Is Table Rock Lake Branson’s best kept secret?

Early post-dawn shot of a small portion of Table Rock Lake.

“Definitely not! That’s why its water quality is so important,” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest providers of tourism services and information. His comment pertained to the overall importance of Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo to the Branson experience of many Branson visitors and the recent water quality assessment of Table Rock Lake by David Casaletto, President and Executive Director, of Ozarks Water Watch, a not for profit organization dedicated to, among other things, preserving the water quality of Branson’s lakes.

Casaletto said that, as in the past, Table Rock Lake’s waters are ready for both locals and visitors alike to enjoy during 2016. The most recent testing shows that it is safe and clean for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water related activities that Branson’s millions of visitors might want to do.

Even though many of Branson’s visitors might never see it, Table Rock Lake is a virtual aquatic paradise consisting of over 43,100 surface acres and 745 miles of shoreline. It offers and hosts, a variety of recreational activities including hiking, sightseeing, hunting, skin diving, fishing, and water sports such as swimming, boating, water skiing etc.

State Highway 165, which can be accessed from its terminus at State Highway 76 commonly called “The Strip,” is one of the main access routes to Table Rock Lake and its attractions. Just south of the entrance to the Chateau on the Lake is the turn off to Moonshine Beach, a public access area offering swimming, a sand, beach boat launching ramp and many other amenities. There is another public boat launching ramp located at the Table Rock State park just south of the dam and the Show Boat Branson Belle’s White River Landing. The State Park Marina is a full service marina, with boat rentals, other aquatic attractions, and activities, as well as a bait and tackle shop.

The Dewey Short Visitor Center is located on State Highway 165 at the south end of the dam between Moonshine Beach and the State Park. In addition to having information about all the public access areas and other information about Table Rock Lake the $10 million center has an exhibition area detailing the natural history of the Ozark Mountain region, its earliest inhabitants, and the construction of Table Rock Dam. A 20-minute film entitled, “Taming of the Riviera Blanche” explains the history and construction of the dam itself.

Branson Tourism Center’s Garrison points out that the really neat thing is that it offers all of this within a few miles of everything else Branson has to offer. Where else can you dock your boat, leave the beach, or come in from a fishing trip and be enjoying the shows, attractions, activities, shopping, and other activities that Branson offers within minutes?

For additional information on Table Rock Lake or Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

An amazing swift change made from the classroom to the Legends

Elizabeth Scarbourough performing her Taylor Swift tribute at Legends in Concert.

One of the reasons that Legends in Concert is “the world’s greatest live tribute show” is the infusion of quality new tribute artists, and the stars they pay tribute to, into its lineup of “legends.” Elizabeth Scarbourough and her Taylor Swift tribute is a wonderful example. In the summer of 2015, as she was concluding her engagement at Branson’s Legends in Concert, she was kind enough to share her amazing story, and we held it until now so there would be a tie-in with her 2016 summer appearance at Branson’s Legends in Concert.

“Branson-Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) and is intended to provide readers with an unprecedented look at a Branson celebrity or personality. Except as noted below, this interview with Elizabeth Scarbourough (ES) was conducted, in August, 2015, for BTC by Gary J. Groman, a 30 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and freelance writer, and is presented in a Question and Answer format:

BTC: When were you born?
ES: April 9, 1993

BTC: Where?
ES: Charleston, SC.

BTC: You have graduated from college fairly recently. Where and when?
ES: The University of South Carolina on May 11, 2015.

BTC: In what was your degree?
ES: Public Relations from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and a Minor in Spanish.

BTC: How do you prefer your act to be categorized? i.e. Impersonator, Tribute Artist etc.
ES: I prefer Tribute Artist, because everything we do is live and we are proud of that.

BTC: Were you singing and dancing before you first became interested in Taylor Swift?
ES: No.

BTC: How old were you when you first became interested in Taylor Swift?
ES: I was 12 and I heard her sing “Tim McGraw” from her first single on the radio.

BTC: What was the first Taylor Swift song you did and how many chords did you play?
ES: “Love Story” and I played four chords.

BTC: How did your first Taylor Swift guitar evolve?
ES: Well, I kind of borrowed it from my church on non-returning grounds. It was an old guitar without strings that had been in a closet for over a year without any use. My brother who was with the Praise Team said, “Take it and learn to play.” I took it, sanded it down, put silver glitter all over it to make it look like her diamond guitar and restrung it.

BTC: When did you first perform publicly?
ES: It was in school at a Halloween Carnival where I appeared as Taylor Swift and played, “You Belong With Me” and “Love Story.”

BTC: What made you decide to turn professional?
ES: I had been doing kids’ birthday parties at home until I went to college, but when I started college I had to build a new audience so I decided to market my Taylor Swift skills by putting up a Facebook page. I put up TaylorSwiftTribute with a few videos that I took myself. I got some bookings working kids’ birthday parties and nursing homes, but it resulted in getting a call from Legends in Concert in Myrtle Beach in early in 2014.

BTC: How long have you been performing Taylor Swift professionally?
ES: If you go from the very beginning to right now it’s been just about a year, but for ten months of that year I was finishing my degree in school.

BTC: Where did you perform your first gig as Taylor Swift?
ES: It was on my spring break of 2014, at BorderFest in Hidalgo, TX.

BTC: How long have you been performing Taylor Swift for Legends in Concert?
ES: Last summer [2014] I performed for Legends in Concert in Myrtle Beach, SC. My contract expired just a few days before I returned to school for my final year.

BTC: What’s the most challenging part of portraying the character of Taylor Swift?
ES: Balancing the up to the minute details about what Taylor is currently doing or the way she looks with the general look, actions, and perceptions that my general audiences expect.

BTC: Have you ever met Taylor Swift personally or been to her concerts?
ES: I have never met her personally, but I have been to some of her concerts and am going to one in September [2015.]

BTC: Before we go into the more Branson related questions is there anything you would like to add?
ES: It’s like a dream come true for me. I would have been happy just playing birthday parties and nursing homes, but I am so happy that Legends picked me up.

BTC: Is this your first time performing in Branson?
ES: Yes.

BTC: Had you ever been to Branson before?
ES: No.

BTC: When you found out you were coming to Branson, for the first time what did you expect?
ES: I had no idea.

BTC: Had you ever heard of Branson and if so what had you heard?
ES: Yes. That it was a small country version of Las Vegas.

BTC: Now that you’ve been here for a while, what is your first impression of Branson?
ES: I think that it’s a really neat place with special character, a small town feel, and a lot going on.

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
ES: The people are so nice and appreciative.

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
ES: I enjoy hiking the local trails and do that about every day.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased), outside of Taylor Swift who would it be and why?
ES: The Beatles because they are the definition of a legend.

BTC: Do you have a favorite hobby or activity and what is it?
ES: Hiking with “Rerun,” my Black Lab.

BTC: Do you have a little known fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
ES: I am the exact same height as Taylor Swift.

BTC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while performing in front of an audience?
ES: I was performing and one of my boots split open so I had to stop and take them off in the middle of the set. I gave them to a little girl in the audience and finished the set in a pair of mismatched polka dot socks.

BTC: What part of your current act do you enjoy performing the most and why?
ES: The song “Blank Space” because its high energy and dramatic interaction with our male dancers.

BTC: What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and why?
ES: “Wildest Dreams” because it’s so beautiful, romantic, and leaves you questioning.

BTC: What is your favorite non Taylor Swift song and why?
ES: I love Jason Pritchett’s new song, “Good Show.”

BTC: Where do you go when you leave Branson?
ES: I will be performing for five months in Las Vegas with Legends in Concert.

The following was from a short interview conducted by telephone on March 28, 2016, to bring things current:

BTC: How did the Las Vegas gig go and what have you been doing since you left Branson?
ES: It went great and I have, been working with Legends in Concert since I left Branson. Currently, I am doing a spring engagement with them at Myrtle Beach.

BTC: When will you be returning to Branson?
ES: I finish up in Myrtle Beach and then come to Branson for the most of the summer season starting June 1.

BTC: Are you looking forward to coming back to Branson?
ES: I absolutely love Branson and am so excited about coming back.

Jeannie Horton, General Manager of the Legends in Concert in Branson, said that they are just so excited to have Elizabeth back with her Taylor Swift tribute for the summer season because it’s a perfect fit for the younger family audiences that normally attend at that time of the year. Horton points out that the Taylor Swift tribute will be performed from June 1 through August 15.

For additional information or tickets for the Legends in Concert show contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com .

Best of Branson Insider Highlights for April 2016

Fire Dancer from “Island Fire,” is just one of many world class acts featured in Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest, America’s largest International Festival.

“From the limited time display of the $1.7 million dollar Wallace Hartley Violin at the Titanic Museum Attraction, to the opening of the show of Branson’s premier violinist, Shoji Tabuchi, Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest, or the Legends of Golf Tournament, the month of April is just bursting with exciting things for Branson visitors to experience,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “We are particularly excited about hosting America’s Purple Heart Recipients as we honor them during Branson.com Honors Purple Heart Recipients Weekend,” she added.

Here’s our Featured Show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the Month, along with a list of the major events in Branson during April, 2016:

Featured Show of the Month: The Illusionist Rick Thomas is truly magical. In a recent review of this show I wrote, “From the time the show starts until it ends with a ‘blast,’ it’s two hours of truly magical non-stop entertainment with a variety of illusions; close up magic; what I call ‘mind magic;’ doves, dogs, color, brightness, dancing, music and action that will ‘knock your socks off.’ The magic is illusionary, but the fun, excitement and enjoyment I experienced, and witnessed others enjoying was real.’”

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: It’s Trace Adkins folks, the big man of country music with the irresistible grin, and he’s making his first Branson appearance for one show only on April 22! He’s scored plenty of hits, including his enduring and catchy tune, Honky Tonk Badonkadonk, and number one songs (This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing, Ladies Love Country Boys, and You’re Gonna Miss This, and landed at the top of the country charts when he collaborated with superstar Blake Shelton on Hillbilly Bone. Adkins typically performs in large arenas and outdoor festivals, so here’s your chance to see him a bit more up-close-and-personal!

Featured Event of the Month: Featured Event of the Month: This is the final year of World-Fest, Silver Dollar City’s long-time festival that unites seven continents into America’s largest International Festival! Each year World-Fest presents something new and exciting through the talent or cuisine of many different countries and cultures, and this year is no exception. The African Acrobats from Cirque Zuma Zuma return and a dance ensemble, Slask, from Eastern Europe joins the line-up in 2016 along with many of your favorites from the past. This is your last chance to see why this celebration of “World-Class” proportions has made it a family favorite each year for so many years..

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

Apr 8: CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour
Apr 9: Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest
Apr 22 Trace Adkins
Apr 22-23: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Apr 23: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Apr 26-27: Oak Ridge Boys
Apr 29: LeAnn Rimes

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Apr 1-May 29: Titanic Museum Attraction – $1.7 Million Wallace Hartley Violin
Apr 1-Apr 3: Silver Dollar City Young Christians Weekend
Apr 1 May 31: Ozark Mountain Shindig Festival
Apr 7-Apr 9: 2016 Kenneth Copeland Branson Victory Campaign
Apr 7-May 1: Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest
Apr 9: Saturday Shindig Shopping Spree
Apr 10: Sunday Shindig Shopping Spree
Apr 13-Apr 17: Kewpiesta
Apr 15-Apr 16: The Branson Auction – Three Decades of Service to the Collector
Apr 16: MCDA Cheer and Dance Championships
Apr 20-Apr 24: Legends of Golf Presented by Bass Pro Shops
Apr 21-Apr 23: Branson.com Honors Purple Heart Recipients Weekend
Apr 23: Kayak Branson’s Biggest Flotilla Adventure on Lake Taneycomo
Apr 27-Apr 28: Savor the Flavors at Welk Resort
Apr 27-Apr 30: See the World in Branson Music Fest
Apr 28: Hootenanny in the Park
Apr 30: MDA Muscle Walk

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling 1-800-785-1550.

Andy Williams Performing Arts Center promises an amazing, magical star studded 2016

“The renaming of the Andy William’s Moon River Theatre to the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theatre (AWPAC) is really calling it what it was really meant to be by Andy’s design,” said Jimmy Osmond in a recent interview. He points out that, although used primarily as a theatre, the building was designed as a multi-use performance space that can handle large and small scale productions of various types of performing arts from Broadway productions, to concerts, dance, drama, music, and more. “Another important aspect of AWPAC’s operation is our performing arts educational efforts through our affiliations with various colleges and other schools where we work with their students to provide mentor ship programs and offer practical first-hand experience in an actual working environment,” he added.

Osmond is really pleased with the amazing, magical, and star studded entertainment that will be presented in the AWPAC during 2016. He said, “From magic and comedy, to music from just about every genre, concerts and spectacular productions, we are offering Branson visitors a wide variety of entertainment that follows the Andy Williams tradition for variety and quality.” The schedule is a blend of short, mostly one-day limited engagement performances by national stars such as Jennifer Nettles, LeAnn Rimes, Loretta Lynn, Ray Stevens, and others with extended performances from our resident shows, such as the magic of Illusionist Rick Thomas and the Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular starring the Osmonds and Lennon Sisters.

The full schedule of shows and concerts, as of March 22, is listed below sorted by the date of their first performance.

Illusionist Rick Thomas: Mar 11 – Oct 29^*
CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour: Apr 8
Moon River and Me: Apr 28 – May 12^*
LeAnn Rimes: Apr 29
The Lettermen : May 13 – June 4 and Sep 1 – Dec 10^*
Ray Stevens: May 14
Rockapella: June 13 – Jul 16^*
MJ LIVE: Sep 24
Bill Engvall: Oct 7
David Cassidy: Oct 15
Loretta Lynn : Oct 22
Jeanne Robertson: Oct 29
Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza: Nov 1 – Dec 10^*
Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol: Nov 1 – Dec 10^*
Southern Fried Chicks: Nov 1
James Gregory with Keith Alberstadt: Nov 3 – 5

Osmond says that the excitement they feel about the variety and talent of the nationally known entertainers coming in for limited engagement performances extends to their extended performance and resident shows which include:

Illusionist Rick Thomas: In a recent review of this show I wrote, “From the time the show starts until it ends with a ‘blast,’ it’s two hours of truly magical non-stop entertainment with a variety of illusions; close up magic; what I call ‘mind magic;’ doves, dogs, color, brightness, dancing, music and action that will ‘knock your socks off.’ The magic is illusionary, but the fun, excitement and enjoyment I experienced, and witnessed others enjoying was real.'”

The Lettermen: Continue to be one of music’s most romantic pop groups, making them an excellent show for couples; and with that untarnished, all-American image, every performance is perfect to share with the family! Although their biggest hits graced the airwaves back in the 60’s, that classic sound has endured in the decades since, thrilling their long-time fans and finding a new audience with a younger generation.

Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza: This special show is a shining example of why there’s no place like Christmas in Branson. Carrying on the tradition of “Mr. Christmas,” the late and much-loved singer Andy Williams, famous sibling acts – The Lennons and The Osmonds – headline one of Branson’s hottest Christmas shows, in a not to be missed production filled with the spirit of Christmas, gorgeous costumes, festive sets, and amazing Christmas music!

Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol: With this show, Branson has a holiday show even the Grinch would envy! Charles Dickens could never have imagined the role of Scrooge inhabited by a sassy sourpuss like Maxine. The call-it-like-she-sees-it, lovable curmudgeon delivers the iconic story with song, dance, and a heaping helping of merry and mirth, sprinkled with the best of her rude mood, and just a dash of attitude! Introduced to us by way of greeting card covers from Hallmark, the self-appointed Queen of Crabbiness, Maxine, has been a popular Hallmark character for over three decades and is now making her debut in Branson for Christmas 2016.

For additional information on any of the shows at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theatre, or any of the many other exciting things there are to do in Branson, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center and talk with one of their Branson-based Travel Planners. They’ll be delighted to assist you! BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Indicates extended performance or resident show.

Is Branson really the most fun place to be in America?

There are so many ways to have fun in Branson.

“Absolutely! Anyone who has been to Branson can attest to the wide variety of fun filled activities it has to offer,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From pristine lakes and championship golf courses to world class shopping, dining, live entertainment, and so much more, there’s a bewildering choice of things to do. At the end of each day, Branson’s goal is to have you and your family saying, ‘WOW, what a fun day!’” she added.

Wood, has been involved with the Branson tourism industry and helping Branson visitors plan for a great Branson experience for over three decades. She said that, in many cases, as we work with people helping them to plan their customized Branson vacation you can sense the fun they are having just examining the variety of fun filled activities Branson has to offer. It gets even better when they realize that there is generally more than one choice for fun within each major type of activity.

Fishing is a good example of the fun choices available within a type of activity. If you want to fish for Rainbow or Brown Trout, Branson’s Lake Taneycomo is one of the finest cold water trout fisheries in the country. On the other hand, if you want to fish for Large or Small Mouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, or other warm water species it’s hard to imagine a better place to do that than in Table Rock Lake. Fishing isn’t the only fun Table Rock Lake offers. It’s a virtual aquatic fun paradise with its 43,100 surface acres and 745 miles of shoreline providing a wide variety of fun including fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, water sports, and even a sandy beach.

Wood points out that Branson’s great golfing is another example of the choices available. From courses such as Holiday Hills, a more forgiving course; to par three courses like Don Gardner and Top of the Rock; or championship courses such as Branson Hills Golf Club, Thousand Hills, Buffalo Ridge Springs, and Point Royale, there is challenging fun in Branson for every golfer.

Nowhere is the variety of fun choices for an activity more obvious than with its live shows. Sometimes referred to as “The Live Music Show Capital of the World,” on a daily basis Branson’s shows are unmatched by any national tourist destination anywhere near its size and by very few, if any, that are larger, for the number, variety, and quality of the live shows it offers. Whether it’s the magic of Reza Edge of Illusion; Sight and Sound’s spectacular Moses presented on a 300-foot wrap around stage; The Million Dollar Quartet; country music shows as diverse as Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Billy Dean and Jarrett in Concert, and Presleys’ Country Jubilee; or one of its over 90 other shows, Branson’s choice of live show fun is unbeatable.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. From Branson’s world class award winning theme park Silver Dollar City, to the Titanic Museum Attraction, hiking, biking, a myriad of other attractions and activities there is fun at virtually every turn. Shopping fun of all types from the award winning Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo to quaint specialty shops in its historic downtown and throughout Branson, abound.

In advertising her Branson Dixie Stampede dinner attraction, Dolly Parton says, “It is the most fun place to eat in Branson.” In terms of having fun, one could paraphrase Dolly and say, “Branson, Missouri is the most fun place to be in America!”

Do you want awesome vocals, a Grand Band, and hilarious comedy?

The quartet “New South,” Luke Menard, left, David Ragan, Jon Drockelman; and Mark McCauley.

Then don’t miss the Grand Jubilee show; it’s all that and then some! Whenever I go to this show, I am enthralled by amazing vocals, hilarious comedy, the great live music of the “Grand Band,” and how the show’s emcee and producer, Mike Patrick, ties it all together into an awesome entertainment experience.

From the pre-show to the final curtain, this grand production is filled with some of the finest vocals, comedy, and live music appearing anywhere on any Branson stage. The quartet, “New South,” is composed of Lead Vocalist, David Ragan; Tenor, Luke Menard; Baritone, Jon Drockelman; and Bass, Mark McCauley. Although each, on their own, has a great voice, the harmony and power of their combined voices is a joy to experience. It’s obvious that they love entertaining their audience and are having fun, and, from where I was sitting, it was apparent that they were conveying that feeling to the audience.

They perform a variety of music covering many genres including country, gospel, pop, and patriotic covering decades of hits and do an amazing job on them all. From among many, and although certainly subjective, some of my favorites were “You Gave Me A Mountain,” what I consider their signature number, “YMCA,” and my favorite, “How Great Thou Art.” It is one of the most powerful and inspirational renditions of that song I have ever heard. Listen for “the note;” when you hear it you’ll know!

Branson Female Vocalist of the Year, Jackie Brown.

Jackie Brown, who just won the BRAMMY Award as the Best Female Vocalist of 2015, showed why on a variety of numbers throughout the show. My personal favorites were her performance of the Jamie O’Neal hit, “When I Think About Angels” and her duet of the Dolly Parton Porter Wagoner hit, “I Will Always Love You,” that she performed with Luke Menard.

The “Grand Band,” or as its fans refer to it “The Rhinestone Mafia,” includes some of the most talented musicians in Branson. It is composed of Michael W. Davis, Piano/Keyboard & Vocals; Wayne Massengale, Fiddle and Acoustic Guitar; Larry Allred, Bass Guitar; Rob Blackburn, Drums; David Creech, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and Gene Mulvaney, Steel Guitar, Electric Guitar, Banjo and Band Director.

These guys are not just great musicians; they interact with others in the cast and the audience throughout the show. Whether it’s simply playing music in support of the vocalists, a short feature during a vocal such as their individual participation in New South’s performance of “Sweet Country Music,” or a solo performance such as Michael Davis’ beautiful piano vocal performance of “Candle In The Wind,” these consummate entertainers add so much to the audiences enjoyment of the show.

“Jim Dandy,” played by multi-talented Jamie Haage, along with “straight man” Mike Patrick, kept me laughing throughout the show, from the preshow to the end with a marvelous combination of one liners and comedy skits. It can be safely said, “No dark comedy here, just orange comedy that is skillfully choreographed into the show so that it flows in with the music at exactly the right time to keep the show moving seamlessly from one colorful and entertaining “set” to another.

As many times as I have seen it, watching the metamorphosis of Haage from comedian to instrumentalist and vocalist is a special treat to see and hear. His playing of the banjo, steel guitar, drums, piano and fiddle, especially his “train duet” of the “Wabash Cannonball” and ” Orange Blossom Special” with Wayne Massengale, was a joy to experience, not only testifying to the versatility and talents of this “grand” entertainer, but as yet another thing that makes the Grand Jubilee unique among Branson shows.

Sure it’s a show filled with talent, but it is the way that talent is all brought together with its choreography, colorful costumes, sound, and lighting that makes it the outstanding production it is and that’s thanks to the show’s producer and director, Mike Patrick and associate producer Andy Holloway. And if that’s not enough, Mike is also Emcee, Jim Dandy’s straight man, and plays a mean honky-tonk piano version of “Balls of Fire” surrounded by some great special effects.

In previous reviews of the Grand Jubilee I said, “It might seem like a cliché, but the Grand Jubilee is truly ‘grand’ entertainment. I laughed until I hurt, listened to some of the most talented musicians and vocalists I have ever heard, in Branson or anywhere else, and was thoroughly entertained by a fast moving production that held my interest throughout. It was over all too quickly. Isn’t it wonderful that some things never change except to get better!” All I could add for the 2016 show that I saw was, “Ditto!”

For additional information or tickets for the Grand Jubilee show contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com .

Shocked winner of $1000 Grand Prize in 2016 Spring Break Sweepstakes loves Branson shows

The first thing that Beverly and Rob Johnson, the Grand Prize winners in Branson Tourism Center’s 2016 Spring Break Sweepstakes, are going to do with their prize is see “Moses” and the “Million Dollar Quartet.”

When Beverly Johnson of Arkadelphia, AR, opened up her email, after coming home from work the evening of March 4, 2016, she was shocked to discover that she had won Branson Tourism Center’s 2016 Spring Break Sweepstakes grand prize of a $1,000 Branson Gift Card! She said that she had to read it five times before she believed it. She showed it to her husband Rob saying, “I think I’ve won this.” He said, “What” before reading it, agreeing, and getting excited for both of them.

Earlier this week, Beverly (BJ) was kind enough to participate in a telephone interview with the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) about her initial experience with the Sweepstakes, how she feels about Branson, and more. The interview uses a “Question and Answer” format, and was conducted for BTC by Gary Groman, a 30-year resident of the Branson area and a local columnist, and freelance writer.

BTC: What is the first thing in Branson you are going to use your card to do?
BJ: My husband Rob, and I have been wanting to see Moses at the Sight and Sound Theatre and my husband wants to see the Million Dollar Quartet over at the Welk Theatre because he is a huge Elvis fan.

BTC: Have you been to Branson before?
BJ: Oh, Yes.

BTC: When was the last time?
BJ: Beginning of August 2014.

BTC: When will you be coming to Branson again?
BJ: We will be coming in the middle of April for a few days, but my husband wants to see Jimmy Fortune when he comes later in the year so I’m sure we’ll be coming back to Branson again.

BTC: In addition to seeing Moses and the Million Dollar Quartet what else do you plan to do?
BJ: A little shopping, we always have to hit the Bass Pro Shop and go over to the little Amish Store. As far as the other shows go, we will play that by ear after we get there.

BTC: What do you like to do most when you come to Branson?
BJ: We like the shows the most. My husband plays the drums so we are all for going to the shows.

BTC: Have you dealt with the Branson Tourism Center before?
BJ: Yes, a few times.

BTC: How did you find out about the contest?
BJ: I actually get the emails from Branson Tourism [Center] all the time. I had seen the contest on Facebook and then got an email about the “Sweetheart Packages” for February. I clicked on one of the packages to see what was in it and saw the contest on the page. I thought that’s the one I saw on Facebook the other day so I entered.

BTC: When you first saw it did you think it was some sort of “scam trying to set you up for something?”
BJ: No, not really. It depends on where it’s coming from, whether I have those doubts or not, but being from Branson Tourism Center I didn’t even think about it.

BTC: When did you receive your first phone call from the Branson Tourism Center?
BJ: I got the email late Friday evening. The first phone call I received from BTC was from Megan Miller on Monday.

“Our thanks to everyone who entered and congratulations to Beverly on winning our Grand Prize,” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We look forward to meeting the Johnson’s again when they visit in April and being a small part in, what we know will be, another great Branson experience.

Colossal 150 foot Ferris wheel is a stunning addition to Branson Strip

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel*

In January, The Track Family Fun Parks, in Branson, Missouri, announced that it had purchased the 15-story Ferris wheel formerly featured at Chicago’s Navy Pier and that it would be disassembled, transported to Branson, and reassembled for the enjoyment of Branson visitors during the summer of 2016. Recently a spokesperson for The Track Family Fun Parks said that, depending on a number of factors, they are hoping for a Memorial Day Weekend opening.

Modeled after the first Ferris wheel built for the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition, the Ferris wheel stands 150 feet tall, has 40 gondolas that can hold up to 240 passengers, and will light up the Ozarks nighttime skies with the glow of its 16,000 lights. It was a popular iconic attraction at the Chicago’s famous Navy Pier tourist destination. “Branson will be a great new location for this amazing Ferris wheel,” said Brian Murphy, COO of Navy Pier. “It was a landmark here for many years, and we are happy to know that it will continue to attract thousands of visitors each year to such a family-friendly destination.”

“We are very excited to be the new home to this iconic Ferris wheel,” said Craig Wescott, President and CEO of The Track Family Fun Parks. “Our hope is that adding this unique attraction, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages, will enhance our guests’ experience during the time they spend in Branson.”

The Ferris wheel represents a $2.5 million investment that the company is making as part of its 35th anniversary. The Track Family Fun Parks has four locations in Branson offering a variety of activities including “high-rise and classic go-kart tracks for all ages, laser tag, bumper boats/cars, mini golf, batting cages, kids’ rides, arcades, and more with no gate admission charge.” The Ferris wheel will be located in Track 4 on the famed Branson Strip at 3345 West 76 Country Boulevard.

For more information about The Track Family Fun Parks, the Ferris wheel or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services; call 1-800-785-1550 or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com

* Photo Credit: Navy Pier

Exciting move increases access to Lake Taneycomo cruises aboard Main Street Lake Cruises

Portion of Main Street Marina and entrance to Main Street Lake Cruises awaiting installation of ramps and final adjustments.

After many months of planning and effort, many of those walking along the Branson Landing Boardwalk on Sunday, February 21, 2016 were astounded to see the largest structure ever floated on Lake Taneycomo in the middle of the lake and moving ever so slowly and carefully upstream. The amazing sight was the Main Street Marina, at 428-foot-long and 112-foot-wide, being moved from its old home at 7 North Boardwalk on Branson Landing, to its new location at 9 South Boardwalk.

Main Street Marina is a multi-function facility; home to Main Street Lake Cruises, as well as restaurant and retail facilities. “This is a game changer,” said Larry Milton, the co-owner of Main Street Marina with his wife Lianne. “The marina’s new prime location, along the shoreline of the Bass Pro Parking lot, provides not only increased visibility, but drive-up parking and immediate access to our main entrance from a flat parking lot, all of which will enhance the experience of our guests,” he added.

Main Street Lake Cruises offers Lake Taneycomo sightseeing and dinner cruises aboard its two vessels, the 140 passenger riverboat replica Lake Queen, and the 100-foot luxury yacht, the Landing Princess. 2016 cruises from the new location are scheduled to begin on May 1. “Our goal is to provide our passengers with a unique, exciting, and unforgettable experience that will become a special part of their favorite Branson memories,” said Steve Johnson, the General Manager of Main Street Lake Cruises. “A cruise aboard the 84-foot-long riverboat replica Lake Queen is reminiscent of the travel on the White River that played such an important part in Branson’s early history, and each cruise is truly a living, one-of-a-kind adventure show with the sights, sounds, and excitement produced daily by Mother Nature.” he added

Johnson says that although there is plenty of time to relax and just enjoy the serenity of being on the lake, the Captain will provide a live, interesting narrative of what you’ll likely see, both fixed and spontaneous sights. How can you plan for a bald eagle sitting in a tree, a great blue heron soaring overhead, a mink scurrying along the shoreline, or any number of the amazing things that just happen daily along the lake shore?

Fixed sights include a unique mid-lake view of Branson Landing and its $7.5 million fountain, a spectacular synchronized fire, water, light, and music show; one of Missouri’s largest Blue Heron Rookeries; amazing bluffs carved naturally by Mother Nature over the centuries; spectacular Ozark vistas; and much more. In addition, from the comfort of your vantage point aboard the Lake Queen or the Landing Princess, you’ll come upon the birds and other wildlife that abound on Lake Taneycomo and its shoreline such as deer, mink, river otters, the great blue heron, bald eagles, various species of ducks, Canada geese, and much more. Although there are fixed elements in each cruise, each cruise experience can be as different as a snowflake when it comes to the wonders that Mother Nature will reveal.

Both of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats and their crews are licensed, and the boats are inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard on a regular basis. In addition, they are fully accessible to the disabled and offer a full complement of modern amenities, including full-sized modern restrooms, a well-stocked bar, as well as snack and food service, as appropriate. The Lake Queen has a fully enclosed environmentally conditioned lower deck and an open-air upper deck, while both the decks of the Landing Princess are fully enclosed and environmentally conditioned.

For additional information on sightseeing cruises on the Lake Queen, or dinner cruises on the Landing Princess or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services; call 1-800-785-1550 or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Johnson points out that there are also opportunities to lease the marina’s restaurant and retail space at the exciting new prime location. Anyone interested in any of these leasing opportunities should contact him at 417-239-3980

$1.7 million Titanic Violin ignites a spectacular Titanic 10th anniversary celebration

Shoji Tabuchi viewing the Wallace Hartley Titanic Violin and paying his respects to his fellow musicians who perished that night.

Why would someone pay $1.7 million for a violin that can’t be played and has not played a note in over 100 years? There can’t be too many reasons, but one would surely be because it’s believed to be the very violin played by the Titanic’s bandleader, Wallace Hartley, the night of April 14, 1912 when the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg and sank into the deep depths of the icy north Atlantic, and became a legend for the ages.

“RMS Titanic bandleader Wallace Hartley’s violin has become the iconic symbol of the Titanic saga. Found strapped to his body after the sinking, it was returned to his wife-to-be, only to be lost to the world until it resurfaced almost a century later. Now, for the first time since an unnamed owner took possession of the violin, visitors to the Titanic Museum Attractions will be able to experience, for themselves, the overwhelming sense of emotion it evokes,” says Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, co-owner of the Titanic Attractions.

She also points out that 2016 is the 10^th anniversary of the Titanic Museum Attraction’s “setting anchor” in Branson, and to honor the occasion, they are pleased to present a 2016 World Exclusive Exhibit, the display of the $1.7 million Wallace Hartley Titanic Violin; it will be at the museum from March 7 through May 29 along with the only Bible to survive the sinking.# “The Titanic Violin may never be played again,” admits Kellogg. “But one of the final songs Wallace Hartley was said to have been playing during the ship’s final moments can still be heard in our imaginations: ‘Nearer, my God to thee, Nearer to thee…’”

Although the violin exhibit is a major feature of its 10th anniversary celebration, there will be other events at Titanic during the year to honor the occasion. One of these is a special $10.00 admission to the attraction for children ages 5 through 12 throughout all of 2016.

When asked why Branson was picked as the “home port” of the Titanic Museum, Kellogg pointed out that it was a process that started over a decade before its 2006 opening. More than 10 years before that, while serving as the Executive Vice President of Television for The Walt Disney Company, she bought the national TV show “Live With Regis and Kathie Lee,” to the Grand Palace in Branson as the result of a letter received from Steve Presley, on behalf of the Ozark Marketing Council. During the process, a warm friendship with the Presleys developed and Mary and her husband John fell in love with Table Rock Lake. As a result, they kept in contact with the Presleys and came back to Branson and Table Rock Lake every 4^th of July.

Through the years, her husband John, who had been touring with the Titanic artifacts throughout Europe and the United States, thought that they needed a permanent location for display. When he decided it was time, their love of Branson and friendship with the Presleys, along with the demographics of the Branson visitor, made Branson an ideal location. The museum opened in 2006 and the rest is history.

“Congratulations to the Titanic Museum Attraction on the occasion of its 10^th anniversary in Branson, and on being able to obtain a 2016 World Exclusive Exhibit, the display of the $1.7 million Wallace Hartley Titanic Violin,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a blessing the Titanic Museum Attraction has been for Branson and its visitor as it honors those who were on board by telling their stories in a special and dignified way, while providing Branson visitors of all ages with a special, unique, and fun-filled experience they’ll never forget,” she added.

For additional information or tickets for the Titanic Museum Attraction, or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services; call 1-800-785-1550 or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

# From June 7 through Labor Day Weekend the violin will be on display at the Titanic’s sister ship in Pigeon Forge, TN