The Night the Elves Danced In Branson As Kurt ‘n Kall sat round the table Telling of tales, story and fable Christmas to be, present and past This tale is told, this story cast Of the oft related night upon the strip When Roy Clark as Santa, cracked his whip So now my children sit, listen and hear Not of the midnight ride of Paul Revere But rather a delightful and fanciful tale Of an almost Christmas that ought to be The night that Branson when into history. Twas the night before Christmas and all round the town Not a singer was stirring, not even Bandy the Clown. Andy’s sock was hung by the chimney with care In hopes that Ann Margaret would soon be there. The ticket masters were nestled all snug in their beds While visions of filled theaters danced in their heads. Anne in her ‘kerchief and Jim in his cap The Staffords were settled, for a long winter’s nap. When out on the strip there arose such a clatter Jimmy Osmond asked the brothers, what was the matter? Up to the strip, I drove like a flash It sounded like a party, a fete, no, a bash Elves dancing on shiny, new-fallen snow Gave gaiety to the lights and neons aglow. When what to my sleep swollen eyes should appear Roy Clark, a sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. Roy, as a driver was lively and quick I knew in a moment, he must be St. Nick. More rapid than tourists driving the strip He yelled, cajoled and cracked the whip. Now Delene, Now Dalena I get them confused Now Denny, now Dino At the Grand Palace too On Bill, on Joe, on Dan and Gail Too many Lennons, too many, too many to know Upward, onward and faster we go. Onward, onward we go through the snow Delivering presents above and below. As the winds swirled the flakes And the drifts mounted high The Branson reindeer verily flew through the sky While Delene and Dalena, were leading the pack Roy, as St. Nick, was still in the back The sleigh was full of all sorts of candy Toys, sleds, Barbies and everything dandy. At each house where they stopped to leave loot Roy kept complaining of soot on his suit. Roy had a nice suit of sequins, stitching and stone With a banjo on one arm and toys in his sack The man was a sight that stood out alone. He sang about a Greyhound and someone gone. As he crooned his song he flashed a big smile That thawed the snow, what a look of beguile. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old Roy No fancy diet for this country boy. As he tugged, pulled and handled the sack The banjo was always strapped on his back. Then the silence was broken by a ring of his cell As Paul Harris, the loudest elf in the dell Said Santa, St. Nick, no, I guess it is Roy You are late for your date with Kurt ‘n Kall They are waiting in the wings for your wisdom in words Tell them now, tell them much, and please tell them all. He hustled and bustled and made the snow fly As he finished the homes in Branson on nigh As he cracked the whip , the Branson reindeer flew Through the sky, to the route they so well knew So contrary to lore that has been through the ages Through Clement Clarke Moore as he wrote many pages The last words of Santa as he left Branson out of sight Was not, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. The last words, as far as anyone could tell Was, “The traffic, the shows, gee it was swell.” As we tell of this tale, so delightful and true Branson isdraped in red, white and blue Larry Gatlin and the Brothers are now in Iraq Singing to our troops as they guard us in mass To let them know that we will welcome them back While we sit snug with our families round the table Reading the story of Christ, born in a stable. We would do good to pause and to think Of the many chairs that will be empty this year We hope that Iraq will be found and gave cheer By Roy (oops!) Santa and his eight tiny reindeer. So after this Branson tale is told We sit in warmth keeping in from the cold Lady Kall and myself would like to wish Each and every one who reads this story To remember the reason, the season and glory Of the child who was born to the world in a manger So that in heaven you would be no stranger. From Kurt L. and Lady Kall A Merry Christmas We wish you, each and all Along with a lot of boundless cheer For a great, happy and prosperous, brand New Year © 2003, Gampy’s Gang Productions INC
Month: December 2003
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The Night the Elves Danced In Branson
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XMAS, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings or CHRISTmas?
What Do “XMAS,” “Happy Holidays,” and “Seasons Greetings,” have in common with “_ _ _ _ _ _ mas?”They leave CHRIST out of Christmas.So what? What does CHRIST have to do with Santa Claus, Rudolph, presents, office parties, Christmas trees, Christmas wreaths, holly, sleigh bells, and turkey dinners?Not much.What does CHRIST have to do with CHRISTmas?Everything!Without CHRIST there can be no CHRISTmas. Oh yes, there can be a holiday, a season, even an XMAS but, without CHRIST there can be no CHRISTmas, in either fact or spirit.
What is so obvious about CHRIST and CHRISTmas?One cannot even say or spell the word “CHRISTmas,” let alone explain its actual history, meaning, or origins without CHRIST.The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia states that Christmas is “Christ’s Mass in the Christian calendar, the feast of the nativity of Jesus.”The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines “Christmas” as “A Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus.” Jesus who?Jesus, the CHRIST Child, the only begotten Son of God, born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.
First there was Jesus CHRIST and because of CHRIST there is the celebration of His birth, “CHRISTmas.” According to the Encyclopedia Britannica “the Christian festival of Christmas was celebrated in Rome by AD 336.”Secular customs and traditions such as the Yule log, mistletoe, Christmas trees, holly, and the exchanging of gifts have developed since; but, first there was CHRIST.
Even the greatest current secular symbol, the “Ho, Ho, Ho” jolly old Santa Claus seen everywhere during the Christmas season, was first made popular in New York during the 19th century.He is a fictional combination of a Dutch tradition honoring Saint Nicholas and Nordic folk tales.The result is a kindly old man with a big white beard, dressed in a red suit, who gives presents to good boys and girls once a year.Oh yes, the tradition of “Sinterklaas,” a Dutch variant of Saint Nicholas, can be traced back hundreds of years; but, first there was CHRIST.
Why, there are even some who would try to replace the bright guiding light of the Star of Bethlehem with the red glow of the nose of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”Rudolph’s nose has been guiding Santa’s sleigh since 1939 when Robert May wrote a verse for a Montgomery Ward promotional comic book. In the late 1940’s his brother-in-law adapted the verse and used it in the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer;” and the cowboy crooner, Gene Autry, made Rudolph famous but, first there was CHRIST.
When someone says “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings,” rather than “Merry Christmas,” one could actually ask, “What Holiday?” or “What Season?”Do we say “Happy Holiday” for the 4th of July or Memorial Day?No, of course not and yet, even before these there was that first CHRISTmas when the world was given the greatest gift of all because “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”If we keep the spirit of the Christ Child and His love in our hearts and share it with others, CHRISTmas, in its truest sense, will be with us everyday of the year. Merry CHRISTmas folks, Merry CHRISTmas.
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Cost to city taxpayers for chambers private web site “millions” – benefit to the chamber “priceless”
Cost to city taxpayers for chambers private web site “millions” – benefit to the chamber “priceless”
In his November 30 column, the Ole Seagull asked the question, “What is the name and URL of the internet marketing site that the City owns and can transfer to any other entity that might be doing marketing for the city in the future?”Some might say “www.explorebranson.com” because that’s the internet address, URL, they see when Branson is advertised on TV and in publications, etc.They would be wrong!
The answer to the question, simply put, is, “none, zero, nada, zilch, etc!”The internet address, “www.explorebranson.com” is registered to the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce /Conventions & Visitors Bureau, PO Box 1897, Branson, MO
When asked if “www.explorebranson.com” is in fact owned and controlled solely by the chamber, Ross Summers, its Executive Director said, “True.The Chamber owns a number of URL’s including bransonchamber.com […].”When asked about any written contractual arrangement between the City of Branson and the chamber to transfer “www.explorebranson.com,” in the event that the City selected another organization to act as its vendor for the provision of marketing services, Summers said, “There is no such agreement.”
“Hey, wait a minute; wasn’t the chamber’s web site built using City of Branson tourism tax dollars?”At least a portion of it was.According to Summers, “The initial costs were shared between Chamber funds and reimbursable Tourism Tax dollars.”He further pointed out that the “Initial development costs in 1999-2000 were $75,000.”
“Has the chamber site been used to raise revenue for the chamber?”According to Summers, “Leads and advertising are sold to participating Chamber members.”Summers also stated that “Revenue last year was $72,557.””Did any of it go to the City of Branson?”Summers said, “The Chamber/CVB and the City have no mutual financial interaction regarding the Chamber website other than on-going maintenance […].”
“Whoa there Seagull, are you saying that the chamber not only didn’t share the $72,557 in revenues it raised from the chamber site last year but also used reimbursable Tourism Tax dollars received from the taxpayers of the City of Branson for the sites “on-going maintenance?”No that’s what Mr. Summers appears to be saying.”Can any business collecting the Branson Tourism Tax get access to the leads generated from the ‘Chamber website’ and advertise on it?”Not if the term “participating Chamber members” means anything.
“Doesn’t the fact that the chamber owns the only web site the City of Branson has for the marketing of Branson give it a distinct advantage when it is bidding on the city’s marketing contract?”Of course it does.On December 3, while making a presentation trying to win the city’s multi million dollar marketing contract, Mr. Dan Cowling, President of the Communications Group, pointed out that the City of Branson does not own a marketing web site and that if his organization won the contact that was an issue that would have to be addressed.
“Hasn’t the vast majority of the traffic to the chambers site been built using advertising purchased with millions of ‘reimbursable Tourism Tax dollars’ received from the taxpayers of the City of Branson?”Of course it has. “And the chamber owns the site and could use it for whatever they wanted to even if the City used another web site to market Branson?”That is true.
“Doesn’t it make sense for the City to own its own marketing web site and 800 response number(s)?Why should the city spend millions of dollars promoting someone else’s who may or may not be Branson’s vendor for marketing services next year or three years from now?”From an Ole Seagulls perspective, in order, the answers are “Yes” and “it shouldn’t.” -
Doug Gabriel and Roy Clark in 2004
His award-winning show, a new project and a continued combination show with Roy Clark highlight the 11th season for Doug Gabriel’s show and his 19th season in Branson, according to his recently released 2004 schedule at the Legends Family Theatre.
Doug Gabriel’s 2004 show promises to be more of what has made him one of the best morning shows in Branson featuring Doug’s vocal and seemingly endless instrumental talents.
Voted Branson’s best morning show four years, six time male vocalist of the year, entertainer of the year and instrumentalist of the year, Gabriel’s hit show for 2004 will run April, May, June, August and most of September with Doug Gabriel and Roy Clark Together Again opening Sept. 27 for a four week run. A Gabriel Family Christmas returns for Nov. 1 – Dec. 16.
Audiences have a double treat with Doug and Roy – Together Again with a Doug section which is completely different from Doug’s two hour show. The 2004 Doug Gabriel Show featuring the Gabriels is two hours “that you will remember forever.” Doug’s formula for a successful production continues with his full band and backup singers which are also featured soloists in the show. His wife Cheryl joins him for romantic duets and solos of her own including a salute to Patsy Cline and the hits of Karen Carpenter. The Gabriel’s children Joshua, Jordan and Jasmine are a featured part of the show as well.
A returning highlight of the show is the Mufftar, the guitar made from a 1969 Thunderbird muffler. Fans’ delight in the unusual instrument is evident with the flash of the cameras when Doug strums the first note on stage.
The Doug Gabriel Show and the four weeks of Doug Gabriel and Roy Clark Together Again are presented at
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Welk Show Grand Finale Season 2004
(Branson, MO) — America’s all-time favorite variety show is set for an 11th and final season of live performances next year in Branson.The Welk Show starring The Lennon Sisters, Jo Ann Castle, Ralna English, the Welk Champagne Music Makers and a rotating cast of original guest stars from the Lawrence Welk television show will present the Welk Grand Finale Season from September through mid-December 2004 at the Welk Resort Theater in Branson.
“We have had numerous requests to take the Lawrence Welk Show on tour for Christmas and during the fall season,” said Larry Welk, CEO & Chairman of the Board of The Welk Group, Inc.”Because of our packed schedule of shows in Branson, we have been unable to meet these requests.We have decided to do one more season at our theatre and then take the show on the road in 2005.
“The Lawrence Welk Show” was broadcast for 27 years –on the ABC television network from July 1955 to September 1971 and in syndication from 1971 to 1982.Demanding that his shows be clean and wholesome, Welk featured easy-listening music performed by a “family” of wholesome musicians, singers and dancers.The show’s enduring popularity has been proven time and again through highly rated re-runs and specials on PBS since 1987 and 10 years of live performances at The Welk Resort Theatre in Branson.
The 2004 Welk Show will feature America’s Sweethearts of Song, The Lennon Sisters; the Queen of the Honky Tonk Piano, Jo Ann Castle; vocalist Ralna English;and a rotating cast of original guest stars from The Lawrence Welk television show including Jack Imel, Guy Hovis, Mary Lou Metzger, Arthur Duncan, Ava Barber and Dick Dale.
The Welk Grand Finale Season includes
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55th Adoration Parade celebrates Christmas
When the first of over 50 marching bands, drum and bugle teams, parade floats, and other units steps off in the Branson Adoration Parade at approximately
The parade is a non commercial event honoring the true meaning of CHRISTmas and celebrating the lighting of the giant Nativity Scene high above Historic Downtown Branson on Mount Branson. It’s combination of non commercialism, its theme, “Keeping Christ in Christmas,” and the time of day it is held make it perhaps one of the most unique parades in America, if not the world.It is one of Americas few night time parades and every float must carry their own self contained lighting system.Many of the marching units have miniature lighting systems on their uniforms and instruments.
The Adoration Parade and Nativity Scene lighting has been an Ozarks tradition for well over half a century, long before the Branson became a popular Christmas destination.It is first and foremost, a way for those privileged enough to live in these blessed Ozark Hills to have an opportunity to celebrate the birth of the One for whom Christmas is named, the Christ Child, and the hope, love, and peace that He offers.
Although subject to change, the Parade Route will start at the corner of Oklahoma and Commercial Streets, at the north end of historic downtown Branson, and proceed six blocks south to Price Street. At Price Street it will turn east and proceed to Sycamore Street. The route goes north on Sycamore Street, 4 blocks, to its junction with Main Street where it will turn east and proceed to its termination point at the junction of Main Street and Box Car Willie Drive.
For further information contact the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB 1-417-334-4084 or or the Downtown Main Street Association 417-334-1548.