how subtly the artist has woven the heart into the fabric of the painting starting just to the left of where the waterfall meets the eagles wings and follows ridge lines and shadings to complete its form. There is even a heart within the heart.

What a special way to add meaning to Hood’s words, “Thou art every day my Valentine.” Isn’t that something we should strive to show our “Valentines” everyday? Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tom, and Susan most days, can be reached personally in their studio Crain Creations Gallery, located in historic downtown Branson, or through its website.

TripAdvisor recognizes Branson as one of top “Destinations on the rise”

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of the many shows and attractions on the famed "Branson Strip."

BRANSON, Mo. Branson was recently recognized as one of the “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com in a select list with the likes of Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Charleston, SC and others. In naming Branson as Number 7 out of the 15 destinations recognized, the article said that Branson’s natural beauty, attractions, live entertainment, shopping and other activities “draw 8.4 million tourists a year.”

While pointing out that the “live music and comedy shows, numerous restaurants, theme parks, shopping outlets and myriad hotels” available on the famed “Branson Strip” is reminiscent of the non-stop entertainment provided by Las Vegas the article stresses some very important differences. There are no casinos and all that Branson provides is done amid “small town rural surroundings” by a “warm, hospitable town tucked into the foothills of the Ozarks.”

The article goes on to say that Branson’s “Rolling hills offer 200 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking, and three scenic lakes that are havens for fishing and water sports.” Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, said that not only is Branson surrounded with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, but that, from Silver Dollar City to Branson Landing, that natural beauty has been integrated into the Branson experience. “When all that Branson has to offer, in terms of live entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities is considered together with its small town atmosphere, spirit and natural beauty, the result in a unique experience that can only be found in Branson, Missouri,” she continued.

Milton said, “What an honor it is for Branson to be recognized as one of the of “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com.” She also explains that during the Spring of this year Branson also received recognition from TripAdvisor as one of the “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.” She feels that such recognition is in large part due to the efforts of all those involved with Branson’s Tourism Industry to ensure that Branson’s guests have a great Branson experience and a philosophy of ‘If it’s important to you then it’s important to me.”‘

To those who have never been to Branson before she suggests, “Why not plan a visit to Branson during 2012 to see what all the excitement is about?” Too, she reminds those who have visited before that Branson will be celebrating its Centennial throughout all of 2012 providing an ideal time to revisit and enjoy all that Branson has to offer. For assistance in planning a trip to Branson or getting your questions on Branson answered by local Branson experts, Milton offers the free services of 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.

Silver Dollar City’s spectacular award winning Christmas lighting

Silver Dollar City's town squarea glitter with the beauty of its giant Special Effects Christmas Tree and its Parade of Lights passing through

One of the features of Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is millions of colorful Christmas lights arranged in beautiful displays. Nowhere is that more evident than at Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas Festival. The festival itself has won awards and been recognized nationally, but it’s the millions of Christmas lights that turn the 1880s theme park into a spectacular Christmas wonderland.

How spectacular? Spectacular enough to have been named in a number of nationally recognized lists of “Holiday Lights” such as “Yahoo Travel’s Top 10 Destinations for Holiday Lights,” “MSN’s Top 10 Extreme Holiday Lights” and Mainstreet.com’s “10 Best Holiday Light Displays in the U.S.”

Branson’s Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas was one of the major factors why Branson was listed as number six out of ten by Yahoo! Travel in an article entitled “Top 10 Destinations for Holiday Lights,” written by Elissa Richard. ” In pointing out that Branson is transformed into a “veritable winter wonderland each holiday season, bursting at the seams with lavish light displays” the article specifically refers to Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas in detail.

It describes it as a glittering and “elaborate light-and-music show showcasing with no fewer than 4 million radiant lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. That same general theme was consistent throughout all the listings as well as other reasons cited for their recognition such as the spectacular five story high “Special Effects Christmas Tree” which “comes alive with lights and music each day as it is lit at dusk in the middle of the town square. Its music and lights fill the square with the sounds and sights of Christmas as it serves as the centerpiece of a unique and beautiful Christmas spectacle not available anywhere else.

And things just get brighter and more exciting from there. Twice a night the Holiday Light Parade with is glittering floats winds its way throughout Silver Dollar City. As it enters and travels through the town square by the Special Effects Christmas Tree the result is a unique and beautiful Christmas experience that will provide Christmas memories for a lifetime.

“And that’s just part of what An Ole Time Christmas has to offer,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “It features the Broadway-style production A Dickens’Christmas Carol, the interactive kids’show “Frosty,” a musical Living Nativity, holiday foods, unique special gifts made by Silver Dollar City craftsmen and much more,” she continued.

As is the case with all of Silver Dollar City’s world class festivals, the special events, shows and activities associated with the festival are in addition to everything else the 1880’s styled international award winning theme park offers including, weather permitting, 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 their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7, craft demonstrations and so much more.

Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), through their toll free number, 1-800-785-1500 from 7 AM to 9 PM every day of the year, except Christmas Day, to talk with one of their trained Branson Vacation Travel Planners for additional information or tickets to Silver Dollar City. All of BTC’s Vacation Planners live in the local area. They and their families dine, have fun and enjoy the same restaurants, attractions, lakes, shopping, shows and other activities they are discussing with you. There is no service charge or other fees for their advice and assistance.

Last 2011 Call for some of Branson’s most popular shows

Musical cast of Presleys' Country Jubilee at the opening of Christmas Show.

The fun, color and excitement of the attractions, Christmas Lighting displays, shopping, and many other activities continues until December 31. Although some of Branson’s most popular shows will be performing through December 31, 60 Branson shows will be ending their 2011 seasons by December 17. Although subject to change, as of December 3, the Official Branson.Com Show Schedule, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, shows that this will include, but not be limited to the following shows, listed alphabetically by date of their final 2011 performance:

December 5

Buck Trent

December 6

Duttons

The World Famous Platters Review

December 7

Barbara Fairchild

Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together

Neal McCoy

Osmonds

SIX during Jaks reading of the "Night Before Christmas." When they interact with him as he reads the result is the funniest reading of the story most people have ever heard.

December 8

Joey Riley Comedy & Music Review

Ralph Kuster’s Christmas in Branson

ROCKIT!

Roy Rogers Jr. Show

The Tweeds

December 9

Alabama Revival

Angels of Country Music

Down Home Country

Eagles Tribute

Fountains of Faith

Mike Walker

The Cats Pajamas

Tony Orlando Christmas

The fabulous Lennon Sisters performing their beautiful rendition of "The Star Carol."

December 10

#1 Hit of the 60’s

3 Red Neck Tenors

A Tribute to John Denver

Andy Williams Christmas Show

Bill Chrastil, The Many Performances of

Brett Family

Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band

Christmas with the Lennon Sisters

George Strait Tribute

Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular

Jim Owen

Legend of Kung Fu

Paul Harris Live

Rankin Brothers

Red Skelton – A Tribute by Tom Mullica

Shake Rattle & Roll

Statler Brothers Revisited

December 11

Chubby Checker

Ozark Mountain Jubilee

Shoji Tabuchi

Sunday Gospel Jubilee

Yakov

Yakov’s Dinner Adventure

December 13

Mickey Gilley

December 15

A Tribute to Marty Robbins

December 16

Cassandre’ The Voice of an Angel

December 17

A Neil Diamond Tribute
Hughes Brothers
Motown Downtown
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
SIX
The Hughes Brothers
Twelve Irish Tenors

In view of the limited time frame in which to see some of these shows and the fact that it is the busiest time of the year in Branson, it would be advisable for anyone wanting to see any of these shows to consider making advanced reservations,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She also points out that a number of Branson’s most popular shows will remain open, albeit on a reduced schedule, through December 31,” For the latest information, schedules, and ticketing for the shows mentioned in this article, as well as those that will remain open through December 31, Johnson recommends calling the Branson Tourism Center, toll free at 1-800-785-1550.

It’s easier than ever to get to Branson by air

“The recent announcement by Frontier Airlines to add seasonal nonstop service between Branson Airport (BKG) and both Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)’ expands the choices available for Branson air travelers,” said Sharon Budnick, the Director of the Branson Travel Agency, a division of the Branson Tourism Center. “Couple that with the other Frontier, Branson AirExpress and AirTran service into the Branson Airport and the American, United, Alligent and Delta service into the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) and its easier than ever to, not only get to Branson by air, but find a value airfare,” she continued.

Budnick points out that the new Branson-Austin service will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday from September 16 through December 14, 2011 and will be provided on 50-seat Embraer 145 aircraft. The Branson-Phoenix service will operate Saturdays from September 17 through December 10, 2011 and will be on 138-seat Airbus 319 aircraft featuring stretch seating with 5 inches of additional legroom and 24 channels of DirecTV® at every seat.

A cooling thought in the heat of the summer, Silver Dollar City's "Old Time Christmas" is a highlight of "Ozark Mountain Christmas."

“The new service offers air travelers additional convenience and service during one of Branson’s busiest times of the year,” she said. From the middle of September until the middle of December, it seems like there’s just one exciting thing after another taking place in Branson. There’s the beautiful Ozark fall foliage, Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival, Branson Veteran’s Homecoming Week, Ozark Mountain Christmas and the excitement of the shoppers version of “Deer Season,” shopping in Branson, Missouri between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Branson is a great family and group destination offering its visitors the most exciting and unique vacation and entertainment experience available anywhere. The constantly expanding choice of air service for air travelers and the nonstop destinations available from both the Branson Airport and the Springfield-Branson National Airport make it more convenient and affordable than ever for groups and individuals to fly to Branson.

Budnick points out that there are special introductory fares beginning at $89 each way for the new Branson-Austin nonstop route and $105 each way for the new Branson-Phoenix nonstop routes that are available for purchase through Sept. 17, 2011 for travel through Oct. 31, 2011. She reminds travelers, especially those wanting to take advantage of the introductory fares, that the earlier flight and travel arrangements are made the better the prices and availability will be.

Especially during the fall and Ozark Mountain Christmas season, making arrangements for Branson shows, attractions and lodging as early as possible will ensure not only availability, but getting the best seating and accommodations available. Budnick offers her assistance with booking any Branson flights, making any Branson travel arrangements or to simply answer any questions about Branson. Please contact her through the Branson Travel Agency by calling 1-800-785-2176 or through their website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

Table Rock Lake hosts PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament

CPAA's Jim Thompson, right and Larry "Doc" Segerwho is currently in 10th place in the PAA overall tournament standings..

“It’s another exciting testimony as to the great bass fishing available in the Branson area,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center in referring to the fact that that Table Rock Lake will be hosting the second tournament in the “2011 PAA (Professional Anglers Association) Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series” presented by Carrot Stix on June 23 through June 25. He stated that Table Rock Lake had also hosted the last event of the series in 2010 won by Shane Long, of Sarcoxie, MO.

Jim Thompson, the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association said that the relatively high water of Table Rock Lake due to the rains earlier this Spring should not have a major impact on the fishing. “These guys are the consummate pros and catch fish on just about any body of water whether it’s low or high. I expect it will be a great tournament with some big bags weighed in.”

Thompson also pointed out that there are a number of local anglers participating in the tournament including local Table Rock Lake Guide, Larry “Doc” Seger, who placed tenth in the first tournament of the series, held on Lake Lanier in northeast Georgia earlier this Spring. Other local anglers are Stacey King, Reeds Spring; Brian Snowden, Reeds Spring; Kelly Power, Cape Fair; Shane Long, Sarcoxie; James Watson, Waynesville and Lance Williams, Billings

The tournament will launch from the Chateau on the Lake Marina on June 23, 24 and 25 at 6:00 a.m.. The tournament weigh-ins June 23 and 24 will take place at the Chateau on the Lake Marina at 3:00 p.m. During those two days the starting field of 61 anglers will be narrowed down to the top 20 anglers who will compete in the Finals on Saturday, June 25. The championship weigh-in will take place at the Fountains at Branson Landing at 4:00 p.m. with the tournament winner being the angler with the highest weight total for the entire three day tournament.

In talking about his PAA experience this year, local Table Rock Lake guide Larry “Doc” Seger, from Kimberling City, who is currently in 10th place overall in the PAA tournament standings, said that his journey with PAA has been a wonderful experience and started 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 in his current position.

Expect traffic delays as major construction project at Highway 65/248 Bridge proceeds

Southbound Highway 65 exit ramp to Highway 248 leading into construction area with bridge to left.

“Branson visitors and locals alike might want to start factoring the construction that is currently taking place at the intersection of Highway 248 and U.S. 65,” advised Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “When completed, the project will relieve one of the last major traffic bottlenecks in the Branson area, making travel at the Highway 248/U.S. 65 bridge and interchange with its access to U.S. Highway 65, Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson much more efficient and safer,” she added.

David Miller, Engineering/Public Works Director for the city of Branson said, “The $5 million dollar project, being financed 75 percent by the city of Branson and 25 percent by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.” The project will widen the existing Highway 248 bridge, convert the interchange into a diverging diamond, repair the existing bridge deck and widen the lanes leading onto and off of Highway 65. Miller pointed out that the project will actually be a MODOT project and, except for some decorative street light posts, constructed and controlled by them.

He estimates that for the first two months there will be minimal impact on the Highway 248 traffic because the initial work will involve filling in the areas that will be used for the expansion of the ramps and adding the third lane to the bridge. He did point out however, that during several nights of this early period, that U.S. Highway 65 will have to be closed for the installation of the new bridge lane. It is anticipated this will happen between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.. The Highway 65 traffic will be routed over the Highway 248 entrance and exit ramps.

Once the crews start working up near the bridge, the center lane that holds the traffic waiting to turn north on U.S. 65 will be closed at times creating traffic delays. In most situations, traffic exiting from Highway 65 southbound and heading west and traffic coming up Branson Landing Boulevard and turning north on Highway 65 should be minimally impacted. Those wanting to go from downtown Branson or Branson Landing westbound on Highway 248 during any project traffic delays might want to consider alternate routing such as Highway 76 to Roark Valley Road and James F. Epps road back to Highway 248. That routing would reverse for those traveling east bound on Highway 248 wanting to go to Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson etc.

Other alternate routing would be to use the Highway 65 and State Highway 76 junction for access to and from U.S. 65. The Branson Hills exit and Branson Hills Parkway is another excellent alternate route to get to Highway 248 and avoid traffic.

Miller suggests that drivers allow a little extra time for travel during those periods when the traffic is impeded by the project and says that when the project is completed the improved traffic flow, efficiency and safety will be worth the minor inconveniences and delays caused by the projects construction.

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.

Branson Landing and Branson is open and brimming over with fun, excitement and adventure

Even with the last of the rain showers passing through the area the Branson Landing Promenade is open for business.

BRANSON, Mo. “All Branson Landing’s shops and retail stores are and have been open for business throughout this record high water and are providing our visitors with the same quality shopping experience as always,” said Tammy Scholten, the Director of Marketing for Branson Landing. Scholten pointed out that although it is located right on the banks of Lake Taneycomo, which is currently experiencing record high flows of water because of the water being released from Table Rock Dam, its retail promenade level, where all the landings retail shops are located, was built to permit their continued normal operation under conditions just like these.

She points out that the record releases have covered the fountains located at the lower levels, well away from its promenade level near the lake’s normal shoreline, forcing the temporary cancellation of the Fountain’s water, fire, light and music shows. In addition, it has resulted in the temporary closing of the floating White River Fish House Restaurant and the restaurants located on the east side of the promenade because of restrictions relating to using the propane their use for cooking which is located in the lower levels.

After talking with Sholten, this writer walked the Branson Landing promenade and did not find one shop or store that was closed. He enjoyed lunch at “Charley’s Grilled Subs,” serving what he considers the best steak sub in Branson. As he walked back to his car he observed many, just like himself enjoying themselves and having a good time.

Some might be asking the question, “But the media is showing pictures of Branson being flooded, how can Branson Landing, located right on the shoreline of the very lake that is flooding still be open?” The answer is simple, “Because the vast majority of Branson, particularly the areas of Branson containing its shopping, shows, attractions, and a host of other exciting and fun filled activities has not been impacted one iota by the record high water levels.” The pictures and stories in the media are based on what is happening to a few homes and businesses in certain low-lying areas directly off of Lake Taneycomo and do not relate to any of Branson’s shows, attractions, and shopping; historic Downtown or other areas normally frequented by the majority Branson’s visitors.
Branson Landing and Branson is open and brimming over with fun, excitement and adventure

On April 27th Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that the few areas affected by the record high water levels in Branson are primarily residential areas that the typical Branson tourist would not be visiting. She points out that these areas are located quite a distance from Branson’s shows, attractions and those activities that the majority of Branson’s guests participate in and will not impact on their Branson experience at all.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services reports that all of Branson’s attractions, shows, and major tourist activities are open and have not been impacted by what is happening in some of the low-lying areas of Lake Taneycomo. She said that anyone having a questions about the availability of Branson shows, attractions or lodging may call BTC using their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or reach them through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

From Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo on the east to Silver Dollar City on the west, Branson is open and sharing its new 2011 Branson season with even more excitement, adventure and entertainment than ever. It’s not only a great entertainment experience, but a great value. Why not plan to share it with your family this season?