Branson Courier

Month: April 2006

  • Showboat Branson Belle: Authentic Paddlewheeler, Elegant Dining and Live Talking Dogs

    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 Branson, Missouri, the magnificent Showboat Branson Belle takes guests on two-hour lunch and dinner cruises on beautiful Table Rock Lake, March through December.



    The three-story Showboat is Branson’s grandest lake experience, with 2006 décor enhancements including antique mirrors, trim and special Victorian seating. From exploring the huge paddlewheeler’s four decks to dining on a three-course meal, the experience of being aboard a massive ship is as unique as the entertainment, which features nationally-acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver and his trio of talking dogs.



    “Guests rank the Showboat as one of the most entertaining experiences in Branson,” said Showboat Branson Belle General Manager Jim Moeskau. “The quality of the production with a cast of talented performers, adagio dancers and comedians, coupled with movable staging, impressive costuming and lighting, makes it far different from ship excursions in other destinations that feature bands or single acts – this is an all-out, full production show.”



    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 Irving are canine co-stars Lucy, the first female talking dog, and a


    talking basset named Elvis. Lunch and Sunday cruises present comedic magician Christopher Greenamyer.



    All meals aboard the Showboat are freshly prepared onboard in the ship’s galley. The dinner menu includes a main course of Admiral’s Choice Braised Beef in demi-glace sauce and Chicken Kiev, with a dessert of lemon berry torte.



    For special occasions or small groups, the Showboat Branson Belle presents a premium dining experience in the Paddle Wheel Club Room, perched just above the turning paddlewheels, where guests who select this option dine more privately with views of the lake and shoreline. Paddle Wheel guests may select from an array of entrées including a Captain’s special-cut rib-eye steak, pan-seared salmon, Caribbean stuffed chicken, and a choice of desserts. After the meal, diners are escorted to viewing boxes in the main theater area for the show.



    The Captain’s Row, the first row of the balcony, is a new option for guests who prefer to choose from the menu options of the Paddle Wheel Club Room but want to remain in the dining theater. “Responding to the trend of more families taking cruises, new menu choices for kids in the Paddle Wheel Club Room and Captain’s Row are available this year,” Moeskau said.



    The Showboat Branson Belle, Silver Dollar City and White Water, all Silver Dollar City Attractions, were the first properties in Missouri to achieve the prestigious honor of being designated as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries by Audubon International, for preserving wildlife habitats and conserving natural resources.



    Cruises sail through New Year’s Eve. All cruises run approximately two hours and 15 minutes, and begin at noon, 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Popular Sunday cruises are offered throughout the year at noon and 4:00 p.m. The Showboat is located one-half mile south of Table Rock Dam on Mo. 165. For ticket information, schedules, complete menus and reservations, call 1-800-775-BOAT. Information and ticketing are also available at www.silverdollarcity.com.

  • It’s magic – NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon and Darren Romeo, Branson’s “Voice of Magic”

    Jeff Gordon and Darren Romeo make magic.

    At first blush it would seem that those interests are different. Jeff Gordon’s is to continue to drive it to many more NASCAR victories and Darren Romeo’s is to make it appear and disappear as part of a new illusion in his magic act. Their common interest however is using the car as a tool to provide excitement and entertainment for their fans.

    In terms of the common interests and values that both Branson visitors and NASCAR fans have in common why not come up with an illusion that will entertain and promote both? In an age where it has become common place to see planes, helicopters, and animals vanish during a magic act this collaboration between Gordon and Romeo offers an illusion that combines the wonders of magic, with Darren’s great voice and audience appeal and the excitement and spectacle of NASCAR into a new exciting multi media illusion designed to do just that.

    The high light of the new illusion entitled, “Two Men Living Their Dream,” is the appearance and disappearance of a full size replica of Gordon’s “fire and flames” No. 24 Dupont Chevrolet NASCAR race car during each performance. Yet that’s not all the illusion is. The choreography of that highlight with Romeo’s considerable talents in performing the illusion and a taped appearance by Jeff Gordon adds an inspirational element that is special. As one of the posters on the 1Branson.com said, “The car 24 illusion is great totally mind boggling.”

    “Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic” is appearing at the Welk Resort Theatre March 10 – Labor Day. For online information and ticket purchase click here or for further information or tickets call 800-590-0155 or 417-337-7469.

    Originally Published In the Branson Courier on Apr. 24, 2006.

  • Crystal Gayle & Lee Greenwood Added to Welk Resort Theatre for 2006

    Welk-Sullivan Productions is adding even more “Star Power” to the 2006 lineup at the Welk Resort Theatre with 15 performances by Crystal Gayle and Lee Greenwood in October, November and December. Known for her signature song, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” and floor length hair, Crystal Gayle will perform with Lee Greenwood, singer and songwriter of the patriotic anthem, “God Bless The USA.”

    The Gayle-Greenwood schedule at Branson’s Welk Theatre covers five weekends: October 21 & 22; November 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19; and December 2 & 3. Performance times will be at 2 & 8 p.m. on Saturdays and at 8 p.m. on Sundays. For online information and ticket purchase click here or for further information or tickets call 800-590-0155 or 417-337-7469.

    Crystal Gayle

    One of the most popular and widely recognized female country singers, Crystal Gayle has charted 18 #1 hits and 27 Top-Five singles including “Don’t’ It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” “Talking In Your Sleep,” “Why Have You Left The One You Left Me For,” “I’ll Get Over You,” and “Cry.” The sister of Loretta Lynn, Gayle has earned Top Female honors with the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards (4); American Music Awards (3); Country Music Association (CMA) Awards (2); and a Grammy Award. Her album, “We Must Believe In Magic,” became the first album by a country female artist to achieve Platinum status.

    Her first #1 duet, “You and I,” was recorded with Eddie Rabbitt and became her second Top-Ten pop hit. Another duet with Gary Morris, “Makin’ Up For Lost Time (The Dallas Lovers’ Song)” from the TV series Dallas, also reached #1 on the Country Music Charts.

    Lee Greenwood

    Discovered by Mel Tillis’ road manager, Larry McFaden. Lee Greenwood has seven #1 hits and 23 Top-Ten records including “Dixie Road,” “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands,” “Hearts Aren’t Made To Break (They’re Made To Love),” “Going, Going, Gone,” and “God Bless The USA.”

    In addition to his solo hits, Greenwood had a number of hit duets with Barbara Mandrell, including the number three hit “To Me.” Greenwood has received Top Male Honors with a Grammy Award, CMA Award and Academy of Country Music Award. He received a Congressional Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award and a Points of Light Foundation Award for his patriotic work during the 1991 Gulf War.

    Welk Resort and Welk Resort Theatre

    The Welk Resort Theatre is located three miles south of Highway 76 at 1984 State Highway 165. The 2,245-seat theatre near Table Rock Lake was home to The Lawrence Welk Show from 1994 through 2004. The destination resort complex includes a 160-room hotel, the Stage Door Restaurant & Lounge, a gift shop, miniature golf course, swimming pool, game room and other family-friendly amenities.

    Welk Sullivan Productions presents at The Welk Resort Theatre in 2006:

    · March 10 – Labor Day: Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic

    · April 10 – mid-Dec: The Lowe Family

    · April 18 – May 26: Pam Tillis

    · September 5 – 9: Welk Stars Reunion featuring Ralna English and Guy Hovis, Ava Barber, Jo Ann Castle, Ken Delo, Arthur Duncan, Jack Imel, Mary Lou Metzger and Tim Padilla.

    · September 12 – October 20: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers and Pam Tillis Together Again!

    · October 21 – December 3: Crystal Gayle & Lee Greenwood

    · October 31 – December 8: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers and The Lennon Sisters Celebrating Christmas 2006!

  • Is “Branson Legal” the same as moral or ethical?


    In terms of comparative history, the week of Apr. 10 2006, will probably do as much for the integrity of Branson’s unelected and elected leadership as the deceitful attack on Pearl Harbor did for the chances of the Japanese winning World War II. A lie can be either by commission or omission. Deceitful acts can be overt or covert and both lies and deceitful acts can be either legal or illegal.



    In true “New Branson” style both the City of Branson’s elected leadership, the mayor and board of aldermen, and the head of its unelected leadership, City Administrator Terry Dody, seem to glory in their perception that they have met the strict legal definition of “blight” and the other legal requirements for the Branson Hills TIF. Slavery was once the law of the land and legal. Did that make it either ethical or moral? There are legal loop holes in laws that people find, exploit and abuse every day but that doesn’t make it moral or ethical, just legal.



    The comments of Dody at the Apr. 10 meeting of the board of aldermen and the publication of an ad in local newspapers “Paid for by the Mayor and Branson Board of Aldermen” later that same week appear to be a continuation of a Branson Hills Development TIF strategy consisting of a mixture of truth spun in with a little deceit, the use of smoke and mirrors as needed, and apparent legality. The legality of the Branson Hills TIF might eventually be decided by a judge but the morality, ethics, and common sense involved with the City of Branson’s handling of the TIF, as applies to the entire Branson area, not just the City of Branson, is within the ability of each person living within the area to determine.



    As an example, at the Apr. 10 meeting the Ole Seagull read a portion of a letter written by Branson’s primary unelected leader, City Administrator Terry Dody. It was part of a presentation to the board about, what he believes, was deceitfulness in the process that the City of Branson is using to take millions of dollars in tax revenues that the voters approved in Nov. of 2005 to market Branson and, instead, use it to expand the Branson Hills TIF.



    The Ole Seagull made a simple request of the board regarding the marketing tax that the voters had approved. He asked the board to “take whatever action was necessary to insure that the proceeds of the Tourism Enhancement District retail tax that the voters approved in Nov. of 2005, AFTER both the Branson Hills and Branson Landing TIF Plans had been approved, goes 100 percent toward the marketing of Branson and not to pay off TIFs in Branson Landing and Branson Hills.”



    The tapes of the meeting indicate that as the board and mayor sat mute Dody sprang into action. He said, among other things, “What Mr. Groman is referring to is that after the TIF law was put onto the agenda or onto the ballot before it was passed at the same time concurrently happening with that was a relocation of the foot print for the Wal-Mart Store.” Dody appears to use a combination of smoke and mirrors, truth, and deceit to arrive at a statement of fact that simply is not true. How could the Ole Seagull, or anyone else for that matter, refer to a TIF law that was never put on the ballot?



    A few seconds later Dody says, “It just so happened that the TIF vote was put on the ballot at the same time that Wal-Mart was redesigning its foot print up there.” Even after this second reference to a TIF vote that never happened did even one member of the Branson Board of Aldermen question this obvious departure from truth and reality? No, not one!



    Dody goes on to stress that “There was nothing done under the table there was nothing done deceitful” that “everything was done out in the open” and “fully disclosed.” A few seconds later Dody again states that “nothing was done under the table, nothing was misstated except your comments…” Oh really, it’s pretty simple, prior to the Nov. 2005 election by the voters to approve tax increases, to be used to market Branson and build a new Taney County judicial facility, the City of Branson was either actively negotiating to divert millions of those dollars to other uses or it wasn’t.



    Those other uses either included the expansion of the Branson Hills TIF project or they did not. Most important of all, in terms of integrity or deceit, those discussions were either discussed “out in the open” or “fully disclosed” or they were not. That happened at what public meeting prior to the Nov. 2005 vote to increase taxes to pay for the marketing of Branson and build a new Taney County judicial facility?



    Dody’s use of the words “under the table,” twice during his spontaneous response, was an interesting choice of words that was his and his alone. Branon’s prayer should be that this isn’t the Freudian slip of the century.

  • Back Up for April 23, 2006 editorial “Is Branson legal the same as moral or ethical?”


    Comments of Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull made during the Public Comment portion of the Apr. 10, 2006 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen



    The following is the first paragraph from a letter that your City Administrator, Terry Dody, sent to Mr. Edd Akers, President, of the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Enhancement District on January 30, 2006.



    “Dear Edd,



    Before (I repeat) BEFORE, the enhancement tax was voted on, the Wal-Mart Corporation requested changes in the Branson Hills project site plan. The ability of the developer to make those extensive and expensive changes and keep Wal-Mart as a Branson Hills tenant was based on the potential revenues from the proposed enhancement tax- if it passed. Had the tourism tax not succeeded, it is extremely unlikely that the developer could have modified the original development plan to meet Wal-Marts’s requirements.”



    This strongly indicates to me that at the very time voters were being led to believe that if they voted for the retail marketing tax it would be used strictly for marketing, that the City of Branson was planning on diverting millions of that tax to pay off TIF indebtedness in Branson Landing and Branson Hills. Even worse, it appears that the city was actually negotiating with Wal-Mart and the developers to specifically use the proceeds of that tax to do something that they would not have been able to do without voter approval of the tax for another purpose.



    A lie can be either by commission or omission and deceitful acts can be either overt or covert. I wouldn’t expect much different from developers, big box stores of the Gal-Mart type or the person who wrote that letter but I would expect different from you. My prayer is that none of you were involved in the perpetration of this apparent deceit upon the voters. My further prayer is that you will take whatever action is necessary to insure that the proceeds of the Tourism Enhancement District retail tax that the voters approved in Nov. of 2005, AFTER both the Branson Hills and Branson Landing TIF Plans had been approved, goes 100 percent toward the marketing of Branson and not to pay off TIFs in Branson Landing and Branson Hills.



    Thank you.”



    Reply of Branson City Administrator Terry Dody to Comments of the Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull, made during the Public Comment portion of the Apr. 10, 2006 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen



    First of all what Mr. Groman has said is a miss, a gross misstatement of the facts. The Tourism Tax first of allthe Tourism Enhancement Tax we were asked numerous times whether or not it would be captured by the TIF and we always said and in a public meeting said that it would be captured by the TIF and was not exempt under the TIF law. What Mr. Groman is referring to is that after the TIF law was put onto the agenda or onto the ballot before it was passed at the same time concurrently happening with that was a relocation of the foot print for the Wal-Mart Store.



    The developer came back to the city came back to the council and advised the council that with the change being mandated by Wal-Mart without some additional resources it would not be possible to buy the additional land that would be required and to site prep it. So the plan went forward with the understanding that if the TIF passed that those dollars which would be have to be legally captured by the TIF District would be necessary to help finance the new footprint for the Wal-Mart and the Sam’s Club that was being demanded by Wal-Mart.



    There was nothing done under the table there was nothing done deceitful Mr. Groman everything was done out in the open and it fits very logically together if in fact you would in fact ask the questions and get answers before giving your misguided and improper opinion. So everything was done fully above board fully and fully disclosed and the reason that these things happened was because they were concurrently happening as the foot print was being changed by Wal-Mart.



    It just so happened that the TIF vote was put on the ballot at the same time that Wal-Mart was redesigning its foot print up there. Had that not happened and had that vote not passed then according to Wal-Mart and according to the developer they would not be able to do the TIF plan or the expansion of it and the new foot print for the new Wal-Mart Store. Now how factual that is at the end of the day can it be rearranged we don’t know yet that’s what has been worked on for a long time and is continuing to be worked onbut again Mr. Groman, nothing was done under the table nothing was misstated except your comments and this project goes on in the same manner as it has always been disclosed and told that it would be.



    Thank you Mr. Mayor.



    Note: Transcribed from tapes of meeting purchased from the City of Branson by Gary J. Groman.


  • Branson, Missouri Busts Gas Price Woes

    Visitors to Branson, Missouri will be rewarded with a free Gas Buster discount card, accepted at dozens of live shows, attractions, lodging properties, retail shops and restaurants, worth a total of $50 off regular prices. In addition, they will be eligible to win $100 gas voucher cards and a grand prize trip to Branson.



    The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB will give a Gas Buster discount card to anyone who presents a valid drivers’ license and a minimum of $40 in gas receipts incurred within 48 hours of their arrival at one of the Chamber’s two Welcome Centers. Gas Buster card holders will be automatically entered to win one of 22 weekly drawings for a $100 gas card and the grand prize 4 day/3 night vacation for four to Branson, which will be awarded on September 30, 2006. “The Gas Buster promotion is our way of welcoming summer-time visitors by offsetting some of their costs to get here,” according to Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson Chamber.



    According to AAA’s website, on April 18, 2006, the average cost of regular unleaded gasoline in Missouri was $2.67 per gallon compared to the national average of $2.79 per gallon. In the Branson area, the average price is $2.67 per gallon, slightly lower than the Midwest’s average of $2.69 per gallon. “Branson is located within a day’s drive of 1/3 of the country’s population and this makes us very accessible to families looking for world-class entertainment, theme parks, shopping, and outdoor and lake recreation,” Summers said.



    Gas Buster discount cards, rules for participation, and the accompanying list of sponsors will only be issued from the two Chamber/CVB Welcome Centers located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 65 and Missouri Highway 248, or at Hwy. 65 and Missouri Highway 160 in Branson. Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Mondays through Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The Gas Buster promotion runs from April 28 through Sept. 29, 2006. For more information call 800-214-3661 or click here.

  • Perseverance, the two edged sword

    Perseverance is demonstrating persistent determination. At its simplest, perseverance is finishing what is started. It is the characteristic that separates life’s winners from its losers even as it makes winners out of those who appeared to have lost. It is to character what the heart is to the body.



    Teddy Roosevelt, Americas 26th President, described perseverance very poignantly and eloquently when he said, “The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly…Who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never known neither victory nor defeat.”


    The credit belongs to the person who makes the decision to enter the “arena” for a purpose, does their best to achieve that purpose and preservers to the end. In a long distance race with 20 runners only one will win first place. Does that mean that the other 19 lost? No, it means they didn’t come in first.



    Did they put forth their best effort and strive to the end to achieve what they wanted to accomplish during the race or, when things got tough, did they slack off or quit? If, at the end of the race a runner can echo the words of the new testament writer, Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;” they, regardless of their final position, have won.



    Walter Elliott said, “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.” In a similar manner, the course of life is not one long race; it is many short races run one at a time. The winners in life are the ones who, regardless of the outcome of each race, on a daily basis, continue to fight the good fight, keep the faith and persevere until life’s course is finished.



    However, perseverance is a two edged sword. A sword that can effect lives for either good or bad because, as sure as oxygen is necessary for life; our lives are going to reflect those things and people we persistently determine to think about and associate with.



    That being the case, how does one put themselves into a position to have the right thoughts, friends, and associates? To paraphrase the words of new testament writer, Paul, by having the perseverance to think about whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and worthy of praise and associating with those who do the same.

  • 8th Annual Main Street 3 on 3 Hoops

    The 8th Annual Main Street Hoops 3-on-3 Basketball will be Saturday, April 29, 2006 in Downtown Branson. Divisions for every skill level and all ages. The fun and games begin at 8 a.m.



    Admission is free for spectators, so bring the whole family to cheer on your favorite teams. The action takes place at North Commercial Street and Atlantic Street.



    Not only is there a day filled with Basketball fun, but every player gets a free T-shirt. Winners in the children and youth divisions up to age 14 will also receive trophies.



    Street basketball rules for 3-on-3 apply to this tournament. There are divisions for youth and children starting at age 7. A range of adult team divisions will give the “Top Guns” and even the Couch Potatoes a day of fun and tough competition. Corporate teams are also encouraged to enter.



    The team entry fee is $40. Teams of three to four players may enter.


    The deadline to enter is April 21st.



    Don’t miss out on the action call today!



    Team applications are available at www.downtownbranson.org,

  • Doesn’t Branson’s Tourism Community Enhancement District Board hide its TIF concerns well?

    The Apr. 5-6 edition of this paper contained an article entitled, “County, city remain at odds over new Branson Hills TIF.” The article reported that among others, Ed Akers, the president of the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) met with the Taney County Commission on Tuesday morning Apr.4 to discuss the county’s actions regarding the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) at the Branson Hills Redevelopment Project.



    Akers said, “We are very concerned about the loss of the tax revenue for us to promote the area for tourism” and “Our board voted to advise the public about the consequences of losing these tax dollars.” Oh really, if the board is truly concerned about the loss of its tax revenues at the Branson Hills Redevelopment Project it has sure managed to hide it well up to this point.



    The TCED has been in existence since before the first discussion of the Branson Landing TIF and years before any public discussion on the Branson Hills TIF. The Ole Seagull has been the Taney County representative on the TIF Commission for both of these TIFs. In all of that time, not once, has a representative of the TCED appeared in front of the Commission or has the TCED submitted any other documentation regarding any concerns it may have had, or requesting any abatement of the TIF, as to its tax revenues.



    Is there just the possibility that both the city and developers, wanting millions of tax payer dollars to subsidize their projects, would have agreed to some accommodation with the TCED had it been requested? Why wouldn’t they when no tax had been authorized by the voters yet and the proceeds of such a tax, even if enacted, were not part of the specific financials used in the original TIF process?



    For example, revenues from the TCED retail sales tax were not part of the original TIF Plan for the Branson Hills Project dated May 25, 2004. Then suddenly, in Dec. of 2005, the TIF Plan was amended to, among other things; add the TCED retail sales tax as a revenue source to pay off the TIF.



    Interestingly, at the same time the TCED’s retail tax revenue was added to the plan, it appears that the reimbursable expenses that the developer received went up over $2 million. Where was the concern of the TCED board then, when timely action on their part might have saved them, at a minimum, hundreds of thousands in tax revenues and possibly millions?



    “Seagull, is there a chance that that the city was negotiating with the developer and a big box store to TIF the TCED Retail Sales Tax prior to the election even as the voters were being told that the entire proceeds would go to marketing?” The chances of that happening are about as great as a city government that cares about public input from its citizens, scheduling a TIF public hearing for 6:00 p.m. on Good Friday evening of Easter weekend. “But Seagull, hasn’t the city scheduled a TIF hearing for 6:00 p.m. on Apr. 14, Good Friday evening.” Come to think of it that’s exactly what they’ve done.



    After the voters passed the tourism tax in Nov. of 2005, and it became apparent that the City of Branson intended to take 50 percent of the TCED tourism tax the voters had just approved, the board among other things, voted to send a letter to the City of Branson asking the city not to collect the TIF in Branson Hills. When Akers and the board were asked to also include Branson Landing in the same letter the request was ignored.



    It’s hard for an Ole Seagull to reconcile Akers stated concern “about the loss of the tax revenue for us to promote the area for tourism” with his action ignoring the potential loss of tax revenues at Branson Landing. Again, just how much in tax revenue is the district losing by not getting its full tax from Branson Landing?



    It seems as if the TCED Board has the cart before horse. Shouldn’t it be addressing its concerns about losing tax revenue to the City of Branson, the entity that is actually taking the revenue from them, not the Taney County Commission to whom the City of Branson is doing the same thing?



    To an Ole Seagull, the reality of the current situation is that, as a direct consequence of the TCED Board’s consistent pattern of failing to take timely, appropriate and effective action, millions of dollars in tax revenues, that the voters entrusted to them to use for the marketing of Branson, will, instead, be used by the City of Branson to pay off TIF obligations for Branson Landing and Branson Hills. What a pathetic travesty!

  • 14 th Annual Branson Fest April 4-8

    The booming vacation destination of Branson, Missouri kicks off its spring season of family entertainment with the 14th annual BransonFest, April 4-8, 2006 at the Welk Resort Theatre Complex.BransonFest, the area’s premier festival for food, fun and entertainment, has been named a Top 100 North American Event for the third straight year by the American Bus Association.


    This year, the festival features live performances by more than 500 world-class entertainers, authentic Branson cuisine, demonstrations by local artists and craftsmen, and a business and hospitality expo. New features include an on-site display of Jeff Gordon’s #24 NASCAR Chevrolet and hot air balloon rides.


    Daily concerts, held inside the Welk Resort Theatre, feature some of the biggest names in live entertainment and numbers by many of Branson’s hottest production shows. Guests will have the opportunity to see Pam Tillis, the Lennon Sisters, Dino Kartsonakis, Jim Stafford, Les Brown, Jr., Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus, Spirit of the Dance, Broadway!, Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, the Haygoods, impressionist Bob Anderson, Ray Price and the Liverpool Legends among others. Click here for full line-up.


    Each 3-hour performance showcases 10 different Branson shows. Five daily concerts are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4; and at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and


    Saturday, April 5-8. Tickets are $29.50 per person, or $130 per person for all five shows. Call (417) 337-7469 or (800) 734-5515 for tickets and information.


    Non-stop live entertainment in the Real American Entertainment Pavilion on the Welk Resort grounds includes non-stop performances by groups such as Viva La Divas, Hearts & Harmony, Jim Owen, 14 Karat Country, Janice Copeland, John Wain, Perry Edenburg, Jessica James, Wally Barbee, Cindy Barr, Terri Williams and many others. Costumed characters will also be roaming the grounds daily, entertaining guests with impromptu performances.In addition to the entertainment pavilion, Freedom Flights, Inc., a group dedicated to increasing the awareness of POW and MIA issues, will be offering hot air balloon rides on the festival grounds.


    Fans will have the opportunity to meet, pose for photos with, and get autographs of Branson celebrities at the Business and Hospitality Expo, which will house approximately 50 booths representing new and existing businesses of interest to visitors and area residents. Theaters, attractions, golf resorts, and more will be represented. Visitors can pick up show schedules and register for daily give-aways inside the Expo tent.


    Inside the Taste of Branson Pavilion, guests can sample some of the most popular dishes from Branson’s finest eating establishments. This tent also features special presentations highlighting food and entertainment.In 2004, television personality Al Roker and his production crew filmed a special for The Food Network from BransonFest which has aired multiple times since its premiere.


    The Arts, Culture and Heritage Pavilion gives visitors the opportunity to view and purchase the work of nationally-recognized Branson artists, sculptors, jewelry makers, wood carvers and potters. A different artist, author or craftsman will be on hand each day showcasing their work.


    NASCAR fans can see Jeff Gordon’s 2005 DuPont “Fire and Flames” Chevrolet Monte Carlo and take home a souvenir photo of themselves with the car.The car will be on display from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, April 7, and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 8.


    Free outdoor activities are open from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 6-8. The Welk Resort Theatre Complex is located on Missouri Highway 165, just south of famous Highway 76 in Branson. The Taney County Ambulance District will be on hand throughout the event.


    The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau presents BransonFest 2006. To receive a free visitor information packet, call (800) 214-3661.

  • Jim Stafford & Mickey Gilley added to Branson Fest 2006 “Big Shows”


    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, in bold, as soon as we get the information.)



    Although all the other entertainment events conducted on the Branson Fest grounds are free there is a charge to attend the big shows. For on line ticket information or purchase click here or for further information call 1-800-590-0155.



    Branson Fest 2006 “Big Show” Artist Line-Up as of 3/16/06 subject to change)



    April 4-8, 2006



    Welk Resort Theatre



    Tuesday, April 4-7:00 p.m.



    Hometown Radio Day


    Hosts: Steve & Janet – KRZK Radio with Steve Gatlin


    Road to Rock House of Rock Theatre


    Roy Rogers Jr. & High Riders Happy Trails Theatre


    The Lennon Sisters Welk Resort Theatre


    Steve & Rudy Gatlin Welk Resort Theatre


    Gold Wing Express Hughes Brothers Theatre


    Liverpool Legends Caravelle Theatre


    Toni Roi’s Elvis Experience Music City Centre



    Wednesday, April 5 – 2:00 p.m.



    Host: Jim Owen


    Baldknobbers Jamboree Balknobbers Theatre


    Red Skelton, A Tribute by Tom Mullica Music City Centre


    Hughes Brothers Hughes Brothers Theatre


    Jim Owen Country Tonite Theatre


    Ray Price Welk Resort Theatre


    Legends in Concert Legends Family Theatre


    Comedy Jamboree Grand Country Music Hall


    Grand Jubilee Grand Country Music Hall



    Thursday, April 6 – 2:00 p.m.



    Host:


    Clay Coopers Country Music Express Caravelle Theatre


    The Brett Family Legends Family Theatre


    Dino Kartsonakis Tri-Lakes Center


    The Haygoods Music City Centre


    Red, Hot & Blue Grand Country Music Hall


    #1 Hits of the 60’s Branson Showcase Theatre


    Les Brown Jr. & His Band of Renown Mickey Gilley Theatre


    Branson Follies starring John Davidson Follies Theatre


    Mickey Gilley Mickey Gilley Theatre



    Friday, April 7 – 2:00 p.m.



    Hosts:


    Spirit of the Dance & Broadway Branson Variety Theatre


    Bob Anderson Club Celebrity-Lodge of the Ozarks


    Siegfried & Roy Present Darren Romeo Welk Resort Theatre


    The Duttons The Duttons Family Theatre


    Neil Goldberg’s Cirque Remington Theatre



    Saturday, April 8 – 2:00 p.m.



    Hosts:


    Jim Stafford Jim Stafford Theatre


    Acrobats of China/New Shanghai Circus New Shanghai Theatre


    The Branson Brothers Bart Rockett Theatre


    Doug Gabriel Jim Stafford Theatre


    Celebrate America Mansion America


    The Promise Mansion America


    Pam Tillis Welk Resort Theatre