Branson Courier

Month: June 2004

  • “Celebrate America” part of Spirit of 76 early morning event on 4th

    “Celebrate America” part of Spirit of 76 early morning event on 4th

    Celebrate America will be part of the entertainment at Spirit of ’76 presents Why Freedom Rings – Independence Day along with John Wain of The John Wayne Story and speakers Larry Wilhite of Backstage Ministries and Gary Smalley of the Smalley Institute on Sunday, July 4 at 7:30 a.m. at Stockstill Park sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force.


    “Celebrate America, an originally written, fully-staged theatrical spectacular which opened this year at Mansion America, is an entertaining ride through the legend and legacy of our great nation’s pursuit of freedom. I am pleased to have them as part of the entertainment for our tribute service to celebrate our freedom. I am especially honored to have John Wain, Larry Wilhite and Gary Smalley join us,” said Steve Weyher, who is the Task Force’s community liaison and creator of Spirit of ’76.


    The morning will start with a free breakfast of biscuits and gravy served 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.. A 45-minute tribute service with recognition of veterans from different wars, all veterans and active military and music will follow. After the tribute each person attending will be treated to free ice cream, an American flag, a surprise gift from Celebrate America and a ride on the tethered POW/ MIA hot air balloon. The formal program at Stockstill Park will be over by 8:10 a.m. and the tethered rides will be offered as weather permits and may start as early at 6 a.m. Donations will be accepted to help with the cost of bringing the balloon to Branson.”


    The POW/MIA Freedom Flight was launched in 1989. The all-black hot air balloon is emblazoned with three 30-feet-high POW/MIA logos. The purpose of the Freedom Flight is to administer and operate a hot air balloon and related equipment to educate the public about the POW/MIA issues of all Americans.


    For more information contact: Branson Veterans Task Force Inc., 4460 N. Gretna Rd., Branson, MO 65616 or call 417-337-VETS.

  • Branson area plans Fourth of July events

    By Chandra Huston


    Staff Writer



    Fireworks displays will be held all over the Branson area to celebrate Independence Day. Several events sponsored by cities, chambers and organizations will be held for local residents and visitors to enjoy the holiday.



    Treasure Lake Resort in Branson will have a fireworks display July 3 at dark.



    The Spirit of ’76 presents Why Freedom Rings-Independence Day will kick off Fourth of July morning at 7:30 at Stockstill Park. Free biscuits and gravy will be served from 6:45-7:30 a.m. A 45-minute tribute service and music will follow. After the tribute each person attending will be treated to free ice cream, an American flag and a ride on the tethered POW/MIA hot air balloon. Events at the park will be finished by noon.



    The City of Hollister‘s 51st annual fireworks display will be July 4 from 6-10:30 p.m. at the old Hollister Elementary School. This year’s event will showcase more than 1,000 shells.



    Big Cedar Lodge will have its annual fireworks display Sunday, July 4 at full dark.



    Chateau on the Lake will hold its annual fireworks display on July 4 at dark.



    Rockaway Beach‘s hootenanny will be July 3-4 at 11 a.m. in the city park as part of Rockaway Beach‘s “Remember When—When Rockaway Rocked,” theme. Events both days include live music, dunk tank, amusements, games, food and crafts. Saturday’s events include a box social, cake walk, seed spittin’ contest, bed races, tricycle races and turtle races. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Sunday, July 4.



    Fireburst ’04 will be held July 4, just north of the Kimberling City Bridge. There will be some booths and music beforehand and the fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks display can be viewed by land or water.



    Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent


  • Be Aware of Amendment 1!!


    AMENDMENT – BE AWARE- You need to look a little closer to learn exactly what this amendment is all about! Amendment l will open the door for casinos to be built on the White River, in the Rockaway Beach area, which is just down the road from Branson, Missouri. Most of the deceptive pamphlets that we are being mailed, urging us to vote “yes” on Amendment 1, do not even mention the word “CASINO”. Television ads are not verbally mentioning the word ­ they only talk about “riverboats”, only on a muted part of the screen does the word “CASINO” appear.



    Branson has always been known as a family-oriented vacationing area – a wholesome and refreshing place to visit ­ an environment where families can come and not have to worry about the entertainment being acceptable for the entire family. All of this will change if Amendment 1 is passed.



    Originally, the Missouri Constitution allowed gambling to be located only on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Next came the boats in moats (can be located up to 1000 feet from the rivers). At the present time there is a $500 loss limit for each two-hour session. There is now pressure to raise that limit.



    While Rockaway Beach has suffered difficult economic times, bringing gambling casinos into the area is not going to have the beneficial effects that the citizens might hope for. Gambling will raise the local crime rate, decimate families, and bring into the community and surrounding areas an element of people very different from the family-oriented folks for which the area is known.



    As noted on the “Casino Watch” website, “States cannot gamble themselves rich”. A University of Illinois study suggests that gambling costs society two-and-a-half times of what it generates in new taxes. It has also been stated that for every casino in existence, $660 million annually leaves Missouri. Bankruptcies, embezzlement, money laundering, divorces, suicides, and widespread prostitution will result. It is a known fact that casinos very often supply prostitutes (many underage ­ some as young as 13) to their high rollers.



    Hopefully, Missouri residents will take the time to research these details on the internet at www.casinowatch.org., and then vote intelligently to defeat Amendment l. Ruth, Rock Hill, MO.

  • “Truth” or “Droppings?” – The public is wise enough to know the difference!

    Seagull Musings Column for June 13, 2004



    The Sunday June 20 edition of this paper contained a letter to the editor from local Santa Claus impersonator and Highway 265 resort owner Greg (Santa) Winters, containing comments and questions about the June 13 Seagull Musings column entitled “Look, up in the sky, it’s the ‘secret handshake clique’ – no wait, it’s the ‘Branafia!‘” For those readers who might have missed the column and to provide a perspective for this column, that column, and a hyperlink from it to the article “Did Ashcroft Take the Lowroad on the Highroad?,” published in the January 15, 2001 edition of “The Nation” magazine, can be found on line at “www.bransoncourier.com” under “Editorials.”



    For whatever reason, a lot of Winters’ statements and questions appear to indicate a fixation on the Herschends and relate to the reality of what the column actually said about as much as “Santa Claus” relates to reality or the true meaning of Christmas. Interestingly enough, although he uses the words “crap,” “sewers,” “rat” and “droppings” in his letter to create the illusion that he wants to create not once did he cite an instance in the column where the information was not true but then “truth” is “truth,” “droppings” are “droppings,” and the public is wise enough to know the difference.



    As Winters advises the Ole Seagull to “crawl back into the sewer where a rat belongs” he also advises him to “look at the bright side, all the riff-raff that follows the arrival of any casino would be in there to welcome you.” To paraphrase Forrest Gump, “Riffraff happens.”



    Why, in addition to casinos, “riffraff happens” in connection with other local things such as the Highroad, Branson Landing, TIFs, what some call the “Chamber Tax, and the “Branafia” to mention a few. The Ole Seagull would bet that as one’s eyes adjusted to the darkness, after crawling into the sewer from the sunlight, and they met their fellow inhabitants that they would recognize more than a few “local faces. Why they might even hear a hearty “Ho! Ho! Ho!” coming from out of the depths of the darkness.



    Winters asks, “What did the Herschend’s do to you to deserve these attacks, kick you off the pony ride??” The term “attack” is relative but the column did not refer to the “Herschends” just a “Herschend,” Peter Herschend. One such reference was necessary because he was “the agenda” for the June 1, meeting of the Hollister City Council cited in the column. Two other references were contained in quotes from the article “Did Ashcroft Take the Lowroad on the Highroad?” published in the January 15, 2001 edition of “The Nation” magazine.



    Those quotes were used by the Ole Seagull because, in his opinion, they provided an outsider’s perspective, that illustrated what he meant by the term “Branafia.” The term was defined in the column as “those families, businesses, and individuals who appear to exert a disproportionate amount of influence and control over the affairs of the Branson area and the quality of life of its citizens all the while maintaining an innate ability and desire to have others ‘pay’ for the benefits that the Branafia receives.” As to the context and manner in which Peter F. Herschend was mentioned in the column, “truth” is “truth,” “droppings” are “droppings,” and the public is wise enough to know the difference.



    Winters states “Mr. Seagull Dropping seems to think it’s OK to hurt my business as long as it hurts the Herschends!!!” ” Even the Ole Seagulls most ardent detractors would have to admit that it is highly unlikely that anyone, including Winters, with all his “Santa like powers,” could “seemingly” or otherwise knows what either the Ole Seagull or anyone else is “thinking.” Because there is nothing in the column that discusses hurting any business, Winters’, Herschend’s, or otherwise, one can only wonder whether or not his comment in that regard was a “Freudian Slip.”



    Winters use of the word “dropping(s)” is kind of ironic because the “Ole Seagull” developed his brand from a speech given by Jim King, past National Transportation Board Chairman, when he described his position in the political hierarchy of the day as that of, “a lowly seagull walking along after the horse in the parade picking at the droppings.” Even as it gave Jim perspective at that time so too does it keep the Ole Seagull’s roll in perspective today although, it appears, he’ll be picking at “reindeer droppings” for a while.



    Gary Groman, a.k.a. “The Ole Seagull,” is an independent columnist and the editor of the Branson Courier. He may be reached by clicking here or by calling 417-339-4000.

  • Spiderman swings into Branson’s IMAX

    Spiderman 2 is swinging into the Ozarks Discovery IMAX® Theater on June 29 for a sneak preview at 11:59 pm. This highly anticipated film will be showing nightly at 9:00 and 11:30 pm on the giant 6-story IMAX screen in Branson beginning June 30. “The only way to see a movie like Spiderman 2 is on the IMAX screen. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be showing it,” said Heather Womack, director of advertising and public relations for the IMAX® Entertainment Complex.



    Spiderman 2 is the latest installment in the blockbuster Spiderman series. Based on the classic Marvel Comics hero, Tobey Maguire returns as the mild-mannered Peter Parker, who is juggling the delicate balance of his dual life as a college student and a superhuman crime fighter. This entertaining adventure escalates and Spiderman’s life becomes even more complicated when he confronts a new nemesis, the brilliant Otto Octavius, (Alfred Molina) who has been reincarnated as the maniacal and multi-tentacled “Doc Oc.”



    Spiderman 2 will be showing nightly in the Ozarks Discovery IMAX® Theater beginning June 30. The theater is the focal point of Branson’s IMAX® Entertainment Complex, which also has the Elite Cinema III, Little Opry Theatre, McFarlain’s Family Restaurant, the IMAX® Food Court and an indoor shopping mall. For more information or show times on Spiderman 2 (rated PG-13) visit www.bransonimax.com or call (800) 419-4832.

  • Hollister’s Annual Grape Festival may continue

    Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent



    Hollister may be hard pressed to put on the Annual Grape Festival this year, but there are beginning to be efforts to stomp out a solution. The Hollister Chamber of Commerce usually put on the event, but there have been problems within the chamber and strained relations with the City of Hollister itself.



    Earlier in the week, Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss attended a special meeting of the chamber to discuss the grape festival and attendance at that meeting was minimal by chamber members. Ziegenfuss, acting as a volunteer for the event and not in his capacity as city administrator, took charge of the meeting and skillfully maneuvered the discussion toward having the grape festival after all, but for it to be successful a lot of people will have to get involved as volunteers and do it quickly.



    “We need to determine if we can do a grape and fall festival this year as we are really unsure of our funds for the project,” Ziegenfuss said. “The park board used to put it on before the chamber took over and itoriginallycost about $3,000 for the festival, but that cost grew until last year when it cost approximately $8,900. It was originally for crafters and had mostly children’s entertainment. As it matured over the years, most of the people came for the live entertainment and the children’s activities, but the crafters remained as an additional draw.



    “The hardest thing about doing the festival is getting all of the crafters to commit to coming and that needs to be done right away if we want to pull this thing off,” he continued. “Last year was the best year for all of the entertainment and it would be good to get the same person back who arraigned all of that.



    “The different committees would have already been meeting since February, but we are not afforded that luxury this year,” he said. “We need to get a lot of dedicated volunteers who are willing to spend a lot of time getting this thing moving or it will not happen.”



    As the meeting progressed it was determined that there was approximately $9,000 in a special chamber grape festival account and that was enough to cover the festival, but sponsors were needed. “We get a lot of money from sponsors and we also get it from crafters who are paying for their booths,” Ziegenfuss said. “Knowing that there is approximately $9,000 in a special account is very refreshing but that money needs to be allocated to the committee which is in charge of the festival.”



    The festival is still in question, but the potential that we could have it has improved, according to Ziegenfuss. “What we desperately need now are sponsors and a lot of dedicated volunteers,” He said Friday afternoon. “Although everything is still in question, we sure are leaning towards a yes and it is an event that should be done as we all enjoy it.”

  • Well Virginia you’re right “It’s just not fair!”

    Seagull Musings Column for June 20, 2004



    This week the Ole Seagull received a slick multi colored mailing piece ostensibly “From the Desk of Virginia Ferguson.” The front contains pictures of “Rockaway Beach Then …and Now.” The back contains text and the picture of a lovely lady that almost anyone would just love to reach out and hug and say, “I’ll do whatever you want me to do if it will keep that beautiful smile on your face.”



    Virginia tells us that she remembers “Rockaway Beach the way it used to be” and asks for our “YES vote on Amendment 1” so that they will have the opportunity to revive their community. She then shares some of her memories about the way it used to be with “little shops and restaurants.We had an arcade and go carts for kids. At night, a band would play.Some people would dance; others would just enjoy the music as they sat by the camp fire.”



    She then tells us how the government changed it all by building Table Rock Dam which turned their “warm water beach into an icy cold lake” and that “eventually tourists stopped coming, our businesses had to close down, and now, part-time seasonal work is all that people can find. It’s just not fair.” Virginia closes by saying, “We can’t bring back the past, but I hope you will do the neighborly thing and vote YES on Amendment 1 so that we will have the opportunity to revive our community.”



    As the Ole Seagull read it and looked at Virginia’s smiling face he sadly thought, “Virginia, you’re right, ‘It’s just not fair’” but what “isn’t fair” is the very piece itself. Is it “fair” that the piece did not point out that the dam was built over 40 years ago or that seasonal work is not unique to Rockaway Beach and is, in fact, a way of life for a lot of families living in Taney County?



    An Ole Seagull thinks that “It’s just not fair” that the piece didn’t even contain the word “casino” or “gambling.” Particularly telling is the “fairness” involved with the statements “We take care of our neighbors. We don’t want to ask for handouts or government giveaways.” Most people would have a tough time reconciling those statements with a plan to revive their community that relies, to a large extent, on intercepting the traffic that their Branson “neighbors” have developed over the last 40 years or so and spend millions of dollars a year to market.



    It is estimated that about 3 million people a year will go to Rockaway for casino entertainment if Amendment 1 is approved. Although no one has said, unless an Ole Seagull misses his guess, about 500,000 to 800,000 of those people will be first time visitors coming to Branson because of casino entertainment being available in Rockaway Beach. The rest of the three million estimated visitors a year to the “revived” Rockaway Beach and its casino will be at the potential expense of their “neighbors.” It sure seems like a funny way to take care of ones neighbors and, at the very least, some in Branson could also say “It’s just not fair.”



    From an Ole Seagulls perspective it really doesn’t make a lot of difference. Whether you’re from Branson or Rockaway Beach, “fairness” has about as much to do with the financing, power, and clout being used both for and against casino entertainment coming to Rockaway Beach as “family friendly” does. Why an Ole Seagull might actually bet that their primary motivation has more to do with economics than “fairness,” “neighbors” or being “family friendly” combined.



    Gary Groman, a.k.a. “The Ole Seagull,” is an independent columnist and the editor of the Branson Courier. He may be reached by clicking here or by calling 417-339-4000.

  • Fishing Report- Lake Taneycomo June 13, 2004

    Editors General Comments: June 13- The fishing on Lake Taneycomo over the last couple of week can only be described as fabulous! Very little affects the fishing on LakeTaneycomo like the generation of power at the Table Rock Dam. Call 417-336-5083 for up to the moment information on generation and lake levels or click here. June 13- At 0645 there is zero generators on, Table Rock is at 916.3 and Taneycomo at 7016.


    Trophy Trout Area: Special Regulations apply to the Trophy Trout Area running from Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek. Click here for an overview of these regulations.


    Fly Fishing Report by River Run Outfitters (Dam to Fall Creek)- Had boats on the water every day. Each boat, has boated at least 35 fish per person on the trips. Had a great father/son (11 years old)team out Saturday. What a great bonding day for both of them. First time fly fishing for the son anbd second time for Dad. Son hooked into an 17 incher first thing in the a.m. on an olive, size 18 zebra midge. His second fish was at least 20 inches. But, as with first timers, he locked down on the line as the fish took off and broke off. They caught nice fish all day and many times had on doubles. Best flies were the olive, size 18 zebra midge and the size 14, orange flashback tan scud. What a team! Think Dad has a new fly fishing partner. I fished for a little while Monday while Stan had a trip. Trip out today caught 50 or better. Their best flies were the sulphur, size 14 crackleback fished with the ADP (accelerated downstream presentation) with a size 6 slit slot. amd the dark olive soft hackles, size 16 and 18, and while drifting, the size 16 red tunghead red midge. Sunday I caught fish on almost any thing I threw….larger fish were on the olive size 18 midge…18-1/2 inches and a 20 incher. Caught several on the size 20 BWO biot midge and the insect green, size 16 hackle. But, for the most part, probably anything would have worked! Better get out now….this can’t last much longer. Conditions are at optimum right now. Early in the a.m., olive woolly buggers have been working real good.


    Gary‘s Current Report: Fished a number of times this week, with great fishing each time. My fishing was under under water off conditions, between 0600 and 0845 from Lookout Hole down the channel (east) side. Had three 30 plus fish days. Used a peach fur bug, size 12 about 128th ounce fished under fished under an indicator at 3 1/2 to 4 feet, with Orvis Mirage 6X tippet. Last week I said, “Fishing this past week can only be described excellent. It will be a hard week to beat.” This week beat it by a long shot. On Saturday, June 12 out of the first 41 casts, I had 36 hits. Of those 36 hits I boated 20 fish, with 4 or 5 in the 15″ plus range, and broke off two more. Why did I stop at 41? Was having a contest with myself and was going to stop keeping track when I made the 5th cast that I caught no fish on. That happened on the 41st cast. Why did I miss 16 out of the 36 hits? Getting old isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!


    Guide Bob Klein: Bob Klein, the not pretty half of the former owners of Main Street Marina, Bob and Jackie Klein, is still guiding as “Bob’s Guide Service.” On June 12, 2004 Bob reported Fishing on Lake Taneycomo has been excellent afrom Fall Creek to Rockaway Beach. He reports that there has not been a lot of water generation and that the standard default techniques are producing fish.


    Water Off Conditions (not generating power from Table Rock Dam) – Air injected night crawlers or Orange and Chartreuse Power Eggs, with the Chartreuse on shank of hook and the Orange on tip. Fish them off the bottom with no heavier than 4 pound leader, size 8 or smaller hooks, and just enough split shot to cast. Place the shot so that the bait floats 12-18 inches off the bottom. Spin-A-Lures and Little Cleos have been working well.


    Water On Conditions – Orange and Chartreuse Power eggs with the Chartreuse on shank of hook and the Orange on tip, white Power Eggs, or inflated night crawlers bounced off the bottom using the standard “Lake Taneycomo Drift Rig.” which is readily available at all Marinas and most resorts on the Lake.


    Get Your Lake Taneycomo Questions Answered:Bob, Gary, and Stan will be monitoring the Outdoor Activities Forum on the Branson.Com Message Board . If you have any fishing questions on LakeTaneycomo just ask.Use the word “Taneycomo” in the Search Function and enter it in all your posts so they’ll show up.

  • Celebration City- New for 2004

    Compilation of Press Releases and Website information by Gary J. Groman on June 13, 2004



    America’s newest theme park, Celebration City, is built with your family in mind! You’ll experience over 30 rides and attractions, a boardwalk full of games, one-of-a-kind shopping, dining at uniquely theme restaurants and Branson’s exclusive nightly laser, fireworks and music spectacular called “Celebrate.” New for 2004 are two new rides, expanded hours of operation, the go-karts are now free with admission, nightly “Summer Dance Parties on the laser lawn before and after “Celebrate,” and an all new Racing Family BBQ, presented by Coca-Cola, on all Friday and Saturdays plus selected dates throughout the summer.



    “Celebrate” is a massive outdoor multi-media laser production show, presented by Kodak at 9:30 PM each evening.It is custom designed for Celebration City with dramatic sound, water effects, visuals, music and fireworks that present time travel of the 20th Century.



    The Chaos takes riders on a wild ride with three-dimensional rolling and rotating sensations in cars extending from a circular platform, which spins and tilts at a 60-degree angle. As the platform whirls riders high and the cars tilt and spin, the Chaos offers a new, unique thrill experience for ride enthusiasts.



    The Flying Circus features an interactive experience where riders control the height of the flight. Rider controls allow the riders to climb or dive in the circus-themed gondolas as the ride swings around. Designed for kids and families, The Flying Circus is a new, high-flying adventure.



    Rock the night away with your family at Celebration City’s nightly retro-spectacular! All-New Dance Parties turn the laser lawn into Branson’s largest dance floor with your favorite tunes from the 50’s – 80’s. Enjoy mega-volleyball, karaoke contests, and the most awesome light show in the Midwest!



    Gather your crew for the Coca-Cola Racing Family BBQ at the Boardwalk Pavilion. The all you can eat BBQ is themed with remote control cars, pedal car races and games for kids of all ages. Catch the Coca-Cola Racing Family BBQ 7 PM – 8:30 PM on all Fridays and Saturdays and other select dates May 28 – September 25, 2004.



    Celebration City’s is opened 2-10 PM on weekdays and at 12-10 PM on weekends with the park going back to being open only on Friday and Saturday from August 27-September 25. Schedules are subject to change.

  • Look, up in the sky, it’s the “secret handshake clique” – no wait, it’s the “Branafia!”

    Seagull Musings Column for June 13, 2004



    On June 1, the Hollister City Council held a meeting to entertain Peter F. Herschend’s plea for them to involve the City of Hollister in a lawsuit to try to stop the voters of the state of Missouri from voting on whether or not casino entertainment should be permitted in Rockaway Beach. At that meeting, Mr. Ross Summers, the Executive Vice President of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce made a presentation.



    Among other things Summers said, “We don’t use the words family friendly and safe and patriotic lightly.” He stressed that “We can’t allow an activity to enter our area that doesn’t conform to what we’ve built over the past few decades.”



    “Boy Seagull that’s like mom’s apple pie, motherhood, and waving the flag but, who was the ‘we’ he referred to three times?” Who really knows for sure, but were an Ole Seagull a betting Seagull he would bet that the “we” referred to is the “Branafia.”



    “What is the ‘Branafia?” It’s a term that the Ole Seagull has semi affectionately concocted based on the control and influence characteristics of a lesser used definition of the term “family.” The “Branafia” is those families, businesses, and individuals who appear to exert a disproportionate amount of influence and control over the affairs of the Branson area and the quality of life of its citizens all the while maintaining an innate ability and desire to have others “pay” for the benefits that the Branafia receives.



    As an example, the January 15, 2001 edition of “The Nation” magazine contained an article entitled, “Did Ashcroft Take the Lowroad on the Highroad?” The article stated, “But there is no question that the new highway was beneficial to several key political contributors to Ashcroft, most notably Peter Herschend, an owner of the Silver Dollar City amusement center. The road–US Highway 465–would skirt Branson and swing by Herschend’s Silver Dollar City.”



    In describing the land that the state purchased from Herschend for $2.2 million the article said that the land “was to be used for building an interchange that would handle traffic to Herschend’s Silver Dollar City.””Wow Seagull, it would be hard to get much more ‘family friendly’ than that.”



    From an economic perspective, particularly labor costs, what, if any, Branson area family, or families, would consider it “family friendly,” as to their family’s economic interests, if casino entertainment, with its estimated 1000 year round, good paying jobs with health care coverage, paid vacation time, and 401k plans did not come to Rockaway Beach?



    “Well it certainly wouldn’t be those families who are struggling from pay check to pay check trying to make ends meet. Those who need health care coverage and would appreciate the relief that paid vacation time and a basic retirement plan could provide.” Who does that leave? “The Branafia, those who would have to pay millions of dollars more in wages, health care coverage, paid vacation time, and 401k and other retirement plans to compete with Rockaway Beach for labor.



    Here in “family friendly” Branson, the Branafia continues to add new meaning to the term “family friendly” as it serves its own interests. Most recently it has “decreed” that the expansion of the serving of alcoholic beverages into Branson’s family friendly shows is with maintaining Branson’s “family friendly” image but that casino entertainment coming to Rockaway Beach does not.



    “Whoa now Seagull, for decades neither of those activities conformed to the ‘family friendly’ image upon which Branson was built. Isn’t ‘family friendly,’ kind of like being pregnant, you either are or you aren’t?” To an Ole Seagull it is. “How do we allow one ‘activity to enter our area that doesn’t conform to what we’ve built over the past few decades’ while denying another that an estimated three million visitors a year to Branson want?” Apathy, hypocrisy, greed, or look, up in the sky, it’s the “secret handshake clique” – no wait, it’s the “Branafia!”



    Gary Groman, a.k.a. “The Ole Seagull,” is an independent columnist and the editor of the Branson Courier. He may be reached by clicking here or by calling 417-339-4000.



  • Embarrassed by dressing in theaters

    I am totally embarrassed by the dressing now days at the theaters. The girls get where they wear absolutely nothing anymore. This is totally embarrassing!! Branson use to be the good clean place to bring kids and have fun for the whole family without being embarrassed about anything. Country Tonight and also Silver Dollar City Saloon Girls are dressing totally ungodly, especially Country Tonight. Silver Dollar City Saloon girls their bloomers are so short when they kick up their legs you can almost see their crotch. This is totally wrong!! Keep Branson a clean place to bring families and leave out the little dirty jokes that Branson theaters are seeming to put in more and more each year!! I would hate to not come to Branson anymore because we come at least 3 to 4 times a year, but I have noticed it is getting way to showy, you might say more Vegas style. Please go back to what Branson use to be where the girls wore the old country dresses or blue jeans. Do away with the ungodly dressing. I don’t like it one bit!! Keep Branson clean!!! Phyllis, Shawnee, OK.

  • Is the “Herschend Plan” inconsistently consistent or consistently inconsistent?

    Seagull Musings Column for June 6, 2004



    On Tuesday, June 1, Hollister held a special council meeting at the request of Peter F. Herschend, one of the founders of Silver Dollar City. The only item on the agenda was a presentation by Herschend entitled “Municipalities for Gambling Choice.” The major thrust of his presentation was to request a resolution from the council making the City of Hollister a party in a lawsuit “to enjoin the Missouri Secretary of State from including the White River Gaming Petition on the August 3, 2004 election ballot.”



    “Hold on there Seagull, isn’t this the same Peter F. Herschend, who supported SB 787, which would have required a vote of all the people in the county before casino gaming could take place?” It appears so. “Isn’t there something just a little inconsistent in supporting SB 787, which would let someone vote on an issue, and using a lawsuit to prevent someone from voting on an issue?”



    Although it is inconsistent with SB 787, the lawsuit suit is actually very consistent with the philosophy of those who really control what goes on in Branson. To the maximum extent practicable “they” want to control what the voters get to vote on and how and when they get to do it. Was there any public vote on the “Highroad,” Branson Landing, or the formation of a non-elected “chamber controlled tax district” or the legislation that spawned its grotesque birth?



    “Isn’t Herschend’s statement at the meeting and in the written material submitted to the council, that Rockaway Beach’s White River Gaming petition excludes all other cities and villages that are also on the White river from choosing to adopt gambling inconsistent with the way the petition actually reads?” In the opinion of an Ole Seagull, if the official “Official Ballot Title,” as certified by the Secretary of State’s office on July 11, 2003, means anything, absolutely!



    The “Official Ballot Title” states “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to authorize floating gambling facilities on or adjacent to the White River in Rockaway Beach, Missouri, to be licensed and regulated consistent with all other floating facilities in the State of Missouri.” The original constitutional amendment permitting gaming in Missouri included only those locations on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Obviously it did not exclude Rockaway Beach, or any other location, from petitioning for gaming even as the Rockaway Beach petition does not exclude any other location, on the White River or otherwise, from petitioning for a similar amendment.



    “Isn’t the filing of a lawsuit based on the supposition that it keeps casino gambling from other cities and villages on the White River inconsistent with Herschend’s stated opposition to the expansion of casino gambling?” Although, to an Ole Seagull, the position might be ludicrous, the methodology is very consistent and should bring fear into the hearts of those who believe that government shouldn’t be controlled by those with money, power, political clout and influence.



    “Isn’t it inconsistent that Herschend made the presentation to the Hollister council requesting their participation in the lawsuit suit yet the KSPR TV report of the meeting reported that Herschend said that his ‘name is not going to be on the lawsuit?’” No, actually it’s pretty consistent. His name isn’t on the Highroad either but local folks are smart enough to know whose “road” it is.



    “What do you think the chances are that casino entertainment will come to Rockaway Beach?” In October of 2003 the Ole Seagull wrote, “Unfortunately for Rockaway Beach’s casino gambling hopes, the petition itself provides the very ammunition that those opposing a casino in Rockaway Beach could use to attempt to shoot their casino down.Is it much?No, but it could be enough to make a ‘decent bet’ into a bet that is ‘at best, even money.’”



    After reviewing the lawsuit that was filed, in detail, an Ole Seagull would have to say that the “at best” scenario might be overly optimistic. Regardless of the way this lawsuit ultimately ends up, the heart of an Ole Seagull is saddened. Saddened both for the citizens of Rockaway Beach because of the economic revival of their community that might be further delayed and for the citizens of Branson because of the price they were willing to pay to deny their neighbors that opportunity.



    Gary Groman, a.k.a. “The Ole Seagull,” is an independent columnist and the editor of the Branson Courier. He may be reached by clicking here or by calling 417-339-4000.


  • National Kids’ Fest- Silver Dollar City June 4-August 22

    (Branson, Mo.)


    National Kids’ Fest at Silver Dollar City June 4-August 22


    A compliation of Press Lease and website information by Gary J. Groman, Editor



    Silver Dollar City’s National Kids’ Fest, to be held June 4-August 22, features kid-acclaimed fun, with an All-New “Circus of Dreams Parade” for 2004. The parade of larger-than-life fanciful floats, including colorful elephants, penguins on a tight-rope, mischievous monkeys and a circus animal band, is a festival highlight, along with a new Xtreme Air show with amazing stunts on inline skates and bikes. The return of VeggieTales, shows for kids and champion cloggers are all part of the festivities for America’s largest kids’ festival.



    America’s favorite talking vegetables return to Kids’ Fest in “A Very Veggie Revue” from VeggieTales. The stars of the show, Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and all their Veggie friends teach timeless values like honesty, kindness and forgiveness in a delightfully wacky way in this colorful, musical stage show. Kids can sing along with the hilarious VeggieTales Silly Songs™, one of the elements that have made VeggieTales the top animated direct-to-video series of all-time.



    Also returning is the popular, high energy Extreme Stunts on Wheels show, with even more stunts added to this high-flying show. Young professional stunt bikers, cyclists and skaters take to the air, combining agility and tightly-honed technical skills as they demonstrate amazing stunts on inline skates and BMX bikes. The extreme sports athletes defy gravity as they jump, flip, glide and spin in the hottest athletic show on the extreme sports circuit. Extreme Stunts on Wheels runs throughout the festival at the stunt course set up in the Red Gold Heritage Hall.



    Throughout the park during America’s largest kids’ festival, there are shows and activities for kids.These include activities such as Champion kid cloggers from around the country, the Just Kiddin” Around show with Wade Benson Landry and Pure Heart, a musical show where kids take part in the fun, and a LEGO play area where kids can build LEGO structures from cars to castles kick up their heels in energetic performances, a new musical show includes talented young singers



    Chapter 6, the award winning a cappella vocal band performs in the Opera House in 2004. Chapter 6 has created a medley of original arrangements from jazz to gospel, pop and rock. One of their most requested vocal arrangements is a 8 minute version of the Wizard of Oz. This talented group of young men love to share their passion for music in a refreshingly positive style!



    National Kids’ Fest activities are in addition to 12 rides including WILDFIRE, the high-speed, multi-looping, cobra-rolling roller coaster, which flies into the Ozark sky and roars down a mountainside at speeds up to 66 miles per hour. Additional favorites are the thrilling Thunderation roller coaster, and the combination water ride/dry coaster BuzzSaw Falls. For smaller kids, smaller-scale rides are found in Tom Sawyer’s Landing, a multi-level play area, and interactive adventure is the feature at the World’s Largest Treehouse at Geyser Gulch and Splash Harbor.



    For additional information click here to go to the Silver Dollar City Web Site or call them at 1-800-831-4FUN.