Live "angel" sharing butterfly with family during "White Flight."*
BRANSON, Mo., December 20, 2013 — “It’s not the traditional ‘White Christmas’ sung around Christmas, but ‘White Flight’ is one of the unique features of Ozark Mountain Christmas that makes Christmas in Branson so exciting and special,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. 2013 is the seventh Christmas season that “White Flight,” consisting of thousands of white butterflies flying in a “rain forest” amid thousands of sparkling lights, colorful red and white poinsettias, living angel statutes, to the sounds of beautiful Christmas music, has been presented. “White Flight” is a limited engagement exhibit at Branson’s Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure through January 15, 2014.
The thousands of white butterflies used in “White Flight” are comprised of about 20 different species of tropical white butterflies with the most common being the “Paper Kite Butterfly,” also referred to as the “Rice Paper Butterfly.” The majority of the butterflies used in White Flight, as is the case with all the exhibits at the Butterfly Palace, are shipped to them by air express in their chrysalis (cocoon) stage from tropical rain forests. After the butterfly emerges from the cocoon and its wings dry, it is released into the exhibit, aviary, where it lives out its average three week life span in a predator free environment.
In addition to the butterflies in the aviary “White Flight” also includes unique and amazing performances of the centuries old art form of “living statutes” in the form of White Angels. As people walk through the exhibit and butterflies alight on and flutter around the angels they present a statuesque picture of angelic beauty and tranquility. Almost imperceptibly, the statutes slowly and subtly come to life. It might be just a change in the position of a head or the extension of a hand, but it’s fascinating to watch as the artists playing the angels to interact with the guests.
The aviary is decorated with a number of poinsettias and other flowers and highlighted by a large poinsettia Christmas tree that provides an excellent place for picture taking. The whole “White Flight” experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statutes and beautiful music, is a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy
Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson reminds Branson visitors that “White Flight” is just one of the many special events that are part of “Ozark Mountain Christmas.” For additional information or tickets for “White Flight” and the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, “Ozark Mountain Christmas” 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 by calling 800-785-1550.