Michael Haygood performing in the the one of a kind eclectic suit he made to honor Iron Man.

BRANSON, MO, May 5, 2013 — Tens of thousands are discovering on You Tube what millions of Branson visitors have discovered over the years. When it comes to great entertainment, continual innovation in music, special effects and the use of technology and energy it’s hard to get ahead of the Haygoods in Branson or anywhere else for that matter.

Michael Haygood, of the Haygoods, is a huge Iron Man Fan and had been building a unique one of a type suit in hopes of getting invited to the Hollywood premier of “Iron Man 3″ on May 3, but did not have it ready on time and it’s no wonder. According to recent information released on the suit it has hundreds of LED lights, and its music, Black Sabbath’s song “Iron Man” has 77 computer cues. Haygood said, “It started as just a small idea,” and has taken four months of programming, soldering, and work “until we got it like this.”

Although he did not make it to Hollywood for their premier performance, but to the delight of those attending the midnight showing of “Iron Man 3″ he did perform at the Branson IMAX on May 2 just prior to the midnight showing of the movie. Haygood said, “I never thought in a million years, that people would care about my nerdy little project.” As of this writing almost 97,000 people have viewed the You Tube video of Haygood performing in the suit Kid builds Iron Man 3 light suit and LED guitar!…

Haygood indicates that the suit and performance will be incorporated into their show saying that they would probably end up with four or five of the suits and do an Iron Man-esque kind of light show “that’s just going to blow people away.” Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, the seller of well over 3 million Branson show and attraction tickets, offered congratulations on the completion of the project and the success of the video on You Tube.

She said, “We advertise ‘The Haygood family recipe for success: raw talent showcased on over 20 different instruments, melodic sibling voices, and the group’s effervescent energy combined with a passion for putting on a top-notch show, every time’ and that, coupled with this kind of continual flexibility, passion, and innovation, is what makes the Haygoods one of the most popular and well received shows that we sell.”

Material Connection

Dorothy and Shoji Tabuchi.

BRANSON, MO, April 3, 2013 — For 25 years the Shoji Tabuchi Show has set the standard adding the WOW and meaning to the term “production show” in Branson. It is one of the most popular shows in Branson because of the combination of talent and charisma of its star, Shoji Tabuchi; his supporting cast featuring his very talented daughter Christina; one of the best bands in Branson and great production, choreography, costuming and leading edge special effects.

During all of those years and before, the person behind that production has been the beautiful and talented wife of Shoji, Dorothy Tabuchi. Her passion and love of the arts, entertainment and her family and its talents, come to life in her spectacular productions that have brought joy, excitement, inspiration and entertainment to countless thousands over the years. We were fortunate enough to get a few minutes with this very special lady while she was taking a break from the hectic preparations for the 2013 25th Anniversary opening of the Shoji Tabuchi Show on April 19.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The interview with Dorothy Tabuchi (DT) uses a “Question and Answer” format with the interviewing being done for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 27 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and free lance writer.

BTC: What’s the one thing you want most for people to know about Dorothy Tabuchi?
DT: I care greatly about people.

BTC: How and when did you first come to Branson?
DT: I first came to Branson from Louisiana on vacation somewhere in the early 1980s, fell in love with it and as they say, “The rest is history.”

BTC: What do you like best about Branson?
DT: Wow, let me think about that for a minutes because there are so many things that I like. That’s why we live, work and have our home here. I love the people, their kindness, hospitality and consideration of others and the “electricity” of Branson’s phenomenal entertainment .

BTC: What is your favorite thing to do in Branson when not involved with the show?
DT: For me, ever since we started the show, it seems like it has been 24/7 involvement with the show. I truly enjoy the little bit of spare time that I do have simply relaxing with family and friends.

BTC: How did you get involved in the entertainment industry?

DT: I have always loved anything to do with the arts. That love turned into an occupation after Shoji and I got married and I had the opportunity to be immersed in the entertainment business. It started with me attending the majority of his shows as he performed in other theatres, helping to produce elements of his performance, as well as others, and it came to full fruition as we developed and presented our own show. Along the way I have done everything from responding to Shoji’s fan mail, selling merchandise while on the road, emceeing, singing and dancing in the show, working with costume and set designers, choreographers, sound and lighting designers and, of course, the production of the show.

BTC: When you are producing a show what is it you strive for most?
DT: To surround the fabulous entertainers that Shoji and Christina are with a production that will excite and have the audience feeling a special magic and electricity as they experience the show. To have those who have never seen the show saying, “I have never seen anything like this” and have those who have seen the show before saying, “Wow, I didn’t think it could get any better, but it just did.”

BTC: When did you construct the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre?
DT: We started the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre in 1989 in what was the previous auto museum on 76 Hwy. In 1990, we built our new theatre on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. This year, we are proudly celebrating The Shoji Tabuchi Theatre’s 25th year anniversary.

BTC: What part did being able to do production numbers in your show play in the design and building of the Theatre?
DT: A lot. I love to build the anticipation up to the WOW and see the look on people’s faces when the unexpected happens. This theatre was designed so that we have the physical capability to have sets and do production numbers that combine with the great talent of Shoji, Christina and our other entertainers and musicians to provide our audiences with that WOW through a unique combination of a production and concert show.

BTC: How long have you been producing the Shoji Tabuchi Show?
DT: For over 25 years plus years. As I shared earlier, I started by putting together some of the production numbers Shoji and others did even prior to us opening our own show and we have been doing our own show for 25 years.

BTC: What is the first thing you consider when planning the production of the show?
DT: Giving our customer a WOW experience, something they will never forget. I know it’s repetitive, but it’s true, I want the new people coming to the show for the first time to say, “This is the best show I’ve ever seen.” I want the people who are returning to say, “I did not think it could get any better, but it just did.”

BTC: What percentage of the show do you try to change from year to year?
DT: There is no set percentage of change. Each year’s production is a healthy balance of those numbers that people have told us on the comment cards that they like and want to see again as well as new numbers and productions that fulfill us in terms of innovation and keeping the show fresh and exciting for our audience.

BTC: What are the three things that you would not even consider leaving out of the show and why?
DT: The Patriotic Finale because it honors our great Nation and those who have and are sacrificing so much defending Her; the tribute to our son Jason, who we lost at age 19 because it is a comfort to us and to those, who like us, have lost someone they love and Shoji playing the “Orange Blossom Special,” because of its excitement and the special place it occupies in the history of fiddle playing.

BTC: Does the fact that your husband and daughter star in the show present any unique production challenges or opportunities?
DT: Not really. When I have a passion for something it drives me and I have a personal passion for my husband and daughter and a professional passion for their skill, what they do and how they do it. It is a joy and a blessing to be able to work with them and the rest of our wonderful cast and crew in producing the show. We have a great respect for each other and what we contribute to the show which keeps the challenges to the minimum and maximizes the opportunities.

BTC: What’s your favorite part about working with Christina in the show?
DT: Having the privilege and blessing of getting to see and work with my daughter on a regular daily basis.

BTC: What’s your favorite part about working with Shoji in the show?
DT: The same thing, having the privilege and blessing of getting to see and work with my husband on a daily basis. How fortunate I am to be able to spend my days working with the two loves of my life. It doesn’t get any better than that!

BTC: What is your favorite part about this year’s show?
DT: There’s a number of them, but I can say without a doubt that it’s the opening number. All I am going to say is “make sure you are in your seats and don’t miss it.”

BTC: Whether in the show or not, what is your favorite number that Shoji plays?
DT: I love “Unchained Melody.” On our anniversary and on my birthday, I wake up and Shoji is standing at the foot of the bed playing “Unchained Melody” on his violin.

BTC: Where and when did you first meet Shoji and what was your reaction?
DT: I met Shoji while vacationing in Branson in 1983 when some friends introduced me to him. For me it was love at first sight and it’s still true, he is the love of my life.”

BTC: How long have you been married?
DT: This year we will be celebrating out 29th Anniversary.

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
DT: We are so blessed as a family to be able to work together doing what we love to do. It is a blessing that we do not take for granted as we strive, each and every show to please our customers and give them an entertainment experience that they will never forget.

Production number with dancers during Clay Cooper's Country Express.

BRANSON, MO, April 3, 2013 — Branson shows were once thought of as being primarily country music shows because most of its early shows followed the format paradigm used by Branson’s first show, The Baldknobbers when they started Branson’s first show in historic downtown Branson in 1959. That paradigm included a mixture of country music, gospel and hillbilly comedy.

When the Presley family opened Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first theatre on what is now the famed “Branson Strip” in 1967 they, as well as the majority of the shows that came after them until the mid 80′s, followed basically the same paradigm with variations in the comedy, styles and costuming. When the CBS prime time show “60 Minutes” did its piece on Branson in the early 90′s it strongly reinforced that paradigm and firmly established Branson’s country music reputation in the minds of many people, but a new paradigm has gradually emerged on the Branson show scene since then.

As entertainers such as the Osmonds, Lennon Sisters, Andy Williams, Yakov Smirnoff, Jim Stafford and others joined the Branson show scene, along with shows such as the Acrobats of China, Dixie Stampede, Shoji Tabuchi, the shows on the Showboat Branson Belle and others it quickly became obvious that Branson certainly wasn’t just country anymore. In the last two decades, with the explosion of non-country shows such as the Duttons, it, Haygoods, Joseph, George Dyer, SIX, Liverpool Legends, Amazing Pets, Buckets N Boards, the Hamner Barber Variety Show and a host more has actually expanded the depth of Branson’s major shows to the point where the number of major non-country shows outweighs the number of major country shows.

Although that’s the case, an examination of the the Branson Tourism Center Show Schedule lists a number of shows that are country music based. The two original shows that started the paradigm that made Branson famous, The Baldknobbers and Presleys’ Country Jubilee are not only still going strong, but are two of Branson’s most popular shows along with Pierce Arrow and the Grand Jubilee who use basically the same format.

Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, as would be expected, is country music based, but with a unique twist, production numbers. Clay’s wife Tina, an accomplished dancer, has choreographed a number of dance numbers into the show that are performed by a cast of dancers which in combination with a live band, Clay’s singing and ability to relate to his audience and great costuming results in the most unique country music shows in Branson.

In addition, many country music legends perform limited engagement performances in Branson throughout the year. This includes but is not limited to artists such Charlie Pride, Ray Price, The Charlie Daniels Band, Clint Black, Neal McCoy, Randy Travis and many more. Limited engagement appearances are indicated in the Branson Shows List by a “Limited Engagement Clock Symbol” on the right hand side of the entry.

It’s really interesting the way that Branson’s shows still have the two original shows, and the very paradigm format that helped establish its live entertainment industry, going as strong and popular as ever along with other country music shows while right beside them, and entertaining Branson audiences in growing numbers, is a variety of non-country music shows. From its very beginning the paradigm of Branson’s live entertainment industry has been about more than “format.” It has involved providing its visitors with a great entertainment experience and, country or non-country, that paradigm will never change.

For additional information or tickets for any of the shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 800-785-1550.

BRANSON, MO, March 28, 2013 — With all there is to see and do in Branson, a question that often comes to mind is, “What is the best way to get information on all there is to see and do in Branson? “That depends on the person seeking the information and how much of their time they want to invest getting it,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “But here is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to get all the Branson information you will need and make reservations and get tickets if desired; just make one toll free call to 1-800-785-1550.

That free call will put the caller in contact with a Branson Tourism Center (BTC) Vacation Planner who will assist you in getting the information you want. The Vacation Planner you will be speaking with is one of the nearly 100 dedicated BTC staff members who proudly live and work in the Branson area and the advice given is based on an intimate familiarity with Branson and all it has to offer because they, and their families, experience it on a daily basis.

Just as important is the reputation of the company they work for. The Branson Tourism Center is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Businesses with an A+ rating; a member of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce; is one of Branson’s largest employers; has sold over 3 million Branson show and attraction tickets and has helped hundreds of thousands of people plan and have a great Branson experience. BTC also owns and operates three websites providing the most extensive source of Branson information available on the web, two informational websites with telephonic transactional capability www.BransonTourismCenter.Com and Branson’s first destination website, www.Branson.Com and an internet transactional site www.BransonOnTheWeb,.

What can those calling BTC for information on Branson expect? The words of Peggy Barthel, who along with her husband Eddie, purchased the 3 millionth ticket sold by BTC answers that question pretty well. She said that prior to discovering BTC on the internet she “had spent most of that day spinning my wheels trying to decide where to go, what we were going to do and that kind of thing.” In summing up her Branson vacation planning experience with BTC she said, “One call that’s all, they just took care of everything. We’re just going to go up there and have fun.”

The phone call and advice are free and there is never a “Service Fee” for any of the shows, attractions or hotels BTC sells. In fact, because of the relationship BTC enjoys with its vendors, it is very likely that not only will you receive the best seats and accommodations available, but save money particularly if shows and attractions are bundled with lodging.

If you have any questions about Branson please do not hesitate to call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550. BTC is open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM except for Christmas Day.

C. J. Newsom, star of "The Music of Patsy Cline Remembered."

BRANSON, MO, March 19, 2013 — It’s not often this writer writes about a show he has not seen. However, a chance encounter with C.J. Newsom, the star of one of the new show, The Music of Patsy Cline Remembered, inspired this piece. We were waiting in the lobby of the IMAX to be seated in McFarlain’s Restaurant when Newsom, dressed in a manner reminiscent of Patsy Cline performing, came up and introduced herself and her show. Just talking with her and feeling her enthusiasm for her show and Patsy Cline was so entertaining and interesting that it gave me pause to reflect.

In covering the Branson entertainment scene for over a quarter of a century, I have learned that entertainment is a relative thing and it is not at all dependent on big named “national stars.” If its entertainment a person wants they will find it in just about every Branson show whether or not its stars are “nationally known.” Go see a Branson show like SIX, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Clay Cooper Country Music Express, Haygoods, Todd Oliver and Friends, The Duttons, George Dyer, Hamner and Barber Variety Show, it,  Grand Jubilee, Pierce Arrow, Acrobats of China and dozens of others. You will have an entertainment experience that rivals or exceeds that provided by some big named “national stars.”

What do I know about the Patsy Cline show? Not much, only that it stars C. J. Newsom and the “Re-Cliners Band” performing the music Patsy Cline made famous such as “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Sweet Dream,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “She’s Got You” and many more. Newsom told us that her show is debuting during the 50th Anniversary year of the tragic death of Cline in a plane crash on March 5, 1963. She said the show is about Cline’s life including not only her music, but “her life beyond the music.” The “rack card” describes the show as a “Journey through not only Patsy’s experiences, but those who influenced her and were influenced by her like Judy Garland, Loretta Lynn, and Reba McEntire. The Music of Patsy Cline Remembered is an engaging and entertaining show that brings the audience up close and personal with the life of a musical” legend.

But what I do know is that Newsom’s enthusiasm about her show and for performing Cline’s music, knowledge about Cline, drive and personality made a positive impression on this writer, his wife and the two friends who were with us. If the show is just half as impressive, it should be a great entertainment experience, especially for Patsy Cline fans.

For additional information or tickets for The Music of Patsy Cline Remembered show, or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Displaying the agility that has made it Branson's oldest and most popular paid attraction, construction is well along on Silver Dollar City's newest thrill ride "Outlaw Run."

BRANSON, Mo., January 1, 2013 — Although many words come to mind to describe Branson, “agility” is not typically one of them. Yet from its earliest days over 100 years ago to Branson’s entry into 2013, “Agility” has been at the core of Branson’s success and what it has become today.

“Agility has been defined as “mentally quick, acute or quick in movement.” It helps keep us, be it a city, company or individual, to be efficient and flexible enough to accept and tackle the challenges necessary to “evolve and meet the future in new and innovative ways.”

In August of 1912, less than five months after being incorporated as a city on April 1 of that year, a devastating fire destroyed downtown Branson’s entire commercial district except for three buildings. Branson’s agility in handling that situation and others along the way put it in a position where, at the beginning of its Centennial Year in 2012, it was and had been for decades one of the premier family travel destinations in the United States, entertaining upwards of 8 million guests annually.

Families like the Herschends, Presleys, Mabes, Trimbels, Snadens and so many others had the agility to recognize the full future potential of tourism to the Branson area and act on that recognition in a timely manner. Each of them, and many others, in their own way evolved segments of Branson’s Tourism industry using what was at the time, and to some of them personally, life changing, new and innovative concepts.

Where would Branson be today without the agility of the Herschend family in recognizing the potential of Silver Dollar City and the numerous innovative things they have done over the last 50 plus years to evolve it into one of the top theme parks anywhere? The agility of the Mabes and Presleys as they pioneered Branson’s early entertainment industry? The agility of the Presleys in evolving their original theatre, that could also be used to store boats if all else failed, into one of Branson’s first state of the art theatres and their innovation in sharing their show and Branson on a weekly basis with millions of TV viewers via RFD-TV?

How important was the agility of the Trimbles and Snadons in establishing the spectacular outdoor drama “Shepherd of the Hills” in helping to preserve the area’s history and culture and promoting the heritage that is such a major part of Branson’s charm? Where would Branson’s entertainment industry be without the agility of the long list of entertainers, entrepreneurs and others who quickly recognized Branson’s potential and had the flexibility to not only become part of it, but to help its shows and attractions evolve into what they have become today?

The same agility that has helped make Branson the wonderful place that it is to visit for millions of tourists today is as necessary tomorrow as it is today. If the past is any indication, that agility is an inherent part of the Branson’s spirit and heritage that will help ensure that the excitement, fun, and adventure that is Branson will continue into the future providing Branson visitors with a great experience that will bring them back again and again.

The "Andy Williams Christmas Show" is just one of the spectacular Branson shows that will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

BRANSON, Mo., November 10, 2012 — Oh there’s plenty of turkey to be had in Branson on Thanksgiving Day at one of its many fine restaurants or buffets. The neat thing about Branson however, is that after you eat, and perhaps catch a quick nap,or not, there is so much more to see and do.

“The celebration of Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas continues right through Thanksgiving Day and its long weekend to the end of the year” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With drive through Christmas lighting displays; Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival; the majority of its attractions and live shows open, great shopping and the wide choice of exciting fun filled things it offers for the whole family, Branson is the ideal place to spend your Thanksgiving,” she continued.

From the wonders of Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas or an exciting “voyage” aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction with its “Fantasy Princess” bringing “new Holiday Magic to Branson,” butterflies to tigers, cruises to Go Karts, mini golf to 18 hole championship golf courses and much more, Thanksgiving in Branson is filled with exciting attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Among others, these include the following which are sorted alphabetically:

Adventure Ziplines of Branson

Branson Limousine Christmas Light Tour

Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

Castle of Chaos

Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors

Hollywood Wax Museum

IMAX Adventure Films

Inspiration Tower

Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess

National Tiger Sanctuary

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf

Silver Dollar City

The Track Family Fun Parks

Titanic Museum Attraction

Trail of Lights

Vigilante Ziprider

 Branson’s two major drive through Christmas Lighting displays, the Branson Area Festival of Lights and Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights will also be open for the enjoyment of Branson visitors. Each is filled with spectacular displays containing millions of sparkling Christmas lights.

As would be expected in the “Live music show capital of the world,” there will be a full slate of Branson’s live shows offering Branson famed live entertainment available on Thanksgiving day as well as over the Thanksgiving weekend. The following list of Branson shows scheduled to be open on Thanksgiving Day is sorted by time. The full schedule of Branson shows will resume on Friday, November 23. Click here for complete information, schedules, pictures, or tickets on any of Branson’s shows.

10:00 am

A Tribute to John Denver

Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band

Christmas in Hollywood

Fountains of Faith

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show

10:30 am

A Neil Diamond Tribute

1:00 pm

Fountains of Faith

2:00 pm

A Tribute to Marty Robbins

Doo Wop and Chico Vega Drifters

Lennon Sisters Christmas Show

Paul Harris & The Cleverlys

Tribute to Four Seasons and The Beach Boys

3:00 pm

Acrobats of China featuring New Shanghai Circus

Amazing Pets

Dixie Stampede

Legends in Concert

4:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

5:00 pm

Absolutely Patsy

Johnny Cash Songbook

Yakov’s Dinner Adventure

5:15 pm

Christmas on the Trail

6:00 pm

Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show

7:00 pm

Motown Downtown

7:30 pm

3 Redneck Tenors

Andy Williams Christmas Show

Grand Jubilee

Haygoods

Legend of Kung Fu

Pierce Arrow

Shoji Tabuchi

8:00 pm

Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express

Dixie Stampede

Duttons

Hamner Barber Variety Show

Jim Stafford

Kirby VanBurch

Legends in Concert

Sanders Family Christmas

Tony Orlando Christmas

Twelve Irish Tenors

Anchored by its two major outlet malls, Tanger Outlets, and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, Branson Landing and featuring a variety of specialty stores, Branson provides an unique unrivaled shopping experience. From the specialty stores, shops and galleries of historic downtown Branson and surrounding areas to specialty gifts made by the craftsmen at Silver Dollar City and from stores as unique as Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10 to the national chains at Branson Landing it’s hard to imagine a more exciting and unique shopping experience than in Branson, particularly during Ozark Mountain Christmas.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging over the Thanksgiving weekend pointing out that Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the busiest time of the year in Branson. For additional information on any of Branson’s shows, attractions activities or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center,one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Related article: 12 Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner in Branson without reservations

Branson's Verteran's Memorial Garden, one of the many ways Branson honors America's Veterans. is just one of the man

BRANSON, Mo., October 7, 2012 — “Honoring America’s Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families is an important part of Branson’s heritage and tradition,” said Tiffany Isnard, the Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is something that is part of Branson’s heart and spirit and is done on a daily basis, but nowhere is it more evident than during Branson’s annual ‘Veterans Homecoming Week’ running from November 5 through November 11.”

The week long event is a special and exciting time, not only for those whom Branson honors, but for Branson itself. A schedule of events for “Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week” follows below and is sorted by date, single day events first followed by multiple day events, and is current as of October 7. Click here for access to more detailed information on most of these events.

Nov. 5 – Patriotic Welcome to Veterans Homecoming Week, Yakov Smirnoff Theater
Nov. 5 – “Special Salute to Veterans” dinner cruise & show on Showboat Branson Belle
Nov. 5 – Vets for Vets Welcome Show, The Starlite Theatre
Nov. 6 – POW/MIA Service, Vietnam Memorial Wall at the Welk Resort Branson
Nov. 6 – 237th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Chateau on the Lake
Nov. 6 – Veterans Sporting Clays Shoot, Ozark Shooters Sports Complex, 759 US Hwy 65
Nov. 7 – A Salute to Veterans Spouses Reception at the Radisson Hotel
Nov. 7 – A Salute to Veteran’s Spouses Luncheon, Radisson Hotel
Nov. 7 – Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion, Camden Hotel and Conference Center
Nov. 8 – Women Veterans Mini Reunion, Golden Corral Showroom
Nov. 8 – The First Annual Navy Ceremony “Lost at Sea,” Main Street Lake Cruises, Branson Landing
Nov. 9 – 16th Annual Military Gala & Banquet, Chateau on the Lake
Nov. 9 – Korean War Mini Reunion , Stone Castle Inn
Nov. 9 – 8th Annual Rose Petal Ceremony and Women Veterans Tribute Luncheon
Nov. 10 – 3rd Annual Branson West Flag Lighting Ceremony, Business 13/Hwy 12 intersection
Nov. 10 – Bretts For Vets Award Winner Presentation, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater
Nov. 10 – Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans
Nov. 10 – Thanks4Giving Gala featuring Rudy Giuliani, Hilton Branson Convention Center
Nov. 11 – Military Wedding Ceremony at The Branson Landing Fountains
Nov. 11 – Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute to the Veterans, Welk Resort Theatre
Nov. 11 – 79th Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, Downtown Branson
Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day Flag Raising, Big Cedar Lodge
Nov. 11 – “Celebrate Veterans” Breakfast, First Baptist Church of BransonNov 4 – Nov 10 – Skaggs Veteran’s Wall
Nov 5 – Nov 10 – Veterans Village, Red Roof Mall*
Nov 5 – Nov 11 – Veterans Homecoming Week, Throughout Branson*
Nov 5 – Nov 12 – Vietnam Memorial Wall, Welk Resort Branson
Nov 5 – Nov 10 – Registration & Souvenir Commemorative Collectors Button Sales
Nov 5 – Nov 11 – Veterans’ Patch Wall, Main Lobby at Grand Country Music Hall
Nov 6 – Nov 10 – Day Room at the Red Roof Mall, Red Roof Mall
Nov 6 – Nov 10 – Free Lunches for Veterans, Red Roof Mall
Nov 6 – Nov 11 – Veterans Are Special, Hamner Barber Theater
Nov 6 – Nov  8 – WWII Big Band Dance, Our Lady of the Lake Parish Hall
Nov 7 – Nov 14 – Titanic Honors Veterans
*Although stores in mall are closed Veteran’s Week events are being held at the Mall.

Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week is celebrated during the first week of Ozark Mountain Christmas which runs from November 1 through December 31. With its Christmas shows, drive through lighting displays and Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas it provides those attending Veterans Homecoming Week with a unique opportunity to experience not only the events connected with Veterans Homecoming Week, but to also experience Ozark Mountain Christmas.

Branson Tourism Center’s Isnard reminds those attending Veterans Homecoming Week that November through December is one of the busiest times of the years in Branson and suggests advance reservations for lodging and shows to ensure not only availability, but to obtain the best seats accommodations. For further information on Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, Ozark Mountain Christmas or additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 for free personal assistance or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Dick's 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson provides one of the most unique shopping "adventures" available anywhere.

BRANSON, Mo., July 14, 2012 — During the celebration of the selling of the Branson Tourism Center’s three millionth show and attractions ticket earlier this Spring, Eddie and Peggy Barthel from Florence, Mississippi, the purchasers of the ticket said that it has been 30 years since they had been to Branson. That started me thinking, how many other people out there have been away from Branson and, hopefully, its fond memories, for far too long?

For most, those memories would include a trip to Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction, the award winning 1880s style theme park, Silver Dollar City. It’s hard to forget this Ozark Mountain treasure with its natural beauty, Marvel Cave, demonstrating craftsmen, rides and so much more. Oh, sure the rides, shows, festivals and food services have grown and expanded, but all within the framework of what has made Silver Dollar City the special place that created “Memories worth repeating” for tens of millions of its guests. Isn’t it time to return to Silver Dollar City to repeat some or those memories and make new ones?

Like many, one of my first memories of Branson was the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Play conducted amidst the beauty of the very area where it took place and inside the magnificent Shepherd of the of the Hills Outdoor Theatre. The memory and spectacle of that performance, as 80 actors and actresses, 40 horses, a flock of sheep, several guns and rifles, and the actual burning log cabin, ” brought Harold Bell Wright’s novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” to life has never been forgotten. That story is still retold today as it was then and shares the love, hardships, history and heritage of the Ozarks in a spectacular and inspiring way. Isn’t it time to experience this epic inspiring drama again or share it with someone you love.

The natural beauty of the Ozarks and its two closest lakes, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo are a major part of many people’s memories of Branson. Whether it was boating, swimming, fishing or some other activity in one of Branson’s lakes or the constantly changing beauty of the surrounding Ozark Hills, it’s still here and is basically the same as it has been for the last 50 years. A major change would be the Lake Taneycomo lakefront where the magnificent Branson Landing has replaced the old waterfront with a spectacular shopping, dining and entertainment experience.

Even here however, memories of the past remain. Although most of the Trout fishing docks are gone, Scotty’s Tout Dock and Marina has just been moved upstream, to the south end of the city’s Lake Side RV Park. Many have pleasant memories of riding on Lake Taneycomo aboard the Lake Queen, a paddle boat replica from Branson’s riverfront past. Those memories may be relived on a daily basis as the Main Street Lake Cruises Lake Queen departs daily from the Main Street Marina in Branson Landing. Her sister ship, the Landing Princess, a 100 foot luxury yacht offering dinner and other cruises, provides even more opportunities to experience Lake Taneycomo.

Many will remember wonderful times shared eating in one of historic Branson’s downtown cafes such as the Branson Cafe, Farmhouse, Clockers or the Shack. Those special memories may be relieved and shared with new generations as, on a daily basis, these same “hometown cafes” offer the same Ozarks hospitality and down home cooking they have offered for decades.

Shopping has always been an inherent part of the Branson experience. Before the major outlet malls and Branson Landing most shopping was done in Branson’s specialty shops and stores. As great as the addition of the outlet malls and Branson Landing is, from Dick’s 5 & `10 and the dozens of small specialty shops in historic downtown Branson to specialty shops of every variety located all over Branson, shopping in Branson is a unique experience that is yet another reason to come back to Branson.

If you have been to Branson before and haven’t been back in a while, isn’t it time to come back to revisit some of those fond memories and make new ones?

Peggy and Eddie Barthel, purchasers of BTC's 3 millionth ticket, just after hundreds of balloons fell and they discovered that they were the center of the celebration,

BRANSON, Mo., May 24, 2012 — When Eddie and Peggy Barthel of Florence, MS walked up to check in for their five night six day Branson vacation in the lobby of the Branson Tourism Center on the afternoon of May 24 they knew something special was going on when hundreds of blue and white balloons cascaded down from the ceiling around them and everyone in the lobby started applauding and celebrating. As they were greeted by Lianne Milton, the owner of BTC and the cast of one of the most popular shows in Branson and the first show on their itinerary, SIX, the Barthels discovered that they had purchased the 3 millionth Branson show and attraction ticket sold by the Branson Tourism Center (BTC).

BTC typically sells tickets, lodging and other Branson travel services and makes customers reservations well in advance of their actual arrival in Branson. “The Barthels became the lucky 3 millionth ticket customer when they placed their order on May 8, but it had been a closely guarded secret until their check in at BTC today,” said Brian Milton, the CFO of BTC.

When asked if they were surprised, Peggy said, “Absolutely…it was awesome” while Eddie said, “Most definitely.” It became even a bigger surprise for them when they found out that in celebration of their being the 3 millionth BTC ticket purchaser that, among other prizes, their entire six day, five night Branson vacation was being paid for by BTC as well as a two hour private charter on Main Street Lake Cruises’ “Branson Princess,” luxury yacht, for them and 100 of their friends and guests, on a future trip to Branson. While in Branson on this trip, the Barthels are staying at the LaQuinta Inn – Music City Centre and, among other things, their itinerary includes SIX, The Showboat Branson Belle, Branson Scenic Railway, and Silver Dollar City.

Eddie and Peggy Barthel, purchasers of BTC's 3 millionth ticket, center, with BTC owners Lianne and Larry Milton on either side,

Lianne Milton, the owners of BTC said, “The sale of our 3 millionth ticket means a lot to me personally because it represents the achievement of a milestone in our efforts to market the shows, attractions, lodging and other activities of our vendors and in sharing the Branson experience with over 940,000 people.” She attributes the success of BTC to the commitment and passion of its employees to sharing Branson and all that it has to offer with prospective visitors and in following the simple concept of , “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me” in making sure that every Branson Tourism Center customer has a great Branson experience and will want to return.

She continues by pointing out that the vast majority of the 3 million tickets that BTC has sold, as was the case with the Barthels, were marketed and sold to people, “out of market,” before they came to Branson; not through intercept marketing once they arrived in Branson. Based on figures furnished by the Branson Lakes Area CVB, the 3 million tickets sold by BTC represents a potential influx of revenues to its vendors, the city of Branson, and other Branson area businesses of over $233 million.

When asked how they liked dealing with the Branson Tourism Center, Peggy said, ” Everybody’s been so wonderful.” The follow-up question was “Would you have felt the same way even if you had not purchased the 3 millionth ticket? Peggy replied, “Absolutely. It started off real cool that day, I spoke with Lynn [Crissmon, one of BTC's full service vacation planners.] He was so kind and very informative and helpful to me in getting this together.”

Prior to discovering the Branson Tourism Center on the internet, calling and speaking with Lynn she said, “I had spent most of that day spinning my wheels trying to decide where to go, what we were going to do and that kind of thing.” In summing up her Branson vacation planning experience with BTC she said, “One call that’s all, they just took care of everything. We’re just going to go up there and have fun.”

Little did she know just how much fun they would have!