In a May 23email discussing the opening of Branson Landing on May 26, Linda Antus, a spokesperson for the project, said, “The Branson Landing is moving from project to destination.” The email was a reply to a May 22, 2006 email sent by “The Ole Seagull” to Antus containing a series of questions about what the public can expect in Branson Landing as of May 26, 2006.
Bass Pro Shops will open to the public on June 8. The other major anchor, Belk, a department store, opened to the public on Mar. 30.
The email indicates that Branson Landing is “94% leased”and that 50 tenants including Belk will be open Memorial Weekend.” Antus said, “Openings will continue weekly over the next several months.”
On May 26, “Famous Dave’s,” a Bar-B-Que restaurant, will be opening. According to the reply it is expected that “Garfield’s will follow by June 1 with the other restaurants expected to open as follows: Waxy O’Shea’s June 16, Sullivan’s in June; Joe’s Crab Shack in July,” the White River Fish Company possibly in August, “Liberty Tavern in late September with Hilton; Cantina Laredo and Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding in late October.”
It appears that the $8 million “fire and water” show, one of Branson Landings major features, will not be fully operational as of May 26. When asked the questions “What is the anticipated operational status of the fountain as of the May 26 opening?” and “If the shows will not be starting as of that date is there an anticipated date,” the reply was, “We hope to have the water portion of the fountains working. Official dedication of the Water and Fire attraction will be on June 16 for the Summer Celebration.”
The other major unique feature of Branson Landing, the 3000 foot board walk along
In describing her vision of the Branson Landing experience, Antus said, “The promenade makes it feel like a small city within the city of
The 2006 edition of 
Where can you find the nation’s largest ship cruising a landlocked lake, with elegant dining and a spectacular show inside a 700-seat atrium-style dining theater – along with live talking dogs? In 
The show Showstoppers! presents showstopping hits in the ship’s dining theater. The cast of singers and dancers performs music from Broadway to the big screen, from “Phantom of the Opera” to “Old Time Rock ‘N’ Roll.”Featured comedian and ventriloquist Todd Oliver, named Branson’s best variety act three years in a row, performs with his famous wise-cracking talking dog Irving, who has been showcased with Oliver on national television shows and specials including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Sharing the stage with 
The 8th Annual Main Street Hoops
One of the more interesting and unique aspects of Branson Fest is what is called the “big shows.”These shows will be held daily inside the Welk Theatre and provide an opportunity to experience a broad variety of Branson’s entertainment venues. Each “big show,” is completely different and features a variety of different Branson Shows presenting a portion of their new 2006 shows. As the list of performers’ changes we will update it here,
New for 2006, Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest presents a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the world-renowned Moscow Circus, with stunning acrobatics showcased in a show custom designed for Silver Dollar City, and the Zunyi Acrobats of China for their first 
This year, visitors will be treated to an unprecedented variety of live entertainment and vacation thrills. The $420 million Branson Landing shopping, dining, Hilton Hotel lodging and waterfront lifestyle development, the largest of its kind in the state’s history, is set to open beginning May 26. 
2006 marks the second boom in Branson’s phenomenal history as one of the country’s top family vacation destinations and promises to bring visitors more stars, more music, more shopping, dining, luxury accommodations, championship golf courses and vacation housing opportunities, according to Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.
2006 Grammy winner ,and one of the most famous blues singer/guitarist in the world today, B.B. King, is coming to Branson for two performances on Feb. 18 and 19. Welk-Sullivan Productions announced today that King, The King of the Blues, will perform on Saturday, February 18th at 
Ronnie McDowell will perform at the Welk Resort Theatre in 
Guests visiting the area in 2006 can expect to see new shows, attractions, special events, festivals, restaurants, lodging amenities, retail shops, outdoor recreational activities and more as the Branson/Lakes Area continues to grow and expand its wealth of vacation opportunities.
Branson entertainer Jim Barber has accepted an invitation to entertain at the 78th Academy Awards Scientific and Technical Achievements Awards gala black tie dinner on Saturday, February 18, 2006.
In 
I finally got to make it to Branson just before Thanksgiving and I really enjoyed it! In each of the five shows that I got to see, Christmas was being celebrated! It was so wonderful to celebrate the Savior’s birth before December, when things really get hectic. It was a perfect way to start the holiday season!
After the show, my brother and I stayed behind to buy some CD’s and visit with one of the trail hands. I don’t remember his name, but he said that he was “living a dream” and I couldn’t agree with him more! I sure enjoyed being there to live it with him! 
At the outset an Ole Seagull must admit that he can’t read a note of music and doesn’t know a “beet” from a “beat,” but even he knew that he was listening to something special as he listened to the Gatlin Brothers and Lennon Sisters present their Christmas Show at the Welk Theatre in Branson, Missouri on the afternoon of Nov. 19, 2005. On their own, each group has that unique special blend of natural singing ability and harmony that God blesses very few families with. But when the two groups combine to present the Christmas portion of the show that blessing is multiplied exponentially, creating a synergy and spirit that fills ones heart with the true meaning of Christmas even as they realize that they are participating in a very special entertainment experience.
The main highlight was when the Lennon Sisters and the Gatlins sang a medley of Christmas carols accompanied only by Steve Smith and Mike Cathcart on the guitar. The blending of their voices and harmonies with the beautiful guitar playing of Steve and Mike results in a simple elegant expression of the Christmas spirit. Or was it the Lennon Sisters rendition “Ave Maria,” or the number where two of Janet’s “angel” grand daughters, Lia, 6, and Ana 4, stood watch over the baby Jesus as their grandmother and her sisters sang His praises. Maybe it was the combined voices and the power and conviction of the grand finale.
One of the nation’s most highly acclaimed festivals presents the world’s most famous choir when Branson’s Silver Dollar City showcases the Vienna Boys Choir* in special performances during An Old Time Christmas, which runs November 5 – December 30 at the theme park in Branson, Mo.
The Ozarks’ premier fall festival showcases the best of the classic West when Silver Dollar City adds a new Salute to the Great American Cowboy for the biggest ever Festival of American Music & Crafts, running September 8 – October 29 at the theme park near Branson.
If the Ole Seagulls recent experience at Branson’s Jersey Mike’s Subs is any indication, they have taken the advice of Peter Cancro, the man who started the tradition that has become know as Jersey Mike’s to heart. That advice is, “We’re only as good as the sandwich that comes across the counter and the smiling face that prepares and serves it.”
All the meats and cheeses used in their sandwiches are displayed in a deli style display. Each meat or cheese going on the sandwich is taken from the case and hand sliced. In the case “The Original” that is generous portions generous portions of ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, Salami, and Pepperoni, and Provolone cheese. You can combine that with your choice of freshly sliced veggies such as onions, tomatoes, lettuce, yes they hand slice their own lettuce, pickles, peppers etc. and condiments.
On both of the occasions that the Ole Seagull was in the restaurant one or both of the owners and operators, Chris and Alison Pfatenhauer were present and actively running the store. From the first step in the store, with its bright clean appearance, to the quality look of their sliced tomatoes and veggies and the enthusiastic, caring, smiling attitude of the staff you can tell that it is a reflection of the commitment of the owners.
Fiddlers from all around the 
In 
Danna’s also has a shop at the State Park Marina called the “Boat House” which is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. Smaller menu with the same great taste and quality. Pick it up by car or boat or eat it at the picnic tables provided right on the covered dock out on 
nternationally known hammered dulcimer virtuoso and accomplished fiddler, 
From the first note to the last note, as Branson’s Doug Gabriel sings, the audience hears testimony as to why he was voted Branson’s Male Vocalist of the year five times. His powerful and sensitive voice clearly and precisely captures every note, word, and nuance of the music he sings. From gospel to contemporary, rock and roll and everything in between Doug does it all and does it well.
The show features three other vocalists Doug’s lovely wife Cheryl, Susan Burr, and Dale Grubaugh who is also the shows MC. Cheryl and Doug’s Donnie and Marie Osmond Tribute was neat. Cheryl’s version of Faith Hill’s “The Way You Love Me” is really special.
On the evening of June 17, 2005, the Ole Seagull, his wife Lois, and two friends, Joe and Jean from Cotter, AR, ate at TonyZ’s Italian Ristorante and Lounge located at 
Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo the Voice of Magic” is appearing at the Welk Theatre in 
To an Ole Seagull it’s almost magical in itself how one person can put so much non stop energy into a performance. Even on a day when he was recovering from a illness, Darren was on stage just about every minute of the show, either performing an illusion or singing, more than likely doing both at once, while constantly interacting with his audience and developing a personal rapport with them.
Branson, 
Had the opportunity to see Branson’s newest magician, 19 year old, Justin Flom perform his show on the evening of May 6, 2005 at the Branson Mall Theatre. It’s almost magical in itself how this young man can perform so well. That is until one realizes that he comes from a family that performs magic and has been involved with magic since he was two.
Jim Stafford, critically-acclaimed by the Chicago Tribune as the “Victor Borge of the guitar”, is adding two more dates to the 2005 schedule of his Branson show, Monday, May 2nd, and Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:30 PM.
When representatives from 14 countries around the world from 
Guests visiting the area in 2005 can expect to see new shows, attractions, special events, festivals, restaurants, lodging amenities, retail shops, outdoor recreational activities and more as the Branson/Lakes Area continues to grow and expand its wealth of vacation amenities.
The American Bus Association recently announced its annual “Top 100 Events in 
The Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Missouri is presenting an all-new super launch coaster for Spring 2005 that shoots riders into a thrill zone within seconds of climbing aboard, launching them from 0 to 53 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds.Constructed around and within the forests of the 
Experience some of Branson’s world-famous Ozarks hospitality during Hot Winter Fun in January, February and March. You can go shopping, enjoy a variety of dining options, take in a museum, play golf, reel in a record-sized bass on 
Ralna English of “The Lawrence Welk Show” will appear IN PERSON at the Branson Walgreens, 210 State Highway 165, Saturday, November 6 from Noon to 1 PM to autograph her latest CD, “My God, My Country.” Ralna’s CD is available for purchase at this Walgreens location, as well as Walgreens in Arizona, California, Texas and Florida. 
Carrie Joy Andreas of Edwardsville, Ill., has claimed the title of the first Branson Idol on Oct. 22, according to Branson entertainer Doug Gabriel, the show’s creator and producer.
On the morning of August 31, 2004 this writer had the opportunity to take a ride on Branson’s newest attraction, “The Branson Balloon,” which just opened for business this week. From the size of the balloon, 200,000 cubic feet and over 10 stories tall, through the slow, silent, and smooth tethered flight to an altitude of 500 feet, and the breathtaking view of Branson and the Ozarks from that height it was, to say the least, an impressive experience. 
Silver Dollar 
Long sunny days, hot summer nights and that rumble in the air can only mean one thing it’s time for car enthusiasts from all over the country to roll into Branson again! The Super Summer Cruise at The Shepherd of the Hills, running from runs August 12-14, is one of the most popular automotive events in the country, and with some exciting additions, 2004 promises to be the biggest year yet.
I was going to begin this review by saying that Shoji Tabuchi is a phenomenon but that is not quite right. Shoji Tabuchi is more of what one would call an event. He has been an event ever since he landed on our shores nearly 30 years ago.
For those who may not know, Cirque is French for circus. That is to set the stage and have everyone on the same page as we talk about the newest show in Branson, Neil Goldberg’s production of “Cirque.” “Cirque” is playing now at the Remington Theater.