Labor Day Weekend Fireworks in Branson

Fireworks from Chateau on the Lake burst over Table Rock Lake

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center advises that in addition to all of Branson’s great shows, attractions, shopping, lakes and other exciting activities over the long Labor Day Weekend there will be two major firework displays. One will be at the beautiful Chateau on the Lake Resort and the other at Big Cedar Lodge.

In connection with its Labor Day festivities, including a Backyard Barbecue Buffet on its Garden Terrace with live music on September 5, the Chateau on the Lake will offer a spectacular fireworks display starting at dusk. The display can be easily and conveniently viewed for free from Table Rock Lake via boat, from the “park in loop” just south of the new overrun floodgates on Table Rock Dam or from the Chateau’s public areas.

The Showboat Branson Belle has an 8:00 p.m. dinner cruise. Although there certainly is no guarantees, the Showboat has been known to stop and watch the Chateaus firework displays. At the very least they will be observable from the Showboat’s decks. Johnson said there are still reservations available for the 8 p.m. cruise on September 5.

Big Cedar Lodge is planning an exciting Labor Day for September 5. An afternoon of “Crazy Fun” will be followed by a Barbeque and a spectacular fireworks display. Johnson points out that Big Cedar is located south of Branson off of State Highway 86.

Johnson stated that both firework displays will start at dusk and suggests bringing your own chairs and blanket. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Texas Tenors Return to Branson for Fall and Christmas Season

Texas Tenors during their Spring 2010 Branson Performance

In 2009, over 100 million people from around the world watched the Texas Tenors take fourth place in the overall competition on the hit NBC prime time show “America’s Got Talent. Starting on September 28, Branson, Missouri audiences will get the chance to see the Texas Tenors perform at the Starlite Theatre.

“From John Denver to Puccini, JC, Marcus, and John bring their unique blend of Country, Gospel, Classical, and Broadway to the stage with breathtaking vocals, humor, chemistry, and cowboy charm. So grab your cowboy hat and your opera glasses, cause this inspirational and patriotic show will leave you shouting ‘ENCORE & YEE-HAW!’ Shows begin September 28th, 2010 Tuesday thru Sunday at 3:00 pm and 8:00pm.

“Along with their September & October schedule, they’ve also added dates for November & December this year, as well as joining Righteous Brother Bill Medley for a New Year’s Eve Party on December 31st.”

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, said, “Branson is already known as ‘the live music show capital of the world.’ The Branson engagement of the Texas Tenors is another exciting entertainment choice for Branson visitors.” For additional information or tickets for the Texas Tenors or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Two of Branson’s most exciting shows – “Acrobats of China” and “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi”

One of the spectacular sets from The Legend of Kung Fu - Chun Yi.

Branson, Missouri has the well deserved reputation of being known as the “Live music show capital of the world” because of the quality, diversity and quantity of its live music shows. In addition to live music shows of just about every genre however, Branson also has a huge variety of other shows ranging in type from comedy, to magic, outdoor drama, murder mystery, acrobats, animals, circus, Kung Fu and more.

Branson is blessed with two absolutely amazing shows that share the heritage and culture of China, “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” and “The Acrobats of China.” Both shows are filled with color, action, precision, skill and daring. Both are presented by some of the most skilled and amazing performers ever to appear on a Branson stage and involve almost unbelievable choreography, excitement, pageantry, and color, but each is a wonderfully unique and different entertainment experience.

“These shows represent the quality and variety of the live entertainment that is available in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Where else, but in Branson, Missouri can someone go and see two spectacular and unique shows representing two entirely different aspects of China presented by such skilled performers?

“The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” is a colorful and spectacular production of a simple yet complex story about a very young boy who is dropped off at the temple by his mother to apprentice as a monk to learn the art and culture of Kung Fu. The show shares his journey through the beautiful choreography, spectacular sets, costuming and the artistic and skillful manner in which the cast performs. Factor in the excitement of Kung-Fu and the mystique, culture and heritage of China and the result is a unique and exciting show that both young and old will appreciate.

Just one of the exciting and colorful acts of The Acrobats of China.

“The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” is set in a temple using an extremely talented cast of skilled athletic entertainers and Kung Fu practitioners, pageantry, music and magnificent sets to tell its beautiful Kung-Fu ballet like story. “The Acrobats of China” has no story line and has more of a “Chinese circus” atmosphere.

It is a circus without a Ringmaster that flows seamlessly from one amazing act to another. In a recent review of “The Acrobats of China” this writer said, “The elegance, skill, grace and precision of the performers in each act is simply amazing. Couple that with excellent production, absolutely elegant costuming, and the choreographed and flawless presentation as each act seamlessly transitions into the next and the result is a one of a kind Branson experience that will appeal to adults and the vast majority of children equally.”

There are no shows in Branson with more costuming, action, color, pageantry, precision, skill, grace, beauty, elegance and action throughout their entirety than one will see in either “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi.” and “The Acrobats of China.” Each of these shows, although sharing the culture and heritage of China does so in an exciting and different manner.

For additional information or tickets for “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” and “The Acrobats of China” 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.

CAM – volunteer servants to Branson’s hungry

A CAM food bundle for two people for three days.

Since its inception in 1984 by 11 participating churches and the community, the organization called “CAM,” an acronym for, “Christian Action Ministries,” has been helping to feed the hungry and needy people in Branson and Taney County. CAM’s primary goal “is to help people obtain the basic resources of food; to encourage self-sufficiency and independence and bring together the caring communities religious, business, and individual for meeting these needs.”

CAM accomplishes this goal by operating food pantries at two central locations where food is distributed directly to those families and individuals who need it. Its services are provided at minimal administrative cost by a two person permanent staff and dedicated volunteers working together to obtain the food and coordinate its distribution to hundreds of hungry and needy families and people each month.

CAM’s 2009 Annual Report shows that its volunteers donated 6,569 hours to CAM and that CAM provided food and resources for over 5,881 families and 14, 817 individuals, an increase of 34 percent over 2008 and over 50% from 2006. Recently Jack Burke, CAM’s Volunteer Chairman of the Board said that so far in 2010 all indications are that the number of families and individuals needing help will grow even higher.

Dave Hoy, CAM’s Volunteer Treasurer, said that the food that is distributed comes from three basic sources the Federal government (25%), private food donations (50%) and food purchased with private donations (25%). He said that, within the limits of the resources available, CAM tries to provide a nutritionally balanced diet in the food parcels they distribute.

The shelves of one of CAM's processing rooms where items are "picked" and pre bundled.

Hoy said it’s a simple process for people to get CAM’s assistance. All they have to do is come into one of the two CAM Food Pantries. Within 10 to 15 minutes they will have been processed and leave with enough food for each family member for three days. To make the process more efficient and to try to ensure that the elements of a nutritionally balanced diet are provided, CAM’s volunteers pre-bundle the food in bags containing enough food for one or two people for three days. As clients are processed the volunteers bring them the appropriate number of bags for the size of their family.

He pointed out that people can get Federal food for only three days a month. That means that any assistance beyond that has to come from private food donations or purchased food. This creates a huge need for private donations of food and cash. The need increases with CAM’s efforts to provide a nutritionally balanced diet. Many times the components necessary to do so must be purchased because they are not available through either Federal or donated food.

CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke points out that the “Branson CAM Gospel Sing-Off” is one of CAM’s major fundraising events of the year. It will be held at the magnificent Sight and Sound Theatre, the home of the spectacular productions of “NOAH the Musical” and the “Miracle of Christmas” at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 5. The 12 finalists, selected from over 50 entrants will compete for $3,000 in prizes, $1,500 for First Place, $1,000 for Second Place and $500 for third place before a large Branson audience and a panel of celebrity judges..

In sponsoring the prize purse for CAM’s Gospel Sing Off, Lianne Milton, co-owner of the Branson Tourism Center with her husband Larry, said, “As a member of the Branson community, we are honored and humbled to be able to help further the work of Christian Action Ministries as it provides needed food to thousands of people within our community. We are so appreciative of the efforts of CAM and its dedicated volunteers for all that they do.”

The CAM Food Pantry in Branson is currently located on the lower level of “Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 202 – B Vaughn and may be contacted by phone at 417-334-1157 or through their website www.christianactionministries.org. Although subject to change, the Branson Food Pantry is Open Monday through Friday from 12 to 4 p.m. with extended hours on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. The CAM Food Pantry in Forsyth is located at 10275 E. Highway 76 in the NEC Foundation building and may be contacted by phone at 417-251-0260. Its current hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday except for every fourth Tuesday when it is closed.

22nd Annual Branson Fiddle Festival adds “Orange Blossom Special Contest”

2009 Fiddle competition at the fountains in Branson Landing.

The song “banned” from the official competition at the “22nd Annual Fiddle Festival and Mid-American Fiddle Championship,” the “Orange Blossom Special” will be featured in its own “1st Annual Orange Blossom Special Fiddling Contest” in Historic Downtown Branson (HDB). Angela Walker, Events Coordinator for Historic Downtown Branson said that the event will be held as part of the expansion of the activities involved with the Festival starting at 6:00 p.m. on August 28 just prior to the square dance that will be held on Commercial Street in Historic Downtown Branson.

Walker points out that the all time favorite fiddle song is “banned” from official competitions. HDB thought the contest would provide some fiddle fun and entertainment as people with a song that fiddle players seem to love to play and audiences love to hear.

She said the contest will be judged by Keith O’ Neil, long time Branson Recording producer and co-host of the KLFC radio morning program with Charlie Ingram; Darrell Boen, Ricky Boen’s dad, and a multi awarded fiddle champion and Branson’s “Ole Seagull,” Gary Groman, a local columnist and entertainment writer. Contestants will be competing for a $100 Grand Prize and other prizes. Entries are limited and will be filled on a first come first served basis.

The “22nd Annual Fiddle Festival and Mid-American Fiddle Championship” will take place in Branson, Missouri August 27 through August 29. The Festivals events will be in one of two venues, the Fountains and Public Square of Branson Landing and in Historic Downtown Branson on Commercial Street between Main Street and Atlantic (HDB).

All the Festivals competition in the “Mid-American Fiddle Championship” will take place at the Branson Landing where the competitors will be competing for $5000 in cash prizes and a “bye” into the Fiddling Nationals. All the “Street Festival” activities, Orange Blossom Special Contest and the square dance will take place in Historic Downtown Branson. Trolley service will be available to transport guests to and from Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson (HDB).

FRIDAY 8/27

8:00 p.m. Kick off concert at Branson Landing with “BIG SMITH.”

SATURDAY 8/28

9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Street Festival in HDB
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mid-American Fiddle Championship Preliminaries at Branson Landing
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 1st Annual “Orange Blossom Special Contest,” HDB
7:00 pm. – 10 p.m. Square Dance Historic Downtown Branson

SUNDAY 8/29

9:00 a.m .- 4:00 p.m. Street Festival in HDB
10:00 a.m. Gospel Celebration at Branson Landing
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mid-American Fiddle Championship Finals at Branson Landing

The “Street Festival ” in Historic Downtown Branson will consist of a variety of events. These events will include entertainment, Horse and Pony Rides, Crafters, Demonstrations, Seminars, Food Vendors, a Farmer’s Market, Make-and-Take Crafts and a Children’s Area featuring inflatable “rides.”

For additional information on the 22nd Annual Fiddle Festival and Mid-American Fiddle Championship please visit www.downtownbranson.org. For information 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 Historic Downtown Branson.

Branson’s Gazebo Inn is a little bit of lodging magic

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

When one turns off of the middle of the famed Branson Strip into the drive of the Gazebo Inn the first thing they see is its inviting, warm, quaint and distinctive exterior tucked back in a secluded area within feet of the strip. For those who have not seen the Gazebo Inn before it’s is a surprising sight and for all coming to the Inn it’s an indication of the wonderful lodging experience that they will have.

The General Manager of the 73 room Gazebo Inn, Joel R. Knoblauch said there’s a kind of special “magic” about the Gazebo Inn. He feels that magic comes from exceeding their guests expectations through a combination of things. These include very reasonable prices, location, its relatively small intimate size, secluded safe quiet environment, quality and cleanliness of its rooms, a large continental breakfast, the quality of staff and the services they provide to their guests.

Knoblauch said that the Gazebo Inn has a nice mixture of rooms. They range from their standard king and queen rooms to rooms with whirlpools, a Honeymoon suite with an in room Jacuzzi and a large two room family unit with its own parking space that is located near the pool. All the Inn’s rooms are non-smoking.

One of the spacious standard queen bed rooms.

Standard amenities include in room refrigerators, coffee machines, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards and free wireless internet. The Gazebo Inn has an outdoor pool and, while having no indoor pool, is located in close proximity to its “sister” property, the “Grand Plaza Hotel” which provides complimentary access to its indoor pool and those amenities not available at the Gazebo Inn.

The Gazebo Inn is ideally located on the Branson Strip. It is within walking distance of a number of Branson’s finest shows including The Andy Williams Show, Paul Revere and the Raiders with the Comets, Spirit of the Dance, The Twelve Irish Tenors, Broadway The Star Spangled Celebration, Spirit of Christmas and Shake, Rattle and Roll. The fabulous shopping available at the Tanger Mall and the Grand Village as well as great dining at restaurants such as Andy William’s Moon River Grill and the Hard Luck Dinner in the Grand Village are also within walking distance.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “The Gazebo Inn provides our customers with a great lodging experience. ” For additional information or reservations for the Gazebo Inn or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions 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

Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo in Branson

“From its shows and attractions to the Fall foliage and festivals such as Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival there is so much to see and do in Branson in the Fall,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Branson will have a new Fall event this year,” she said. “The  ‘Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo,’ will be at the Branson Convention Center on October 8-10.”

The “Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo” (Expo) is owned and presented by “J & M Sports Shows, LLC” (J&M). Jim Thompson, owner of the Central Pro-Am Association and Mike Webb, of K.A.S.T (Kids are Special Too) are both principals in J& M. The Expo is sponsored by the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and Branson.com, Branson’s oldest continuously operated and most trafficked destination web site.

Thompson said that the Expo will consist of vendors exhibits, seminars by top hunting and fishing pros, great activities for kids and will just be a great time for those who love hunting and fishing. “We’re going to have a hundred plus vendors there such as 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 and the Missouri Department of Conservation to mention a few.

Noted hunter and outdoor TV personality Jerry Martin *

He was really excited about the level of expertise that will be putting on seminars saying, “There will be specific detailed seminars by top hunting and fishing professionals.” Although the final list of speakers is still being finalized Thompson did point out that in the area of fishing there will be seminars by professional bass fishermen Stacy King, Brian Snowden, Pete Winter, Mike Webb; fly fishing by one of the country’s top women fly fishers, Branson’s own Carolyn Parker and others. World renowned Ozark knife maker Tom McGinnis will be speaking as well as noted hunters Jerry Martin and Alan Treadwell.

Mike Webb said, “There will be plenty of activities for children too.” He said that among other things there will be face painting, balloon animals as well as a kid’s casting contest and other activities.

Thompson said there is a limited number of 10′ x 10′ exhibition booths available for the Expo. He also pointed out that the Expo will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson reminds those planning on attending the Expo of all that Branson has to offer in conjunction with the Expo. In addition to all of Branson’s  other shows and attractions there will be Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival and limited engagement performances by Viki Lawrence, Ray Stevens and the Texas Tenors. “And speaking of the outdoors,” she said, “what could be more ‘outdoors’ than the spectacular foliage of the Ozarks in the Fall?”

She suggests that it would be a good idea to make advance reservations for lodging and shows and offers the free service of the Branson Tourism Center to help design your own custom made package of Branson shows, attractions and lodging in conjunction with attending the Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo. The Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

Entertainment, festivals, special events and foliage make Fall special in Branson

“The breadth of the regular live shows that Branson has to offer is amazing, ” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The variety of its regularly scheduled shows covers just about every genre of music and major area of entertainment from acrobats, cirque and Kung Fu to a showboat, outdoor drama, thundering horses, the circus and Branson’s two original trailblazing shows, The Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys’ Country Jubilee.”

“When that variety is expanded with the addition of shows that perform limited engagements in Branson there is a variety of live shows that is unequalled by any other destination city anywhere near Branson’s size,” she continued. “Look at the variety of the limited engagement entertainment that visitors to Branson will have the opportunity to see between now and the end of October.”

The following list is sorted by starting date. Links are provided for further information, schedules and ticket pricing:

Island Fire through August 28
Rock U Mentally through September 4
Ozark Murder Mysteries through October 31 (Sunday night only)
Andy Williams, September 2 through October 23 (Christmas Show starts November 1)
Gatlin Brothers, September 3 through September 5
Christian Action Ministries’ Gospel Sing Off, September 5 only
Leona William & Gene Watson, September 12 only
Roy Clark with Justin David, September 13 through October 26
Ray Stevens, September 15 through Oct 23
Country’s Family Reunion, September 19 and 20
Oak Ridge Boys, September 21 through October 21
The Texas Tenors, September 28 through October 23
Vicki Lawrence/Mama, October 8 and 9 only
Don Williams, October 9 only.
Mid West Country Stars on October 20 and 21 only
The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar, and Restless Heart on October 22 only
Michael Bolton on October 23 only.
Miracle of Christmas, starts for Christmas season on October 30.

Johnson also points out that the limited engagement performances are in addition to the full complement of Branson’s many other shows, attractions and Festivals and major activities that will be taking place between now and the end of October such as:

Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic, August 26-September 6
Down Town Branson Fiddle Festival, August 27-29
Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival, September 11-October 30
Shepherd of the Hills Fall Harvest Festival, September 7-October 23
Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, September 16-19
Ironman Branson 70.3, September 19
12th Annual Hollister Grape & Fall Festival, September 25
First Annual Titanic Firehouse Chili Cookoff, October 2
Titanic’s 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event, October 8-10
Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo, October 8-10
Titanic Princess Tea Parties, Part II, October 16-17

“Even Mother Nature adds to the entertainment,” said Johnson. “In addition to everything else Branson has to offer, the Fall foliage in the Ozarks is really spectacular.”

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

Branson’s Most Unique Country Music Show is pure country

“A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country,” in Branson, Missouri might just be the most unusual country music show that most people have ever seen. We’ll get to the music shortly, but how many people have ever been to a country music show where the music has been accompanied by 36,000 gallons of water going 45 feet high in the air? This writer would wager not many.

Cody Dooley performing John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses."

The show is presented in the “Amazing Waltzing Waters Theatre.” It combines the performance of the show’s star, singer and impressionist, Cody Dooley, with beautiful music, colored lights, and the movement of 36,000 gallons of water in a synchronized display that it absolutely amazing.

Kevin Curtis, the owner of Waltzing Waters said its 36,000 gallons of water and 502 fountains can make over 42,000 different controlled movements sending water up to 45 feet into the air amidst a combination of colors. The show’s music is programmed and choreographed with the fountains and lighting to produce a unique and spectacular light show. In addition to the beauty of the fountains it is amazing to see Cody Dooley perform live and interact with the audience knowing that the fountains are moving on to the next number even if he isn’t. The timing and coordination was wonderful and the 45 minute show went off without a hitch.

As beautiful and marvelous as the water show is, it is the singing and impressions of Cody Dooley that add the country to this show and let there be no doubt about it, this show is a pure country trip down memory lane with one hit after another. Newlyweds Mr. & Mrs. Mark Johnson spent part of their honeymoon at the show. Mark said, “I loved the show” and both said they would recommend it to any country music fan.

Dooley is an excellent singer and an impressionist and does a great job of keeping the show interesting and entertaining. He has been performing at various venues in Branson over the last 10 years and has worked with artists such as Willie Nelson and John Conlee. He introduces each song with its title, the year it was recorded and the artist and, with most, a short note of interest about the song all of which adds to the overall enjoyment of the show.

The shows repertoire is a trip down the memory lane of country music’s greatest hits and artists. From “Ring of Fire,” by Johnny Cash to Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” and Don Gibson’s “Oh, Lonesome Me,” it’s 45 minutes of one country hit after another. This writers two favorite numbers were Dooley’s presentation of Charlie Pride’s “You’ve Got to Kiss An Angel Good Morning” and his presentation of the Willie Nelson/Waylon Jennings “duet” of “She’s a Good Hearted Woman.” How does someone sing a duet with themselves? In Dooley’s case, in a very entertaining way.

In addition, to the “A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country,” performed at 3 and 6 p.m., the “Amazing Waltzing Waters Theatre” offers its choreographed water and light shows every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For additional information or tickets for Cody Dooley and the “A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country” show 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.

Silver Dollar City and Southern Gospel Music are a perfect combination

The Dove Award winning Jeff & Sheri Easter will be performing at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

“It seems like a perfect fit,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center as she reflected on the “Southern Gospel Picnic” that will be held at Branson’s Silver Dollar City August 26 – September 6. “People relate both to the spirit and values that both represent and will be celebrated during the popular, inspirational and toe-tapping 12 day festival.”

The festival coordinator D. A. Callaway said, “When we launched the Southern Gospel Picnic as a festival four years ago, we knew it would be a great opportunity for Southern Gospel fans to gather and enjoy the ‘best of the best’ of the genre.” He went on to point out that in the years since the Southern Gospel Picnic started that they have “found that guests who had never before been exposed to the music are becoming the newest fans, and the festival keeps growing each year.”

The festival will feature special Sunday worship services with inspirational speaker David Ring on August 29, and noted humorist and evangelist Dennis Swanberg on September 5. Each day will be filled with performances by the top names in the music genre with over 350 performances during the festival and followed each evening by the “Southern Gospel Nights” concerts in Echo-Hollow, the parks 4,000 seat amphitheater.

The performers will include “Dove Award winners Jeff & Sheri Easter and The Isaacs; Hall of Famers The Kingsmen and The Perrys; Grammy nominee Karen Peck and New River and fan favorites including the Inspirations, Squire Parsons, Legacy Five and the Reggie Sadler Family, led by former R&B artist Reggie Saddler who performed with artists from Jerry Lee Lewis to the Drifters before entering the gospel music ministry.” Click here for a complete list and schedule of festival performers.

“Let’s not forget the picnic part of the ‘Southern Gospel Picnic'”, said Johnson. She points out that, in addition to all the delicious food normally available at Silver Dollar City, the festival will feature “‘The House of Chicken and Fixin’s on the Square’ featuring double-battered southern fried chicken, slow-roasted apple-glazed chicken and smoked barbecue chicken, with favorite ‘fixin’s’ from potato salad and coleslaw to Silver Dollar City’s official 50th Birthday Cake: Chocolate RiverBlast Raspberry.”

Johnson  also points out that the special activities and events involved in the celebration of the festival are in addition to all the excitement and adventure that the international award winning 1880s’s theme park is noted for including craft demonstrations and over 30 fun filled rides and attractions. For further information on the Southern Gospel Picnic 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.