Lodging can be the difference in having a great travel experience

The unique Gazebo Inn located in the center of the famed Branson Strip.

BRANSON, Mo. Whether it’s in Branson, Missouri; Lahina, Hawaii; Las Vegas Nevada or anywhere else, where do you normally start and end just about every day you are on a trip vacation, business, or otherwise? Isn’t it in your hotel, motel or resort room or suite? Most of us can testify as to how our choice of lodging impacted, either positively or negatively, on an overall trip experience.

The good news for those planning a trip to Branson, the place some call the “Live music show capital of the world,” is that that Branson has just about as many lodging choices as it does live shows. From the usual hotel and motel chains to luxury hotels and locally owned and managed establishments, Branson has a broad choice of lodging accommodations to meet just about every lodging need and budget.

The challenge is to find the lodging that will not only provide the best lodging experience, but also fit your budget. The Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services provides a free service to prospective Branson visitors. In terms of pricing and budget, they have sorted 63 of Branson’s finest lodging facilities into three broad categories, “Value,” “Moderate” and “Premium” on the Hotels & Lodging page of their web site. For each property there is a link to further information, pictures and, in most cases, videos of the properties listed.

Another convenient feature is the “side bar” in the left hand column that provides, at a glance, an overview of the amenities the property offers such as fitness rooms, pets allowed, wireless internet access and whether or not it’s free, indoor pool, free Breakfast, laundry, and other major items that might impact on your choice of lodging. In addition, Branson Tourism Center also provides the free personal advice of a Branson Vacation Planner who will be happy to assist in answering any questions or in making any reservations, not only for lodging, but for any of Branson’s shows or attractions. This service is available, through the toll free number, 1-800-785-1550 from 8 AM to 9 PM seven days a week every day of the year except Christmas,

“The unique combination of combining the internet with a free ‘concierge’ type of personal service should go a long way towards ensuring that you get exactly the type of Branson lodging that will meet your needs and enhance your overall Branson experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson also points out that, in terms of the best pricing and to ensure the availability for the exact type of accommodations desired, the earlier arrangements and reservations are made the better. “This is especially so during the Fall season and Ozark Mountain Christmas,” she continued.

Regardless of whether you use the free services of Branson Tourism Center or not, your travel experience to Branson, or anywhere else, will be directly influenced by your lodging choices. A little advanced planning can go a long way towards making sure that influence is positive and contributes to a memory of a special, enjoyable and pleasant experience.

New one of a kind exhibit added to Branson Titanic Museum Attraction

Titanic's "Survivors' Wall of Stories," tells "The Rest of the Story."*

BRANSON, Mo. As we approach the 100th Anniversary of the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912 the horrific loss of life and the ship that was touted as being virtually unsinkable are forever etched on the pages of history. Too, those pages testify as to the obvious fate of the over 1,500 passengers and crew who went to the bottom of the North Atlantic with her.

What has not been as obvious is what happened to the 712 passengers and crew members who survived that fateful voyage. Not anymore! The “New exclusive ‘Survivors’ Wall of Stories,’ at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson” presents, all in one place, information about the “the individual journeys of each of the survivors” after that fateful night.

On a daily basis, the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, provides its “passengers” with an exciting opportunity to experience what it was like aboard the Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage. Among the many things woven into the exciting and educational experience are “400 artifacts directly from the ship,” a chance to walk up an exact full size reproduction of the ships Grand Staircase, feel first-hand what 28 degree water feels like, experience what the passengers and crew experienced as they tried to stand on the sloping decks of the ship as she sank and so much more.

A standard part of the Branson Titanic experience, ever since it first opened, is to give each passenger a Boarding Pass, with the name and information about one of the passengers or crew members who were on board the Titanic when she sank. This personalizes the experience for the “passenger” as they go through the museum as well as giving them an opportunity to see whether or not “they” survived by checking their name in the “Memorial Gallery,” which lists all passengers and crew members and whether or not they survived.

Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, the co-owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction with her husband John, said “So many guests ask us, ‘What happened to our passenger that survived on our boarding pass?’” She explained that until now there was no exhibit answering that question and they were answered by the crew members and staff of the Titanic on an individual basis based on available information. “Now, for the first time in the world, after two years of research, we have been able to put their lives together after they reached New York City almost 100 years ago,” she continued.

The research included contacting “Titanic Historical Societies around the world,” to get the information and documentation to tell the survivors stories. The result is an exclusive new exhibit for the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction that is the most complete public exhibit of information in the world telling what happened to the Titanic Survivors after they arrived in New York after being rescued.

The unique “Survivors’ Wall of Stories,” presents a picture, where available, and the stories of the vast majority of the 712 survivors, divided just as they were aboard the Titanic on their voyage, 201 from First Class, 118 from Second Class, 181 from Third Class and 212 Crew Members. Within each of those categories, the information is presented and sorted alphabetically. As of this date, out of the 712 survivors, the “Survivors’ Wall of Stories,” has information on all except for except for about 30.

Joslyn points out that the research is ongoing and that the exhibit will be updated with new information as it becomes available. As an example, she explains that six of the survivors were Chinese men and there is no record of what happened after they returned to their country. After visiting the museum, the Chinese government is now going to take part in helping to find out what happened to the Chinese survivors.

She said that the “Survivors’ Wall of Stories,” is just one example of how things are constantly changing at the museum to keep it fresh and exciting so that its guests always have a fresh new experience every time they visit. For additional information on the Titanic Museum Attraction or tickets for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Picture courtesy of Branson Titanic Museum Atraction

Craft festivals, grape stomp, faeries, wood carving and chili cook-off “Fall” in Branson

One of the many crafts that will be demonstrated at the National Harvest Festival.

Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival is not only one of the largest craft festivals in the nation it is the precursor of many Fall festivals and events in the Branson area that run during the same time period. The National Harvest Festival has been formally recognized by the U.S. Congress, features over 100 demonstrating craftsmen and artisans from all over the country, runs until October 29 and like all of the six world class festivals that Silver Dollar City offers its guests each year is in addition to all the fun, rides and excitement available at the international award winning 1880s theme park on a daily basis.

The merchants and businesses of historic downtown Branson will hold their 38th Annual Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival in Branson’s historic district on Friday and Saturday, September 16 and 17 from 9 AM to 6 PM. Over 150 crafters from all over the country will display, their work in this “juried craft show” which is free to the public and, when combined with the unqiue specialty and art shops in downtown Branson, provides one of the most unique shopping opportunities available anywhere. In addition the festival includes demonstrations from many of the visiting craftsmen, food vendors, a children’s area, free live music from Branson entertainers throughout the day and a street dance in historic down town Branson on Saturday, September 17 at 6:30 PM with the music provided by “Tony Turner and the All Stars.”

On Saturday, September 24, the city of Hollister will hold its 13th annual “Grape & Fall Festival” on “Downing Street” in historic downtown Hollister. This one day celebration is “simply old fashioned family fun” for the whole family and will feature displays and products by local artists and vendors, live music and entertainment by Branson entertainers, kids activities, “carnival food like funnel cakes and turkey legs” and much more. One of the major highlights of the festival is the “Grape Stomp” competition at 2 PM where local dignitaries and personalities “get up to their knees in grapes” and compete for the coveted “Ugly Monkey Trophy.” It’s a unique day of great fun.

The 2nd Annual “Rose O’Neill’s Faerie Gathering” will take place on September 24 and 25 at “Bonniebrook,” the “favorite place” of Rose O’Neill, the inventor of the “Kewpie Doll” and “Kewpies.” In addition to the museum, containing one of the most complete collections of O’Neil’s “Kewpies” and other works available anywhere, the festival will celebrate her belief in “Faeries” with crafts, a fairy house building competition, seminars and other activities including “The Sweet Monsters Ball and Masquerade” starting at 6 PM on Saturday, September 24.

From Friday, October 7 through the Sunday, October 9, in conjunction with “LogHoggers,” the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction will hold its 4th Annual Chainsaw Sculpting Event to honor Titanic’s German passengers and crew. The three day competition will take place from 9 AM to 5 PM on Friday and Saturday and from 9 AM to 3 PM on Sunday. It also includes an auction where the carvings will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The Titanic will also hold its 2nd Annual “red-hot Titanic Firehouse & Charity Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, October 15, from 10 AM. to 4 PM in the same parking area. The first year of the event proved to be one of “the most highly attended family events in Titanic’s five-year history.” Come early, watch them prep, meet local firefighters, personnel from various charities, sample their delicious chili and then stick around to see if your favorite wins the competition.

https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/events/detail.php?id=952

For additional information on any of these events or any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

New White River Valley Trail System adds the repertoire of fun things to do in Branson

Trail head for the trail.

BRANSON, Mo. It’s known for its outstanding live shows, great attractions, shopping and lakes, but Branson’s newest activity might just put it on the “map” for mountain bikers and hikers. “What a wonderful new attraction for Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center in connection with the recent dedication of the “White River Valley Trail System.”

The trail is intended for hikers as well as bikers and is the first in the Branson area to be designated for mountain bikes. Its Trailhead, with its parking and rest rooms, is located just south of the entrance for the Showboat Branson Belle and north of the main entrance to Table Rock State park on State Highway 165. The natural surface trail is divided into major loops designated by color, a 2.5 mile Red Loop, 3.0 Mile Blue Loop, .6 mile Orange Loop and a 1.25 mile Green Loop with various Connectors Trails that combine to make up the 10.25 mile roundtrip length of the trail.

The 2.5 mile Red Loop starts and ends at the Trailhead. The other Loops start off of Connector Trail 2 located at about the midway point on the loop. The Red Loop is a convenient way for most families to take advantage of the White River Valley Trail System as well as exploring an area of Branson to which most have not previously had convenient access. In addition, if Connector Trail 1 is used,it provides a nice 1.25 mile loop. The trail will take hikers and bikers “near old homestead ruins, relics of the Table Rock Dam construction during the 1950s” and through miles of nature at its Ozarks best.

The trail received a “2011 Coalition for Recreational Trails Award in the Multi-Use Management and Corridor Sharing Category,” earlier this year. Bill Bryan, Director of Missouri State Parks, said, “Our primary goal for this trail is to provide a new recreational opportunity for people who enjoying hiking and mountain biking, which is a growing sport in this area.”

It was partially funded with ” Recreational Trails Program” grants and is a “joint land-use project between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.” Part of the trail is on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property and part in Table Rock State Park. In addition, the project received broad community support from the Branson Tri-Lakes and Hollister Chambers of Commerce, “local city governments, Volunteers for Outdoor Missouri, students from Hollister and the College of the Ozarks, Boy Scouts working on Eagle Scout projects, and other volunteers.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out the addition of the White River Valley Trail System to the list of outdoor activities available to enjoy in Branson is yet another reason that Branson is such a great travel and vacation destination. Like Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and all the other outdoor activities Branson offers, it is about ten minutes from the Branson Strip and everything else Branson has to offer. For additional information on the trail 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.

Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival is a celebration of American craftsmanship

Chalk Street Art is just one of the amazing crafts and arts featured at the Festival.

“Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival is a prime example of why the U.S. Congress proclaimed Silver Dollar City as “The Home of American Craftsmanship,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Continuing a long tradition of being one of America’s ‘most recognized craft festivals,’ over 125 demonstrating craftsmen and artisans from all over the country will gather at Silver Dollar City for the National Harvest Festival being held from September 10 through October 29,” she continued.

Johnson points out that the Festival is an inherent part of the experience that Silver Dollar City has provided its visitors since its early days “when its founding family wanted to share the ways of the Ozarks with visitors to the Ozark Mountains.” It is all about “American crafts and demonstrating craftsmanship – celebrating the handwork, the foods, the music and the long-established camaraderie of the harvest.”

The National Harvest Festival is one of the largest gatherings of demonstrating artists and craftsmen anywhere in America and provides Silver Dollar City guests with a unique opportunity to view a variety of some of the finest craftsmen and artisans in America. From street chalk artistry, painting, and glass blowing to basket weaving, Native American flutes, knife making, basket weaving and dozens more, the over 125 visiting craftsmen from all over the country will provide an unparalleled opportunity for the parks guests to see demonstrations of American craftsmanship at their very best.

The “Best of Missouri Hands – Made in Missouri Juried Art Faire and Competition” will feature some of the best of Missouri’s craftsmen and artists who are all recognized masters in their respective “medium.” Park guests will be able to vote for their favorite pieces. A new feature this year will be the “‘Turning Wood Into Art Showcase’ featuring demonstrating craftsmen with specialties such as life-sized hedge wood horses, instruments and hand carved furniture.”

Just one of the exciting things featured in the "Timber Works Lumberjack Show."

The original award winning musical production of “Headin’ West” which shares the harrowing adventures and colorful characters of America’s westward expansion during the 1870s will also be returning. It has won the “Big-E” award for “Best Overall Production” presented by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, has “surprising special effects, vivid scenery and talented performers and is Silver Dollar City’s biggest production show ever!” Also returning will be chain saw wood carving and the popular “Birds of Prey.” New this year will be the “Timberworks Lumberjack Show. This exciting outdoor show features “speed racing up 40 foot poles, cross-cut-sawing, ax throwing,” and much more.

“Missouri’s Largest Barn Dance” is returning by popular demand. This fun filled activity features live bands such as “Texas in the Swing” “Missouri Travelers,” Silver Dollar City’s own “Horsecreek” and Les Gilliam & His Silver Lake Band. If the past is any indication, “seasoned dancers will be on hand to give tips and instruction to beginners.”

In addition to the excellent food service that is normally available throughout the park, the Harvest Festival will be replete with the tastes of Fall. Among other mouth watering choices will be “Indian Tacos,” “Wrangler’s Buffalo Chili,” and a choice of specialty desserts including pies, cobblers and more.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson says that all of the activities involved with the Festival are in addition to everything else Silver Dollar City offers on a daily basis. The 1880’s international award winning theme park features 30 rides and attractions encompassing everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7 and so much more.

She also points out that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has two day Silver Dollar City tickets for the price of a one day ticket. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, the National Harvest Festival or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s heart provides seniors with the trip they thought was lost

BRANSON, Mo. It was a newspaper article about the victimization of some senior citizens that happened in 2008, hundreds of miles away from Branson and that most in Branson, not only had nothing to do with, but had no idea it had even happened. However, as is the case with many of life’s good works, it touched the hearts of people who cared and, as a result, a group of senior citizens, called the “Funseekers,” will travel those hundreds of miles to Branson and enjoy three days of fun they thought had been stolen from them forever.

At first blush, there’s nothing in the February 23, 2011 Connecticut Post article, entitled, “Travel agent headed to jail for defrauding seniors” for anyone in Branson to be concerned about, but as Larry Milton, co-owner of the Branson Tourism Center with his wife Lianne, read the article about this specific group, his heart was touched. He discovered that the seniors who had been victimized had paid over $40,000 to a man for a three night trip to Branson that they never got to take because he took their money but never fulfilled the trip. Although the thief was convicted and is awaiting sentencing, Milton just didn’t think it was right that the Funseekers never got the Branson trip for which they had paid.

On February 24, not a day after becoming aware of the situation, the Milton’s contacted the reporter to get more information on the group and began working with others in the Branson community to help put together the same itinerary that had originally been sold to the Funseekers group back in 2008. Milton said that he and others in the community wanted “the Funseekers to see firsthand in this day and age that Branson is different for all the right reasons.”

He continued by pointing out that it would also be an opportunity “to emphasize to other groups the importance of trusting an established tour provider.” He explained that whether it is someone who is a member of ABA, NTA, OMCA, BARA, or ASTA there are reputable companies that Branson’s future customers should be encouraged to “use to protect themselves and ultimately our community.”

With that simple start, and thanks to the hearts of many within the Branson tourism community, about 54 members of the “Funseekers,” will fly into St. Louis on September 12 to enjoy the same basic three day Branson itinerary they paid for in 2008 and thought they had lost. The response of those offering to help from within the Branson tourism community was overwhelming. As far as practicable, everything on their original itinerary, from airfare, to bus service, lodging, shows and most meals is being provided courtesy of the following which are listed in alphabetical order Andy Williams Moon River Grill, Branson Coach, Branson Tourism Center, the Brett Family Show, Jim Stafford Show, McFarlain’s Restaurant, Shoji Tabuchi Show, the Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Show, the Stone Castle Hotel, the Twelve Irish Tenors and the Yakov Smirnoff Show.

In explaining one of the major things that makes Branson the special place it is, Milton said, “It is and will forever be different because of the hearts of its people.” It is those hearts that are providing the Funseekers with the wonderful Branson experience that they thought was lost forever.

CAM Gospel Sing-Off provides great Gospel music to help feed hungry families

2010 winners "The Petersen Family Band ."

The 12 finalists in the “Branson Christian Action Ministries’ (CAM) Gospel Sing-Off ” will provide Gospel music fans with some great gospel music as they compete in CAM’s 3rd annual Sing-Off for over $3,000 in prizes and the opportunity to sing at Silver Dollar City during the last day of its “Southern Gospel Music Picnic.” The Sing-Off is at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 4 in the Sight and Sound Theatre, the home of spectacular productions of “NOAH the Musical,” “Joseph” (starting in 2012) and the “Miracle of Christmas”.

The 12 finalists in the Sing-Off were selected from over 40 who entered the competition by a preliminary judging panel. In alphabetical order they are: 2nd Generation, Berryville, AR; Todd Braschler, Wichita, KS; Connected, Branson; Missy Essary, Kirbyville; Forgiven, Bartlesville, OK; Jericho from DeSoto; Missouri. Southern Raised, Crane; Larry Moore, Branson; Roger Null, Breckenridge; One for All, Harrison, AR; Debra Lynn Paxton, Branson and The Branson Hawaiians.

The vocal band SIX.

A panel of six celebrity judges has been charged with the difficult job of determining the winners. In alphabetical order the judges are: Bogie Bohinc, nationally known guitarist; John Bartley, former entertainment photojournalist for the Chicago Tribune; Ben Dutton, of The Dutton Family; George Dyer, world famous tenor; Jak Knudsen, of the vocal group SIX and Ronnie Page of The Downing Street Boys gospel quartet and former baritone singer/emcee with the Oak Ridge Boys.

Bob Hubbard of the Foggy River Boys and The Jordanaires will emcee this wonderful afternoon of entertainment for the 3rd year in a row. In addition, one of Branson’s hottest groups, the vocal band SIX will start things off as only they can; The Petersen Family Band, the 2010 winners will perform as well as “noted saxophonist Gary Dooms.”

CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke points out that the Sing-Off is a major source of fundraising for CAM’s Food Pantry. He said, “We are trusting God and the good-hearted people of our community to sell out all 2,200 seats at the theater. This is the only fundraiser of the year to help cover are operational expenses and we’ve never seen the need as great as it is right now. Normally we can catch our breath during the summer and get ready for the upcoming winter. However, this year demand has continued to increase and we’ve been helping over 1,000 families per month to keep food on their table.”

Tickets for the Christian Action Ministries’ (CAM) Gospel Sing-Off are available through the Sight & Sound Theatres reservations at 1-800-377-1277, at the Sight & Sound Theatre’s lobby box office or through the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550. Reserved seat tickets are a $12 donation for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. For additional information on the Christian Action Ministries’ (CAM) Gospel Sing-Off please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550.

Have an unforgettable Labor Day Weekend in Branson

Labor Day weekend is the last chance to ride White Water's 7-story multiple slide "Kalani Towers" for the 2011 season.

BRANSON, Mo. Throughout the nation, Labor Day is kind of the “informal” end of the summer season and most people look forward to the three day weekend as a special time to enjoy the fun and excitement of summer with their families one more time. With its three lakes, live shows, world class theme parks, attractions, shopping and other activities from fireworks to concerts, Branson is the perfect place to do just that, not only on Labor Day, but just about any time of the year.

One of the big things to do over Labor Day weekend for a lot of people coming to Branson is to enjoy its lakes. Both Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, although two entirely different lakes in terms of the recreation they provide because of the differences in water temperature, are at normal levels as compared to the much higher levels that they started the Summer with over the Memorial Day weekend. From trout fishing to bass fishing, boating, swimming and just about any water sport Branson’s lakes are ready to provide a wonderful and exciting weekend on the water.

“The wonderful thing about having fun on Branson’s lakes,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “is that the fun doesn’t stop there.” All Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping and other activities are, but minutes away from its lakes. One of Branson’s favorite shows and attractions is actually located and operated on Table Rock Lake, the fabulous Showboat Branson Belle with its cruise, dinner and show and one of Branson’s major shopping attractions, Branson Landing with its shops, restaurants, and famous fire, water and music show is located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo.

The vast majority of Branson’s 100 attractions, shows, shopping, restaurants and everything else that makes Branson one of the nation’s premier travel destinations will be open. All of Branson’s attractions will be open including Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning theme park which will be celebrating the final days of its Southern Gospel Picnic. White Water, with its millions of gallons of water and fun, the new “Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay” and its iconic seven story multi slide thrill ride “Kalani Towers” will be open for its final weekend of the season. The Branson Titanic Museum Attraction will be boarding passengers for its exciting and unique “voyage” as well as continuing its events leading up to the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship which includes the opportunity to participate in the “Rose Petal Memorial Tribute At Sea.” To see a list of attractions that will be open, sorted by day and time, along with prices, descriptions, pictures and, in most cases, videos, click here.

As would be expected in the city called “The live music show capital of the world,” the vast majority of Branson’s live shows will be open, offering Branson visitors an unsurpassed opportunity to experience some of the best live entertainment in the world. With over 100 live shows to pick from there is sure to be one that is just right for everyone. To see a list of shows that will be open, sorted by day and time, along with prices, show descriptions, pictures and, in most cases, videos click here.

Labor Day Weekend will be a shopper’s delight with the vast majority of Branson’s unique specialty shops open, including Historic Downtown Branson, as well as the Grand Village, Imax Complex and other areas all over Branson. Its two major outlet malls, the Tanger Outlet Center and Factory Merchants Branson, as well as its major shopping mall, Branson Landing, will be open and providing Branson visitors with the great shopping experience for which Branson is famous.

For more information on Branson’s Labor Day Weekend events or tickets for Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Win a “Royal Wedding” on the $1 million staircase of the Titanic Museum Attraction

The "Royal Wedding" will be held on the spectacular "Grand Staircase."*

BRANSON, Mo. April 15 of 2012 will be the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the “unsinkable” RMS Titanic in the north Atlantic Ocean after hitting an iceberg late in the evening on April 14. Although the Titanic Museum Attractions “pay respect to and honor” the “2,208 passengers and crew members” who perished “the museums are honoring the 100 Year Anniversary of Titanic’s maiden voyage” with a series of “special events, activities, and ceremonies” leading up to April 15, 2012. One of the special events is the “Titanic Museum Attractions’ Royal Wedding Contest” honoring the honeymooning couples who were on board the Titanic.

To most, prior to James Cameron’s 1997 multi-academy award winning movie “Titanic,” romance was not what came to mind when one thought of the “Titanic.” Cameron’s epic film of the disaster and the fictional love story between “Rose DeWitt Bukater,” played by Kate Winslet and “Jack Dawson,” played by Leonardo DiCaprio, certainly changed that perception, but perhaps more towards accuracy than not.

Aboard the Titanic, as she steamed toward her destiny on her fateful maiden voyage, were at least 12 honeymooning couples. The vast majority of those couples did not survive the disaster because of the “woman and children first” rule enforced by the ship’s crew. One of the fortunate couples to survive was Ethel Beane, a 17 year old bride and her husband Edward. More common, was the case of the Astors, where Madeline was separated from her husband, John Jacob Astor IV, at the lifeboats. She survived, he did not.

In honor of the 12 honeymooning couples who were aboard the Titanic, the “Titanic Museum Attractions’ Royal Wedding Contest” will “give away its own ‘Royal Wedding.'” The wedding will take place on the “million-dollar Grand Staircase of the Titanic Museum Attraction,” which “is exact in every detail to the one passengers walked on board the “RMS Titanic.” Two Royal Weddings will be awarded, one for each Titanic Museum Attraction location Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Couples wishing to enter the contest must complete an online form, available at www.TitanicAttraction.com, along with complete contest rules and timelines, and submit it along with a video “introducing themselves, telling about their relationship, and explaining why they should win the ‘Royal Wedding'” by November 28, 2011. Between then and December 6 the Titanic Museum Attraction will pick three finalists for each location.

Beginning December 6 the public will be able to view the videos of the finalists online and vote. The winner will be the video receiving the most votes and will announced on January 16, 2012. Beginning on January 30, 2012 the public will begin a series of separate online votes for the brides wedding gown, the wedding cake and “Royal Wedding flowers.” The date of the Titanic Museum Attraction’s Royal Wedding will be announced March 30.

“What a special wedding these winners will be receiving,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “and what a great way to get the public involved in remembering and honoring what happened on the Titanic almost 100 years ago. It’s always a great time to experience a voyage aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction, but there is just something special about doing it during its 100th year anniversary.”

For additional information or tickets for the Titanic Museum Attraction or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Photo courtesy of Branson Titanic Museum Attraction

T. Morgan Crain paints the “art” in artist

Tom Crain at his easel in his downtown Branson studio/gallery.

Many times when people refer to “artists” from Branson they are referring to one of Branson’s great entertainers. However, when they refer to T.(Tom) Morgan Crain as being an artist from Branson they are referring to Branson’s preeminent wildlife, bird, western, outdoor and nostalgia painter and one of the top painters of such subjects in the nation. How good is he?

Although, in his illustrious 32 year career as an artist 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 2010he had not entered a State Duck Stamp Competition for about 20 years. In 2010 he decided he wanted to compete again so he entered competition in 10 states. Out of those ten states he placed in eight winning in three, Missouri, Ohio and Delaware.

T. Morgan Crain's winning 2011 Missouri Duck Stamp painting of a pair of Redhead Ducks.*

If that’s not amazing enough, Crain’s first place winner in the 2011 Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp Design Competition, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife, was of two mallards in flight. Prior to submitting that painting for the Ohio competition Crain had not painted a Mallard in over six year. “But,” he said” I just had a feeling that that species might do well in Ohio.” Although decades apart, Crain’s painting of a pair of “Redhead” ducks swimming at the Montrose Conservation Area won first place in the 2011 Missouri Duck Stamp and Print sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, making him a three time winner!

And if the genius of this quiet, unassuming and humble man stopped there that alone would be amazing, but it doesn’t. That’s just part of one year out of 32 years and one area out of the many in which he paints. Tom’s career highlights include, among others, work for the Franklin Mint, over 20 magazine covers for Cabela’s, Ozark Mountaineer, Fiocchi of America, Blue Book of Gun Values, Springfield Magazine and others as well as 22 plus limited edition prints and countless individual commissions.

His magnificent masterpiece of a Bald Eagle in flight, “Home of the Brave,” which toured Asia in 2000 and received a medal in China, is indicative of not only the detail of his paintings, but the spirit affection, love, and appreciation that this gentle, artistic and personable man has for what he is painting. His “eagles” are so lifelike, their coloring, detail and character so impeccable that one expects them to fly off the canvas.

Tom said that the medium he uses the most is acrylics and that he particularly enjoys painting wildlife, nostalgia, western and landscapes with “commissioned pieces” being his specialty. He said, “I am grateful for the talent that God has given me and I want to use that gift to bless people.”

Tom can be found, most Mondays through Saturdays, in his studio, “Crain Creations Gallery” located at 214 S. Main Street in historic downtown Branson. The next time you are in Branson plan to stop by the gallery and studio, which is as warm, comfortable and inviting as the artist himself, and meet this amazing artist and individual. For further information either visit the Crain Creations Gallery Website or call (417) 239-3710.