Branson Courier

Month: March 2003

  • 11 th Annual Branson Fest Apr 8 -12

    Edited by: Gary J. Groman



    Entertainment offerings meet outdoor adventure at 11th annual Branson Fest



    BRANSON, MO –– March 21, 2003 – As Branson Fest embarks upon its second decade of introducing Branson’s entertainment offerings to the world it will sport a new dimension on April 8 – 12 at the Welk Resort Theatre.



    For the first time in Branson Fest’s 11 year history an Adventure Village will be part of the entertainment arena.Spring in the Ozarks is the perfect time to introduce Branson’s outdoor appeal – the dogwoods are blooming, the red buds are budding out and activities on the lakes and streams are beginning to pick up.



    The outdoor segment won’t be the only new facet of Branson Fest in 2003.The traditional days of Wednesday – Sunday have been changed to Tuesday – Saturday.The festivities will kick-off at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 and will conclude Saturday, April 12 at 6 p.m.



    However, what has become the Branson Fest trademark, the sampling of area shows under one roof and on one stage will continue.Each day of the event visitors can attend an indoor concert, Tuesday 7 p.m. and Wednesday – Saturday 2 p.m., that will feature legendary performers such as Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Jim Stafford, the Baldknobbers Jamboree, the World Famous Platters, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the Lennon Brothers and Gail Lennon and new performers Jimmy Osmond and Roy Rogers, Jr. and the High Riders.



    Hospitality and Business Expo



    This year’s Hospitality and Business Expo area includes autograph sessions, give aways, contests and more. The 12,000 square foot tent at the Welk Resort Theatre will be filled with more than 60 booths that offer a sample of Branson’s finest attractions, businesses and theatres.


    The Hospitality and Business Expo features representatives from area theaters, attractions, businesses and civic organizations on hand to answer questions about the various shows and entertainment at their venues or provide information. Here visitors will get the chance to visit with their favorite Branson entertainers during autograph sessions. Visitors can also pick up free information, prizes and give-aways at the Hospitality and Business Expo.



    Arts, Culture and Heritage



    The spotlight is on Ozark Mountain culture and heritage at the Arts, Culture and Heritage tent. Visitors have the opportunity to view the art of nationally recognized Branson artists, and autograph sessions allow visitors to meet the artists.Each day will feature a special artist demonstrating his or her unique craft.



    Real American Entertainment – The Real American Entertainment Tent holds a stage where festival visitors can see a variety of performances from local shows and organizations. The line-up of outdoor entertainers includes such stars as Girls Day Out, Jim Owen, the Legends in Concert cast, Connie Tillis, Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection and the American Kids.



    “Streetmosphere” – Branson Fest “Streetmosphere” will be featured throughout the festival outside the tents.Dance troupes, choirs, flag corps, special demonstrations, a clown and costumed characters will entertain visitors during the warm spring days of Branson Fest.



    Taste of Branson – Inside the Taste of Branson Food Tent, guests can sample traditional Ozarks cuisine and enjoy some of the best fare from several of Branson’s finest eating


    establishments.



    Hike, Bike, Fish, Golf and More – Out Branson’s Backdoor



    The new Adventure Village area of Branson Fest will feature insight into Branson’s significant outdoor appeal.Visitors will be able to collect information on the local golf courses, maps of the local hiking trails and visit with some of the leading outdoor enthusiast in the Branson/Lakes Area.



    Benefit Contribution


    Proceeds from Branson Fest 2003 will support Mountain Country Habitat for Humanity.Over the years Branson Fest has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the local Habitat for Humanity, enabling them to build houses in our community.


  • 2003 Branson Fest Concert Schedule

    Although subject to change, the following is a schedule of the Super Shows and the Artists that will be appearing as of March 30, 2003.


    Tuesday, April 8 – 7:00 pm



    HOSTS:Mike Radford and Ronnie Prophet


    Lost In The Fifties (Starlite Theatre)


    Mike Radford (Music City Centre Theatre)


    Splinter Middleton and Down Home Country (Grand Country Music Hall)


    Red Skelton, A Tribute by Tom Mullica (Branson Mall Theatre)


    Dino Kartsonakis (Welk Theater)


    Us Girls- Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Mary Lou Turner (Jim Stafford Theatre)


    Price and McCoy (Show Boat Branson Belle)


    Doug Gabriel (Legends Family Theater)


    Delene (Hughes Brothers Theatre)


    Legends In Concert- Tom Bongiorno as Neil Diamond (Legends Family Theatre)



    Wednesday, April 9 – 2:00 pm


    HOST:Quinton Young


    Spirit of the Dance(Branson Variety Theater)


    Broadway! The Star Spangled Celebration (Branson Variety Theater)


    Rick Langston, Keepin’ It Country (Little Opry Theater-IMAX)


    Back To The 70’s (Americana Theater)


    Kirby Vanburch (Reminton Theatre)


    Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (The Will Rogers Theater)


    Lennon Brothers and Gail Lennon (Fifties At The Hop Theater)


    Dalena and Johnny Lee (The Americana Threatre)


    Moe Bandy (Majestic Theater)


    Eli Barsi (Sons of the Pioneer Theatre)


    Jimmy Osmond’s American Jukebox Show (The American Jukebox Theater)



    Thursday, April 10 – 2:00 pm


    HOST:Jim Owen


    Baldknobbers Jamboree (Baldknobbers Theater)


    Jim Owen (Starlite Theater)


    The Grand Jubilee (Grand Country Music Hall)


    Todd Oliver (Show Boat Branson Belle)


    The Hughes Brothers (The Hughes Brothers Theatre)


    Buck Trent (Buck Trent Breakfast Show)


    Allen Edwards (Golden Corral)


    Denny Yeary and Sheila Renee (Show Town Theater)


    Gold Wing Express (Little Opry Theater-IMAX)


    Country Tonite (Country Tonite Theater)



    Friday, April 11 – 2:00 pm



    HOST:Paul Harris


    Presley’s Jubilee (Presley Theater)


    Incredible Acrobats of China (MGH Performing Arts Center)


    50’s At The Hop (560’s At The Hop Theater)


    American Kids- raising America (Majestic Theater)


    The Lowe Family of Utah (Welk Theater))


    The Haygood Family (Music City Centre)


    John Tweed (Caravell Theater)


    Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection (Silver Dollar City)


    The Platters (ShowTown Theater)


    The Paul Harris Show (The Caravel Theater)




    Saturday, April 12 – 2:00 pm


    HOST:Tim Padilla


    Pierce Arrow (Pierce Arrow Theater)


    Jim Stafford (Jim Stafford Theater)


    Roy Rogers, Jr. and The High Riders (Happy Trails Theater)


    Kelly Cash- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat (Mansion America)


    Cracklin’ Rose (The Grand Palace)


    Magnificent 7 (White House Theater)


    Smoke on the Mountain (Little Opry Theater-IMAX)


    Brett Family Singers (The American Jukebox Theater)


    Nell Whitherspoon (Studio city Café)


    The Number One Hits of the 60’s, (Welk Resort Theater)


  • 10th Annual IMAX® FilmFest through April 20

    10th Annual IMAX® FilmFest kicks off a year of new adventures in Branson



    (Branson, Missouri) The 10th Annual IMAX® FilmFest is kicking off the 2003 season of new giant-screen IMAX® adventures in the Ozarks Discovery IMAX® Theater in Branson. The festival features several limited engagement IMAX® films plus “favorite” IMAX® adventures now through April 20th.



    “In addition to the limited engagement films during FilmFest, this year we¹ll add two additional IMAX® films to our permanent schedule,” said Heather Garvin, director of advertising and public relations for the IMAX® Entertainment Complex.



    During the 2003 FilmFest, travel through the forests of China, dive into the most beautiful underwater images, brave the cold temperatures of the South Pole and find yourself in the center of blazing oil fields all without leaving your seat.



    In China: The Panda Adventure, follow a woman who travels into the mysterious forests of China to follow in her late husband¹s dream of bringing back to America the first live giant panda. Knowing that her husband had come so close to realizing his dream, she is inspired to fulfill his quest. This film combines spectacular images of a foreign land with breathtaking scenes of giant pandas. Witness courage and triumph of the human spirit in this incredible true story of hope.



    Dive in to enter an extraordinary world as Coral Reef Adventure visits some of the world¹s most beautiful, yet endangered coral reefs. Join the filmmaking team, Howard and Michelle Hall, as they risk their life to bring back powerful, unimaginably beautiful IMAX images. This film brings up to the surface the sights, sounds and stirring emotions that those who visit the awe-inspiring ocean realm of coral reefs experience. Coral reefs have never been so mesmerizing.



    Shackleton¹s Antarctic Adventure is the ultimate story of survival, where life triumphs against fierce conditions and challenges. This exploration narrated by Kevin Spacey, follows Ernest Shackleton and his brave crew on a 635-day trek to the South Pole. A well-rounded crew of officers, sailors, scientists and renowned photographer, Frank Hurley responded to the following recruitment notice for this journey: Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success. Battered by 100 mile-an-hour winds and 70 º below zero temperatures, twenty-seven men put their lives in the hands of one hero.



    Find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with firefighters in the center of a blazing field, in Fires of Kuwait. This film is a visual testimony to the remarkable heroism of the men and women who extinguished over 600 burning and gushing oil wells sabotaged by the retreating Iraqi troops in the aftermath of the Gulf War in Kuwait. Follow the drama and ultimate victory of the international teams of firefighters who battled these incredible flames.



    These IMAX® films show daily during FilmFest from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. along with Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West and Branson¹s exclusive IMAX® film Ozarks Legacy and Legend. At 9 p.m. every evening, catch your favorite Hollywood movies shown on the giant IMAX® screen. The Ozarks Discovery IMAX® Theater has a 6-story-tall by 83-feet wide screen accompanied by a 22,000-watt, 44-speaker, 6-track digital surround sound system. The theater is the focal point of Branson¹s IMAX® Entertainment Complex, which also has the Elite Cinema III, Little Opry Theatre, McFarlain¹s Family Restaurant, the IMAX Food Court and an indoor shopping mall.



    For more information or show schedules, check on-line at www.bransonimax.com or call
    (417) 335-4832.

  • Traffic study recommends 8.6 million in road improvements

    Traffic study recommends $8.6 million in road improvements



    By Chandra Huston, Staff Writer, Branson Daily Independent



    The long awaited final report of a traffic study of the downtown area was finally released at the Branson Board of Aldermen’s special work session with the Taney County Commission on Thursday, March 20.Berger Devine Yaeger, Inc. representatives Dane Ismart and Gary Vandelicht presented the final report of Phase One to the board, with the recommendation of roundabouts for several roads.



    Phase One looks only at Business 65, Skaggs Road and Box Car Willie Drive if there were a fully developed Branson Landing.The series of three roundabouts would be on the U.S. Highway 65 southbound ramps and Highway 248 as well as the northbound lanes and on Business 65 at Skaggs Road, Parnell Drive and Box Car Willie Drive.



    BDY Inc. also recommended four lanes for Box Car Willie Drive from Main Street across Roark Creek to the intersection of Skaggs Road and Business 65, additional lanes between Business 65 and U.S. Highway 65 and the interchange to Skaggs Road, widening the bridge over U.S. Highway 65 to four lanes and an additional lane on Highway 65 northbound on the onramp.



    Ismart said there are two alternatives for the city. Alternative One consists of widening the bridge over Highway 65 to four lanes, adding two additional lanes on Business 65, creating an extension with four lanes for Box Car Willie Drive and making a five-legged roundabout. The alternative would cost the city an estimated $8.6 million.



    Alternative Two consists of widening the bridge over Highway 65 to six lanes, adding two additional lanes on Business 65 and creating an extension with four lanes for Box Car Willie Drive. The alternative would cost the city an estimated $10.1 million.



    Ismart said the company recommends Alternative One. “These improvements will handle your traffic coming into and out of the Branson Landing development through the Business 65 north corridor,” he said. “By saying handling, I mean it will be an acceptable level of service for the year 2010.”



    Some residents said roundabouts could make the traffic problem worse. “I don’t think it’s going to work,” Bob Schanz said. “You are just going to have traffic backed up in the roundabout. All you need is another bridge over Taneycomo.”



    Taney County Commissioner Don Swan questioned how tourists would be able to navigate a roundabout. “For that little old man or lady it’s going to be confusing,” he said. “A stranger to our city will not know where to turn and will end up going around and around in circles.”


    Ismart said the improvements would require “major reconstruction” and more land would have to be acquired.City Administrator Terry Dody said there is $10 million set aside of a total of $28 million in the budget to deal with traffic problems.

  • Will the Governor “slobber” in his cornflakes too?”

    Will City and developer STIF indiscretions cause the Governor to “slobber” in his cornflakes too?”



    By Gary J. Groman



    In last weeks column entitled, The MOAT, “Mother of All TIFs,” vs the STIF or “Whoops, someone slobbered in their corn flakes,” the Ole Seagull asked a question regarding the STIF, State TIF financing, for the Branson Landing project.The question was, “How could anyone, sign an affidavit specifying that the redevelopment area could not be reasonably anticipated to be developed without the State TIF?”



    Well, it didn’t take too long to get an answer.On Monday, March 17, 2003, via email, Mr. Rick Huffman, one of the “members” of “HCW Development Company, L.L.C., said, “The reason I have signed an affidavit is because what I said is true.”



    “Truth” is defined as, “Conformity to fact or actuality.”In “fact” and “actuality” the law, as applies to the Branson Landing Affidavit, is very simple and straightforward.It does not appear to require either the wisdom of a Solomon or the legal expertise of a lawyer to read and apply.



    The statutory requirement for getting State Tax Increment Financing, the STIF, requires that the municipality submit an application to the state.In it, the “municipality shall include,” among other things, an affidavit, signed by the developer, “specifying that the redevelopment area would not be reasonably anticipated to be developed without the appropriation of the new state revenues” [the State TIF].



    The “truth” appears to be a simple and straightforward “yes” or “no” determination.Is it reasonable to anticipate development within the redevelopment area without the State TIF or not, “Yes” or “No?”



    Mr. Huffman continues on, “Without the TIF the convention center is Questionable at best.”Hum, this must be “developereese” for agreeing with the City’s apparent logic of, “‘synergy rhetoric’ aside, surely no one thinks we are ‘dumb’ enough to build a Convention Center in downtown Branson without $23-$80 million dollars from the state.Do they?”



    He then points out that, “Without the convention center the lakefront retail and entertainment becomes a lesser project because the tenets we are working with will not come. We can still develop the lakefront, it just won’t be the project that everyone would be proud of.”



    In “fact” and “actuality,” Mr. Huffman states specifically and currently, what has been stated by the City all along.Without the TIF there will be no convention center but that “We can still develop the lakefront, it just won’t be the project that everyone would be proud of.”Is that consistent with an affidavit “specifying that the redevelopment area would not be reasonably anticipated to be developed without the appropriation of the new state revenues” [the State TIF]?Not to an Ole Seagull.



    He then asks, “Don’t you think it is fair, that if the City and the developer are willing to spend about 250ml, the State can let us have half of the tax revenue that we generate from it.”What an Ole Seagull may or may not think is “fair” has nothing to do with either what the statute pertaining to the affidavit requires or whether or not it could reasonably be anticipated that the redevelopment area would be developed without the State TIF.Those are matters of objective fact.



    However, using that logic, wouldn’t it be “fair” to let those, who invested about $40 million dollars in “Celebration City,” keep half of the tax revenues it generates?Hey, we’re on to something here, think about all the money that might be invested in Branson, or the State of Missouri, if the State behaved in such a “fair” manner.



    Like the rest of the states citizens, even the Governor and his Director of the Department of Economic Development are constrained by the requirements of the law.Had the City and the Developer had the discretion to restrain themselves from public comments about developing the Redevelopment Area without the State TIF they could have used the old “see, hear, and do nothing routine” and granted the TIF.



    But, alas, the indiscretion of the City and the Developer has placed both the Governor and his Director of the Department of Economic Development in a very unenviable position.Will they too slobber in their cornflakes?Will they too apparently violate state law?Only time and an investigation by an appropriate state law enforcement agency will tell.

  • Parade Routes

    Why does Branson hold their parades on commercial street when every other city in the U S A go down their Main St. Marching down the main st and then on to commercial st exposes the parade to more people in a less congested area and also allows the parade to form in a more open area.Traffic can be diverted for the length of time it takes for the parade to last and can totally by pass the parade route. I do have a vested interest in relocating the parade route as I am a local business owner but so do a majority of other business owners located on main st.


    Bob Van Gyzen

  • Remember When renamed with new line up

    (BRANSON, Missouri) The Little Opry Theatre, formerly known as the Remember When Theatre, in the IMAX Entertainment Complex announces a new line up of shows for 2003. The line up features a bluegrass ensemble from Oklahoma, a country music singer from Nashville, plus the only live “musical theatre” in town.
    Smoke on the Mountain, previously at the Mel Tillis Theatre, is a musical comedy with a magnificent blend of story and song. The show takes you back to a simpler time, 1938, where you are the congregation of Mount Pleasant Church. The musical talent in the show is surpassed only by the side-splitting hilarity of the characters. Smoke on the Mountain is the dazzling jewel of Branson and features some of the best gospel tunes ever written. Shows begin April 1 and run Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
    Goldwing Express, premiering in Branson in 2003, is a versatile family act that is best known in the bluegrass circuit for their hard driving, action packed show. The group consists of three Native American brothers and their father, originally from Okmulgee, OK. Goldwing Express combines a Branson, MO style of comedy and their bluegrass style of music like nothing you¹ve seen before. Shows begin March 17 at 2:00 p.m. on select dates.
    Keepin¹ It Country starring Rick Langston pays tribute to some of country music¹s favorite artists. Rick welcomes a talented cast of young country artists, each bringing their unique country style with them. This new show brings the sounds of Nashville¹s Grand Ole Opry to Branson¹s Little Opry Theatre. Shows begin March 24 and run Monday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m.
    Award-winning Nashville and Branson recording artist, Sue Ann O¹Neal will be returning to the Little Opry Theatre for her fifth season. Celebrate Sunday is a mixture of old time gospel music and word of inspiration. Area residents and tourists are invited to this free show that begins April 13 and is every Sunday morning at 10:30.

  • Great Cotter Trout Festival May 2-3, 2003

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



    Great Cotter Trout Festival
    Big Spring Park, Cotter, Arkansas
    May 2 & 3, 2003
    Friday 4 p.m. till 9 p.m.
    Saturday 9 a.m. till 4 p.m.

    Cotter, Arkansas, Trout Capital USA, is proud to present the second annual “Great Cotter Trout Festival” at Big Spring Park on Friday and Saturday May 2 & 3, 2003. Trout fishing, boating, great food and entertainment will headline an outstanding event for the whole family on the banks of the beautiful White River.

    The festival will open Friday, May 2nd, with an authentic White River Shore Lunch Fish Fry at the pavilion. Entertainment will begin at 4 p.m. and the fish fry will be from 5 till 9 p.m. A band will entertain throughout the fish fry.


    On Saturday, May 3rd, the festival grounds will open at 9 a.m. and most events will run continuously throughout the day. Trout fishing programs, a major riverboat show, fishing and conservation seminars plus a variety of other exhibits will be provided for every trout fisherman from the novice to the expert.


    Fly fishing will be highlighted by fly casting demonstrations and instruction by certified experts. Fly tying demonstrations will show visitors the latest techniques. Special seminars will stress how and where to catch more fish. A special program is being scheduled for the ladies. A variety of fly fishing gear will be on display.


    Bait fishing will be featured at the kid’s (16 and under) “fishing hole.” A special bank fishing area will be established in the outflow from the Big Spring. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will provide keeping size trout. The area will be supervised and kids will be shown the proper ways to rig poles, catch, handle and clean fish.


    A river boat show (and sale) will be conducted on the baseball field adjacent to the railroad memorial. Boat manufacturers from several states are expected to show their latest designs.


    River boat rides will be offered to the public for a nominal fee. The rides will depart from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Cotter Access adjacent to the Big Spring. Rides will be given by experienced White River guides.


    There will also be a variety of booths by individuals and organizations. The booth fee will be $25, but non-profit organizations and Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce members may exhibit without charge. To reserve your booth space, contact Sonny Sharp at 870-492-4483.


    The Great Cotter Trout Festival is sponsored by the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce. For festival information contact Festival Chairman, Gary Flippin, at 870-435-6144 or Gil Stammer, Chamber President, at 870-435-2663.