Category Archives: Branson Shows

Two of Branson’s most exciting shows – “Acrobats of China” and “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi”

One of the spectacular sets from The Legend of Kung Fu - Chun Yi.

Branson, Missouri has the well deserved reputation of being known as the “Live music show capital of the world” because of the quality, diversity and quantity of its live music shows. In addition to live music shows of just about every genre however, Branson also has a huge variety of other shows ranging in type from comedy, to magic, outdoor drama, murder mystery, acrobats, animals, circus, Kung Fu and more.

Branson is blessed with two absolutely amazing shows that share the heritage and culture of China, “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” and “The Acrobats of China.” Both shows are filled with color, action, precision, skill and daring. Both are presented by some of the most skilled and amazing performers ever to appear on a Branson stage and involve almost unbelievable choreography, excitement, pageantry, and color, but each is a wonderfully unique and different entertainment experience.

“These shows represent the quality and variety of the live entertainment that is available in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Where else, but in Branson, Missouri can someone go and see two spectacular and unique shows representing two entirely different aspects of China presented by such skilled performers?

“The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” is a colorful and spectacular production of a simple yet complex story about a very young boy who is dropped off at the temple by his mother to apprentice as a monk to learn the art and culture of Kung Fu. The show shares his journey through the beautiful choreography, spectacular sets, costuming and the artistic and skillful manner in which the cast performs. Factor in the excitement of Kung-Fu and the mystique, culture and heritage of China and the result is a unique and exciting show that both young and old will appreciate.

Just one of the exciting and colorful acts of The Acrobats of China.

“The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” is set in a temple using an extremely talented cast of skilled athletic entertainers and Kung Fu practitioners, pageantry, music and magnificent sets to tell its beautiful Kung-Fu ballet like story. “The Acrobats of China” has no story line and has more of a “Chinese circus” atmosphere.

It is a circus without a Ringmaster that flows seamlessly from one amazing act to another. In a recent review of “The Acrobats of China” this writer said, “The elegance, skill, grace and precision of the performers in each act is simply amazing. Couple that with excellent production, absolutely elegant costuming, and the choreographed and flawless presentation as each act seamlessly transitions into the next and the result is a one of a kind Branson experience that will appeal to adults and the vast majority of children equally.”

There are no shows in Branson with more costuming, action, color, pageantry, precision, skill, grace, beauty, elegance and action throughout their entirety than one will see in either “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi.” and “The Acrobats of China.” Each of these shows, although sharing the culture and heritage of China does so in an exciting and different manner.

For additional information or tickets for “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” and “The Acrobats of China” 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.

Entertainment, festivals, special events and foliage make Fall special in Branson

“The breadth of the regular live shows that Branson has to offer is amazing, ” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The variety of its regularly scheduled shows covers just about every genre of music and major area of entertainment from acrobats, cirque and Kung Fu to a showboat, outdoor drama, thundering horses, the circus and Branson’s two original trailblazing shows, The Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys’ Country Jubilee.”

“When that variety is expanded with the addition of shows that perform limited engagements in Branson there is a variety of live shows that is unequalled by any other destination city anywhere near Branson’s size,” she continued. “Look at the variety of the limited engagement entertainment that visitors to Branson will have the opportunity to see between now and the end of October.”

The following list is sorted by starting date. Links are provided for further information, schedules and ticket pricing:

Island Fire through August 28
Rock U Mentally through September 4
Ozark Murder Mysteries through October 31 (Sunday night only)
Andy Williams, September 2 through October 23 (Christmas Show starts November 1)
Gatlin Brothers, September 3 through September 5
Christian Action Ministries’ Gospel Sing Off, September 5 only
Leona William & Gene Watson, September 12 only
Roy Clark with Justin David, September 13 through October 26
Ray Stevens, September 15 through Oct 23
Country’s Family Reunion, September 19 and 20
Oak Ridge Boys, September 21 through October 21
The Texas Tenors, September 28 through October 23
Vicki Lawrence/Mama, October 8 and 9 only
Don Williams, October 9 only.
Mid West Country Stars on October 20 and 21 only
The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar, and Restless Heart on October 22 only
Michael Bolton on October 23 only.
Miracle of Christmas, starts for Christmas season on October 30.

Johnson also points out that the limited engagement performances are in addition to the full complement of Branson’s many other shows, attractions and Festivals and major activities that will be taking place between now and the end of October such as:

Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic, August 26-September 6
Down Town Branson Fiddle Festival, August 27-29
Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival, September 11-October 30
Shepherd of the Hills Fall Harvest Festival, September 7-October 23
Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, September 16-19
Ironman Branson 70.3, September 19
12th Annual Hollister Grape & Fall Festival, September 25
First Annual Titanic Firehouse Chili Cookoff, October 2
Titanic’s 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event, October 8-10
Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo, October 8-10
Titanic Princess Tea Parties, Part II, October 16-17

“Even Mother Nature adds to the entertainment,” said Johnson. “In addition to everything else Branson has to offer, the Fall foliage in the Ozarks is really spectacular.”

For additional information or tickets for these shows, attractions or events 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. It can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s Most Unique Country Music Show is pure country

“A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country,” in Branson, Missouri might just be the most unusual country music show that most people have ever seen. We’ll get to the music shortly, but how many people have ever been to a country music show where the music has been accompanied by 36,000 gallons of water going 45 feet high in the air? This writer would wager not many.

Cody Dooley performing John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses."

The show is presented in the “Amazing Waltzing Waters Theatre.” It combines the performance of the show’s star, singer and impressionist, Cody Dooley, with beautiful music, colored lights, and the movement of 36,000 gallons of water in a synchronized display that it absolutely amazing.

Kevin Curtis, the owner of Waltzing Waters said its 36,000 gallons of water and 502 fountains can make over 42,000 different controlled movements sending water up to 45 feet into the air amidst a combination of colors. The show’s music is programmed and choreographed with the fountains and lighting to produce a unique and spectacular light show. In addition to the beauty of the fountains it is amazing to see Cody Dooley perform live and interact with the audience knowing that the fountains are moving on to the next number even if he isn’t. The timing and coordination was wonderful and the 45 minute show went off without a hitch.

As beautiful and marvelous as the water show is, it is the singing and impressions of Cody Dooley that add the country to this show and let there be no doubt about it, this show is a pure country trip down memory lane with one hit after another. Newlyweds Mr. & Mrs. Mark Johnson spent part of their honeymoon at the show. Mark said, “I loved the show” and both said they would recommend it to any country music fan.

Dooley is an excellent singer and an impressionist and does a great job of keeping the show interesting and entertaining. He has been performing at various venues in Branson over the last 10 years and has worked with artists such as Willie Nelson and John Conlee. He introduces each song with its title, the year it was recorded and the artist and, with most, a short note of interest about the song all of which adds to the overall enjoyment of the show.

The shows repertoire is a trip down the memory lane of country music’s greatest hits and artists. From “Ring of Fire,” by Johnny Cash to Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” and Don Gibson’s “Oh, Lonesome Me,” it’s 45 minutes of one country hit after another. This writers two favorite numbers were Dooley’s presentation of Charlie Pride’s “You’ve Got to Kiss An Angel Good Morning” and his presentation of the Willie Nelson/Waylon Jennings “duet” of “She’s a Good Hearted Woman.” How does someone sing a duet with themselves? In Dooley’s case, in a very entertaining way.

In addition, to the “A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country,” performed at 3 and 6 p.m., the “Amazing Waltzing Waters Theatre” offers its choreographed water and light shows every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For additional information or tickets for Cody Dooley and the “A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country” show 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.

Time is running out to see one of Branson’s most spectacular shows “Peter Pan”

Cathy Rigby as "Peter Pan."

Please Note this article is from 2010 and is here for archival purposes only

“If you don’t want to miss seeing one of the most spectacular shows in Branson don’t miss seeing Cathy Rigby as ‘Peter Pan,’ before it ends its limited engagement run on August 15,” says Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is a Branson show experience that is as magical for children as it is for adults.”

One review of the show said, “How magical? From a child’s perspective, ‘How many shows does one go to where the children are hurrying the parents to get back in their seats after intermission?’ Not very many, but Peter Pan is one of them. From an adult’s perspective this is a high energy spectacular first rate production with amazing sets, choreography, costuming and a cast to match.”

Generations have enjoyed the story of the Darling children and their trip to Never Land with the forever young Peter Pan and the fairy Tinker Bell. Branson’s production of Peter Pan “brings that story to life in a cornucopia of color, action, excitement, music, singing, dancing, athletic ability and drama that literally “soars” into your heart.

The sets are magnificent covering the range of everything from a stately residence to a pirate ship. What’s truly amazing is that as magnificent and complex as some of them are, the set changes are virtually seamless and breathtaking when revealed.

The ability and energy of the cast and their “owning” of the characters they play contributes immeasurably to making this a wonderful joyful fun filled experience. Cathy Rigby was “born” to play the part of Peter Pan and do it she does “as she does everything from acting, singing and dancing to sword fighting, ‘flying’ and the spreading of Pixie Dust.”

And what an amazing cast she has surrounding her. Robert Westenberg does a first class job of playing Captain Hook and convincing the audience that he is one of the most villainous scoundrels of all time. Chloe Leatherwood does a great job in her role as Tiger Lilly, the leader of the Indians, and Doran Schmidt as Wendy. There is an assortment of other characters such as “Slightly Soiled” played by Austin Michael and “Gentleman Starkey” played by Tom Wolff who add so much to the show.

Combine great choreography, lots of action with great costuming, sets, and a cast that performs like they do in Peter Pan and the result is a joy to watch and experience. A recent review of the show pointed out, “Nowhere is this more evident than in the number “Ugg-a-Wugg,” when Peter Pan, Tiger Lilly, Wendy, the Lost Boys and the Indians unite in one of the most spectacular production numbers ever produced on a Branson stage.”

Johnson agrees with one reviewers comments, “Peter Pan is a world class production that is one of the most entertaining shows this writer has ever seen. Any parent or grandparent sharing this with a child or grandchild will create a memory that should last for a lifetime.”

She reminds everyone that the last day to see Peter Pan in Branson is August 15. For additional information or tickets for Peter Pan or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

A peoples review of the Branson show “NOAH the Musical”

Noah dancing with part of the spectacular 300 foot Ark in the background

“NOAH the Musical’ is one of Branson’s most spectacular stage productions,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center.” She points out that the epic bible story is performed on a 300 foot long wrap around stage filled with 26,550 square feet of live and animated animals; talented actors, singers, dancers and great costuming and an ark that ends up towering over 40 feet above the stage. “It is one of the most popular shows we sell and consistently receives great reviews from our customers.”

In a recent review this writer said, “To anyone who knows the story of Noah and the Ark, the ending is no surprise, but the entertaining journey to the end of the story in “NOAH the Musical” is filled with a wonderful mixture of surprises, original music, pageantry, adventure, fun, spectacular sets and drama. It is a Branson show unrivaled in spectacle, uniqueness, entertainment and message that everyone from children to adults will enjoy.”

The Forums of the website 1Branson.Com are an excellent place to get information on all that is Branson from shows, attractions, lodging, events and much more. It provides an excellent place to ask questions and share opinions of all that is Branson. The two-way flow of information between those living in or familiar with Branson and those with questions about Branson is unique and effective. The comments made by people who have made a Branson show part of their Branson experience provide a “person to person perspective” on a show.”

Recent posts to the thread entitled “REVIEW: Noah The Musical” speak volumes about what a fantastic entertainment experience “NOAH the Musical” is. The poster’s screen name is in parentheses followed by their comments.

“Sunnikc” said, “We went the last time we were in Branson, it was the fall of the year it opened in Branson. My children are still talking about it. They absolutely loved it. It’s also the only show I’ve actually been to in Branson outside of SDC [Silver Dollar City] shows.”

“Busymomx3” said “Awesome show for all ages! Well worth the $ Our group of 6 consisted of ages 70-1 and all enjoyed it. FYI–they have 2 cry rooms for the little ones, so you won’t have to go out and miss part of the show. The building is huge and very well built for a large flow of people. Everything flowed real nicely–with bathroom breaks and exiting after show. Would recommend to everyone.”

“Flutterby” said, “We went to see Noah this past weekend and it was absolutely amazing! It is more expensive than most other shows, but it is worth every penny. Before we could even get out of the theater, my teenage daughter was asking if we could go back to see the Christmas show this season.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “The Christmas show referred to is the “Miracle of Christmas,” another spectacular show, which replaces “NOAH the Musical” for the Christmas season from November 2 through December 31. She said that the first season for the “Miracle of Christmas,” in Branson was in 2009 and it appears that it will become a part of the Christmas tradition for many Branson visitors. Johnson also points out that the Christmas Season is a very popular time of the year in Branson and suggests making show and lodging reservations as early as possible to ensure the best choices of show seats and lodging.”

For additional information or tickets for these or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions activities 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.

Exercise your knowledge of Branson’s shows and attractions?

Righteous Brother Bill Medley and daughter McKenna Medley performing at the Starlite Theatre in Branson.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, said that the free downloadable “Branson Tourism Center Vacation Guide” has just about all the information anyone could need to plan a trip to Branson. “It has information on Branson shows, attractions, lodging, lakes, shopping, weather, dining, churches, hospitals, events and just about anything else to do with Branson.”

As this writer reflected on all the information available about Branson, not only in the Vacation Guide, but on the internet and through word of mouth from the millions of people who have visited Branson over the years; he wondered just how much about Branson people really know. The ten question exercise below provides a fun way for those familiar with Branson to rate their Branson knowledge and to provides access to Branson information for those considering Branson as a vacation destination.

The answers and a link to additional information are provided just below the last question. In terms of being on target with your knowledge of Branson, give yourself 10 points for each correct answer. A score of 90 or above is “Expert,” 60 to 80 “Sharpshooter,” 40 to 60 “Marksman” and below 50 “Beginner.”

1. Where is a “quacker,” not a “cracker.” required equipment?

2. Where in Branson can you see a Grammy Award winning Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee perform “unchained” and “unwired?”

3. Where can you see the “talking dogs?”

4.What Branson show features a stampede and flying cow paddies?”

5 What Branson attraction has over 30 exciting rides, shows, Ozark craftsmen displaying their crafts, festivals and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year?

6. Where in Branson can you witness a circus fairytale?

7. What comedian in a Branson show has been performing their character on Branson stages the longest? For ten points extra credit name the character they portray?

8. What is the name of the Branson show of biblical proportions featuring an ark on a 300 foot surround stage and live animals?

9. What Branson Attraction has two King Charles Spaniels named “Molly” and “Carter” as its mascots?

10. What show is Branson’s longest running international show?

The answers are:

1. Ride the Ducks – on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo .

2. At the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley” show.”

3. Aboard the Showboat Branson Belle as part of the Showstopper Show with nationally acclaimed comedian and ventriloquist Todd Oliver and his talking dogs Lucy, Irving and Elvis.

4. The very funny Jim Stafford Show.

5. Silver Dollar City.

6. Yakov’s Moscow Circus.

7. Gary Presley of Presleys’ Country Jubilee. The character is “Herkimer.”

8. NOAH the Musical

9. Branson’s Titanic Museum.

10. The Acrobats of China

Johnson offered the services of the Branson Tourism Center and their Vacation Planning Specialists to provide further information or tickets on any of the shows or attractions mentioned in this article, any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements. The Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson entertainer Michael Grimm makes the semifinals of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Michael Grimm during Branson interview. He has a new look for the AGT Semi Finals.

Branson, Missouri, known as the “Live music show capital of the world,” has some of the finest singers and musicians in the world playing in its live shows. Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that Michael Grimm, who was a guitar player and vocalist with the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley Show” in Branson, was selected by America voting to go into the semifinals of the NBC prime time hit show “America’s Got Talent (AGT)” earlier this week.

Grimm was playing with the Bill Medley show in Branson when he auditioned for AGT. After his initial appearance on AGT in the Los Angeles auditions he was selected to go to Las Vegas for the next round of competition. After his June 5th performance with the Bill Medley show he left Branson to devote full time to the AGT competition. The auditions and Las Vegas shows were taped for TV, but the Los Angeles show was performed live in front of millions of TV Viewers.

In addition to being performed live, it is the first time during the competition this year that America has gotten to vote for who they wanted to go to the next level. Up to this point the three judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osborn and AGT’s newest judge, Howie Mandel made the decisions on who progressed to the next level. On the live show, they make recommendations and America votes. In selecting who will go into the semifinals the popular vote selects three out the four from each show and the judges pick the fourth.

The words of AGT host Nick Cannon, after watching Grimm’s audition performance, almost seems prophetic. He said, “That’s a Super Star’s voice right there.” Evidently, America agrees with him because Grimm was advanced to the semifinal round by its popular vote.

During an interview prior to leaving Branson Grimm said “I just want to get as far as I can get. It would be an honor if I can make it a couple of rounds, open some doors for my career, and make enough money to build my Grandma a new house.”

He said that his relationship with his Grandma, Laura Butters, goes back to about age four when she took over the raising of him and his sister after their parents separated. He said, “My grandma is my inspiration,” He credits her, not only with his interest in music and the start of his professional career. His career started at the age of twelve as he sang in “hole in the wall” bars in the Waveland Bay St. Louis area in southern Mississippi as his Grandma chaperoned him and sit there drinking “Diet Cokes” all night until he was through..

During that interview he also said, “It is a once in a lifetime experience and it’s been quite a ride.” Well hold on Michael the rides not over and there’s still have a house to get for Grandma.

For additional information or tickets for the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley Show” 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 Grand Palace re-opening concert by hip hop artist Nelly

Grammy award winning hip-hop Artist Nelly to perform in Branson.*

Branson, Missouri, called the “Live music show capital of the world” is adding yet another genre of music to is exciting repertoire. On July 4 it was announced that the Grammy winning rapper and hip-hop singer “Nelly” will be performing a concert in Branson Missouri on August 21. The outdoor concert will be performed in the Grand Palace’s rear parking lot as part of its re-opening. The rear parking lot is being used because of delays in finishing its extensive on-going renovations. The announcement said that indoor shows would resume in September with the Branson Daily Independent reporting that date as September 11.

During the summer of 2000, Cornell “Nelly” Haynes debut hip-hop album “Country Grammar” was a huge success selling 250,000 copies within its first week of release. Within two years Nelly has won two Grammies for the singles “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” from his six million seller album “Nellyville” and was selling millions of albums and singles.

Paul Dunn who took over the management of the Grand Palace said, “We’re making history…We’re bringing a genre of music Branson has never seen before. This is a prelude of what’s to come.” The announcement contained no additional information relative to who will be doing what at the Grand Palace after the August 21 concert except for the fact that the Grand Palace will resume inside shows during September.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging said, “This is yet another example of the variety of the live entertainment Branson has to offer and the constant change that helps make Branson the exciting destination it is.”

Photo courtesy of www.nelly.net.

Planning a trip to Branson Jeopardy style

Silver Dollar City, Branson's most popular paid attraction, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.

America’s favorite TV quiz show “Jeopardy,” has a unique format. For each round, the game board displays six categories each of which contains five clues. Each of the clues have a dollar value. Contestants win by answering, in question format, with the question that the clue was based on. The ultimate winner of the game is the one with the most money at the end.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most trusted vacation planning services said, “If ‘Planning a Trip to Branson Missouri’ was a category on Jeopardy the the five clues below just might be included.”

$200 – Hotels and Lodging
$400 – Branson’s live shows.
$600 – Having fun at Branson Attractions
$800 – Silver Dollar City
$1000 – Presleys’ Country Jubilee

The answers (questions) for each clue are as follows:

$200 – What should be taken care of first in planning a trip to Branson?
$400 – For what form of entertainment is Branson most noted?
$600 – What are most of the kids who come to Branson interested in?
$800 – What is Branson’s oldest and most popular attraction?
$1000 – What is the name of the first show on the now famous “Branson Strip?”

The last round of the game is called “Final Jeopardy” where the contestants can wager from $0 to the total amount they have won up to that point. After placing their wager the clue is revealed and they have 30 seconds to write down their response. The game’s winner is the one who has the most money after “Final Jeopardy.”

In terms of planning a trip to Branson Jeopardy Style, the Final Jeopardy Category might be “Experiencing Branson” and the Clue “Branson Tourism Center”. The Answer (Question) would be “Who provides free personal service in planning a Branson vacations, has sold over 2 million Branson show and attraction tickets, is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and is dedicated to ensuring that each Branson visitor has a great experience.”

Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Are there things to do in Branson in addition to live music shows?

Silver Dollar City's "Wildfire" blends the natural beauty of the Ozarks with a world class coaster for a unique one of a kind Branson experience.

Branson’s renowned reputation as “live music show capital of the world” has caused some to ask, “Are there things to do in Branson in addition to live music shows?” Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson largest and most trusted providers of Branson travel services answers, “Absolutely, from ziplines to butterflies and just about everything in between, Branson has more unique and fun attractions and activities for its visitors to enjoy than any place on earth.”

Branson’s location in the Ozark Mountains provides a natural and beautiful setting for all that Branson has to offer which, in no small measure, contributes to the uniqueness and excitement of the Branson experience. In a recent interview, Brad Thomas, the General Manager of Branson’s most popular attraction, the 1880s theme park, Silver Dollar City Silver provided an excellent example of the integration of the natural beauty of the Ozarks with the Branson entertainment experience.

Thomas said, “A perfect illustration would be our coaster, ‘Wildfire.’ Alone, it is an exciting, exhilarating world class ride. When the excitement of the ride experience is coupled with the spectacular view of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake from its highest point as it loops upside down it provides a unique one of a kind experience not available anywhere else.”

Its three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo provide a variety of fresh water fun and excitement including swimming, boating, just about any water activity from wave runners to water skiing and world class fishing for both bass and trout. Where else, but in Branson, Missouri, aboard the Branson Landing Princess can a person cruise, eat a wonderful dinner and watch a multi-million dollar fire, water and light show? How about just relaxing on Table Rock Lake’s “Moonshine Beach” for a day of sunbathing and swimming?

The Payne Stewart Tribute Course is but one of Branson's many golfing adventures.

Branson offers a world class golf experience at a number of courses including the newly opened Payne Stewart Golf Course at Branson Hills, Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and Branson Creek. Johnson points out that at a number of courses, lodging can be arranged within walking distance of the club house.

In terms of attractions and other activities, Johnson said, “If it’s fun and exciting it can be found in Branson. Attractions including the Adventure Ziplines of Branson, the Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, the international award winning 1880s theme park Silver Dollar City, the two million gallons of wet fun at White Water, the Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Branson Scenic Railway and activities including go karts, museums, bird watching, hiking, fish hatchery tours, to name a few, provide Branson visitors with a constant stream of fun, excitement and adventure.

“Interestingly,” Johnson points out, “Although Branson is known for its music shows, many of its live shows are not music shows.” She points to the Acrobats of China, Yakov’s Moscow Circus, the magic and comedy of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, the spectacular outdoor drama Shepherd of the Hills and comedy shows such as Yakov Smirnoff and Jim Stafford as examples. For further information on all that Branson has to offer please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.