Category Archives: Branson Events

Five special ways for kids to visit with Santa Claus in Branson

Santa waiting to talk with children in Branson about what they want for Christmas.

When he’s not supervising his elves at the North Pole, Santa loves to spend time in Branson where he can not only rest and be entertained, prior to his long night’s journey and work on Christmas Eve, but do what he loves to do most. That’s meeting all the children who live in Branson and those visiting, during Ozark Mountain Christmas, to find out what they want him to bring them for Christmas. Here’s a list of five places and the times^* where kids can meet Santa Claus in Branson:

1. Branson Tourism Center: Give the kids a break, and help get them into the Christmas spirit, on Black Friday, November 25, 2016, with a visit to see Santa Claus at the Branson Tourism Center, one of his favorite places outside of the North Pole. After they visit with Santa, and have the chance to tell him what they would like him to bring them for Christmas, they will receive a complimentary souvenir photo of their visit. It’s all free and there are no photos to buy. It’s just the Branson Tourism Center’s way of saying, “Merry Christmas!”

2. Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas: Santa will be in his workshop on Santa Claus Lane through Dec. 23, where he’ll be waiting for children to come and tell him what they are hoping he will bring them for Christmas this year. Santa and his elves will be there from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Sunday; except for Thanksgiving Day where he will be there from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM; and Saturdays and November 25 when he will be in his shop from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

3. Branson Landing Town Square: Santa will be found in his “Christmas Tree House,” underneath the 50 foot Christmas Tree at the Town Square, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, except for Thanksgiving Day and from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, except for Nov. 23 and Dec. 24 when the hours will be 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Santa takes a break from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM each day to feed his reindeer.

4. Kringles Christmas Store: Until Dec. 23 Santa is scheduled to visit Kringles in the Grand Village Shops Wednesday through Sunday from at least 11:00 AM through 4:00 PM and later some days. Please call (417) 337-5426 if there are any questions.

5. Bass Pro Shops at Branson Landing: Santa will be at “Santa’s Wonderland,” filled with free games, crafts and activities, at Bass Pro Shops until December 24. He will be available weekdays from 5:00 PM to 8 PM through December 3 and from 10:AM to 8:00 PM December 4 through December 22. On weekends, he will be available from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM, on Saturday, and from Noon to 5:00 PM on Sundays. Thanksgiving Week he will be available from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM November 23; 10:00 AM to 5 PM Thanksgiving Day, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on November 26 and 27; and from Noon to 5:00 PM on November 27. As he prepares to return to the North Pole Santa will be available from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on December 23, and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on December 24. Each child will be given a free 4×6 studio quality portrait.

They are all free, except for Silver Dollar City where a visit with Santa is included in the price of admission as part of its “Old Time Christmas Festival.” Ho, Ho, Ho, and a Merry Christmas to all!

^*Schedules subject to change

Three special things Veterans do not want to miss while in Branson

“The Wall,” Veterans Memorial Garden, and the Official Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

“Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week is America’s biggest ‘Veterans’ Day’ tribute, running form November 5 through November 11 each year,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “The seven-day event is both a tribute and a celebration, filled with a variety of activities, shows, reunions, and highlighted with the Veterans Day Parade, through historic downtown Branson starting at the 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Here’s a short list of three unique stand-alone things that we believe Veterans and their families will find inspiring and should not miss while in Branson,” she added.

The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Nestled within the beautiful and peaceful Welk Resort Branson, the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, more commonly known as “The Wall,” will be on display and open to the public for public viewing at the Welk Resort Branson from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM November 7- 13th. Although the Welk Resort had hosted the traveling replica Memorial for many years, it purchased it in 2013. “It is with a sense of gratitude and honor that the Welk Family and The Welk Resort sponsor this tribute,” said Dathan Atchison, General Manager of the Welk Resort. “We cannot ever forget the incredible sacrifice of so many to insure the liberty we enjoy in this country.”

“The Wall” is the most visited memorial in Washington, D.C. The official half-scale replica spans nearly 240 feet in length and lists more than 58,000 names of the nation’s fallen heroes who fell in the Vietnam conflict. A special locator book will be available to assist visitors in finding specific names.

The Lennon Sisters will be performing at a special Opening Ceremony for The Wall that will be held at the Welk Resort on Monday, November 7, at 10:00 AM. A POW/MIA Service of Tribute and Remembrance will be held at The Wall at 8:00 AM on November 8.

Branson’s Veterans Memorial Garden

Under the guidance of Master Gardner Ben Kinel and with the considerable effort of many volunteers and benefactors who have given money, land, materials and a lot of hard work, time and effort, the beautiful garden serves as a living tribute to the sacrifices of America’s Veterans, active duty military personnel and their families. Located in the northwest corner of the intersection of Roark Valley Road and State Highway 76 at the traffic signal, the garden is very visible to all those traveling into and out of the Branson Strip on State Highway 76.

Although thousands drive by it daily, and comparatively speaking, it’s smaller than many memorial gardens, it is well worth the effort to stop and walk through it. To get to parking, turn on to Roark Valley Road at the stop light at its intersection with Highway 76, go one block to Crosby, turn left, circle around the church. Turn left at the stop sign at Main Street and proceed to the church parking lot.

Official Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Located at the entrance to the College of the Ozarks, the Official State of Missouri Vietnam Memorial honors the 1,410 servicemen and women from Missouri who gave their lives in that war. Designed by Austin Meyer, a 2014 College of the Ozarks graduate, and dedicated on April 22, 2015, every element, from its divided wall representing a divided nation to the red roses in a “V” shaped flower bed, representing valor and the blood that was spilled by Missourians on behalf of our nation, represents and honors their sacrifice. Take first Hollister exit off Highway 65, south of Branson, and follow directions to the College of the Ozarks. The Memorial and a large flat parking lot are immediately to your left as you drive up to the entrance.

In addition, the “Lest We Forget” 9/11 Memorial, containing a remnant of one of the steel columns from the World Trade Center, is located next to the C of O Fire Department on James Forsythe Drive inside the campus. The mangled steel column in the memorial was donated by retired police officer Tommy McHale to honor the 37 fallen men and women officers from the Port Authority for New York and New Jersey who perished on 9/11.

Two of the most amazing ornaments on the Ozark Mountain Christmas tree!

A few scenes from Christmas At Dixie Stampede.*

Christmas At Dixie Stampede is truly a unique and inspiring Christmas experience.*

“It would be easy to picture all of the exciting, inspirational, and entertaining events, making up Branson’s spectacular celebration of the traditional American Christmas, Ozark Mountain Christmas, as precious ornaments on a giant Christmas tree,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From among many, two of the most amazing, unique, and spectacular ornaments on that tree would be Dixie Stampede’s Dixie Christmas and Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas,” she added.

Dixie Stampede’s Dixie Christmas (Nov. 1 – Dec. 31)

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is one of Branson’s most popular and favorite activities, and, as Dolly Parton herself says, “It’s Branson’s most fun place to eat.” With the combination of its famous four course meal, eaten without utensils, and a constant stream of colorful, entertaining, and exciting activities including 32 magnificent horses, amazing equestrian feats, a friendly interactive competition, and much more, it’s easy to see why the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest enjoy the Dixie Stampede.

During Ozark Mountain Christmas that same fun, and excitement is transformed into a festive Christmas experience that brings the spirit of Christmas to life with an experience that is as spectacular, fun and exciting as it is inspirational. John Richardson, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Dixie Stampede said, “The holidays are a season to celebrate and each year families make Christmas At Dixie Stampede part of their tradition, returning again and again, bringing more family members each time. We are delighted to welcome those families to come and make memories with us over a good meal.”

It’s transformed into “a true fantasy land complete with twinkling lights, evergreens, poinsettias, old-fashioned holiday costumes, familiar holiday music, and fun.” From the serving of Dixie’s famous four course meal to its friendly competition between the Elves from the North Pole and South Pole and everything else, the theme is Christmas.

The real reason for the season is not forgotten, but is celebrated with a magnificent and unique live nativity scene that you will never forget. “The true meaning of Christmas comes alive right before your very eyes as three kings ride atop camels on their way to Bethlehem, stunning angels” descend from above, and the traditional music of Christmas inspires audience members of all ages” with the true message of Christmas. No traditional celebration of Christmas would be complete without Santa Claus and his arrival is another highlight to a very special Christmas experience.

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas is a beautiful “centerpiece” of Ozark Mountain Christmas.**

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas (Nov. 5 – Dec. 30)

For over two decades, Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival has been not only the centerpiece of Ozark Mountain Christmas, but one of America’s top holiday events. Its spectacular display of five million Christmas lights throughout the park, entertainment, parade, Broadway style shows, and much more has been recognized and featured nationally by USA Today, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel, Good Morning America and many others.

Although the park is filled with rides, shows, crafts, food and other activities, something special begins to happen each evening at dusk, in the Square on Main Street with the lighting of the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree. It comes to life with its 350,000 colorful sparkling LED lights, choreographed to Christmas music, and making over 100 light changes per second and signals the beginning of Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade. It’s led by “the most famous reindeer of all” leading “nine musical, lighted floats, illuminated with 200,000 ultra-bright LED lights accompanied. “by 33 colorful costumed characters, including Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, 14-foot moose characters, 12-foot tall elves and 10-foot candy canes, plus penguins, elves and a troupe of marching wooden soldiers.”

The Festival also features two Broadway style musical productions, It’s a Wonderful Life and A Dickens’ Christmas Carol;” the tastes of the season including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites; and “new this year, Tinker Junior’s Toy Shop starring a 12-foot tall Christmas tree that talks, sings, and interacts with kids, accompanied by huge toy characters.”

All the activities involved in Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas are in addition to everything else the 1880’s international award winning theme park offers daily. This includes, weather permitting, 30 rides and attractions; the park’s 100 demonstrating craftsmen; and much more.

For more information and tickets for either Silver Dollar City or Dixie Stampede please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Photos used in composite courtesy of Dixie Stampede *
Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City **

The Best of Branson Insider Highlights for November 2016

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas is a spectacular “centerpiece” of Ozark Mountain Christmas.**

“November is one of Branson’s most inspirational and exciting months of the year,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Starting with the nation’s largest Veteran’s Day Celebration, to one of the biggest celebrations of the traditional American Christmas, and much more, the month of November in Branson is bursting with special events and other activities,” he added.

Here’s our Featured Show, Event, and Limited Engagement of the Month, along with a list of the major, special limited engagement performances and events you can enjoy in Branson during November, 2016:

Featured Show: Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza continues the tradition of “Mr. Christmas” and the “Andy Williams Christmas Show” with its variety, color, and excitement and showing why It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! The vocal stars of the show, the Osmonds and Lennon Sisters, present the music of Christmas as only they can! That would be enough for most shows but, in keeping the Andy Williams tradition of variety, there’s more, a lot more! When you add the amazing magic of illusionist Rick Thomas and his lovely wife Tara, with elements of their magical “Let It Snow” act, the adagio dancing and quick change artistry of Pasha & Aliona, and other surprises, the result is like opening Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas morning. You don’t know what it is, but what a wonderful surprise it is when you get the wrapping off and open the package.”

Daniel O’Donnell, left, Osmonds and Lennon Sisters, from the Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, Titanic Dance, and the Armed Forces Flags in honor of Veterans Week

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: A favorite of Branson visitors and residents alike, the incomparable Daniel O’Donnell returns to Branson, after a year’s absence, for a very limited engagement of 2:00 PM shows, running from October 31 through November 19 in the Welk Theatre at the beautiful Branson Welk Resorts. Incorporating his charismatic and engaging style, he will present a blend of traditional Irish ballads, country favorites, and traditional gospel with an Irish twist that shows why he has sold millions of records and has been “a household name across Ireland and Great Britain for decades.”

In 2016, O’Donnell became the first artist to have a new album in the UK charts, each year, for 28 consecutive years. In the United States, O’Donnell has starred in several Public Broadcasting Network Specials as well as charting 18 albums in the Top 20 of Billboard’s World Music Album Chart.

Featured Events of the Month: Normally, for each month we have just one, but for the month of November there must be two:

Branson Veterans Homecoming Week is one of the biggest, Veterans Day tributes in America, and is celebrated from November 5 through November 11. It features dozens of events all keyed toward honoring those who have served our nation and sacrificed so much.

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas celebrates the true meaning of this special magical season amidst the glow of over 5 million dazzling lights. Proclaimed as “The Most Illuminated Park on Earth” by the Travel Channel and “One of the most sparkly, lively holiday celebrations anywhere” by Midwest Living, “you’ll take home beautiful holiday memories destined to last a lifetime!”

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

Nov. 1-19: Daniel O’Donnell
Nov. 1-17: Oak Ridge Boys
Nov. 1-29: The Urban Cowboy Reunion
Nov. 2-17: Neal McCoy
Nov. 2: Gary Lewis & the Playboys
Nov. 4: Charlie Daniels Band
Nov. 9-20: Titanic Dance
Nov. 9: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Nov. 11-12: Johnny Mathis with Gary Mule Deer
Nov. 14-15: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Nov 16: Chubby Checker
Nov.26: Kenny Rogers
Nov. 27-29: Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Nov 5-Dec 30: An Old Time Christmas Festival at Silver Dollar City
Nov 6: Veterans’ Spouses Luncheon^*Nov 6: Sunday November 6-WWII Veterans Recognition^*Nov 6: Sunday November 6-Tribute to Veterans Sunday Worship Service^*Nov 7-Nov 11: Veterans Week-Branson IMAX Military Film Festival^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Opening^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Sandbox Party^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Medics, Nurses, and Combat Vets Mini Reunion^*Nov 8: Tuesday November 8-POW/MIA Service of Remembrance^*Nov 8: Tuesday November 8-Women Veterans Mini Reunion^*
Nov 8: Tuesday November 8-Annual Tribute to Women Veterans & Rose Petal Ceremony^*Nov 8-Nov 13: Railway to Heaven^*Nov 9: Blue Star Mothers Afternoon Dessert^*Nov 9: Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion^*Nov. 9: P.O.W. Network 20th Annual Military Gala & Banquet^*Nov 10: Veterans Grove Tree Dedication^*Nov 10: 4th Infantry Division^*Nov 10: Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans^*Nov 10-11: 6th Annual Indoor Open Car Show
Nov 11: Morning Flag Raising/Wreath Laying Ceremony^*Nov 11: WWII Mini Reunion^*Nov 11: Annual Branson Veterans Day Parade^*Nov 14: Free Golden Corral Dinner for VeteransNov 19: Most Wonderful Time of Year Holiday Parade
Nov 21-Nov 27: Thanksgiving Week in Branson
Nov 24: Thanksgiving Day Cruise on Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess
Nov 24: Thanksgiving Day
Nov 24: Moonlight Madness & After Thanksgiving Sales at Tanger Mall Outlet
Nov 24: 5th Annual Branson 5K Turkey Trot
Nov 24: Golden Corral Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Nov 24: Osage Restaurants at Top of the Rock Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov 24: Arnie’s Barn at Top of the Rock Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov 24: Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks Thanksgiving Day Brunch
Nov 24: Chateau on the Lake Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov 25: Branson Landing’s Black Friday Blowout!
Nov 27: Carols on the Belle on the Showboat Branson Belle Nov. 27

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s 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 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Branson Veterans Week Event
** Photo furnished courtesy of Silver Dollar City

The Best Branson Insider Event Highlights for October 2016

Featured Show of October, "Million Dollar Quartet," Rug Making is just one of over 120 crafts at Silver Dollar City's National Harvest & Cowboy Festival, and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Featured Show of October, “Million Dollar Quartet,” Rug Making is one of over 120 crafts being demonstrated at Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival, and the Oak Ridge Boys.

“The usually crisper temperatures of October nights coupled with beautiful autumn days typically brings the beautiful Ozark’s foliage to its peak during the last two weeks of the month presenting one of Branson’s most spectacular shows,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival is just one of the amazing events and activities that Branson visitors can enjoy during October, in addition to the fun, excitement, and entertainment of everything else that Branson offers every day,” she added.

Here’s our Insider Highlight list of some of the unique and exciting special events that Branson visitors will be able to enjoy during October, including our Featured Show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the Month:

Featured Show of the Month: The Million Dollar Quartet has quickly become one of Branson’s most popular shows. This year marks the 60^th Anniversary of one of the greatest jam sessions in rock n’ roll history that took place on December 4, 1956, in the Memphis storefront recording studio of “Sun Records.” The jam session was a once in a lifetime impromptu gathering of four young recording legends-to-be, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis that would have been a forgotten page of history, but for the discovery of an unknown recording of it decades later.

But surface it did! It, and the four rock n’ roll legends involved, became the inspiration for the Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet that shares the music, spontaneity, and drama of what happened that day, as these four legends performed together for their first and last time. When I first saw the show I wrote, “Over the last three decades, I have seen many Branson shows of all types, but never one like the Million Dollar Quartet! An outstanding cast, timeless music that everyone knows, and a great storyline combine with the show’s unique set and great production to create an incredible entertainment experience for the whole family that should not be missed.”

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: Country music legends, the Oak Ridge Boys return to Branson, with their phenomenal harmonies and an amazing career spanning several decades that includes five Grammy Awards, the Song of the Year, from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, for their hit Elvira, which also crossed over to the pop charts, and many others. Their hits include Touch a Hand, Make a Friend; Make My Life with You; American Made; (I’m Settin’) Fancy Free; It Takes a Little Rain (To Make Love Grow); Bobbie Sue; and many more.

Featured Event of the Month: Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival showcasing the largest gathering of demonstrating craftsmen in the country; the Wild West Show; Western Musicians; chuck wagon cooking by Kent Rollins; Extreme Mustang Makeovers, as expert horse trainer Fred Woehl tames beautiful wild mustangs; Silver Dollar City’s Barn Dance, returning for 2016 by popular demand; and much more.

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

Oct 3-31^*: The Urban Cowboy Reunion
Oct 4-20^*: Oak Ridge Boys
Oct 5: Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley
Oct 7: Bill Engvall
Oct 9: Air Supply
Oct 12: Ricky Nelson Remembered
Oct 12-20^**: Shenandoah
Oct 14: Ronnie Milsap and Johnny Rodriguez
Oct 15: David Cassidy
Oct 19: TG Sheppard, David Frizell & Jeannie Seely
Oct 21: RFD-TV presents Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy
Oct 21: Charley Pride & Janie Fricke
Oct 21: Clint Black
Oct 22-23: Loretta Lynn
Oct 24-25: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Oct 26-28: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Oct 26: Pam Tillis
Oct 28: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, & B.J. Thomas
Oct 29: Jeanne Robertson
Oct 31-Nov 19: Daniel O’Donnell

^*Selected dates through November.
^**Selected dates.

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Oct 1-29: National Harvest & Cowboy Festival at Silver Dollar City
Oct 1: Annual TangerStyle Fit for a Cure 5K Run/Walk
Oct 1: Charles E. Scalan Benefit Golf Tournament – Hospice Compassus
Oct 2: Grand Country Half Marathon & 5K
Oct 8: Hollister Grape and Fall Festival
Oct 8: Hollister Color Me Grape 5K
Oct 8: Branson Landing’s 7th Annual Paint the Landing Pink!
Oct 8: Center Stage Classic Rumble
Oct 9: Rotary Youth Fishing Tournament
Oct 11: Foraging in the Ozarks: Wild Edible-Medicinal Plant and Bird ID Mosey
Oct 13- 16: Coca-Cola Swap Meet
Oct 15: Benefit for the Children’s Miracle Network
Oct 22: 3rd Annual VVA Chapter 913 Trout Team Tournament
Oct 22: Branson Adventure Challenge
Oct 22: Bonniebrook Festival
Oct 22 – Oct 23: Branson Women’s Expo
Oct 27: Annual Downtown Branson Piccadilly Gala/Auction
Oct 28: Hollister Halloween Boo-Bash, Elementary School. 6-8 PM, 417-334-3262
Oct 29: Halloween BOOnanza at the Branson Recplex
Oct 31: Branson Landing’s 10th Annual Safe Street Trick or Treat
Oct 31: Halloween
Oct 31: Trick-or-Treat TangerStyle! – at Tanger Outlets

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s 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 visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com or calling 1-800-785-1550.

Plan to cruise into the splendor of Mother Nature’s spectacular Ozarks fall foliage show!

View of the first “blush” of Fall foliage from the bow of the “Landing Princess.”

“The rains we have experienced thus far this summer are setting Branson up to have a great fall foliage season,” said Melissa McGowan, Marketing/Groups and Special Events Manager for Main Street Lake Cruises. “It’s a once a year spectacular show put on by Mother Nature and, cruising aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats, provides ‘premium seating’ to see it, in all of its vivid color and wonder,” she added.

Starting gradually in September, the foliage changes color in conjunction with cold nights and sunny days, turning panoramic Ozark vistas into magnificent colorful “masterpieces” that have to be seen to be believed. Lake Taneycomo, a long narrow impoundment of the White River, with shorelines that are much closer together than those of Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes, provides the ideal “theatre” from which to view this unique annual show, close-up and in all its wonder and brilliance.

Main Street Lake Cruises “Landing Princess.”

And what better seats to have to see “the show” than aboard the only cruise boats on Lake Taneycomo. Whether cruising on a sightseeing cruise aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen, a modern day replica of the grand riverboats which used to ply the White River, or enjoying a dinner cruise aboard its 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess, you will have an unparalleled view of not only the magnificent beauty of the changing Ozark’s foliage, but of Lake Taneycomo and its natural scenic wonders.

A cruise aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats is a spectacular experience any time of the year offering an up close chance to view Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, other birds, deer, other wildlife, panoramic vistas and bluffs not available through any other means except by boat on Lake Taneycomo. They are seen by very few of the millions who visit Branson each year. The amazing wonder of Ozarks’ fall foliage takes an already special Branson experience and memory and makes it even more so.

Main Street Lake Cruises’ McGowan said that, depending on the weather, the first blush of color is generally toward the second half of September with its peak at about the third week of October. She also points out that Main Street Lake Cruises has moved to a new more convenient location at 9 South Boardwalk, located along the shoreline of the Bass Pro Parking lot, that is easy to find and provides close, drive-up parking, and immediate access to its main entrance from a flat parking lot

Because of the popularity of these cruises McGowan suggests making advance reservations. For additional information on Branson’s fall foliage season or cruises on either Lake Queen, or dinner cruises on the Landing Princess, or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services; call 1-800-785-1550 or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Best of Branson Insider Highlights for September 2016

One of the over 115 craftsmen who will be demonstrating at Silver Dollar City's National Harvest & Cowboy Festival; Clay & Tina Cooper performing in "Clay Cooper's Country Express;" and the Oak Ridge Boys.

One of the 125 craftsmen who will be demonstrating at Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival; Clay & Tina Cooper performing in “Clay Cooper’s Country Express;” and the Oak Ridge Boys.

“September is a wonderful time in the Ozarks, as Branson transitions from summer into fall mode, with moderating temperatures and our Ozarks’ Foliage gradually beginning to display its spectacular autumn colors,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Add in the number, variety, and quality of the exciting attractions, shows, shopping, and other things that Branson offers, and it’s easy to understand why a visit to Branson in the fall has become a popular tradition with so many people,” she continued.

Here’s our Insider Highlight list of some of the unique and exciting special events that Branson visitors will be able to enjoy during September, including our Featured Show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the Month:

Featured Show of the Month: Clay Cooper’s Country Express combines the vocal talent and audience charisma of Clay Cooper, with the best dancers and choreography on any Branson stage, the vocal talents of featured female vocalist Kari Garrison, the talent and comedy of Matt Gumm, the rope and gun handling performance of Johnny Lonestar, one of the most talented live bands in Branson, and so much more. It’s two hours of great music, dancing, fun, laughter, and variety that whisks adults and children alike, “down the tracks” on a delightful entertainment journey.

Featured Event of the Month: Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival showcasing the largest gathering of demonstrating craftsmen in the country; the Wild West Show; Western Musicians; chuck wagon cooking by Kent Rollins; Extreme Mustang Makeovers as expert horse trainer Fred Woehl tames beautiful wild mustangs; Silver Dollar City’s Barn Dance, returning for 2016 by popular demand; and much more.

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

Sep 14: Restless Heart
Sep 18: Big Daddy Weave
Sep 19: Larry’s Country Diner-Rhonda Vincent
Sep 20 – 29: Oak Ridge Boys*
Sep 20: Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson
Sep 21: Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune
Sep 22: Larry’s Country Diner-Mo and Holly Pitney
Sep 23: Larry’s Country Diner-T. Graham Brown
Sep 24: Larry’s Country Diner-Mark Lowry
Sep 24: MJ LIVE
Sep 25 – 27: Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent**
Sep 29 – 30: Boot Daddy Presents Suzy Bogguss
Sep 30: Jay Leno

* Also appearing select dates in October and November
** Also appearing 27-29 November

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Sep 1 – 5: 2016 World Exclusive Exhibit – Titanic Museum Attraction
Sep 1 – 5: Silver Dollar City Southern Gospel Picnic Festival
Sep 1 – 4: Southern Gospel Cruises on the Showboat Branson Belle
Sep 1 – 30: Tanger Outlets Thanks Teachers Month
Sep 2: Boogie Wonderland – A Tribute to Disco Live in Concert
Sep 2 – 4: CAF Air Power History Tour
Sep 2 – 5: Labor Day Weekend Sale at Tanger Outlets
Sep 3: K-Life Taney County Stars & Stripes Run-Walk
Sep 4: Labor Day Picnic and Fireworks at Big Cedar
Sep 4: Chateau on the Lake Celebrates Labor Day
Sep 9 – 11: Country Music Weekend at Silver Dollar City
Sep 10: Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Sep 13: Foraging in the Ozarks: Wild Edible-Medicinal Plant and Bird ID Mosey
Sep 14 – Oct 29: National Harvest & Cowboy Festival at Silver Dollar City
Sep 15 – 17: Autumn Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
Sep 23 – 25: Baseball Youth Future Games
Sep 24: Encounter Ministry – Encounter Celebration
Sep 26 – 27: Branson Hammer In & Knife Show

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s 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 visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling 1-800-785-1550.

The Best of Branson Insider Highlights for August 2016

Terry Fator and Friends and Super Summer Cruise are just two of the exciting events happening in Branson during August.

The “Super Summer Cruise” and “Terry Fator,” along with some of his friends, are just two of the exciting events happening in Branson during August.

“It’s doubtful that any other place in America offers the unique variety and choices for having fun and being entertained that Branson does,” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest providers of tourism services and information. In addition to everything else Branson offers, here’s our “insider highlight list” of some of the unique and exciting additional events that Branson visitors will be able to enjoy during August, including our Featured Show and Event of the Month:

“Raiding the Country Vault’s” Colt Prather, right, Melody Hart, and Billy Yates during their spectacular performance of “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.”

Featured Show of the Month: Branson’s newest major show, Raiding the Country Vault, has only been open for a few short weeks. After seeing it, I must agree with many who saw it before me, and said that six words pretty well summed up their experience, “It will blow your socks off!” One person who saw the show wrote, “It is a master production of the highest quality and it is devoted to traditional country music. While staying true to the traditional country sound, the music is presented with enthusiasm and attitude.” As three large screens display the name of artist who made the song famous, their history, and other information about the song itself, the cast reaches into the ‘Vault’ and performs each, turning legendary songs from the past into what is easily one of the most amazing entertainment experiences in Branson.

Featured Event of the Month: The Shepherd of the Hills Super Summer Cruise Weekend with its “Show & Shine” and “Midnight Cruise” is one of Branson’s most popular summer events. The three-day event, to be held at the “Shepherd of the Hills Homestead,” features hundreds of classic cars and trucks on public display during the daily “Show & Shine” and culminates with its famous “Midnight Cruise,” down Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date.)

Aug 5: The Happy Together Tour
Aug 6-7: Terry Fator
Aug 7: Bret Michaels

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Aug 1 – Aug 31: 2016 World Exclusive Exhibit – Titanic Museum Attraction
Aug – Aug 13: Night Water! at White Water
Aug 1 – Aug 7: Silver Dollar City Moonlight Madness
Aug 1 – Aug 5: Ball Parks of America Bring the Lumber Baseball Tournament
Aug 4 – Aug 6: Vintage Camper Event – Branson KOA
Aug 5 – Aug 7: Missouri State Tax-Free Holiday Sale
Aug 5 – Aug 7: Tax Free Holiday Shopping at Tanger Outlets
Aug 5 – Aug 7: “End of Summer Savings” Sidewalk Sale
Aug 6: ROCK THE SPECTRUM
Aug 7: 10th Annual Back to School Bash
Aug 8 – Aug 10: Baseball Youth All Star Challenge
Aug 10 – Aug 13: Shepherd of the Hills Super Summer Cruise Weekend
Aug 11 – Aug 14: Baseball Youth World Championships
Aug 13: Promenade Pop-Up Shop
Aug 13: Outlaw Nation Southern Revival Concert Series
Aug 16: Foraging in the Ozarks: Wild Edible-Medicinal Plant and Bird ID Mosey
Aug 17 – Aug 21: Youth Baseball Network (YBN) National Tournament
Aug 17 – 20 Youth Baseball (YBN) Coaches Convention 417-335-5767
Aug 20: 3rd Annual KidSTYLE Back-to-School Bash at Tanger Outlets
Aug 25 – Sep 5: Silver Dollar City Southern Gospel Picnic Festival
Aug 26 – Aug 28: 28th Annual Fiddle Festival Presented by Grand Country
Aug 28 – Sep 4: Southern Gospel Cruises on the Showboat Branson Belle

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s 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 visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling 1-800-785-1550.

Branson blasts into 4th of July with amazing fireworks displays

A beautiful firework burst lighting up the Brasnon sky!

A beautiful firework burst lighting up the Branson sky!

“One of the most common questions we are asked at this time of year is, ‘Are there 4^th of July Fireworks and where’s the best place to see them?'” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest providers of tourism services and information. “Which one is the ‘best’ is an individual choice, but one thing is for certain, starting with the College of the Ozarks’ “Honor America” on June 26, Branson visitors will have an unrivaled variety of quality displays to pick from,” he added.

Here is a list of some of Branson’s major “4th of July” fireworks displays along with contact and other information:

Name: 27th College of the Ozarks “Honor America”
Place: College of the Ozarks
Phone: 417-690-2212
Date/Time(s) /Comment(s): June 26 starting at 6:00 PM with entertainment by the cast from Red, Hot & Blue and The Petersen Family Band. A Patriotic Program begins at 8:30 PM followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Name: 29th Annual Fireburst Fireworks Display
Place: Kimberling City
Phone: Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce – 417-739-2564
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 2 at dusk. Good Viewing Area: Right on Route 13 in downtown Kimberling City, near Kimberling City Shopping Mall, about 6 miles south of Branson West. It can also be viewed very well from Table Rock Lake near the north end of the bridge.

Name: Branson Landing 9th Annual “Liberty Light Up”
Place: Branson Landing Town Square by Fountains
Phone: Branson Landing – 417-239-3002
Date/Time(s) /Comment(s): July 3, The Liberty Light Up Concert featuring Resurrection – A Journey Tribute! at 8 PM. Following their performance, the skies over Lake Taneycomo will light up with an amazing choreographed fireworks display show produced by Gateway Fireworks Displays, from St. Louis, MO.

Name: Main Street Marina’s Lake Queen Branson Landing Fireworks Cruise
Place: Boarding at Main Street Marina, 9 South Boardwalk, Branson Landing Bass Pro Parking Lot starts at 8:00 PM with cruise departing promptly at 8:45 PM
Phone: Branson Tourism Center – 417-785-1550
Date/Time(s) /Comment(s): July 3. This is a unique and exciting way to see the Branson Landing fireworks display while cruising aboard the Lake Queen on Lake Taneycomo. On July 3rd the boat will be positioned to provide a spectacular and unique view of the Branson Landing fireworks display amid an armada of other boats.

Name: Fireworks at Chateau on the Lake
Place: Chateau on the Lake just north of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165/265
Phone: Chateau on the Lake – 417-334-1161 or 888-333-5253
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 3 at dusk. Easily and conveniently viewed for free from Table Rock Lake via boat or park in loop just south of new overrun floodgates on Table Rock Dam or the Chateau’s public areas.

Although not advertised as such, the 8:00 PM dinner cruise of the Showboat Branson Belle has been known has been known to join the armada of boats on Table Rock Lake viewing the Chateau on the Lake fireworks display.

Name: Hollister’s 62nd Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
Place: Historic Downing Street in Hollister
Phone: City of Hollister – 417-334-3262
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Good Viewing Area: Along Business Hwy 65 in Historic downtown Hollister. Area’s oldest fireworks display.

Branson Tourism Center’s Garrison reminds those planning to see one of the fireworks displays that they are very popular and suggests planning to arrive, at least an hour before dusk and to bring your own chairs etc. He also recommends making advance reservations for lodging, attractions and shows and offers the services of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, in that regard. BTC may be contacted either through its toll free number, 1-800-785-1550, or its website www.BransonTourismCenter.Com.

The Best of Branson June 2016 Insider Highlights

The “Amazing Pets Show” and “Silver Dollar City’s Star Spangled Summer Festival,” featuring the return of The Harlem Globetrotters, celebrating their 90th Anniversary, are two of the Branson Tourism Center’s featured events for June.

“With school out and families coming to Branson for their vacations, there’s a special feeling in the air,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From Silver Dollar City on the west, to the boats of Main Street Lake Cruises at Branson Landing on the east, it’s filled with happy smiling families enjoying each other as they share the fun, excitement and adventure of sharing Branson memories that could last for a lifetime,” she added

Along with our highlight list, containing some of the best of what’s going on in Branson during June, here’s our Featured Show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the Month:

Featured Show of the Month: The whole family, especially the kids will love the Amazing Pets show featuring “more than 30 happy, well-trained critters performing a wide array of tricks” that’s a touch of magic, a bit of mayhem, and a whole lot of furry frivolity and fun! “These are everyday house pets! Cats galore, cuddly canines, and even brilliantly colored exotic birds who put on a show that delight’s all ages. Well-respected animal trainer, Valery Tsoraev, has created a delightful line-up of animal acrobatics and tricks, and has performed with the famous Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars as well as being featured with one of his incredible cats in the movie, Big Fish. “He has cared for these beautiful creatures, including cats adopted from shelters and those that have simply wandered into his life, and taught them how to entertain and enjoy the affection and encouragement from their human co-stars and their adoring audiences.”

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: Rockapella, formed in the mid-80’s, is pretty much the group who wrote the book on making music without instruments. They expertly deliver original compositions, Motown classics, pop, and soul music, all without the aid of the usual guitar, bass, keyboard, and drums making all the sounds themselves. They have enjoyed a phenomenal career since their inception and introduction “to a broad audience on Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, an incredibly popular PBS show in the 90’s.” Those loving a cappella music will not want to miss the opportunity to experience Rockapella while it’s in Branson for a 25 performance limited engagement, starting on June 13.

Featured Event of the Month: Silver Dollar City Star Spangled Summer Festival, starting June 11 will feature the return of The Harlem Globetrotters, celebrating their 90th Anniversary, The Magic of Peter Gossamer – Up Close & Personal, Championship Cloggers, Meet and Greets and Breakfasts with kid’s favorite cartoon characters, and much more. Of course, all this will be in addition to the other 40 rides, attractions, activities, and excitement one would expect from a world class theme park including “the world’s most daring wood coaster – Outlaw Run.”

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

June 10: Diamond Rio
June 13-June 30: Rockapella
June 15: Huey Lewis and The News
June 17: Sara Evans

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

June 2 – June 5: Branson Z Fest
Jun 4: Afternoon Tea – Keeter Center
Jun 11: Run for a Vet; 5K & Half Marathon
Jun 11: Promenade Pop-Up Shop
Jun 11: 32nd Annual Oinklawn Downs Pig Races – Charity Fundraiser
Jun 11 – Jun 18: Law Enforcement Recognition Week Celebration in Branson
Jun 11 – Jul 24: Silver Dollar City Star Spangled Summer Festival
Jun 12: Tanger Club Member Exclusive Event – Bring A Friend
Jun 16: Law Enforcement Recognition Week – Light Cruise Car Parade
Jun 18: 2nd Annual Art Walk – Downtown Branson & Hollister
Jun 18: Branson Landing Celebrates 10 Years Concerts & Fireworks
Jun 18 – Jun 24: Ball Parks of America Opening Week Baseball Tournament
Jun 19: Father’s Day
Jun 19: Father’s Day Brunch and Car Show at Keeter Center
Jun 19: Chateau on the Lake Father’s Day Champagne Brunch
Jun 19: The Taneycomo Festival Jazz Orchestra – Live in Concert
Jun 26: Honor America “4th of July” Celebration – College of the Ozarks

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s 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 visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling 1-800-785-1550.