Elvis might leave the building, but he isn’t leaving Branson!

Elvis tribute artist Joseph Hall.

“Branson, Missouri is blessed with a number of great Elvis tribute artists,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From entire tribute shows like Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience and Joseph Hall Presents Elvis – Eras of the King to segments of individual shows such as Tony Z in the Legends of Concert, Elvis and the Superstars or the Rankin Brothers, Branson is one of the best places in the nation to experience the excitement of Elvis.”

How good are Branson’s Elvis tribute artists? As but one example, when Joseph Hall appeared on America’s Got Talent Piers Morgan said, “Elvis is back in the building.” Marti Nelson, an avid Branson Show goer and an Elvis fan since 1962 has personally seen ten live Elvis Concerts. In commenting on Hall’s show she said, “Although he’s new at this he is the best that I have seen. It’s like watching Elvis.” When asked if she would recommend the show she said, “I would say everybody has to go see Joseph Hall.”

“The saying, ‘Elvis has left the building,’ takes on special meaning for the 2011 Branson season,” says Johnson. “But there’s good news, because although they are leaving the building it is just to change theatres. Tony Roi will be moving from the Americana Theatre to the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre for his 20ll season. Joseph Hall will be leaving the Owens Theatre in Historic downtown Branson and moving to the Americana Theatre in the middle of the Branson Strip.

Hall said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be moving my show to the strip and to The Americana Theatre.” He also said he was very excited to be working in the same theatre as The Haygoods and that “they are an incredible success story here in Branson!” In leaving the Americana Theatre for Andy Williams Moon River Theatre Roi said, “I have enjoyed working with the Haygood Family, but the time has come for me to branch out and have my own slot in another location on the strip.”

“One thing is for sure,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson, “Anyone wanting a great Elvis experience can find it in Branson Missouri, the ‘Live music show capital of the world.”‘ For additional information on any of the shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.

One man’s confessions about the reality of Branson

Presleys' Country Jubilee, Branson's first show on the now famous "Branson Strip."

“This is a great story about Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Initially, as I read the title of the story and the first few paragraphs of “Confessions From Branson,” written by Errol Laborde,* I was wondering if Johnson had gone nuts. However, as I read the whole story I saw a master writer artfully “confess” the reality of what millions of visitors to Branson have discovered.

Laborde’s confessions were the result of visiting Branson while attending “a magazine publishing conference at a resort near Branson.” While describing some of the image problems he says some have with Branson, Laborde’s very entertaining and informative piece said, “In fairness though, image aside, it is also a place that offers excellent entertainment.” His description of the entertainment experience that he and his colleagues had indicates their image of Branson upon their departure might have been much different than it was upon their arrival.

Laborde said he went to “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” and confessed, “Usually in a theater, I get restless rather quickly. Here I was totally entertained for two hours.” He went on to point out that most of his colleagues, “many of whom were cynical journalists, went to a Beatles revival show [Liverpool Legends] produced by the late Beatle George Harrison’s sister…” He continued, ” They expected the worst but came back with reviews as glowing as when the Fab Four first stood before the cameras at the Ed Sullivan Show.”

Branson's Titanic Museum "...could have made it on Broadway."

He said his visit to Silver Dollar City, Branson’s international award winning 1880’s theme park, “was as good as any theme park” even though while there he received a text message about a kick shanked to the left and how it affected the outcome of the Saints game against Atlanta. In describing his experience at Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction Laborde said, “Nothing had more potential for tastelessness and tackiness than a ship-shaped museum about the Titanic. Yet it was just the opposite; it featured artifacts, re-creations of the ship’s rooms and backgrounds of the passengers and crew. This museum could have made it on Broadway.”

Entertainment aside, in describing his Branson experience Laborde hit the nubbin of what makes Branson the successful tourist destination it is. He said, “Branson is what it is partially because of what it is not. There are no casinos there, no strip joints, no saloons. It is a wilderness beacon for Middle Americans –– perhaps, if you will, the Bible Belt’s Las Vegas, though without the preaching.”

Most telling and neatest of all is his last confession, “If given the chance, I would go back to Branson.” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “That’s the very heart beat of Branson. We must constantly strive to make sure that every Branson visitor has a great experience exceeding their expectations and making them want to come back again.”

* Errol Laborde is the Editor/Associate Publisher of New Orleans Magazine and Editor/ Publisher of Louisiana Life Magazine. Click here to read Mr. Laborde’s entire article.

Shane Long wins Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament

Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series Champion Shane Long with Championship Trophy.

“What a nail biter,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the hosts of the Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. “Missourian Shane Long won the tournament with a total weight of 42.34 pounds, but the suspense went right up to the final seconds of the weigh-in.”

The three day tournament launched from the State Park Marina on Table Rock Lake October 14 through 16. After the first two days the field was narrowed down to the 24 finalists who fished in the Final on the 16th. The first two weigh-ins were held at the State Park Marina, but the weigh-in for the Final was held at the Fountain at Branson Landing. “It was a spectacular setting for the ending to a great tournament and the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series” said Kurtright.

For his efforts Long won a new Nitro Z-8 boat rigged with a Mercury Optimax 225 and T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate and $5,000. He said he was using a white Luck E Strike “3-J” jigging spoon, 20-pound test Seaguar fluorocarbon line, and a Falcon crankbait rod throwing the spoon to the back of boat slips. It should be noted that the particular spoon Long used is no longer in production “but is reportedly coming back to the market.”

Angler after angler praised the quality of the fishing on Table Rock Lake. Many said they have caught hundreds of bass during the three day tournament and that although they might not have been big enough for tournament use they were sure fun to catch. Too, there were the reports of plenty of bigger tournament changing bass that got off.

Jim Thompson, a long time tournament fisherman and the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association said, “It was a great event. Although the warm water, changing thermocline and fluctuating weather conditions presented challenges it was a great tournament and the reports by the fishermen on the numbers of bass they caught speaks well for the quality of fishing that can be expected on Table Rock Lake now and in the future.”

The Top Five Finishers, their Home State and their tournament totals are as follows:

1. Shane Long, Missouri, 42.34
2. Aaron Martens, Alabama, 36.41
3. Tommy Biffle, Oklahoma, 36.27
4. Kelly Power, Missouri, 36.16
5. Brian Snowden, Missouri, 35.65

“If you are a bass fisherman, and haven’t fished Table Rock Lake in Branson, it’s an experience you should not miss,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright. He also reemphasized what an honor it was for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to help host the tournament. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Missouri Anglers dominate Top Ten after Day 2 of Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament

Local angler, Brian Snowden at at Day 2 Weigh-In.

“Wow, what a difference a day makes,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, a host of the Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. “We have a new leader who jumped from ninth place on Day 1 to first place on Day 2 and the top three anglers going into Saturdays Final are all from Missouri.”

With the adjustments made based on the number of fishermen competing in the tournament the cut for the Tournament’s Final on October 16 was at 24. The Finalists will fish “Saturday on Table Rock for a total purse of $194,000 including $5,000 to the winner and a new Nitro Z-8 rigged with a Mercury 225 and T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate. Saturday’s launch will be at Table Rock State Park Marina, with the 4:30 p.m. weigh-in to be held at The Fountain at Branson Landing.

Jim Thompson, the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association, a long time leader in conducting regional Bass tournaments and himself a tournament fisherman  said, “The changing weather, clear skies, and the fish in transition should make the Finals interesting. With the caliber of fishermen in the finals and only five pounds separating first from seventh it’s anybody’s tournament to win.”

In his first ever PAA Tournament event, Shane Long, the leader going into today’s Finals indicated just how important every fish is. He said, “I got lucky, got quality bites and put them in the boat. I lost a big one Thursday and I think that may come back to haunt me.”

The Top Ten Finalists, their Home State and the totals they will be starting the Finals with are listed below. Click here for a complete list of the standings at the end of Day 2 including those who are not in the finals.

1. Shane Long, Missouri, 29.28
2. Kelly Power, Missouri, 26.75
3. Brian Snowden, Missouri, 26.49
4. Gary Klein, Texas, 24.80
5. Dave Lefebre, Pennsylvania, 24.73
6. Terry Butcher, Oklahoma, 24.32
7. Rick Clunn, Missouri, 24.21
8. Stacey King, Missouri, 23.70
9. Matt Reed, Texas, 23.56
10. Ronnie Wagner, Texas, 22.63

Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright encourages everyone to attend the tournament’s Final Weigh-In at the Fountains in Branson Landing at 4:30 p.m. today. He said that that it was an honor for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to host the Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Day 1 of $400,000 Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament is Texas Missouri Shootout

Local Angler Stacy King in 2nd place after Day 1 of PAA Bass Proshops Tournament (Photo: PAA, Chris Dutton.)

“Today’s been a Texas – Missouri shoot out,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center and one of the hosts of Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix being held on Table Rock Lake October 14 through 16. “Eight of the top ten finishers are from either Missouri or Texas with a Texan in first place and a Missourian in second place.”

At the end of Day 1 Missouri fisherman Stacy King was a little less than 5 pounds behind Texan  Chris Brasher. Brasher’s Day 1 total weighed 19.27 pounds and included the big bass for the day weighing 7.11 pounds and a .25 pound expired bass penalty. King took second place with a five bass limit weighing 14.71 pounds.

The top ten finishers for Day 1 are listed below. Click here for a complete list.
http://fishpaa.com/tournaments/table-rock-lake/2010-table-rock-lake-results/

1. Chris Brasher, Texas, 19.27 pounds
2. Stacy King Missouri, 14.71 pounds
3. Harold Allen, Texas, 14.60 pounds
4. Jami Fralick, South Dakota, 14.25 pounds
5. Brian Snowden, Missouri, 14.12 pounds
6. Rick Clunn, Missouri, 14.10 pounds
7. Matt Reed, Texas, 13.53
8. Gary Klein, Texas, 13.24 pounds
9. Shane Long, Missouri, 12.50 pounds
10. Randy Haynes, Tennessee, 12.48 pounds

The tournament is the final event in the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. The tournament continues on Friday and Saturday with a 7 a.m. launch at Table Rock State Park Marina. Friday’s weigh-in will be at 3 p.m. at Table Rock State Park Marina. The top 30 finishers of Day 1 and Day 2 will fish in the Finals on Saturday. Saturday’s final weigh-in will be at Branson Landing Fountains in the Public Square starting at 4:30 p.m.

Brasher said that he had caught his limit, including his big bass by 10.30 a.m. and “then played defense the rest of the day. He checked in an hour early to prevent fish care penalties,” but was docked .25 pounds for an expired fish. Local fisherman Brian Snowden, recent winner of the “Toyota Texas Bass Classic” said, “I caught them everywhere from 60 feet to 3 feet.” Jim Thompson, long time tournament fisherman and the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association, a long time leader in conducting regional Bass tournaments said, “The weather with its cold front and high pressure is adding to the challenges that the fishermen are facing.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright encourages everyone to attend the tournament’sFinal Weigh-In at Branson Landing at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday October 16. He also reminds everyone that Branson will be particularly busy this weekend and offers the free services of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, in obtaining information or tickets to any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar City co-founders Jack and Pete Herschend at Springfield book signing

Silver Dollar City's founders, left to right, Jack, Mary and Peter Herschend.

“What a special remembrance and keepsake of the 50th Anniversary of Silver Dollar City, ” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Kurtright was referring to the announcement that the co founders of Silver Dollar City, Jack and Pete Herschend and their wives, will be in Borders at 3300 S. Glenstone Avenue in Springfield, from Noon until 2 p.m. Saturday October 16 to sign copies of the Springfield News Leader’s SDC 50th Anniversary book “50 Years of Making Memories.” The stores phone number is 417 881-4111.

A spectacular 50th year anniversary celebration of Silver Dollar City’s opening is winding down. The book signing provides a unique opportunity to not only get your copy of the book signed but to meet the Herschends personally.

Kurtright points out that even as the book signing is going on, Silver Dollar City will be doing what is has done for over 50 years, helping people “Create Memories Worth Repeating” as they attend the parks National Harvest Festival running through October 30. The last event of Silver Dollar City’s 50th Anniversary celebration will be its world class award winning festival, An Old Time Christmas.

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

It’s always a great time to see a show in Branson, but now is special

Johnny Mathis in Branson November 12 and 13.

“Branson’s list of live shows is unrivaled in terms of the variety of live shows it offers on a daily basis,” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From morning shows to evening shows, there is generally a variety of shows available to meet every entertainment need at a time that fits the schedule of most show goers. However, at this time of the year two things happen that make it a special time to see a Branson show.”

The first is the availability of a number of limited engagement shows, particularly during Ozark Mountain Christmas, that are not available during the rest of the year. Some of these are one or two day concerts such as The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart on October 22; Marty Stuart on October 22 and 23; Michael Bolton on October 23 and Johnny Mathis on November 12 and 13. Others are for a longer period such as Andy Williams Variety Show, Roy Clark with Justin Davis, Ray Stevens, Oak Ridge Boys, Gatlin Brothers with Debby Boone, the Texas Tenors or Daniel O’Donnell among others.

One of the many spectacular scenes from the "Miracle of Christmas."

In addition, some shows could be considered limited engagement shows because they are only available during the Christmas season. These would include shows such as Andy Williams Christmas Show, Sight and Sound’s spectacular Miracle of Christmas, The Spirit of Christmas, Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration and the Mel Tillis Family Christmas.

The second thing is the fact that the vast majority of Branson’s shows incorporate the traditional celebration of Christmas into their shows. “A lot of shows are divided into two segments with the first segment containing the most popular parts of their regular show and the second, their Christmas segment,” Johnson said. “The result is a special opportunity to experience or re-experience some of the special highlights of the shows 2011 season as well as their Christmas show. If you value the traditional Christmas celebrating the birth of the Christ Child, the vast majority of Branson’s shows will fill your heart with Christmas joy.”

Following is a list of the majority of Branson’s limited engagement and Christmas shows sorted by Month and date. For specific schedules, including all of Branson’s other wonderful shows, ticket prices, pictures and information please consult the Official Branson.Com Branson Show Schedule.

October

Andy Williams Variety Show, Through October 23 (Christmas Show starts November 1)
Roy Clark with Justin Davis, October 18 through 26.
Ray Stevens, Through Oct 23
Oak Ridge Boys, Through October 21
The Texas Tenors, Through October 23.
Mid West Country Stars on October 20 and 21 only.
The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart on October 22 only
Marty Stuart on October 22 and 23 only.
Michael Bolton on October 23 only.
Festival of Hope For MDA on October 24 only

November and December

Miracle of Christmas, starts October 30 through December 31.
Andy Williams Christmas Show, November 1 through December 11.
Daniel O’Donnell, November 1 through 20.
Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters, November 1 through December 11.
Gatlin Brothers and Debby Boone Together, November 1 through December 4.
Mel Tillis and Family Christmas, November  2 through December 4.
Miracle of Christmas, October 30 through December 31.
Oak Ridge Boys, November 2 through 18.
Spirit of Christmas, November 2 through December 10.
Country’s Family Reunion, November 7 and 8.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball, November 11.
Johnny Mathis, on November 12 and 13 only.

Johnson also points out that in addition to these great Bransons shows that Branson will also be celebrating Branson Veterans Home Coming Week November 5 through 11 and Ozark Mountain Christmas from November 1 through December 31. Ozarks Mountain Christmas is a celebration of the true meaning and spirit of Christmas as only Branson can do it and is highlighted by Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, drive through Christmas lighting displays such as the Branson Area Festival of Lights and the Shepherd of the Hills Train of Lights, the Adoration Parade, millions of colored lights, great shopping and a Christmas spirit that would be hard to duplicate at any other destination city is America.

“It is easily the busiest time of the year in Branson,” said Johnson who recommends that advance reservations be made for shows and lodging to ensure not only availability, but the best choice of seating and lodging accommodations. For additional information or tickets for any of the shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A ride on Branson Scenic Railway offers history, nostalgia and Ozarks Fall foliage

Traveling over Lake Taneycomo.

“An excursion on the Branson Scenic Railway is always an exciting and relaxing way to experience a part of the Ozarks that most people never see while reliving the memories of a by-gone era riding aboard vintage railroad cars from the 40’s and 50’s,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The fact that the Ozarks fall foliage is about to burst into its annual fall show of vibrant colors over the next few weeks just adds to the enjoyment of this unique experience.”

The history and nostalgia of the excursion starts before the train is even boarded because they depart from one of the oldest surviving buildings in historic downtown Branson, the 104 year old Branson Train Depot. Its completion in 1906 was just a year prior to the publication of Harold Bell Wright’s famous novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills, credited with being the spark that started the “tourism fire” that is called now “Branson.” In 1912, shortly after becoming a city, a fire destroyed the entire downtown business district except for a few businesses of which the Train Depot is one.

The dome cars provide a spectacular unique view of the Ozarks.

The train itself is composed of different types of vintage cars dating from the 40’s and 50’s being pulled by a locomotives that was originally built in 1951. The train includes a 60 passenger coach car, buffet lounge car, domed lounge coach, dining car and domed observation cars among others.

Regardless of where one sits originally they can get up and move around the train at any time. A part of the excursion is the opportunity to walk through the train and actually be in the different types of cars dating back to 1939. It is a unique chance to experience a bit or railroad history that is not commonly available.

The 40 mile round trip excursion takes about one hour and 45 minute and may go either north or south out of Branson depending on the schedule of trains operated by Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad. This writer traveled the southern route.

As the train pulls out of the Branson Depot, it provides an excellent view of the Lake Taneycomo Lake front and the city owned city camp ground just prior to crossing over a short wooden trestle and onto the Lake Taneycomo Bridge and over Lake Taneycomo. As it travels through the city of Hollister and alongside its famed “Downing Street” there is a unique view of its historic downtown including its English Tudor style buildings.

Between Hollister and the end of the southern line the train travels through tunnels and over trestles and past the ruins of long gone communities such as “Melva” which was destroyed on March 11, 1920 by a tornado and never rebuilt. Along the way you will travel through some of the prettiest country, forests and wilderness in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas with the opportunity to see some its abundant wildlife. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that in addition, at this time of the year, the route provides a unique and relaxing way to see the beautiful fall foliage.

The Dinner Train features an a candlelight dinner in the dining car.

A special once a week “Dinner Train,” departing at 5 p.m. on Saturday only, provides its passengers with a unique opportunity to experience the “traditional-style dining that was the ultimate experience long ago when riding the rails.” Guests enjoy a four course candlelight dinner in the dining car while on the excursion with their choice of a half of rotisserie chicken, baked fish or prime rib entrée, appetizer, salad, vegetable, dessert, and beverage. The dinner train is recommend for children ages 10 and up.

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

Hunting, Fishing and NASCAR, Branson’s “Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo” has it all

NASCAR Series Sprint Car driven by Jamie McMurray, winner of the Daytona 500 and Joplin, Missouri native.

“Branson has many shows, attractions and activities, but for those who love the outdoors, Branson’s first ‘Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo (Expo)’ being held at the Branson Convention Center October 8 through 10 should not be missed,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center the event’s sponsor. “From seminars presented by top fishermen and hunters, to almost 100 exhibitors, kids events, a NASCAR Series Sprint Car driven by Jamie McMurray, winner of the Daytona 500 and Joplin, Missouri native and much more. This exciting Expo will have something of interest for everyone.”

Jim Thompson, owner of the Central Pro-Am Association and one of the principals in J & M Sports Shows, the owner and presenter of the Expo said, “We are really excited about the mix of our vendor/exhibitors, speakers and the variety of things that will be available to see and do at the Expo. Our vendors will include Ranger Boats, Tracker/Nitro Marine, Phoenix Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Table Rock Lures, Ozark Knife Makers, Humminbird Marine Repair, the Wild Turkey Federation, Wild Idea Archery, Outlaw Rods, O’Reilly, Central Pro-Am Association, Missouri Water Patrol, Scotty’s Trout Dock, the Missouri Department of Conservation and many more.

Thompson is especially excited about the caliber and level of expertise of the people that will be putting on seminars. In the area of fishing, among others, there will be seminars by professional fishermen Stacy King, Brian Snowden, Robert Robbins, Pete Winter, and Mike Mills. World renowned Ozark knife maker Tom McGinnis are scheduled as well as noted hunters Jerry Martin and Alan Treadwell.

In addition, the NASCAR Series Sprint Car driven by Jamie McMurray, the 2010 Daytona winner from Joplin and the truck driven by Austin Dillon in the 2010 NASCAR Camper World Truck Series, both sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, will be on display. Another unique and exciting event will be the “TeamBowmasters 3D Archery Shoot Competition” which will be held on all three days. The competitors will actually compete against each other under realistic simulated hunting conditions. It is an event that is exciting to watch as it is to compete in.

Mike Webb of K.A.S.T (Kids are Special Too), a professional fisherman and co principal of J & M Sports Shows, LLC said “We haven’t forgotten the kids. From face painting, balloon animals a kid’s casting contest and other activities there will plenty of things for the kids to do and have fun.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson said that the Expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 8 and 9 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday October 10. She also reminds those attending that in addition to the Expo and all the other wonderful shows and attractions that that Branson has to offer that Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival; limited engagement performances by the Oak Ridge Boys, Viki Lawrence, Ray Stevens and the Texas Tenors as well as the 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event and a unique way to see the beautiful fall foliage on the Branson Scenic Railway will also be available this weekend.

“It’s another exciting fun filled weekend in Branson,” she said. Johnson suggests that it would be a good idea to make advance reservations for lodging and shows and offers the free services of the Branson Tourism Center to help design your own money saving customized package of Branson shows, attractions and lodging. The Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s Veterans Week and Ozark Mountain Christmas make ABA Top 100 Events List

Silver Dollar City lights up for its "An Old Time Christmas" celebration.

“It’s another indication of the quality and type of experience that people can expect when they visit Branson, Missouri” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson was referring to the recent announcement by the American Bus Association (ABA) that included both “Branson Veterans Week,” commonly called  “Branson Veterans Home Coming Week,” and “Ozark Mountain Christmas” on its “2011 List of the Top 100 Events in North America.”

In the announcement, Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA’s president and CEO said, “The attractiveness of Branson Veterans Week as a don’t miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Branson, Missouri.” He goes on to point out that the real news is the recognition of Branson Veterans Home Coming Week “as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy” and that the honor gives Branson “an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”

This is the second year in a row that Branson Veterans Home Coming has received Top 100 List recognition and the sixth year in a row for Ozarks Mountain Christmas. “The great news for Branson visitors,” says Johnson, “is that they can experience both events at the same time.”

Johnson explains that, “Ozark Mountain Christmas, running from November 1 through January 2, is a special and unique Christmas experience resulting from the synergy of all that Branson is. It has everything from drive through lighting displays, to great shopping, spectacular Christmas shows, “Silver Dollar City’s An Ole Time Christmas” and that special Branson way of celebrating the true spirit of Christmas that makes Ozark Mountain Christmas a unique one of a kind celebration.

The "Marine Corps Ball" is just one of the many exciting and colorful events held during "Branson Veterans Homecoming Week."

Johnson describes Branson Veterans Home Coming as a “weeklong celebration filled with events and activities honoring America’s Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families.” She points out that there is a variety of events, most of which are free to Veterans, all with the same theme, to honor America’s Military and their families. These events include the “Traveling Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall;” the Showboat Branson Belle’s “Special Salute to Veterans; “The United States Marine Corps 235th Birthday Ball,” Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute; the 77th Annual Veterans Day Parade through historic downtown Branson on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and much more. Click here for a complete schedule of events.

Johnson said that November through the middle of December is one of the busiest times of the year in Branson and recommends advance reservations, particularly with the more popular shows and lodging establishments. She points out that the company she works for, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. This puts BTC in an excellent position to help their customers obtain not only the best seats and accommodations, but often, particularly when shows, attractions and lodging are bundled into one package, save them money. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.