Spirit of the Dance is a beautiful breathtaking high energy entertainment experience for the whole family

Lead Female Irish Dancer Courtney Collins

Lead Irish Dancer Courtney Collins performing a traditional soft shoe Irish Stepdance number.

Spirit of the Dance Encore Performance brings the Spirit of the Dance back to the Branson stage with two hours of unique breathtaking non-stop high energy entertainment that the whole family will enjoy. As I watched the performance on March 17, I was totally immersed in the precision of their Irish dancing. It was joy to see and hear that was made even more so because of the beautiful vocals, colorful costuming and other styles of dance that are delicately woven into this unique exciting entertainment experience.

From beginning to end the “Spirit” of the show is in the hearts, professional passion and talents of its dancers and vocalists and, what a great job they do! The Lead Irish Dancers, Courtnay Collins and Oliver Barrows head an exceptional cast of dancers including Jacqui Bell, Rebecca Jennings, Ellen Tress, Devan Jay Kellett, Beth Leanne, Peri Walsham, Joe Farmer, Davide Leo, Blair Muir, Rowan Lewis and Mitchell Jare. Dasha Toropkina, who plays the part of the “Spirit,” does vocals and dances.

The very first number, “Irish Love,” demonstrates that this show is not just a reproduction of “Riverdance,” but that it has a direction and excitement of its own. Its haze, lilting mystical Celtic music with a subtle blending of Danny Boy introduces the “Spirit,” performed by Dasha Toropkina, who performed beautifully here and throughout the show. It is a breathtaking experience as they transition from the “gentleness” of the opening introduction into Irish performance dancing with an explosion of sound as their feet hit the stage in a mind boggling demonstration of speed and precision. It’s a magnificent thing to experience.

“Irish performance dancing” or “Stepdancing” as it is commonly called, was made popular by “Riverdance,” over two decades ago and is a style of dance incorporating precise quick movements of the feet with a stiff upper body and the arms held fairly close to the sides. The wonderful thing about Spirit of the Dance is that it takes Stepdancing and weaves it in with other styles of dance such as the Spanish Flamingo, Waltz, American Western, Scottish Fling, Rock and Roll and more into a beautiful and exciting entertainment experience.

The “Stomp” is just one of the many styles of dance in the show.

And it’s not just what they do, but how they do it. The performers are outstanding and their costuming is amazing, not only as to its color and variety, but in how often it is changed. The choreography of each number and the way each flows seamlessly from one to the other are other factors that make this show a must see.

Some might have a question about whether or not kids would like this show. During the intermission I picked a couple with two young boys, the Mike Neff family visiting from Oklahoma. When asked if he would recommend the show to others he said, “Absolutely, it’s a good family show, high energy, lots of costume changes and great lighting. Neff said his boys, who are seven and six years old were having a great time and particularly liked the “quick feet” and colorful costumes.

There’s not a lot of vocals in the show, but they are all original and strategically placed to enhance a special moment of the show. Most are performed by Dasha Toropkina, as “The Spirit” and one by Lead Irish Dancer Courtnay Collins.

Typically, when I write about a show, and while fully realizing that my “highlights” might not be the same as others, I mention a few of my favorites. The “Two Tribes” number with its blending of soft toe Irish dance into an explosion of powerful precision hard shoe Stepdancing amid its costume changes and everything else in between was a beautiful and powerful way to end the first half of the show.

Another personal highlight was the opening of the second half of the show right after intermission. The “Spirit,” Dasha Toropkina, wows the audience as she sings “Coming Home,” as part of a full cast performance including a powerful Stepdance number. It was an amazing way to start the second half. Another favorite number for me was the full cast performance of the number “The Spirit of the Dance,” featuring Courtnay Collins who did a a superb job of dancing and performing the vocal.

Spirit of the Dance is a unique one of a kind show. It is filled with excitement, high energy, color, action, Irish dance and vocals performed superbly by a cast that has a passion for what they are doing. It is a show that the whole family can share and enjoy together.

For additional information or tickets for Spirit of the Dance Encore Performance, or for any of 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.

A List of three amazing things your family can do for “free” in Branson

The Branson Landing Boardwalk provides a convenient way to experience Lake Taneycomo.

The Branson Landing Boardwalk provides a convenient way for families to experience Lake Taneycomo.

“Branson has been recognized as one of the top two value destinations in America for 2015,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “That value becomes even more so when families combine those activities costing money with those that are free,” she added.

Here’s a list of three unique free things that families can have fun and enjoy sharing together:

1. Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery – The “Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery,” is located about ten minutes from the famed Branson Strip at the foot of Table Rock Dam just off of State Highway 165. Operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, it is part of a complex occupying 211 acres along with a “Conservation Center” consisting of trails, a wild life refuge, and a “Visitor Center.”

The Visitor Center has a small nature display and a short video on how the hatchery produces the hundreds of thousands of Rainbow and Brown Trout that makes Lake Taneycomo one of the premier trout fisheries in the nation. Its huge aquarium features some of the “lunker” Brown and Rainbow Trout that any Lake Taneycomo fisherman would love to catch. It is open every day from 9 AM through 5 PM from, through the end of May and from 9 AM through 6 PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

After visiting the welcome center, it is exciting to walk outside and tour the “race ways,” containing thousands of trout in the various stages of development from the smallest of trout to the large “brood stock” used to produce them. In addition to these “self-guided” tours, guided tours depart from the Visitors Center from Memorial Day to Labor Day on weekdays at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 2 PM.

2. The Dewey Short Regional Visitors Center at Table Rock Dam – The $7.9 million, 15,000 square foot U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visitor center has been called “the crown jewel of Table Rock Lake” and for good reason. It is one of only 11 Class A visitor centers in the U.S. and offers an unparalleled view of two of Branson’s lakes, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, that can be seen from the floor to ceiling glass windows on the Table Rock Lake side of the building. Among other things, the Center features interactive activities, displays on area history, nature and the inner workings of Table Rock Dam, movies, a gift shop with unique merchandise and an interesting film on the construction of Table Rock Dam. The center is open from 10 AM until 5 PM every day from March through December and Tuesdays through Saturday in January and February.

3. Branson Landing Boardwalk – The 1.5 mile long paved level boardwalk runs the entire length of Branson Landing along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo. It provides a convenient, easy and safe way to view some of the lakes wildlife and birds, the natural beauty of its constantly changing shoreline as well activity both on, off and over including a chance to see Main Street Lake Cruises river boat replica, the Lake Queen as she takes her passengers out for a scenic tour on the lake; the Landing’s $7.5 million spectacular fountains featuring the first-ever merging of water, fire, light and music with water fountains shooting 120-foot geysers into the air and “fire cannons,” all choreographed to lights and music and “Parakeet Pete’s Zip Line which goes over the lake to the top of Mount Branson before releasing its riders for an exciting “zip” back across the lake to their starting point at Branson Landing.

From grist mills, to scenic overlooks, a giant Bass kids can stand in, “Dicks 5 & 10,” nature and hiking trails, parks, “Moonshine Beach and much more, Branson has a broad choice ofactivities that families can enjoy together for free. For more information on these and other Branson activities, both free and not, as well as Branson shows, attractions and lodging please feel free to call the Branson Tourism Center toll free at 1-800-785-1550.

Petersen Family epitomizes Branson family Bluegrass entertainment

Petersen Family Bluegrass Band on stage, Matthew right, Karen, Ellen, Katie and Jon. *

Petersen Family Bluegrass Band Matthew right, Karen, Ellen, Katie and Jon. *

Just about everyone is familiar with the term “Bluegrass music” and has heard a “splash” of bluegrass here and there, but comparatively few have had the pleasure of experiencing the variety and quality of Bluegrass music as presented in Branson by The Petersen Family Bluegrass Band Show. No glitz and glitter here, just some of the best Bluegrass instrumental and vocals you will hear in Branson combined with their special familial spirit, warmth and humor that makes it a wonderful 90 minutes of entertainment for the whole family.

Some might say, “Bluegrass, what do I care about Bluegrass and I have kids in my family, why would I like it?” That’s a fair question. In terms of the Bluegrass music there’s just something in its unique combination of the fiddle, mandolin, banjo, acoustical guitar and string bass that just seems to resonate with the musical instincts of most people. Kids relate to the show because they not only see the Petersen family, siblings Ellen, Katie, Julianne, and Matthew performing together with their Mom, Karen and Dad, Jon, but readily relate to their peers performing on stage.

From their very first number to the last, the Petersen family blends their considerable musical talents with a mixture of antidotes and humor, all personably “choreographed” by the shows MC, Katie, into a fast paced highly enjoyable entertainment experience. They waste no time getting the show off to a great start with the whole family, except for Juliann, who works the lights and sound during most of the show, performing “If Wishes Were Horses” which speaks volumes about the instrumental and vocal talents of the Petersens and sets the bar for what is to come.

Lead vocalist of Petersen's Family Bluegrass Band and top 48 contestant on American Idol ,Ellen Petersen .

Lead vocalist and top 48 contestant on American Idol ,Ellen Petersen .

The featured vocalist is Ellen who also plays the banjo, yodels and was a “Top 48 Contestant on the 2015 season of the “American Idol.” In fact, during the show she performs “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” the same yodeling and banjo number she used to launch her “American Idol” journey. In addition to being the MC, Katie, plays the fiddle and is also an excellent vocalist, as demonstrated by her beautiful performance of “Living Prayer,” the “2006 Gospel Music Association Dove Award For Bluegrass Song of the Year.” Julianne, who is running lights and sound during most of the show, also plays the fiddle as she joins them on stage occasionally. Really enjoyed her fiddle performance of the “Tennessee Waltz.”

Matthew does vocals and plays the acoustical guitar. His performance of “The East VA Blues” both vocally and on the guitar with an instrumental feature from his sisters was exceptional.

“Momma,” Karen, on the mandolin is just fabulous. It is a sound that is an inherent part of Bluegrass music, but to just see and hear the variety of ways she blends in to and adds to performance of her children during the show not only adds to the total enjoyment of the show, but is a blessing to experience. After watching her perform you too will not only understand where the refrain, “Get it momma” comes from, but will be yelling it yourself.

Jon, the dad, plays the string bass. Although not featured as a vocalist you will not soon forget his participation in the performance of “My Daddy’s Got A Gun,” an original song written by Ellen and Katie.

As I write about each show that I go to I usually mention a couple of my favorite performances. Ellen’s performance of “Carolina in the Pines” featuring her mom on the mandolin and Katie on the fiddle was one. The other was the family’s a cappella performance of the Hank Williams classic “Lovesick Blues;” what a beautiful job.

It’s also interesting to note that the majority of the show is performed using one microphone and is commonly used by groups when performing in Bluegrass music contests, including the “Silver Dollar City / KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest” to be held on May 23 as part of Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ event. It’s neat watching them “work the mic” during their performance.

The Petersens only perform one show a week and that’s on Saturday evening. What a wonderful way for families visiting Branson to share something unique and special together.

For more information on the The Petersen Family Bluegrass Band Show 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.

* Picture courtesy PetersenBand.com .

9th Annual Elvis Festival will positively rock Branson with amazing entertainment

Finalists gather at 2014 “Branson Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest.”

“The annual ‘Branson Elvis® Festival’ offers another unique and exciting activity for all Branson visitors, but especially for Elvis fans,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. The 9th Annual Branson Elvis® Festival will take place March 27 – 29, 2015, at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, the home of Branson’s Legends in Concert Show on the world famous “Branson Strip.”

The highlight of the Festival is the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ which will be held on the Legends in Concert stage, Saturday, March 28 starting at 7:00 PM. The winner of the Branson contest receives a prize package and the opportunity to compete in the “2015 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ Finals” presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. which will be held August 8 -16 in Memphis, Tennessee during Elvis Week.

Legends in Concert’s General Manager, Jeannie Horton said that the Branson Contest will be hosted by “Dean Z,” who won the “2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ Final.” in Memphis. “We are really excited about the quality of the 16 contestants and the fact that it’s the most contestants that we have ever had. It’s going to be a great evening of entertainment!” she added.

In addition, to the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ the Branson Elvis Festival includes several other exciting events including:

Friday, March 27 – 5 PM: Elvis Meet & Greet Dinner at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill. Call the box office (417-339-3003) for reservations as “family style seating” is limited.

Friday, March 27 & 28 – 10:15 PM: Elvis Contestant Karaoke at Club 57. Tickets for both nights are available at the Legends box office and are $5 plus tax. Limited space available!

Saturday, March 28 9 AM to 4 PM: The Elvis Vendor Village will be open in Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater lobby. Vendors from across the country will be selling unique Elvis merchandise.”

Saturday, March 28 – 10 AM: A new event, the Junior and Senior Youth Division Contest, for kids (ages 5-18). It will be held on the Legends in Concert stage and a $25 entry fee and registration is required. Call 417-339-3003 x 3015 to request more information on this event, or email [email protected].

Saturday, March 28 7:00PM: The Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™

Sunday, March 29 – 10 AM: Free Branson Gospel Sunday Service will be held at the Hamner Variety Theater featuring some of Elvis’ favorite gospel numbers.

Sunday, March 29 – 8 PM: Guest appearance of the 2015 Branson Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner during the 8 PM performance of Legends in Concert Show.

For additional information or tickets for the Legends in Concert Show, The Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest,™ or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their web site www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Mickey Gilley gives Branson 26 years of amazing memories

Music legend Mickey Gilley.

“Bob Hope’s theme song, ‘Thanks for the Memories,’ comes to mind when one thinks of all that Mickey Gilley has meant to Branson and its visitors over the past 25 years,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Wood made the comment in connection with Gilley’s recent announcement that 2015 will be his last season performing at his Branson theatre. Gilley indicated that he plans to continue doing road shows and will maintain his Branson residence.

In connection with his 25th year in Branson Gilley sat down for an exclusive interview with the Branson Tourism Center and shared an up close and personal interview about his career and his first 25 years in Branson. The interview was conducted on Aug. 16, 2014 and used a “Question and Answer” format with Branson Tourism Center’s questions preceded by “BTC” and Gilley’s responses preceded by “MG:”

BTC: What is your favorite childhood memory?
MG: Telling my sister that I was not going to go to the back of the house while she was sweeping and cleaning the front room floors. I grabbed the door and shook it and she ran after me. The race was on, and I outran her.

BTC: Of all the professional moments and performances you have had, which has meant the most to you?
MG: When I met Conway Twitty in 1974 and opened a show for him in my night club in Pasadena, TX.

BTC: What was one of the “highs” of your life and one of the “lows?”
MG: High in my life was in 1974 when “Room Full of Roses” hit and went to Number 1 for me. The “low” [with a grin] was trying to follow my cousin Jerry Lee Lewis for 17 years before I had the hit.

BTC: Of all the hits you have had which one is your personal favorite and why?
MG: That’s a hard one to answer because my fans have given me 17 top ten songs. I will say that “Room Full of Roses” has a special place in my heart, “Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” was the best song ever given to me and that my favorite recording and one of my favorite records is “That’s All That Matters To Me.”

BTC: What one song do you enjoy performing the most?
MG: “Stand By Me,” a beautiful song, from the soundtrack of “The Urban Cowboy.” I am using to close my show this year.

BTC: Do you have a little known fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
MG: In 1959 I had a chart record, “Is It Wrong For Loving You,” that Kenny Rogers played the base on. Also, probably a lot of people don’t know that I had a Commercial Pilot and Instrument Ratings and have flown my airplane for over 8,000 hours. I am also in the process of bringing Gilley’s Beer back on the market.

BTC: If you could perform on stage with any other performer, living or dead, who would it be?
MG: Elvis Presley because he was always one of my favorites.

BTC: What is your favorite part in your current Branson show?
MG: When we do the music from the soundtrack of “Urban Cowboy” because it has some great music in it.

BTC: Was your first trip to Branson, business or pleasure?
MG: My first trip to Branson was in 1987 when I played for Mr. Jim Thomas at the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre.

BTC: What was your first impression of Branson?
MG: Was wondering what was going on in this little town that I had never heard of.

BTC: In what year did you open your own theatre?
MG: Jim Thomas opened the “Mickey Gilley Theatre” in 1989 and in 1990 I it took over.

BTC: Where and when were you born?
MG: I was born in Natchez, MS on March 9, 1936.

BTC: What relationship is Jerry Lee Lewis to you?
MG: First Cousin.

BTC: What relationship is Jimmy Swaggart?
MG: Second Cousin.

BTC: Did either, separately or together, have any influence on your decision to become an entertainer?
MG: Jerry Lee Lewis.

BTC: How?
MG: He played piano, sang and had “hits” in the 50’s. I was making $1.25 per hour doing construction work and when I saw the kind of money he was making I thought, “If he can do it I can too” and decided to jump in. What I didn’t realize at the time, was that everyone was going to compare me to my cousin Jerry Lee Lewis. Actually, although I didn’t think about it at the time, in essence, what I was doing was performing a tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis and I was successful because I could do his music.

BTC: How long have you been performing professionally?
MG: Since 1957.

BTC: Where and when did you make your first professional appearance?
MG: That’s hard to pinpoint, but the first successful run I had in a “nightclub” was at The “Nesadel Club”, located on Spencer Highway in Pasadena Texas from 1960 to 1970. I worked six nights a week, did four sets a night and played piano, organ and sang along with a little three piece band.

BTC: When did “Gilley’s open?
MG: In 1971. I had decided to throw in the towel as far as recording goes and a partner and I started “Gilley’s,” a honkytonk bar located on Spencer Highway not too far from the “Nesadel Club.” In the first month in business with him I made more money than I had made since I had been in the music business period.

BTC: How did you get back in the recording business?
MG: In 1973 the lady who had the juke boxes in the club wanted me to record the song, “She Called Me Baby All-Night Long.” I told her I had not made a record in three and a half to four years, but I went in and made the recording for her putting “Room Full of Roses” on the flip, “B,” side. It took off locally in the Houston area in 1973 and became my first national hit in 1974.

BTC: What made you decide to open a theatre in Branson?
MG: My friend Jim Thomas thought it would be a good mix with those who were already performing here and I was ready to get off the road.

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
MG: I would like them to know that Branson has some great entertainers and shows, we have a lot of wonderful people who are trying very hard to please the people who come to Branson and with all the great things it has to offer is a great place to come to vacation. I would like to invite everyone, “To come and see us.”

Click here for information, scheduling, pricing and tickets for Mickey Gilley’s 2015 Branson show or call 1-800-785-1550. Branson Tourism Center’s Wood suggests advance reservations to ensure availability and the best seats for the final Branson performances of the Mickey Gilley show.

“Buzzin in Branson” during April 2015

Top of the Rock with Table Rock Lake in the background.

“Buzzin in Branson” is a concise and easy to read list of the major events taking place in Branson, Missouri during the month being “Buzzed,” which is April of 2015 for this issue. Each issue contains the “Branson Buzz of the Month” and a list of the major special events, shows and events for the month.

Branson “Buzz of the Month for April 2015

Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge – This event is not only an amazing opportunity to be in the company of World Golf Hall of Fame members such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Ben Crenshaw and more, but to experience the unique PGA format of the tournament itself. It combines 18 holes of play on the 18 hole Buffalo Ridge course with 36 holes of play on the Top of the Rock par 3 Course resulting in a unique golfing experience, presented amid the beauty of the Ozarks and near to all the shows, attractions and other activities Branson offers.

The following list of major special events, shows and activities in April is sorted by event date and contains pertinent and timely comments and contact information, through either a link or phone number, that can be used to obtain additional information:

Apr 1 – May 31:       Ozark Mountain Shindig Festival
Apr 3 – Apr 4:           Easter Celebration at Silver Dollar City
Apr 4:                        Hollister Easter Egg Hunt
Apr 5: Easter Sunday
Apr 5:                        Easter Brunch at Keeter Center
Apr 5:                        Easter Shopping at Tanger Outlets
Apr 5:                        Easter Brunch at Chateau on the Lake
Apr 9 – May 3:         World-Fest at Silver Dollar City
Apr 11:                      Party With the Stars
Apr 11:                      Rick Springfield (Limited Engagement)
Apr 15 – Apr 19:       Kewpiesta 2015
Apr 17:                      Shoji Tabuchi Show opens 2015 season
Apr 18:                      Branson Moose Lodge Sporting Clay Shoot (417-365-9548)
Apr 18 – Apr 19:       Shindig Shopping Spree
Apr 20 – May 30      The Hits Starring the Osmonds (Limited Engagement)
Apr 22 – Apr 23:       Savor the Flavor at Welk Resort
Apr 22 – Apr 26:       Legends of Golf Tournament at Big Cedar
Apr 23 – Apr 25:       Branson.com Honors Purple Heart Recipients
Apr 25:                      American Cheer Power
Apr 25:                      Kayak Branson’s Biggest Flotilla Adventure
Apr 30:                      Hootenanny in the Park

“Buzzin in Branson” is produced monthly by the Branson Tourism Center as a service to its customers and others interested in what’s going on in Branson. If you have any further questions about these events or want information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or lodging please 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.

Ten facts you should know about Silver Dollar City’s new $8 million Fireman’s Landing

'Silver Dollar City's $8 million" Fireman's Landing" has ten rides and attractions for the younger kids to enjoy.

‘Silver Dollar City’s $8 million” Fireman’s Landing” has ten rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Silver Dollar City is surrounded by the beauty of the Ozarks and, from its inception, has been steeped in the tourism history of Branson. Indeed, over the years, as it has evolved from “Marvel Cave” into an international award winning theme park, it has “written” a large part of that history.

As Silver Dollar City begins its 2015 season, that tradition continues with the opening of its new $8 million dollar “Fireman’s Landing” featuring six new rides and four new attractions for families to enjoy together. Here’s a list of ten facts about Fireman’s Landing we hope you will find interesting and helpful:

1. The fictional story for Fireman’s Landing is based on the historical fact that “Marmaros,” an actual city located on the land now occupied by Silver Dollar City, burned to the ground in the 1880s.

2. Fireman’s Landing, while honoring America’s volunteer and full time fire service personnel, is themed on a fictional storyline that the reason the town burned down was because there was no volunteer fire department and a 1880s volunteer fire department recruitment fair designed to find “recruits” for the Silver Dollar City Fire Brigade to prevent it from happening again.

3. All ten of the rides and attractions at Fireman’s Landing are all related to that effort and enable potential “recruits,” or any other “kid” to have a lot of fun.

4. The center piece of Fireman’s Landing and all its rides and attractions is “Fire Station #3.”

Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs, a bouncy ride on Dalmatians racing around a fire hydrant, is sure to be hit with the younger “recruits.”

5. The rides located near Station #3 are:

“FireFall, an 8-story fire tower free-fall drop ride for the more daring recruits.
Fire Spotter, with soaring balloons for spotting fire dangers.
Fire Wagon Frenzy, a bouncing ride for bucket brigade volunteers.
Up The Ladder, a smaller tower drop ride for junior recruits.
Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs, a bouncy ride on Dalmatians racing around a fire hydranT.
Fireman’s Flyer, a low-flying swing ride for little firefighters.”

6. The attractions located inside Station #3, and right outside of it are:

“Firehouse Splash Yard, with squirting water jets and pump hoses for outdoor play,
Firefighter’s Fire Drill, with buckets, pumpers, foam ball cannons and targets for showering mock fires.
Firefighter’s Fire Escape, an obstacle course of tubes, mazes, climbing structures and slides.
Firefighter’s Junior Fire Escape, a soft play area for toddlers.’

7. Except for FireFall, the rides and attractions of Fireman’s Landing will have the most appeal to the “younger recruits.”

8. FireFall is for adults and older kids, but Up The Ladder gives the younger kids a similar style thrill at a lot lower level with multiple riders in wider seats and extremely slower speeds both up and down.

9. The Dalmatians of Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs have two seats permitting adults to ride with the kids on the ride.

10. The landscaping walls around the planters throughout the Landing are set at a height and width to make it comfortable for parents and grandparents to sit while the watch the “kids” enjoy the fun and excitement of Fireman’s Landing.

“Lucky the Rescue Dog “and his trainer, “Abby Barker.”

“Wait, you forgot something,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, “What about Lucky the Rescue Dog?” Oh my, how could I have almost forgot “Lucky?” He is a Dalmatian costumed character, representing the tradition of firedogs, who, along with his trainer, “Abby Barker” will be walking the Landing posing for pictures, answering questions and otherwise entertaining and interacting with kids and adults alike.

Shoji Tabuchi fiddling around with Bigfoot?

The incredible Shoji Tabuchi during a non Bigfoot moment.

If you asked ten people in Branson the question, “Of all the Branson entertainers which, group or entertainer, is least likely to be involved with the Animal Planet TV show Finding Bigfoot?” I’m betting it would be Branson’s master violinist and fiddle player, “Shoji Tabuchi.” Yet, earlier this week when I talked with him about a rumor that he was going to be a guest on the show, he confirmed the rumor, but said he could not discuss any of the specific details.

Tabuchi said that he is excited about being on the show and is really looking forward to it. He explained that he has an open mind about the existence of a “Sasquatch” or “Bigfoot” as well as UFOs and the Loch Ness Monster and, with a twinkle in his eye, asked, “Who knows?”

What skill set does Shoji have that could be of interest to Bigfoot’s investigative Team? Don’t know for sure, but one of the cast members and founders of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization is a recognized authority on “Bigfoot” and is noted for his innovative use of sound “as a technique for locating Bigfoots.”

On March 6, there was a “Finding Bigfoot” meeting at the White House Theatre in Branson, which it could be presumed, was as a preamble to the Ozark’s area filming of material for Finding Bigfoot. Cliff Barackman, one of the co-hosts of the show was present as people shared information about seeing what they believed were sasquatch foot prints, an actual Bigfoot or other evidence that could assist the Investigative Team in deciding what areas to look for a potential Ozark’s Bigfoot. Could it be that the “Blue Man of Spring Creek” actually existed?”

The team consists of James “BoBo” Fray, a commercial fisherman by trade, who says he saw his first sasquatch in 2001; Cliff Barackman who analyses and interprets data, especially those related to Bigfoot footprints and owns one of the largest Bigfoot cast collection in the country; Matt Moneymaker who has been involved actively in Bigfoot research since the 1990s, launched the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization website as well as being a very respected Bigfoot Researcher and Ranae Holland, a research biologist who, although she does not believe in Bigfoot, co-hosts of the show and is “fascinated by the phenomenon and excited to have found a way to combine her scientific knowledge, fieldwork skills, and love of the wilderness to investigate alleged sightings.”

Although there has been no announced date as to when the episode with Shoji will air on Animal Planet’s Finding Bigfoot, Sasquatches aside, we do know one thing for sure; the 2015 season for the Shoji Tabuchi Show in Branson kicks off on April 17.

Branson Tourism Center illuminated in glow of BBB Torch recognition of marketplace ethics

The Southwestern Missouri Better Business Bureau’s Torch Finalist plaque.

BRANSON, Mo., March 9, 2015 – “It is an amazing honor to have been selected as one of the three finalists in the 2015 Southwestern Missouri Better Business Bureau‘s ‘Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics,'” said Lianne Milton, the CEO of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “When my husband Larry and I started BTC 12 years ago, ‘excellence in customer care, marketplace excellence, advancing marketplace trust and consumer leadership’ were the cornerstones upon which we built our business model and are still the defining standards we strive to meet on a daily basis.” These are also the principles embodied in the Torch Award.

BTC was notified of their selection as a top three Finalist for the prestigious BBB award by Tim “TJ” Loudis, BBB’s Community Outreach & Development Director. In the notification, Loudis said that their independent panel of judges were unanimous in their belief that BTC’s nomination exemplifies a business with a rich history of strong integrity and marketplace ethics.

Branson Tourism Center, established in 2003, is a marketing company specializing in packaging and individual sales of shows, attractions and restaurants within Branson to prospective visitors. Over the last 12 years, BTC has sold well over 4 million show and attraction tickets and hundreds of thousands of room nights in the Branson marketplace as it has built trusted relationships with vendors and customers alike. “Our primary purpose is to make sure our customers have a quality vacation, and we are blessed with vendors who share our commitment and work hand in hand with us to ensure that happens,” Larry Milton said. BTC has been an accredited member of BBB since 2003 and enjoys an A⁺ BBB Rating.

Although BTC did not win the Torch award, it received a Finalist plaque at the “BBB Torch Award Banquet” on the evening of March 5 at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri. Tammy Johnson, the General Manager of BTC, received the award on behalf of BTC and said, “This award represents the ethics we apply in our daily business dealings, automatically every day, whether someone is ‘looking’ or not, simply because it is who we are. We are so grateful to be in the top three for this award.”

About Branson Tourism Center

Branson Tourism Center is the area’s largest providers of Branson travel services and employs close to 100 people. It is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Missouri with an A+ rating. Among other organizations, it is a member of the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), American Bus Association (ABA), National Tour Association (NTA), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA), Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (BLACC), and Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association (BLALA). Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling 1-800-978-1999.

Why Branson’s amazing intangibles promise Branson visitors a fantastic vacation

Branson’s “amazing intangibles” are given life by by those dedicated to ensuring that you and your family have a great Branson experience.*

Branson’s amazing shows, attractions, lakes, natural beauty, shopping and many other exciting activities are experienced by millions of visitors every year. Yet, in terms of the total vacation experience its visitors will have, it is Branson’s “amazing intangibles” of service, friendliness, comfort and hospitality, as much as “the things” Branson offers, that guarantees that you and your family will have a fantastic vacation filled with the kind of memories that will bring you back again and again.

The “Branson Promise” reminds those of us who live and work in Branson how important those intangibles are to the total experience its visitors will have while in Branson. In addition, it shares with prospective visitors what “we believe” and encourages an expectation that transcends “things” and “activities.”

In addition to all the “things” Branson has to offer, you will be surrounded by people committed to not only making sure you are entertained and have fun while in Branson, but showing you that we truly “believe:”

1. In our American values and celebrate them every day, respect for God, the individual, patriotism, faith, hope, optimism, family, courage, generosity, and opportunity for all.

2. In the home.

3. A vacation is not an escape from reality but a connection to what is real, you, your family, laughter, music, pure fun, and doing the things you really want to do, together

4. In families, and that vacations can belong to everybody in the family.

5. You deserve to take a break from your regular life while preserving the security and comfort that comes from feeling “right at home.”

6. The best experiences are live and personal. They affect you – and you affect them. The most memorable experiences have always been personal and uniquely spontaneous and unexpected, not planned or manufactured.

7. That every guest can be a part of our Branson family. From headline performers to the folks who sell the tickets, we invite you to become part of the fun we create every day as the families who built this community.

8. That money is hard earned, and respect the work that sits behind every dollar spent by our guests. We still think it’s possible to be surprised about how much money can buy, especially in Branson.

9. That new people aren’t strangers, just friends who haven’t visited.

10. In Branson, Missouri, nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains.”

“These beliefs are an inherent part of ensuring that our customers see and experience the spirit of Branson along with all its fun, adventure, excitement and entertainment,” said Tammy Johnson, the General Manager for the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s largest provider of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. She adds, “The words of the original Branson Promise say it so beautifully; ‘We’re proud of who we are and where we are going. We’d love to show you around, because we love the ways in which we will surprise you. We’ve found what we want in Branson, and we know you’ll find what you want here too. Our doors are open, come on in.'”

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City