Free Branson birthday cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle

The majestic "Showboat Branson Belle."

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “Branson Missouri is a great place to celebrate a birthday, a special occasion, or to just share a special time with your family. However, when the birthday gift the “Showboat Branson Belle” is offering those celebrating their birthday during 2010 is combined with all the rest Branson offers, attractions, shopping, shows, and entertainment, a trip to Branson will make any birthday celebration just a little more special.”

She explained that during the Showboat Branson Belle’s 2010 season it is offering a free birthday cruise on the day of a person’s birthday March 19 through December 31, 2010 with a valid photo identification. If the ship is not operating on the date of your birthday you may take the cruise on the next available cruise date. Those who had a birthday earlier in the year between January 1 and March 18, prior to the Showboat Branson Belle opening for its 2010 season have not been forgotten either. The Showboat Branson Belle is recognizing “half” birthdays and will give the cruise on a person’s “half birthday” date (i.e. January 25 births can cruise for free on July 25.

The spectacular Showboat Branson Belle is 278 feet in length, over 112 feet in height, and cruises the waters of the beautiful Table Rock Lake at average speed of six miles per hour while taking up to 700 passengers past beautiful Ozarks scenery. Couple that with a fabulous meal and world-class entertainment and a cruise aboard the Showboat Branson Belle is hard to beat on any day, but is just about unbeatable for those celebrating their birthday during 2010

Johnson suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for additional information or tickets to the Showboat Branson Belle or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements. She points out that all of BTC’s services are free, many of the tickets and lodging sold, especially those in a package, are discounted and most important of all, are provided through a live BTC Travel/Reservation Specialist that is familiar with Branson and all the excitement it has to offer. 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 hosts Americas largest international festival-World-Fest

Firey Fiddles

In describing Silver Dollar City’s “World-Fest,” Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “It gives Branson visitors a unique opportunity to experience the cultures, foods, and entertainment of other countries at the same time they are visiting Branson’s oldest and most popular attraction, the internationally acclaimed theme park, Silver Dollar City.” She points out that World-Fest is Americas largest international festival, will run from April 8 through May 9 and will coincide with Silver Dollar City’s celebration of its 50th Anniversary.

Johnson said that the unique natural setting of Silver Dollar City provides a wonderful atmosphere for the festival and that in addition to the fabulous festivals, rides, and entertainment Silver Dollar City is noted for, there will be many other exciting things taking place in connection with the celebration of its 50th Anniversary. Among other things, the first weekend in May will be the “50th Birthday Celebration Weekend” adding even more fun, activities and excitement to World-Fest and a visit to Silver Dollar City. Its new $7 million dollar ride, “Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast,” America’s biggest water battle, has already opened.

The Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China will be returning to World-Fest by popular demand after their initial appearance during World-Fest last year. Two dozen acrobats and head-balancing monks give an amazing performance of agility and acrobatic skill.

Many other international acts will also be featured throughout the festival. Some of the new acts include Dearbhail Finnegan, internationally acclaimed Irish Harpist, in a new show sharing Irish heritage and music; “Diego Martin Footprints Folk Performers,” from Trinidad and Tobago with steel drums, stilt dancing and fire limbo; “Fiery Fiddles” featuring the world’s only soaring string aerialist, Janice Marine and Nova Scotia’s premier fiddler Jennifer Roland and “Calpulli Danza Mexicana,” a 16 member dance troupe from Mexico.

The “Tastes of the World”, food pavilion will feature a wide selection of global specialties. This will include “tempting desserts from around the world such as Tiramisu Torte, Baklava and Apfel Dumplings served with Cinnamon Ice Cream and other international “specialties including guest favorites Chicken Fajitas, Italian Calzone, and Moussaka” and many others.

Johnson suggests that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services be contacted for free personal one on one assistance to obtain additional information on World-Fest, Silver Dollar City, or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

Record Trout Caught In Branson

August 16, 2005, Branson, MO The Live Entertainment Capital Of The World Branson, Missouri, is the home of the new record for the largest trout caught in the state. On July 16, Bryan Chapman of St. Louis, Missouri, was fishing with his son on Lake Taneycomo in Branson when he caught the record-setting fish. The trout weighed in officially at 27 pounds and 8.8 ounces, beating the previous record held by a fish that was caught in Bull Shoals lake, twenty minutes outside of Branson, in 1997, that weighed 26 pounds 13 ounces.

Branson has evolved into an entertainment mecca that draws millions of tourists for live shows, theme parks, and wholesome family entertainment. Over the years it has become a popular destination for outdoor activities, with three lakes in the surrounding areas Branson is drawing avid fishermen from around the country. The family can go fishing in the morning, shopping in the afternoon and go see a show in the evening, there is something for each member in the family to enjoy and participate.

This is very exciting for Branson, said Lianne Milton, owner of Branson Tourism Center. It brings attention to Branson and shows that there is something for the whole family, whether its fishing, shows or theme parks you can bring your whole family and everyone will be able to do something to do that they enjoy. Liannes company Branson Tourism Center offers discount lodging, tickets and packages to Branson and without charging any service fees. They have recently made headlines by offering all customers who order tickets through their service between August 15 and August 31, 2005, a 40-cents-per-gallon gas discount up to 20 gallons for their vacation to Branson. We are currently offering all of our customers who order tickets through our service a 40-cents-per-gallon gas discount up to 20 gallons when they travel to Branson. Normally we offer all of our customers a 20-cents-per-gallon discount, but by doubling this offer we are addressing our customers concerns about traveling and helping save them as much money as possible on their trip to Branson, noted Milton.

Jim Stafford adds two additional shows full of comedy with heart… and strings!

Branson, Missouri- April 26, 2005 – Jim Stafford, critically-acclaimed by the Chicago Tribune as the “Victor Borge of the guitar”, is adding two more dates to the 2005 schedule of his Branson show, Monday, May 2nd, and Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:30 PM.

Jim Stafford says, “Originally I thought I’d take these days off to play and then I thought, wait a minute — the people I want to play with are in my audiences! So, we added the shows and also decided to make them area appreciation days for the residents of Stone and Taney County. They need a little play time too!”

Jim Stafford will debut his new 2005 show, “Comedy with Heart!” on these dates, blending classic Stafford numbers with new guitar, dance, and comedy. Also, Jim’s children– Shea and G.G.–will debut new numbers as they continue to amaze audiences with their musical abilities. “The Jim Stafford Show is unique to Branson as each number is produced to explore human emotion, from love of family to hilarious laughter. The same feeling goes into his guitar; he makes the guitar sing to thrill your heart, then he puts in a move that is hilarious. The audience never knows what is coming,” comments Lianne Milton of Branson Tourism Center.

As Richard Freihofer of the Branson Church Getaway Magazine says, “Jim Stafford is not just a comedian…he is an artist who uses the spoken word to paint hilarious pictures of people being themselves. He finds the words to remind us about what is important in life, and he’s a master at portraying the human spirit!”

Earlier this year, Jim’s theatre underwent an extreme makeover to the seating, lobby, lighting, and sound to provide first-class accommodations for Jim’s audiences. Reservations can be made to fly first-class at the Jim Stafford Theatre in luxurious VIP seating with extra high backs and legroom. General seating has been upgraded as well for more comfort and space. The Stafford Theatre provides the ultimate in luxury seating to Branson audiences.

The Jim Stafford Theatre presents three shows a day during 2005. The Jim Stafford Show runs Monday through Saturday at 7:30 PM. In the afternoons, “50’s At The Hop” performs at 2:00 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with an additional show on Sundays at 8:00 P.M. Doug Gabriel performs his award-winning morning show at 10 AM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday in May along with hosting the second year of “Branson Spotlight”, Branson’s premier talent search, on Fridays at 11:00 PM. Tim Hill’s ministry presents “The Suns of Thunder” Morning Worship Service each Sunday morning at 10 AM, free to the public.

7th Annual Main Street Hoops Basketball Tournament

Main Street Hoops 3-on-3 Basketball will be Saturday, April 23, 2005 in Downtown Branson. The games begin at 8 a.m.

Admission is free for spectators, so bring the whole family to cheer on your favorite teams. The action takes place at North Commercial Street and Atlantic Street.

Not only is there a day filled with Basketball fun, but every player gets a free T-shirt. Winners in the children and youth divisions up to age 14 will also receive trophies.

Street basketball rules for 3-on-3 apply to this tournament. There are divisions for youth and children starting at age 7. A range of adult team divisions will give the “Top Guns” and even the Couch Potatoes a day of fun and tough competition. Corporate teams are also encouraged to enter.

The team entry fee is $40. Teams of three to four players may enter. The deadline to enter is April 20. After that, the entry fee will be $50.

Moon River

“Moon River” is a song composed by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini in 1961. It was sung in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Audrey Hepburn, the movie’s star, while the song itself won that year’s Academy Award for Best Song for Mercer and Mancini. The success of the song was responsible for re-launching Mercer’s career as a songwriter, which had stalled in the mid-1950s as rock and roll replaced jazz standards as the popular music of the time.

Mercer and Mancini originally wrote the song for Hepburn to fit the actress’ limited vocal range (Hepburn was not an accomplished and established singer). “Moon River” is introduced by Hepburn during the sequence where George Peppard’s character, Paul ‘Fred’ Varjak, discovers Holly Golightly (Hepburn) singing (with guitar in hand) on the ledge of her apartment during a rainstorm.

Although an original score album to “Tiffany’s” was released, it did not contain Hepburn’s original version. Instead, an album version recorded by Mancini and his chorus was released as a single and became a Top 40 hit. Subsequently, it was released by UK singer Danny Williams, who got a UK #1 with it. Shortly thereafter, Andy Williams would make the song an even bigger hit (even going as far as making it his theme song). Many other artists have recorded it since. It was only months after Hepburn’s death in 1993 that the original version was finally released on an album. Despite Williams’ success with the song, for many Hepburn’s simple recording is considered the definitive performance.

An inlet near Savannah, Georgia, Johnny Mercer’s hometown, was named “Moon River” in honor of this song. Williams later named his production company and venue in Branson, Missouri after this song, whose lyrics read:

Moon River, wider than a mile

I’m crossing you in style someday

Oh, dream maker, you heartbreaker,

Wherever you’re goin’,

I’m goin’ your way

Two drifters off to see the world

With such a lot of world to see

We’re after the same rainbow’s end

Waitin’ ’round the bend

My huckleberry friend, Moon River, and me.

In the movie, Holly and Paul perform some petty shoplifting at a five and dime store, stealing a pair of plastic Halloween masks. Appropriately, Holly’s mask is that of cartoon character Huckleberry Hound, a reference to the “huckleberry friend” of the song.

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB announces 2004 Community Award recipients

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau announced today the recipients of the 2004 community awards. The awards were presented at the Chamber’s annual Black Tie dinner and gala held February 25, 2005 at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO.

Corporate sponsors for the evening were Akers & Arney Insurance, Ozark Mountain Bank, ReserveBRANSON.com and Ozarks Family Vision Centre/Missouri Eye Institute. In addition to dinner and entertainment provided by The Thundering Red Rockets, the evening served as an opportunity to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the Branson/Lakes area. The awards presented at the 2005 event were:

The Mary Award, named in honor of Mary Herschend and Mary Trimble, the first recipients, was presented to Steve Weyher, operator of Golden Corral restaurant, for his outstanding service to the community and its residents. Steve has been a long-time supporter of the area’s events for veterans, and community marketing programs such as Hot Winter Fun. In 2004, Steve made a significant contribution to the “Branson’s Fun for Everyone” grassroots campaign by rallying local support for the program’s efforts to encourage visitors to Branson. Steve regularly donates his company’s services, and his personal time and energies when called upon by the community.

The Pioneer Award was presented to Jim Thomas, owner of the Lodge of the Ozarks complex, in appreciation for many years of service and dedication to the Branson community. A man of vision, Jim brought legendary entertainers such as Roy Clark to Branson for the first time, and later encouraged some of them to build their own theaters, prompting national recognition for the area. Jim was instrumental in developing Branson as a year round destination by being the first to extend his theater’s performance season. He encouraged the growth of the first convention and group tour business to Branson, and has continually upgraded his Lodge complex to provide visitors with a first-class entertainment, lodging, dining and meeting experience.

The Ambassador Award was presented to The Vacation Channel for its exemplary ambassadorship for the Branson/Lakes area. The company’s commitment to providing first-rate programming and high-quality production services has made an outstanding impression on millions of visitors to the area. The owners and staff provide professional, thoughtful customer service to their clients, and they have been recognized numerous times within their industry for their award-winning work.

The Beautification Award was given to the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks for its enhancement of the Branson/Lakes area. The state-of-the art, beautifully crafted facility and grounds provide a truly memorable sensory experience for visitors, residents and students. The new facility will provide C of O students with many wonderful learning experiences for generations to come.

The Community Spirit Award, created and sponsored by Myer Hotels, was presented to Bert Leman, owner of Artilla Cove Resort, for his outstanding efforts to promote the Indian Point and Branson/Lakes areas. He has served as the Indian Point Chamber president, as a Village Trustee, and member of the Indian Point Village Board of Public Works. His efforts to produce the Enchanted Forest Light Display at Indian Point have helped attract over 80,000 visitors to the area. Bert has been a hands-on participant on many Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce committees.

The event also included a special achievement award for Michael London, publisher of Branson’s Update Magazine, for his volunteer efforts to organize the grassroots “Branson’s Fun for Everyone” public relations campaign. Michael donated his time and resources to rally the community behind his comprehensive plan to tell visitors that Branson is a ‘fun’ place for all. Among other features, the campaign included community-wide special events and rallies, promotional materials for sponsors, a website, a trip give-away, a movie short, a theme song and the services of a PR firm that helped bring national media exposure to the Branson/Lakes Area.

Two special recognition awards were given to Branson/Lakes Area Chamber volunteers for their above and beyond service to their community and to the Chamber.

Greg Maycock, owner of Indian Point Resort, has demonstrated a tireless commitment to the area and the Chamber through his hands-on service. He has been instrumental in the development of the Chamber’s new website, the Vacation Guide and other publications, and even volunteered to help manage the marketing programs of the Chamber when the Marketing Vice President’s position was vacant. He also serves on the Chamber Board of Directors.

Lucy Epperson has a long-standing record of exemplary volunteer service as an ambassador for the Chamber. She regularly works as a welcome center volunteer and rarely misses a ribbon cutting. Lucy is a delightful role model for other community servants and a gracious and welcoming host to visitors.

The evening also included a video presentation of the “Branson Promise,” produced by The Vacation Channel and featuring dozens of area residents who donated their time in bringing to life the written statement describing the spirit of the area.