Author Archives: O. C. Gull

Silver Dollar City’s aglow for An Old Time Christmas

The City Square with its five story Christmas Tree and the "Holiday of Lights Parade" passing through.

“How exceptional is Silver Dollar City’s ‘An Old Time Christmas?’ In 2009 it won second place in the prestigious Golden Ticket Awards in the “Christmas Event” category, placing higher than either Disney’s ‘Magic Kingdom’ or ‘Disney World,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She points out that it has also been recognized as one of the nation’s top Christmas celebrations and is one of the major center pieces of Branson’s celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas. Running from November 6 through December 30, An Old Time Christmas will conclude Silver Dollar City’s season long celebration of its 50th anniversary in spectacular fashion sharing the spirit of the old time traditional Christmas with its guests.

“What a year!” said Peter Herschend, co-founder of Silver Dollar City. “We’ve laughed and cried and shared memories with thousands of people whose families have been coming to see us for 50 years. Now, with one last hurrah of the celebration, we present the brightest festival of all – and the one most steeped in family traditions,” Herschend continued.

Johnson says that An Old Time Christmas transforms the 1880s-style theme park into a glowing Christmas extravaganza with over four million sparkling lights throughout the park. The focal point of the celebration is in Silver Dollar City’s square, which is the setting for “Christmas on Main Street,” Silver Dollar City’s biggest light show ever!”

The park’s Christmas centerpiece, a 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree is located in the City’s Square. It comes to life each day at dusk playing Christmas music such as “Carol of the Bells, “Joy to the World,” “Suite from Polar Express” and more as its many colored Christmas lights twinkle and dance in unison with the one million plus lights of the surrounding City square area.

The “Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade,” with over 100,000 lights, passes through the park twice each evening if the weather permits. Although it is a spectacular sight anywhere in the park as it passes by the Christmas Tree and its lights are combined with the lights of the tree and surrounding square it is truly a breathtaking sight.

The Christmas lights and Light Parade are just part of the joy and fun that is An Old Time Christmas. There is a variety of shows including, the Broadway style production of an original musical adaptation of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” produced by Silver Dollar City; “The Living Nativity” and” Frosty.” Weather permitting and in temperatures down to 42 degrees F there are rides where you can “soar into the night” for a unique and inspiring view of the lights far below.

In addition there’s Santa Claus at Kringles Krossing, the creation of one-of-a-kind handmade gifts showcased by Silver Dollar City‘s 100 demonstrating craftsmen, and festive holiday foods offering the tastes of the season “throughout the park, including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites such as turkey with all the fixings.” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “Factor all that in with the award winning friendliness of Silver Dollar City’s staff and spirit of the traditional Christmas that seems to permeate throughout Silver Dollar City during the event and the result is the type of inspirational special Christmas memory that could last a lifetime.”

She points out that An Old Time Christmas runs Thursdays through Sundays through December 19, plus Wednesday, November 24 and December 22-23. It is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day and open daily December 26-30. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. most days. For additional information or tickets for An Old time Christmas or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball one of many Branson Veterans Home Coming Week highlights

"The few. The proud . The Marines" celebrate their 235th Birthday.

“The celebration of the 235th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps and having a good time will be the central focus of the Marine Corps Ball to be held at the Branson Convention Center in Branson, Missouri from 1700 to 2400 hours (5:00 p.m. to Midnight) on November 10,” said Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Advertising & Public Relations for Branson.Com, the event’s sponsor along with the Branson Tourism Center. “It is one of the many exciting special events held to honor America’s Veterans, active duty military personal and their families during the celebration of “Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week” and has special significance to U.S. Marines and their families.

Stockinger said that the celebration starts with a social hour and cash bar at 1700 hours (5 p.m.). It will be followed by the traditional U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony and cake cutting, an elegant dinner and dancing until 2400 hours (Midnight) with a surprise or two along the way.

The keynote speaker for the event is Colonel James Sims, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired who is currently the Commander of the National Military Order of the Purple Heart. Colonel Sims served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 26 years receiving the Purple Heart for combat wounds received while a company commander in Viet Nam. During his career Colonel Sims served as an instructor at the Marine Corps Command & Staff College, as an Aide to the White House Chief of Staff and at the time of his retirement was the Chief of Political Military Analysis for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“The Few, The Proud, The United States Marine Corps” was established November 10, 1775 by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since then it has served our country in every war and conflict from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism with honor and distinction. The remembrance and celebration of that birthday dates back to 1921 when the 13th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, General John A. Lejeune issued a Marine Corps Order summarizing the tradition, history and mission of the Corps and directed that the order be read at all commands “on the 10th of November, 1921 and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year.”

Through the years the formal reading of Lejune’s order was followed by additional celebrations including the ceremonial cutting of a birthday cake and a celebratory ball. In 1951 the 20th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized some of these traditions by adding the reading of the current Commandant’s message and the cake cutting ceremony using the U. S. Marine Corps Officer’s Mameluke Sword. Those traditions have remained in place ever since and are honored at virtually every Marine installation every November 10.

For additional information or tickets on the Marine Corps Ball please call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-866-279-3415  or click here to visit the events website. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center for value luxury Branson lodging

The Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center

“The Official Branson Hotels and Lodging List‘ on Branson.com has a wide variety of Branson hotels and lodging facilities from which Branson visitors to pick,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From Four Star Diamond rated luxury resorts to lake shore cabins and a variety of clean, comfortable and conveniently located hotels and other lodging choices, Branson has lodging for just about every budget and need.”

In referring to one of those choices, the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center, Johnson said, “Although certainly not a secret to the members of the many groups and guests it has hosted over the years, one of the best kept lodging secrets in Branson might be the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center (Stone Castle).” She points out that it was formerly known as the “Settle Inn,” provides a value priced luxury experience and is known for its hospitality and customer service.

In a recent interview, David Hartman the General Manager of Stone Castle said that in 2008 they completed an extensive multi-year renovation project that took everything down to the concrete floors. He said it was a complete room renovation including the replacing all the carpet, furniture, lighting and drapes down to the bed spreads, pillows and every bed in the hotel.

One the spacious standard double bed queen rooms.

Hartman said that the Stone Castle has 300 rooms separated into two general types, Standard and Suites. Their very generous sized Standard Room has two queen sized beds and comes with, among other amenities, an iron, ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and a full hot breakfast.

In addition, they offer four different suits “Themed,” “Family,” “Executive” and “Presidential” Hartman points out that one of the big things separating the Stone Castle Hotel from other properties in Branson is its 35 themed suites. Each is decorated according to a different theme such as the “Medieval,” “Gone With the Wind,” “Aloha” and “Jungle” etc. providing guests with a unique lodging experience.

There are two “Presidential Suites” the “Oval Office” and the “Cabinet.” Hartman said that they are our largest guest rooms with a two person whirlpool, four poster King bed with stair step, wet bar, mini-fridge, a breakfast nook and dark cherry furniture. Part of the suite sits in the “tower” of the building providing a living area. Hartman describes them as the “Best rooms in the house.”

He said the “Family Suites” are two room suites with one common entrance. From the interior of each suite the rooms are separated by a door that can be shut. They have two queen sized beds in one room and a king in the other. Each room has its own bathroom, heating and air conditioning, and TV. In addition to the other amenities that are common to each room at the hotel each Family Suit also has a micro wave and refrigerator.

One of the two indoor pools.

Hartman said that two of the features of the property that the guests appreciate is the safety of interior corridors for access to all the rooms and suites and the elevator system that eliminates the need to use stairs. He also points out that Stone Castle has two indoor pools, each with a hot tub; a game/arcade room that includes air hockey and conveniently located coin operated guest laundry facilities.

He said that although pets are allowed in certain designated rooms they are not allowed in any of the suites. As of this time there is no size limit and there is an additional charge for pets.

One of the most popular features at the Stone Castle is the expansion of the free breakfast in May of 2009. Hartman believes that it is one of the best free lodging breakfasts available in Branson saying, “It is a complete hot breakfast, not a continental breakfast, and it is all you can eat.”

Hartman pointed out another feature of the Stone Castle, its location. He said, “We are basically in the heart of Branson, in the center of it all. We’re away from the hustle and bustle of the strip, but we still have easy access to it and can get around town from our property pretty much without having to get into heavy traffic.” He pointed out that Green Mountain Drive parallels Highway 76 and provides convenient access to a number of Branson’s theatres and attractions and quick access to State Highways 165, 265, and 376 with subsequent access to Table Rock Lake or Silver Dollar City.

The main meeting room set up for a banquet.

He also emphasized the words “Conference Center,” as in the name of the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center, pointing out that Stone Castle has a total of seven meeting rooms and 10,000 total square feet of space. Their largest meeting room has a capacity of 4500 square feet. Hartman said that they can configure the meeting room space to meet just about any need and said that they have hosted a variety of events ranging from banquets and meetings to conventions, exhibits, parties and other events. He is proud to point out that a large part of their meeting group business is repeat business and attributes a large part of it to their great customer service.

Annette Wood is the Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation and travel planning services for both groups and individuals. She agreed with Hartman saying, “We routinely use the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center for groups, special events, and conferences and are continuously impressed by the quality of the facilities, their reasonable rates, their excellent hospitality and willingness to go above and beyond in the area of customer service.”

For additional information on the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Multifaceted Branson entertainer, John Presley in exclusive interview

Recently, John Presley, a third generation member of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first show to locate on the now famed Branson Strip, participated in a “Branson Up-Close and Personal” interview. These interviews are a service of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and provide readers with an up-close and personal look at a Branson star or personality.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “The ‘Branson Up-Close and Personal’ interviews are just a small part of our overall effort to help those interested in Branson to get the information they need to not only plan their trip to Branson, but have a great experience while in Branson.” Johnson also points out that Presleys’ Country Jubilee has been operating at its current location on the Branson Strip since 1967 and is one of Branson’s most popular and successful shows.

Interview excerpts:

BTC: How long have you been Performing with Presleys’ Country Jubilee
JP: 18 years, I started when I was 10 years old.

BTC: How many generations of Presleys’ actually perform in the show?
JP: Right now there are three generations actually performing in the show. My grandpa performed on stage up until last year, but has retired.

BTC: Any of the original cast still performing?
JP: Yes, my dad Steve Presley the shows drummer and my uncle Gary Presley who plays the character of “Herkimer” in the show.

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
JP: Being born here I have a lot of memories but one of the things that comes to mind is going fishing with my grandpa on Table Rock Lake.

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
JP: Being able to relate to and interact with the audience in a personal way. We don’t just perform and walk away, we get to meet them personally and that means a lot.

BTC: Where is your favorite place to eat in Branson and your favorite dish at that place?
JP: I love Chester’s. My favorite dish is the Chicken Pesto Salad Sandwich.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
JP: Floyd Cramer because I grew up with learning his style piano and play some of his songs in the show. His song “Last Date” is the number one song people like to hear me play.

Click here for the entire interview.

Elvis might leave the building, but he isn’t leaving Branson!

Elvis tribute artist Joseph Hall.

“Branson, Missouri is blessed with a number of great Elvis tribute artists,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From entire tribute shows like Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience and Joseph Hall Presents Elvis – Eras of the King to segments of individual shows such as Tony Z in the Legends of Concert, Elvis and the Superstars or the Rankin Brothers, Branson is one of the best places in the nation to experience the excitement of Elvis.”

How good are Branson’s Elvis tribute artists? As but one example, when Joseph Hall appeared on America’s Got Talent Piers Morgan said, “Elvis is back in the building.” Marti Nelson, an avid Branson Show goer and an Elvis fan since 1962 has personally seen ten live Elvis Concerts. In commenting on Hall’s show she said, “Although he’s new at this he is the best that I have seen. It’s like watching Elvis.” When asked if she would recommend the show she said, “I would say everybody has to go see Joseph Hall.”

“The saying, ‘Elvis has left the building,’ takes on special meaning for the 2011 Branson season,” says Johnson. “But there’s good news, because although they are leaving the building it is just to change theatres. Tony Roi will be moving from the Americana Theatre to the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre for his 20ll season. Joseph Hall will be leaving the Owens Theatre in Historic downtown Branson and moving to the Americana Theatre in the middle of the Branson Strip.

Hall said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be moving my show to the strip and to The Americana Theatre.” He also said he was very excited to be working in the same theatre as The Haygoods and that “they are an incredible success story here in Branson!” In leaving the Americana Theatre for Andy Williams Moon River Theatre Roi said, “I have enjoyed working with the Haygood Family, but the time has come for me to branch out and have my own slot in another location on the strip.”

“One thing is for sure,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson, “Anyone wanting a great Elvis experience can find it in Branson Missouri, the ‘Live music show capital of the world.”‘ For additional information on 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 (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.

Shane Long wins Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament

Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series Champion Shane Long with Championship Trophy.

“What a nail biter,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the hosts of the Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. “Missourian Shane Long won the tournament with a total weight of 42.34 pounds, but the suspense went right up to the final seconds of the weigh-in.”

The three day tournament launched from the State Park Marina on Table Rock Lake October 14 through 16. After the first two days the field was narrowed down to the 24 finalists who fished in the Final on the 16th. The first two weigh-ins were held at the State Park Marina, but the weigh-in for the Final was held at the Fountain at Branson Landing. “It was a spectacular setting for the ending to a great tournament and the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series” said Kurtright.

For his efforts Long won a new Nitro Z-8 boat rigged with a Mercury Optimax 225 and T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate and $5,000. He said he was using a white Luck E Strike “3-J” jigging spoon, 20-pound test Seaguar fluorocarbon line, and a Falcon crankbait rod throwing the spoon to the back of boat slips. It should be noted that the particular spoon Long used is no longer in production “but is reportedly coming back to the market.”

Angler after angler praised the quality of the fishing on Table Rock Lake. Many said they have caught hundreds of bass during the three day tournament and that although they might not have been big enough for tournament use they were sure fun to catch. Too, there were the reports of plenty of bigger tournament changing bass that got off.

Jim Thompson, a long time tournament fisherman and the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association said, “It was a great event. Although the warm water, changing thermocline and fluctuating weather conditions presented challenges it was a great tournament and the reports by the fishermen on the numbers of bass they caught speaks well for the quality of fishing that can be expected on Table Rock Lake now and in the future.”

The Top Five Finishers, their Home State and their tournament totals are as follows:

1. Shane Long, Missouri, 42.34
2. Aaron Martens, Alabama, 36.41
3. Tommy Biffle, Oklahoma, 36.27
4. Kelly Power, Missouri, 36.16
5. Brian Snowden, Missouri, 35.65

“If you are a bass fisherman, and haven’t fished Table Rock Lake in Branson, it’s an experience you should not miss,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright. He also reemphasized what an honor it was for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to help host the tournament. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Missouri Anglers dominate Top Ten after Day 2 of Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament

Local angler, Brian Snowden at at Day 2 Weigh-In.

“Wow, what a difference a day makes,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, a host of the Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. “We have a new leader who jumped from ninth place on Day 1 to first place on Day 2 and the top three anglers going into Saturdays Final are all from Missouri.”

With the adjustments made based on the number of fishermen competing in the tournament the cut for the Tournament’s Final on October 16 was at 24. The Finalists will fish “Saturday on Table Rock for a total purse of $194,000 including $5,000 to the winner and a new Nitro Z-8 rigged with a Mercury 225 and T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate. Saturday’s launch will be at Table Rock State Park Marina, with the 4:30 p.m. weigh-in to be held at The Fountain at Branson Landing.

Jim Thompson, the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association, a long time leader in conducting regional Bass tournaments and himself a tournament fisherman  said, “The changing weather, clear skies, and the fish in transition should make the Finals interesting. With the caliber of fishermen in the finals and only five pounds separating first from seventh it’s anybody’s tournament to win.”

In his first ever PAA Tournament event, Shane Long, the leader going into today’s Finals indicated just how important every fish is. He said, “I got lucky, got quality bites and put them in the boat. I lost a big one Thursday and I think that may come back to haunt me.”

The Top Ten Finalists, their Home State and the totals they will be starting the Finals with are listed below. Click here for a complete list of the standings at the end of Day 2 including those who are not in the finals.

1. Shane Long, Missouri, 29.28
2. Kelly Power, Missouri, 26.75
3. Brian Snowden, Missouri, 26.49
4. Gary Klein, Texas, 24.80
5. Dave Lefebre, Pennsylvania, 24.73
6. Terry Butcher, Oklahoma, 24.32
7. Rick Clunn, Missouri, 24.21
8. Stacey King, Missouri, 23.70
9. Matt Reed, Texas, 23.56
10. Ronnie Wagner, Texas, 22.63

Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright encourages everyone to attend the tournament’s Final Weigh-In at the Fountains in Branson Landing at 4:30 p.m. today. He said that that it was an honor for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to host the Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Day 1 of $400,000 Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament is Texas Missouri Shootout

Local Angler Stacy King in 2nd place after Day 1 of PAA Bass Proshops Tournament (Photo: PAA, Chris Dutton.)

“Today’s been a Texas – Missouri shoot out,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center and one of the hosts of Table Rock Lake PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix being held on Table Rock Lake October 14 through 16. “Eight of the top ten finishers are from either Missouri or Texas with a Texan in first place and a Missourian in second place.”

At the end of Day 1 Missouri fisherman Stacy King was a little less than 5 pounds behind Texan  Chris Brasher. Brasher’s Day 1 total weighed 19.27 pounds and included the big bass for the day weighing 7.11 pounds and a .25 pound expired bass penalty. King took second place with a five bass limit weighing 14.71 pounds.

The top ten finishers for Day 1 are listed below. Click here for a complete list.
http://fishpaa.com/tournaments/table-rock-lake/2010-table-rock-lake-results/

1. Chris Brasher, Texas, 19.27 pounds
2. Stacy King Missouri, 14.71 pounds
3. Harold Allen, Texas, 14.60 pounds
4. Jami Fralick, South Dakota, 14.25 pounds
5. Brian Snowden, Missouri, 14.12 pounds
6. Rick Clunn, Missouri, 14.10 pounds
7. Matt Reed, Texas, 13.53
8. Gary Klein, Texas, 13.24 pounds
9. Shane Long, Missouri, 12.50 pounds
10. Randy Haynes, Tennessee, 12.48 pounds

The tournament is the final event in the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. The tournament continues on Friday and Saturday with a 7 a.m. launch at Table Rock State Park Marina. Friday’s weigh-in will be at 3 p.m. at Table Rock State Park Marina. The top 30 finishers of Day 1 and Day 2 will fish in the Finals on Saturday. Saturday’s final weigh-in will be at Branson Landing Fountains in the Public Square starting at 4:30 p.m.

Brasher said that he had caught his limit, including his big bass by 10.30 a.m. and “then played defense the rest of the day. He checked in an hour early to prevent fish care penalties,” but was docked .25 pounds for an expired fish. Local fisherman Brian Snowden, recent winner of the “Toyota Texas Bass Classic” said, “I caught them everywhere from 60 feet to 3 feet.” Jim Thompson, long time tournament fisherman and the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association, a long time leader in conducting regional Bass tournaments said, “The weather with its cold front and high pressure is adding to the challenges that the fishermen are facing.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright encourages everyone to attend the tournament’sFinal Weigh-In at Branson Landing at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday October 16. He also reminds everyone that Branson will be particularly busy this weekend and offers the free services of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, in obtaining information or tickets to any of Branson’s shows and attractions 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.

Silver Dollar City co-founders Jack and Pete Herschend at Springfield book signing

Silver Dollar City's founders, left to right, Jack, Mary and Peter Herschend.

“What a special remembrance and keepsake of the 50th Anniversary of Silver Dollar City, ” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Kurtright was referring to the announcement that the co founders of Silver Dollar City, Jack and Pete Herschend and their wives, will be in Borders at 3300 S. Glenstone Avenue in Springfield, from Noon until 2 p.m. Saturday October 16 to sign copies of the Springfield News Leader’s SDC 50th Anniversary book “50 Years of Making Memories.” The stores phone number is 417 881-4111.

A spectacular 50th year anniversary celebration of Silver Dollar City’s opening is winding down. The book signing provides a unique opportunity to not only get your copy of the book signed but to meet the Herschends personally.

Kurtright points out that even as the book signing is going on, Silver Dollar City will be doing what is has done for over 50 years, helping people “Create Memories Worth Repeating” as they attend the parks National Harvest Festival running through October 30. The last event of Silver Dollar City’s 50th Anniversary celebration will be its world class award winning festival, An Old Time Christmas.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

It’s always a great time to see a show in Branson, but now is special

Johnny Mathis in Branson November 12 and 13.

“Branson’s list of live shows is unrivaled in terms of the variety of live shows it offers on a daily basis,” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From morning shows to evening shows, there is generally a variety of shows available to meet every entertainment need at a time that fits the schedule of most show goers. However, at this time of the year two things happen that make it a special time to see a Branson show.”

The first is the availability of a number of limited engagement shows, particularly during Ozark Mountain Christmas, that are not available during the rest of the year. Some of these are one or two day concerts such as The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart on October 22; Marty Stuart on October 22 and 23; Michael Bolton on October 23 and Johnny Mathis on November 12 and 13. Others are for a longer period such as Andy Williams Variety Show, Roy Clark with Justin Davis, Ray Stevens, Oak Ridge Boys, Gatlin Brothers with Debby Boone, the Texas Tenors or Daniel O’Donnell among others.

One of the many spectacular scenes from the "Miracle of Christmas."

In addition, some shows could be considered limited engagement shows because they are only available during the Christmas season. These would include shows such as Andy Williams Christmas Show, Sight and Sound’s spectacular Miracle of Christmas, The Spirit of Christmas, Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration and the Mel Tillis Family Christmas.

The second thing is the fact that the vast majority of Branson’s shows incorporate the traditional celebration of Christmas into their shows. “A lot of shows are divided into two segments with the first segment containing the most popular parts of their regular show and the second, their Christmas segment,” Johnson said. “The result is a special opportunity to experience or re-experience some of the special highlights of the shows 2011 season as well as their Christmas show. If you value the traditional Christmas celebrating the birth of the Christ Child, the vast majority of Branson’s shows will fill your heart with Christmas joy.”

Following is a list of the majority of Branson’s limited engagement and Christmas shows sorted by Month and date. For specific schedules, including all of Branson’s other wonderful shows, ticket prices, pictures and information please consult the Official Branson.Com Branson Show Schedule.

October

Andy Williams Variety Show, Through October 23 (Christmas Show starts November 1)
Roy Clark with Justin Davis, October 18 through 26.
Ray Stevens, Through Oct 23
Oak Ridge Boys, Through October 21
The Texas Tenors, Through October 23.
Mid West Country Stars on October 20 and 21 only.
The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart on October 22 only
Marty Stuart on October 22 and 23 only.
Michael Bolton on October 23 only.
Festival of Hope For MDA on October 24 only

November and December

Miracle of Christmas, starts October 30 through December 31.
Andy Williams Christmas Show, November 1 through December 11.
Daniel O’Donnell, November 1 through 20.
Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters, November 1 through December 11.
Gatlin Brothers and Debby Boone Together, November 1 through December 4.
Mel Tillis and Family Christmas, November  2 through December 4.
Miracle of Christmas, October 30 through December 31.
Oak Ridge Boys, November 2 through 18.
Spirit of Christmas, November 2 through December 10.
Country’s Family Reunion, November 7 and 8.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball, November 11.
Johnny Mathis, on November 12 and 13 only.

Johnson also points out that in addition to these great Bransons shows that Branson will also be celebrating Branson Veterans Home Coming Week November 5 through 11 and Ozark Mountain Christmas from November 1 through December 31. Ozarks Mountain Christmas is a celebration of the true meaning and spirit of Christmas as only Branson can do it and is highlighted by Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, drive through Christmas lighting displays such as the Branson Area Festival of Lights and the Shepherd of the Hills Train of Lights, the Adoration Parade, millions of colored lights, great shopping and a Christmas spirit that would be hard to duplicate at any other destination city is America.

“It is easily the busiest time of the year in Branson,” said Johnson who recommends that advance reservations be made for shows and lodging to ensure not only availability, but the best choice of seating and lodging accommodations. 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 (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.