Category Archives: Table Rock Lake

A Branson family summer vacation provides excitement, value, fun and special memories

White Water's seven story high "Kalani Towers" provides wet, exciting and thrilling relief on a hot summer day.

Even with all that is going on in today’s world and the personal pressures being generated, many people know that they and their families need and deserve a vacation this summer. Branson, Missouri is a premier Midwest vacation destination noted for its unique blend of value, fun and its spirit of family, God and country. It is a special, almost magical place for families, at any time of the year, but there’s just something about the Summer and the pronounced influx of families with children that makes it my favorite time of the year.

What can show the heart and spirit of what Branson is more than the sound of kids and families laughing, talking and having a good time together. From its restaurants and lodging facilities to its attractions, lakes, shows and other activities it seems that there is a special vibrancy and intensity as families relax, spend time together, unwind and just have fun as they create vacation memories.

“In these economic challenging times, the cost of a vacation is certainly a consideration,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Branson is one of the best vacation values anywhere and has been recognized nationally, by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), as the “third most budget friendly destination in America.”

The unique one of a kind bird illusion of Dave and Denise Hamner is just part of the magic, excitement, comedy and entertainment of the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

Johnson points that Branson’s value gets even better if travelers bundle lodging, shows, attractions and activities together into one package. For example, the “Branson Family Fun Package,” offered by BTC, provides lodging for two nights and a full breakfast at either Grand Plaza Hotel or Hotel Grand Victorian; family passes to your choice of one of two great shows for families with kids, The Hamner Barber Variety Show or the Legend of Kung Fu; a family pass to one of Branson’s premier attractions, the Titanic Museum Attraction; a Branson Vacation Savings Book with more than 500 coupons and over $1,500 in savings and more, all at a saving of 27 percent!

If one places any value on their time, another way to increase value, avoid stress and, in a real sense start your vacation early, is to use the free personal “concierge” type planning services of a company like the Branson Tourism Center. It has built its well deserved reputation, A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accreditation and sold over 2.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, by providing hundreds of thousands of Branson visitors with the assistance and help needed to have a great Branson vacation. Factor in “Gas Discounts” and the perks of BTC’s free new customer loyalty “Concierge Program” and the value of a Branson vacation increases even more.

When it comes to fun and things for families to do while on vacation, from its lakes to its live shows, attractions, shopping and other activities, Branson provides a choice of unique, fun and exciting things to do that is unmatched by any other tourist destination of its size. Where else can a family vacation where they can frolic and enjoy a 45,000 surface acre lake like Table Rock Lake, with its 745 miles of shoreline, located just minutes away from the fun, excitement and adventure of everything else that a special place like Branson offers?

Whether its Silver Dollar City and KidsFest, the 12 acre two million gallon water park White Water, the Titanic Museum Attraction, Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, a tour through the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery, something as simple as a walk along the Branson Landing Boardwalk or any of dozens of other attractions and activities, Branson is filled with activities for families to share and enjoy together from the oldest to the youngest. It also has a variety of activities that can be enjoyed as a “slip away” such as shopping, championship golf, some of the finest bass and trout fishing available anywhere, scuba diving and much more.

“Branson is referred to by some as ‘The live music show capital of the world,'” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. “In terms of summer fun and excitement for families, it should be remembered however, that Branson’s live entertainment has not only some of the world’s best music, comedy and variety shows, all of which are suitable for children, but also has a number of shows that will have a special appeal for younger children and the whole family. These shows include a variety ranging from the Acrobats of China, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, NOAH the Musical, Hamner Barber Variety Show, the Showboat Branson Belle, Yakov’s Dinner Adventure, Dixie Stampede and many more.

You deserve a vacation with your family. Branson, Missouri offers the ideal combination of value, fun and excitement that will provide a vacation full of memories that will last a lifetime.

Memorial Day Weekend kicks off Branson’s summer outdoor season

BRANSON, Mo “Memorial Day Weekend in Branson is special,” says Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Not only is it a long weekend, but it signifies the beginning of the summer outdoor season in Branson that highlights one of the most unique aspects of what Branson has to offer, the natural outdoor beauty of the Ozarks.”

From its most popular and endeared attraction, Silver Dollar City, to its newest and biggest shopping mall, Branson Landing, Branson’s blend of natural beauty and lakes with everything else that Branson offers makes it a special unique family destination. What other major tourist destination offers the choice of great live entertainment, attractions, shopping and activities that Branson does all amid the natural wonder and beauty of a place like the Ozarks and less than five minutes from a pristine 43,000 acre lake?

“There are very few theme parks in the country, perhaps in the world,” said Kurtright, “where the surrounding natural environment has been integrated into the park the way it has with Silver Dollar City.” The view from the loops on its multi-loop world class coaster “Wildfire” is spectacular not only because of its beauty, but that it is combined with one of the most thrilling and exciting coaster rides available anywhere and is one illustration of how nature, Branson and the summer outdoor season go together.

to the excitement Silver Dollar city's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake.

Silver Dollar City’s “Bluegrass and BBQ Festival,” featuring over 50 Bluegrass bands and groups presenting hundreds of performances of Bluegrass music throughout the park as well as succulent BBQ served with a choice of over 100 sauces, runs from May 12 through May 30. Among other the Bluegrass groups,”Lonesome Road;” “Missouri Boatride;” “Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice;” “The Grascals,” 2010 SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year and the “Peterson Family,” winners of the “2010 Branson CAM Gospel Sing Off,” will be appearing during the Memorial Day Weekend.

Table Rock Lake provides Branson locals and visitors alike with 43,000 surface acres of potential aquatic fun, excitement and adventure. Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kick off a summer of fun on the lake including sunbathing, swimming, boating, water skiing, scuba diving and just about any other summer water activity a person would want to get involved in.

And speaking of water, Branson’s biggest water park, “White Water,” also will be open over Memorial Day Weekend. White Water offers more than two million gallons of water excitement and fun for Branson visitors featuring “Kalani Towers,” a 7- story, 6- slide thrill ride and more than a dozen rides. The 12 acre attraction has 7,000 feet of water slides all set in a tropical theme, a play area for toddlers and will be opening up its new “Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay” ride for the 2011 season. The Polynesian jungle themed ride has over 800 feet of “unexpected twists and turns, fountains, misters, bubblers, geysers, a 30-foot tall tiki water tower and more.”

From great golfing, ziplines, hiking, boating, fishing and just about any other outdoor activity a person could want Branson has it all. “The really nice thing,” says Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright “is how all the outdoor activities combine with Branson’s live shows, attractions, shopping and other exciting activities to provide a unique vacation experience not available anywhere else.

Kurtright points out  that Memorial Day Weekend is one of Branson’s busiest weekends and suggest advance reservations for lodging and shows to ensure availability and the best accommodations and seating. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson Landing and Branson is open and brimming over with fun, excitement and adventure

Even with the last of the rain showers passing through the area the Branson Landing Promenade is open for business.

BRANSON, Mo.  “All Branson Landing’s shops and retail stores are and have been open for business throughout this record high water and are providing our visitors with the same quality shopping experience as always,” said Tammy Scholten, the Director of Marketing for Branson Landing. Scholten pointed out that although it is located right on the banks of Lake Taneycomo, which is currently experiencing record high flows of water because of the water being released from Table Rock Dam, its retail promenade level, where all the landings retail shops are located, was built to permit their continued normal operation under conditions just like these.

She points out that the record releases have covered the fountains located at the lower levels, well away from its promenade level near the lake’s normal shoreline, forcing the temporary cancellation of the Fountain’s water, fire, light and music shows. In addition, it has resulted in the temporary closing of the floating White River Fish House Restaurant and the restaurants located on the east side of the promenade because of restrictions relating to using the propane their use for cooking which is located in the lower levels.

After talking with Sholten, this writer walked the Branson Landing promenade and did not find one shop or store that was closed. He enjoyed lunch at “Charley’s Grilled Subs,” serving what he considers the best steak sub in Branson. As he walked back to his car he observed many, just like himself enjoying themselves and having a good time.

Some might be asking the question, “But the media is showing pictures of Branson being flooded, how can Branson Landing, located right on the shoreline of the very lake that is flooding still be open?” The answer is simple, “Because the vast majority of Branson, particularly the areas of Branson containing its shopping, shows, attractions, and a host of other exciting and fun filled activities has not been impacted one iota by the record high water levels.” The pictures and stories in the media are based on what is happening to a few homes and businesses in certain low-lying areas directly off of Lake Taneycomo and do not relate to any of Branson’s shows, attractions, and shopping; historic Downtown or other areas normally frequented by the majority Branson’s visitors.
Branson Landing and Branson is open and brimming over with fun, excitement and adventure

On April 27th Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that the few areas affected by the record high water levels in Branson are primarily residential areas that the typical Branson tourist would not be visiting. She points out that these areas are located quite a distance from Branson’s shows, attractions and those activities that the majority of Branson’s guests participate in and will not impact on their Branson experience at all.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services reports that all of Branson’s attractions, shows, and major tourist activities are open and have not been impacted by what is happening in some of the low-lying areas of Lake Taneycomo. She said that anyone having a questions about the availability of Branson shows, attractions or lodging may call BTC using their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or reach them through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

From Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo on the east to Silver Dollar City on the west, Branson is open and sharing its new 2011 Branson season with even more excitement, adventure and entertainment than ever. It’s not only a great entertainment experience, but a great value. Why not plan to share it with your family this season?

Table Rock Lake guide, Larry “Doc” Seger breaks into PAA’s top ten

CPAA's Jim Thompson, right and Larry "Doc" Seger.

BRANSON, Mo. “I am honored to be fishing in the PAA this year and satisfied, at this point, with my tenth place finish in my first tournament,” said Larry “Doc” Seger, a Table Rock Lake guide from Kimberling City, Mo. Doc’s comment came shortly after the Professional Angler’s Association (PAA) held their first tournament of the “2011 Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix” on Lake Lanier in northeast Georgia March 31st through April 2nd.

“I caught every fish on a Chompers 3/8 ounce Pro Shaky Head Jig with a Green Pumpkin Salty Sinker soaked in Chompers Formula G Garlic,” he said. During the first two days he limited out, but on the last day he only caught two fish. He said that last day was windy, the bass had changed the way they were hitting and he had trouble feeling the hits. As a result, although he estimates he had about 10 bites, he only hooked and brought two to the boat.

Doc indicated that his satisfaction at this point stems from the fact that he took tenth place out of a field of over 60 of the finest professional fishermen in the country, won over $6,900 in his first PAA tournament and is in an excellent position to qualify for the “Toyota Texas Bass Classic” (TTBC) to be held October 28 – 30 at Lake Conroe in Conroe, TX. The top 15 finishers in the PAA’s regular tournament series, consisting of three tournaments, the one just completed at Lake Lanier, the second to be held on Table Rock Lake June 23 – 25 and the third on Neely Henry Lake in Gadsden, AL August 18 – 20, will go on to compete in the TTBC.

The TTBC has a unique championship format in that its field is made up of the top 15 fishermen from the three major national bass fishing circuits, the FLW, BASS, and the PAA all fishing against each other. Last year the TTBC was won by Brian Snowden of Reeds Spring, Mo, who bested Mike Iaconelli by just over a pound and won $110,000 and a new bass boat in the process.

Seger points that just qualifying for TTBC means that you have already earned tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes as a result of fishing just the three PAA Tournaments. “Depending on the number of competitors in each tournament there is up to $250,000 in cash and prizes to be won in each,” he continued.

He said that he is focusing on one tournament at a time with the next PAA tournament being conducted on his home lake and the lake that he guides on, “Table Rock Lake.” When asked if that gave him an advantage he said that although fishing your home lake is obviously an advantage that the playing field is leveled for all the fishermen by the PAA’s 30 day off limits rule. This rule prohibits any tournament fisherman from fishing on a tournament lake within 30 days of the tournament.

Doc says the journey with PAA has been a wonderful experience starting with his winning the Central Pro-Am Association’s “Angler of the Year” in 2010. One of the prizes for winning that title was an all expense ‘ride’ to fish the entire 2011 PAA Tournament Series, including paid entry fees, food, fuel and lodging allowances worth, with entry fees etc. over $18,000. He credits his experience in fishing with the Central Pro-Am Association over the years for helping put him his current position.

Jim Thompson the owner of Central Pro-Am Association said, “Larry is a great fisherman and all-around good guy. We congratulate him on his great finish, are very proud of his accomplishments and wish him well on his wonderful journey.”

New excitement as the Showboat Branson Belle again cruises Table Rock Lake

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle as she leave the dock on her first cruise of 2011.

BRANSON, Mo. – Amid an aura of excitement, Senior Captain Don McMahon edged the Showboat Branson Belle away from her moorings at the White River Landing on Table Rock Lake for its 4:00 p.m. cruise on April 7. It  marked the beginning of a new era for the magnificent ship as she cruised the waters of Table Rock Lake for the first time since she drifted ashore in December of 2010.

Jim Moeskau, General Manager of the Showboat said that they were excited to actually be cruising again and being able to add that element back into the experience that is the “Showboat Branson Belle.” He went on to say that, in addition to a brand new state of the art propulsion system, major changes have been made to the interior of the ship, particularly the show room, lighting, the show and the menu. He said, “It’s an all new experience this year. Even if you have been on the showboat before you really haven’t experienced anything like you will experience this year.”

He points out that the show is completely different from anything the Showboat has had in its 15 year history. Entitled “ENCORE!,” it features the artistry and talent of Janice Martin, a world class, Julliard trained violinist, musician and vocalist as she brings her unique talents to the Branson Belle’s stage. One of the highlights of the show is her aerial silk performance high above the stage as she plays the violin.

Also appearing in ENCORE! is a new six man vocal and dancing group called “The Showmen” who perform a powerful blend of harmonies and solo performances with a variety of music from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s. Christopher James will be returning as the master of ceremonies, magician and comedian, and the Showboat’s signature live band “Rockin’ Dockers” complete the shows cast.

“In addition to the new show, there is an entirely new menu,” Moeskau said. The dinner cruise includes Beef Tenderloin in a Cabernet Sauce and Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs with a touch of Dijon Sauce, Sweet Potato Mash and French Green Beans and a fabulous dessert, “Anna Belle’s Golden Brittle Torte” drizzled with caramel.

“Ladona,” who recently experienced the 2011 Showboat experience prior to today’s cruise said, “This is a great show for any age with great food and service. I loved the shows variety with music, magic, an aerialist and the violin and the way it rotates between the different acts to keep things fresh and moving along. My favorite performer was Janice Martin, the violinist, aerialist and singer and my favorite part of the show was when she  played “Stairway to Heaven” on the violin while doing her aerial silk act.”

“We at Branson Tourism Center share the excitement of having the Showboat Branson Belle again cruising on Table Rock Lake.” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is one of our most popular shows and attractions receiving consistently high reviews from our clients and staff.”

For additional information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle 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 by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Showboat Branson Belle cruises into 2011 with exciting new shows and menu

Showboat Branson Belle cruising on Table Rock Lake. *

(Branson, Missouri) “The wonder and freshness of Spring is not the only thing causing excitement in Branson, Missouri, the ‘Live music show capital of the world,”‘ said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “When the Showboat Branson Belle starts its 2011 season on March 25. plying the beautiful waters of Table Rock Lake, it will be cruising into the biggest year of change it has had in its 15 years of providing fun, excitement, entertainment, great food and ‘memories worth repeating,'” she continued.

Johnson said that information received from the Showboat indicates there will be two new shows this year along with new costumes, performers, sets, staging, lighting, décor and a new menu.

Janice Martin performing the unique aerial silk segment of her headline act while playing beautiful music. It is an amazing thing to see and it's just part of what this amazing performer does.

The show for the evening cruises will be “ENCORE!,” featuring the artistry and talent of Janice Martin, a world class violinist and vocalist as she brings her unique “high-flying theatrics to the Showboat stage.” Martin has performed in concert halls all over the world including Paris, Tokyo and Prague as well as the White House and Carnegie Hall. This writer had the opportunity to see this amazing artist perform during Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest last year and was amazed not only by her musical talents, but beauty, grace and skill involved with her aerial “silk” performance.

Also appearing in ENCORE! will be a new six man vocal and dancing group called “The Showmen” who will entertain Showboat passengers with a powerful blend of harmonies and solo performances. Returning, as the master of ceremonies, is Showboat favorite, magician and comedian, Christopher James and the Showboat’s signature live band “Rockin’ Dockers.”

Comedian and musician Chris Pendleton headlines the Showboats all new "Funny Fiddle" show.*

The Showboat Branson Belle’s daytime Comedy Cruises in mid-may will present “Funny Fiddle” featuring Chris Pendleton who is a nationally featured comedian and musician that has appeared on Fox network, Lifetime, Showtime and A& E’s “Evening at the Improv.” Appearing with Pendleton as emcee and fiddler will be Branson favorite and master at the fiddle, Dean Church.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “The Showboats new menu sounds scrumptious.” Chef Larry’s succulent entrée offerings include Royal Beef Roast and Chicken Focaccia dressed with Dijon Sauce for lunch and Braised Filet of Beef Tenderloin in a Cabernet Sauce and Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs with a touch of Dijon Sauce for dinner; salads featuring homemade Tomato Basil Croutons; Sweet Potato Mash and French Green Beans and Anna Belle’s Golden Brittle Torte drizzled with Caramel. Johnson also points out that all the meals are prepared in the ships galley and that, in addition to the Showboats regular menu there are specialty dining options available such as the “Paddlewheel Club Room” and “Captains Row.”

For tickets or additional information on the new and exciting things happening on the Showboat Branson Belle 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.

* Picture courtesy of Showboat Branson Belle

** Picture courtesy of www.JaniceMartin.Com

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.

Branson’s Table Rock Lake hosts special Fall events for Ironmen and Kids

Launching the Branson.Com boat into Table Rock Lake for the Purple Heart tournament held earlier this year.

“Branson is blessed with Table Rock Lake and its 43,000 acres of pristine water for fishing, boating, swimming and other activities. That, along with the natural beauty of the Ozarks Mountains and Branson’s great selection of shows, attractions, restaurants, shopping and other entertainment,  provide the synergy for a wonderful and unique travel experience,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Over the next few weeks and into the Fall, Table Rock Lake will be the home of a number of special events hosting everyone from Ironmen to kids and fishermen to families and kids.”

Kurtright points out that the “KSwiss Ironman 70.3 Branson Inaugural Race,” a triathlon, will be held in Branson, Missouri on September 19. The triathletes will be competing against each other in a test of endurance for a share of  $25,000 in prize money and to qualify for the “2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3″ in Clearwater, Florida. The course includes a 1.2 mile swim in Table Rock Lake, a 56 mile bike race through the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains and a 26.2 mile run ending at the Branson Landing Fountains on the shores of Lake Taneycomo.

The “Central Pro-Am Association’s (CPAA) Pro-Am and Team Tournament Series” will end its 2010 season with a Pro-Am Tournament on August 21 and a Team Tournament on August 22 out of Ahoy’s in Kimberling City. Jim Thompson, the owner of CPAA points out that this tournament will determine the CPAA Pro and Amateur Champions of the year. “That’s a real big deal this year,” said Thompson. “In addition to the CPAA tournament winnings, the highest placed finisher in both the Pro and Non Boater (Amateur) Divisions, who are also members of the Professional Anglers Association, will win a paid ‘ride’ to fish the entire 2011 PAA Tournament Series including paid entry fees, food, fuel and lodging allowances for the entire season.”

The final event in the national “Professional Anglers Association’s (PAA) 2010 Tournament Season” will be held on Table Rock Lake October 14 through October 16. The tournament is jointly hosted by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and BransonOnTheWeb, an affiliate of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. The PAA anglers will be competing for $400,000 in prizes, will depart the State Park Marina daily with the weigh-ins scheduled for the State Park Marina on October 14 and 15 and at “Branson Landing/Bass Pro Shops” on Oct. 16.

On October 23, KTTS Radio, Central Pro-Am Association and K.A.S.T. (Kids Are Special Too)  will join together at the Port of Kimberling Marina to help fight childhood cancer with a benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event will combine a Buddy Bass Tournament hosted by Central Pro-Am and KTTS and a family fun event hosted by K.A.S.T and KTTS.

The tournament will start at 7:00 a.m. with a weigh-in at 3:00 p.m. The entry fee per team is $170.00 with 70 % going for payouts and 30% to St. Jude’s. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. there will be fun and games for the kids with a kid’s fishing contest, casting contest, games, treats and lots of fun for families. CPAA’s Thompson encourages all fishermen to enter the tournament and invites all families with children to participate in the family fun event.

Kurtright reminds everyone that as these events are taking place on Table Rock Lake that Branson and all it has to offer is but minutes away. Couple that with the Fall of the year in the Ozark Mountains and Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival and the opportunities for fun and excitement in Branson seem as numerous as the beautifully colored leaves that will be falling from the trees.

Because of the Fall Foliage, Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival and all the other exciting events going on in Branson in October such as “The Front Men” featuring Alabama’s Randy Owen, Lonestar’s Richie McDonald and Restless Heart’s Larry Stewart together in one concert, he recommends that advance reservations be made for shows and lodging to ensure not only availability, but to obtain the best seating and accommodations available. Kurtright offers the service of Branson Tourism Center in that regard and points out that 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.