Branson Courier

Month: January 2009

  • Branson ready after major ice storm

    An article published at news.branson.com entitled, “Branson’s Hot Winter Fun back on track after major ice storm,” describes that Branson, Missouri is basically ready to continue to do what it does best, entertain its guests. What’s amazing is that it is taking place in spite of just having gone through one of the worst winter storms Branson has seen in decades.

    The article reports the effect on Branson as the storm moved through southwestern Missouri and northern Arkansas starting mid afternoon on Monday, Jan. 26 and its virtual shutdown of almost everything on Tuesday Jan. 27. Although not called “miraculous” in the article, it does describe that in spite of the severity of the storm, Branson did not receive the damage and major power outages suffered by its neighbors just a few miles to the south.

    It goes on to report that Branson’s major roads and peripheral roads had all been cleared and treated for ice and, with the higher temperatures on Thursday and Friday should be virtually back to normal levels of service for the weekend.

    It also pointed out that the Hot Winter Fun businesses that had closed during the brunt of the storm are in the process of reopening. All in all, it appears that in spite of one of the worst winter storms in Branson’s history, its Hot Winter Fun time in Branson this weekend.

    Excerpts from the article:

    “If telephone conversations with the Grand Country Theatre and Branson Landing are any indication, Branson’s Hot Winter Fun businesses, attractions and shows will start opening on Thursday, Jan. 29 and should be in full swing for the weekend.”

    “VanGilder [Larry VanGilder, Public Works Director for the city of Branson] said that with the sunny weather and increased temperatures forecast for Thursday and Friday the condition of all major Branson and peripheral roads should be at near normal levels of service by the weekend. It should be remembered that, particularly on some of the peripheral roads, refreezing of the thawing ice can reoccur as temperatures drop over the night time hours.”

    For further information on Hot Winter Fun and the latest information on the availability of specific attractions, shows or shopping please contact the Branson Tourism Center on line or by phone at 800-785-1550.

    Click here for entire article.

  • Engler Block ceases operation as craftsmen venue

    Engler’s Block will soon be the home to the
    Branson Auto Museum and Olyvia’s

    When one thinks of Branson Shows, what normally comes to mind is one of the many music, variety or other shows that Branson, Missouri is famous for. Yet for years, a lot of those interested in watching craftsmen and artisans perform their craft went to a “show” that wasn’t found in a theatre at all, but in a building, called “Engler Block,” where craftsmen and artisans put on a special “show” as they practiced their crafts and art.

    That unique “show” will be ending as of Feb. 1. Bill Skains, Engler Block’s manager said, “As of that date, ‘The Engler Block’ will cease operation as a venue for craftsmen and artisans to demonstrate and sell their crafts and arts.” He stated, as of that date, the majority of the space in the building will be leased by the “Branson Auto Museum” and the restaurant space will become “Olyvia’s Restaurant.”

    Skains, who was contacted at his home during an ice storm the evening of Jan. 26, did not have the specifics of the contracts immediately available, but said the leases, for two separate entities, have been signed through Harris Leasing Co, the family owned company owning the building, and will become effective Feb.1.

    Skains stated that both the museum and restaurant are shooting for a March 1 opening date. He said that the interim time between Feb. 1 and March 1 will be spent obtaining the necessary city approvals and making appropriate physical and signage changes to the building reflecting its new usage.

    Skains expressed his understanding that the Branson Auto Museum would be a unique type of paid attraction. People would pay to go through the museum to see the vintage cars, but if they saw a car they wanted to buy they would be able to pursue its purchase. He also suggested that the museum would accept cars on a consignment basis to display and sell.

    He described Olyvia’s as a restaurant featuring American style food. Skains indicated the possibility that there will be live blues and jazz entertainment on Saturday nights.

    Reflecting on the Harris family’s extended involvement with “The Engler Block” and its craft and artesian heritage, Skains said it was one of the first “year rounder” business attractions in Branson and one of the early proponents of “Hot Winter Fun.” At times it was the home to more than 30 different business and practicing craftsmen and artisans such as glass blowers, artists, and wood carvers who practiced and displayed their skills to the guests as they browsed, learned, and shopped.

    Skains expressed mixed emotions about the changes taking place saying that the current economic situation, combined with the way retail and craft malls have evolved in Branson in recent years, made the transition necessary. He went on to say he is excited about the new opportunities for the Engler Block property presented by its new tenants.

  • Branson’s Ozark Mountain Spring is more than “an” event

    Spring has always been a special time in Branson, Missouri as the beauty of the Ozarks bursts forth after a winter pause. That natural beauty and the budding Red Buds have heralded the formal start of Branson’s new show season and the opening of its outdoor attractions for many years, but this year it’s really going to be special. Branson is welcoming spring and kicking off its season with a brand new event, “Ozark Mountain Spring.”

    Actually, it’s much more than “an” event, it’s a collection of over 35 events, and growing, which will run from March 1 to May 31. “Ozark Mountain Spring,” is the umbrella that is being used to promote, not only the start of the new Branson show and outdoor attraction season, but the excitement, freshness and variety of all the activities that Branson has to offer.

    The sheer number and diversity of the events being offered speaks to Branson’s passion for being the live entertainment capital of the world. In addition to the shows, attractions and entertainment Branson is famous for Ozark Mountain Spring will feature events as diverse as the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship Finals, Taste of Home cooking schools, Kewpie Dolls at “Kewpiesta” and the honoring of America’s Purple Heart Recipients at the “Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event.

    But the diversity of the events is only part of the story. The quality and presentation of the majority of the events is also paramount. The opportunity to see some of the best college basketball players in the country competing for a national level championship, the excitement and glamour of a nationally televised weigh in of a Wal-Mart FLW Series bass tournament, the class, dignity, and caring involved with the “Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients,” the Taste of Home sponsored cooking schools and “Great American Pie Show” and Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest and Blue Grass & BBQ Festivals are but a few of the events illustrating the point.

    Ozark Mountain Spring has an unrivaled selection and quality of events already scheduled. Click here for a complete current list of all the events which will be updated as new events are added.
    http://www.bransontourismcenter.com/2009-ozark-mountain-spring.htm

    When the natural beauty of an Ozark spring is combined with the events making up “Ozark Mountain Spring” and all the shows, attractions, entertainment, outdoor activities, shopping and everything else Branson has to offer, it’s hard to imagine a better way for a family to celebrate spring than by visiting Branson, Missouri during Ozark Mountain Spring. For further information on Ozark Mountain Spring contact the Branson Tourism Center, on line or by phone at 800-785-1550.
    http://www.bransontourismcenter.com/index.html

  • “Mirror mirror on the wall, who brings Branson most of all?

    One could get the impression that the queen, in the movie “Snow White,” was concerned about whether or not she was the fairest in the land because, just about every day, she asked her magic mirror, “Mirror, mirror on the wall who is fairest of them all.” Maybe, just maybe, those government officials with a responsibility and true concern for the marketing of Branson should be asking the magic mirror, “Mirror mirror on the wall, who brings Branson most of all.”

    At the outset let’s get rid of some of the myths regarding the expenditure of marketing revenues generated by the City of Branson’s Tourism Tax (CBTT) and the Tourism Community Enhancement District Tax (TCEDT). Before citing the myths let’s look at the controlling state law to which any myth or local change should be compared.

    The state law governing the expenditure of the CBTT funds for promotion or marketing simply states, “Twenty-five percent of the taxes collected shall be deposited into a ‘Tourism Promotion Account’ within the tourism tax trust fund and shall be used, upon appropriation by the municipality, for tourism marketing and promotional purposes.”

    The state law governing the expenditure of the TCEDT funds states, “Ninety-eight percent of the revenues collected from the tax authorized by this section shall be used by the board for marketing, advertising, and promotion of tourism, the administration thereof, and a reasonable reserve. The district shall enter into an agreement with an organization or organizations to conduct and administer functions such as public relations, sales, and marketing of tourism on behalf of the district to enhance the economic health of the district.”

    Now let’s look at the myths:

    Myth #1 “All marketing funds must be spent through not for profit entities.” Simply not true for either the CBTT or TCEDT.

    Myth #2 “All funds must be spent on out of area marketing.” Simply not true for either CBTT or TCEDT.

    Myth #3 “All the money has to go to one organization.” Simply not true. The CBTT funds “shall be used, upon appropriation by the municipality, for tourism marketing and promotional purposes.” The TCEDT funds “shall be used by the board for marketing, advertising, and promotion of tourism, the administration thereof, and a reasonable reserve.” In both cases, there is no requirement that the funds be spent through any one entity.

    Myth 4. “The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB has control over how both the CBTT and TCEDT marketing funds are spent.” Although the term “control” is relative, the reality is, over the entire history of spending both the CBTT and TCEDT funds, no major contract for marketing etc., using those funds, has ever been granted to another organization.

    Myth #5. “No marketing funds can be spent for the benefit of any one theatre, attraction, business etc.” Simply not true. There is extreme latitude on how the money may be spent. As an example, hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent for the benefit of the privately owned Branson Airport because of all the new people it is expected to bring into Branson.

    Now that all the myths are gone let’s get back to the main question, “Mirror mirror on the wall who brings Branson most of all?” Let’s identify no more than the top five businesses that have a proven track record for bringing the most new tourists to Branson through their marketing efforts, put them into a room, and pay them to develop a marketing plan based on their expertise and experience. They should be free to develop the plan not restricted or influenced by myths or the way Branson has been marketed in the past.

    As someone a lot wiser than an Ole Seagull once said, “Let’s think out of the box.” Maybe someday, in terms of its marketing, Branson will be able to say, “See, it happens.”

    Some might ask, “What are the odds are of that happening?” An Ole Seagull would reply, “About the same as the queen wanting the mirror to reply that someone else was fairer than she.” But, it is an intriguing question that begs an answer, “Mirror mirror on the wall, who brings Branson most of all?

  • Grand Country’s Amazing Pet Show truly amazes

    Sean Paul and Juliane with Frankie

    Branson, Missouri is known for its fantastic selection and variety of shows, but of all the shows Branson offers there are very few of them that will hold the interest of a child for more than a few minutes. Grand Country’s Amazing Pet Show is one of those shows.

    The good news for moms, dads, grandparents, and us “older kids” is that the show, while holding a child’s interest is a wonderful entertainment experience for adults too. A large part of the show’s enjoyment is the flow and ebb of its various elements comedy, audience participation, magic, “Frankie,” and the “amazing pets.”

    That flow is controlled by Sean Paul who masterfully integrates the various elements of the show into an entertainment experience for “kids” of all ages. Sean Paul’s experience with providing entertainment for corporate group events gives him the expertise, talent, and ability to take what could be a “kids only” show and make it into an entertainment experience that will appeal to everyone. Of course the fact he also happens to be a magician, comedian, animal trainer, entertainer, and Frankie’s “dad” doesn’t hurt anything either.

    After Stanley the Bell Hop, played by Chris Stanley warms up the crowd with his comedy antics and balloon artistry, Sean Paul introduces his lovely wife, Juliane and their “son Frankie.” To everyone’s delight “Frankie” turns out to be a cute Capuchins monkey that Sean Paul and Juliane have had for about seven years. Sean Paul said that for all practical purposes, Frankie is a member of their family, traveling with them just about everywhere they go and living in their home.

    Frankie’s integration into the show is flawlessly done. In some areas, such as in one of the most unusual and humorous “Question and Answer” sessions a person will ever see, he plays a major part and in others a peripheral role, but his presence on stage at strategic times during the show, thanks to the backstage preparation and assistance of Juliane, always proves interesting and exciting.

    Three diverse elements provide the transition from one step of the show to the next. The first is Sean Paul’s magic, the second his comedy and the third is the audience participation of different age children. All are artfully used throughout the show and without spoiling the surprise, involve all aspects of the show from rice toilet paper to Frankie and the dreaded and deadly “Mamba” and one of the cutest and most memorable twosomes on a bike a person will ever see.

    Valery with feline pet just rolling along.

    A key element of the show is the pets. Trainer Valery Tsoraev has combined the antics of well trained cats and dogs, with costuming, and choreography and an execution that defines what the word “Amazing” in the title of the show means. Again, without spoiling the surprise, one thing is for sure, whether it’s the most unusual marriage ceremony most people have ever seen or a duplication of the cat jumping from the wire in the movie “Big Fish,” the antics of these pets is truly amazing.

    During the intermission, a family from near Houston, Texas consisting of mom, Sheri, and her two daughters Megan and Madeline were asked what they thought of the show. Sheri said, “It was amazing” and commented on how much she enjoyed the comedy and audience participation. Both of the girls commented that they liked it and would see it again. When asked what their favorite part of the show was, Megan said she liked the ballerinas in the “Nutcracker” and Madeline liked the “doggie bike rides” and being up on stage.

    Alena Oulianova and her trained birds add another element of variety, beauty, and surprise to the show. From the appearance of the “Fairy Princess” accompanied by dancing, aerobatic pigeons to the “Caribbean Pirate Girl” and her beautiful parrots this act and its incredible tricks is amazing.

    At intermission and after the show, Sean Paul, Juliane and Frankie, Valery and one of his pets, and Stanley are available to meet and greet the audience. At the same time there are pictures and other show related items for sale but no hard sell was involved.

    The Amazing Pets show is currently on break until March 14 at which time it will return for its first of three limited 2009 engagements. For additional information or to purchase tickets for this show please contact the Branson Tourism Center online or by phone at 800-785-1550.

  • Branson’s Great American Pie Show – major Ozark Mountain Spring event

    In a town like Branson, Missouri, where shows are a way of life, the announcement of a new show can become common place, but there’s just not been quite been anything like Branson’s newest announced show.. Branson has just about every type of show imaginable including comedy, magic, music of just about every type, and outdoor drama, but, until now, it has never had a pie show.

    Well, it does now and it’s not just any pie show, it’s “Branson’s Great American Pie Show.” The pie show was announced the morning of Jan. 16 at the Branson Convention Center, as a major part of Branson’s newest event, “Ozark Mountain Spring,” by Mary Kellogg, the co-owner of the “Titanic – Worlds Largest Museum Attraction.”

    Kellogg said, Branson’s Great American Pie Show, presented by the “Taste of Home” magazine, will be one of the new events presented as part of Ozark Mountain Spring and will be held at the Branson Convention Center on Friday, Apr. 24 and Saturday, Apr. 25. The “Taste of Home” website, www.tasteofhome.com/pieshow, states, “This Contest is sponsored by The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. (the publisher of Taste of Home) and Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB” and gives a link to the “rules” (details) of the contest.

    The rules require contestants to submit their pie recipes, either on line or by mail, to arrive at Taste of Home no later than 11:59 p.m. Mar. 13. All entries must be submitted in one of four categories Fruit, Nut, Pudding/Cream/Custard, or Refrigerator/Freezer. The Taste of Home judging panel will select 12 finalists, three in each of the four categories, from the submitted entries based on four criteria Creativity, Feasibility, Flavor and Visual Appeal.

    According to the rules, all entries will be judged and the 12 finalists notified by email and mail within two weeks of the “closing date.” The 12 finalists have the opportunity to come to Branson and actually compete against each other for cash and prizes at “Branson’s Great American Pie Show” which will be held in the Branson Convention Center on Apr. 24 and Apr. 25. Although all finalists will receive two nights lodging and meals for two people, all transportation costs to and from Branson and all other costs are not included and must be paid by the finalists.

    The semi-finals will be held between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Friday Apr. 24 with the pie judging at 3:00 p.m. The four finalists will compete in the finals on Saturday, Apr. 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with the pie judging at 2:00 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 4:00 p.m. The judges will use the same criteria in the semi finals and finals used to judge the original entries from which the 12 finalists were chosen.

    Kellogg formally announced that NBC’s Al Roker will be a celebrity judge for the final pie judging on Saturday. He will also be available for a book signing and a question and answer session from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

    The First Place winner will receive a check for $2500 and a four day, three night trip for two (2) to Branson, MO including hotel accommodations, shows and meals. Air fare to and from Branson is not included. The prizes for Second through Fourth Place are Second Place $1000 and a Branson Gift Basket having an estimated retail value of $1040 Third Place $500 and a Branson Gift Basket having an estimated retail value of $540 and Fourth Place Winner $250 and a Branson Gift Basket having an estimated retail value of $290.

  • Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients

    caption goes here

    In Branson, Missouri, where honoring veterans,active duty military and their families is a passion, another event honoring them is not surprising. What is surprising is the uniqueness of the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event, the sponsorship of the event, and that all of the events scheduled activities are free to Purple Heart Recipients.

    At the Jan. 17 public announcement Branson’s new “Ozark Mountain Spring,” Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Advertising and Public Relations, Branson.Com, announced that Branson.Com, a private business, was sponsoring the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients (Hand-in-Hand” event to be held on Apr. 24 and 25. Hand-in-Hand, while continuing Branson’s proud heritage or honoring its veterans and active duty military personnel, is presented to specifically remember and honor the sacrifices of those who have been wounded in action in the defense of our country and have received the Purple Heart.

    Stockinger said that all the scheduled activities of the Hand-in-Hand event, from the opening ceremony on Apr. 24 in the Hamner Barber Theatre to the inspirational “Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony,” to be held at Branson Landing on Apr. 25, will be free to Purple Heart Recipients participating in the event. She highlighted some of the activities and pointed out that a full list and schedule of activities could be found on Branson.Com.
    http://directory.branson.com/listing/handinhand_branson_honors_purple_heart_recipients.html

    She said the speaker for the Apr. 24 Opening Ceremony is scheduled to be Col. Hemant Thakur, M.D., an expert on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD. On Apr. 25 there will be a fishing tournament at Table Rock Lake from 8:00 a.m. to noon and the “Hand in Hand” Entertainment Show at the Hamner Barber Theatre from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. A unique and inspiring “Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony” will be held at the Branson Landing from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. featuring guest speaker Sergeant Major Tony Rose (ret). Sergeant Major Rose is a 9-11 Pentagon survivor and Purple Heart Recipient.

    Stockinger explained the fishing tournament on Table Rock Lake will cost the participating Purple Heart Recipients nothing. All the guides involved have volunteered their time, boat, gas, tackle etc. She said that the state of Missouri has even waived the fishing permit fees for the Purple Heart Recipients fishing in the tournament.

    Although its history can be traced back to George Washington, the Revolutionary War and “The Badge of Merit,” in terms of current history and practicality, the “Purple Heart” dates back to regulations established in 1932. Currently the Purple Heart may be awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who, after Apr. 5, 1917, have been killed or wounded in action against an enemy of the United States. Because of the decentralized manner in which the Purple Heart was awarded through the Korean War there is no actual count on how many Purple Hearts have actually been awarded.

    Click here for addtional information or schedule changes for the "Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients" event or call 417-334-2360.

  • Are there positions taken when an issue is put on a ballot?

    It seems the hot issue in Taney County, Hollister, and Branson, Missouri over the last couple of weeks, and particularly this coming week, is the rush for Taney County to put the financing for the East West Corridor (EWC) and an Events Center (EC) on the ballot for the April election. Mother Theresa is quoted to have said, “Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater developments and greater riches …” On the other hand there is a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln saying, “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”
    Almost everyone has an idea how things can be done better and there’s never a lack of advice to the government agencies having the responsibility for a particular function. In the case of the transportation and finance issues presented by the EWC it would seem that the major players would be Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Taney County, and the cities of Hollister and Branson.
    Have any public meetings been held between these entities to discuss the EWC and the imposition of a sales tax to pay for it? Have there been any studies done by MoDOT factoring in the increased “levels of service” for traffic that will take place on Highway 76 as the result of the building of the new Lake Taneycomo Bridge and its potential impact on the need for the EWC? Has there been any study done by any government agency establishing a need for the EWC?
    If the EWC is so critical, why is MoDOT not taking the lead on the project or at least “partnering up” as they have in other projects? On a priority need basis, rather than a want basis, is the greatest transportation priority, for all the people in the Taney County, right now and into the foreseeable future, the EWC or are there other priorities? What recommendation has the Taney County Road and Bridge Administrator made regarding the need and priority for the EWC?
    The $35 million dollar Event Center (EC), to be financed by Taney County, has its own set of questions, but the one that that is foremost in an Ole Seagull’s mind is, “Are you people nuts?” Well maybe not. If the statement that the EC would be run by a third party, with a guaranteed-no-loss contract and no threat to the County’s finances, from an operational standpoint, for 15 years, is true this could actually be the perfect illustration of “Build it and we will guarantee it.”
    As a matter of fact it evidently seemed like such a good idea that Presiding Taney County Commissioner, Chuck Pennell is reported to have asked to see a copy of such a contract. When they get the contract and verify that it can hold them harmless from operational losses incurred at the EC maybe they should consider sending a copy over to the city of Branson. The Ole Seagull would bet they’d like to look into a deal like that for the operation of their convention center when their current management contract expires.
    The last time the Taney County Commission rushed an issue to the ballot without having the answers to pertinent questions it failed. Will history repeat itself? Not if they have all the facts they need to believe it’s worth the expense of an election to submit the proposition or propositions to the voters.
    One of the many reasons an Ole Seagull would never make a successful politician is that he honestly couldn’t vote to spend the money on an election to submit an issue to the voters that he did not think he fully understood and believed in. To him, in the vast majority of cases, it would be a cop out to say he was not voting to support or not support an issue being placed on the ballot and that his role was limited to saying whether or not the issue should be placed on the ballot. The issues of the EWC and EC are clearly within “the vast majority of cases.”

  • Ozark Mountain Spring to “refresh” Branson’s spring

    Mary Kellogg presenting
    introduction to Ozark Mountain
    Spring .

    A standing room only audience, that one speaker described as, “The heartbeat of Branson,” gathered in the Branson Convention Center, in Branson, Missouri on the morning of Jan. 16, for the formal announcement of a new Branson event called “Ozark Mountain Spring.” In her introductory remarks, Mary Kellogg, the co-owner of the “Titanic – Worlds Largest Museum Attraction” and one of the community leaders championing Ozark Mountain Spring, described the event as a way of “refreshing our guest’s experience” and “giving them added value.”

    In referring to “BransonFest,” an event that has helped open Branson’s spring season for many years and is not part of Ozark Mountain Spring, Kellogg simply explained, “Without a doubt, BransonFest served the community very well, but it got tired, that just happens and that’s OK.” She used an experience from her career involving the changing of a ride that had been in place at Disney for 20 years.

    She said there was great reluctance to make the changes, but they were made and resulted in a ride that presented the opportunity to market something new, kept the basic marketing concept safe and gave the guests added value. Kellogg asserted Branson has that same opportunity with Ozark Mountain Spring.

    She pointed out that Ozark Mountain Spring would be an extension of the “Ozark Mountain” brand that Branson “owns” and has proven so successful in the marketing of “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” Ozark Mountain Spring will run from March 1 through Memorial Day and will incorporate over 40 separate events. The events, most of which have been held separately in prior years, also include a number of new events such as the Great American Pie Show and a cooking school presented by “Taste of Home” magazine, the Hand in Hand Purple Heart Veteran’s Event presented by Branson.Com and the Branson Air Show presented by the Branson Airport.

    Kellogg announced that the “1st Annual “Great American Pie Show” will be held at the Branson Convention Center on Apr. 24 and Apr. 25 with the First Place Winner receiving a prize of $2,500.00 plus a 4 day – 3 night stay in Branson. She said that NBC’s Al Roker will be a celebrity judge for the final pie judging on Saturday and will also be available for a book signing and question and answer session

    Concurrent with the pie show Taste of Home will also present a Cooking School. There will be two sessions, one on April 24 and the other on April 25.

    Marlyce Stockinger presenting
    the "Hand in Hand" Purple Hearts
    Recipient’s Event.

    Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Advertising and Public Relations, Branson.Com announced the “Hand in Hand Purple Heart Veterans Event” on Apr. 24 and Apr. 25 sponsored by Branson.Com. The event honors Purple Heart Recipients and all its activities are absolutely free to Purple Heart Recipients.

    Stockinger said the two day event will include many exciting and inspirational activities including the opening ceremony at the Hamner Barber Theatre on April 24 and a fishing tournament on Table Rock Lake, a special “Hand in Hand” show at the Hamner Barber Theatre on April 25. The event will conclude with an inspiring “Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony” at the Branson Landing on April 25.

    Gene Conrad, Deputy Director of Marketing & Air Service Development for the Branson Airport said the 1st Annual Branson Air Show will be held on May 8 through May 10. The air show will help celebrate the opening the airport to commercial service on May 11, will have static displays of aircraft, a concert, and feature some of the country’s top air show performers, including the USAF Thunderbirds many other national known air show performers.

  • Branson entertainment warms up for February

    From polar bears to sweethearts and comedy to legends, even the cold temperatures of February warm to the increasing availability of the entertainment for which Branson, Missouri is noted. Even as those brave costumed souls, competing for the coveted “Golder Plunger Award,” plunge into Branson’s Table Rock Lake for the 2009 Polar Bear Plunge, Branson’s shows have already plunged into their 2009 season.

    From the comedy genius of Jim Stafford to the legendary impersonations of Legends in Concert and the unique musical style of the group SIX, even in February, Branson’s 2009 season is off to a hot start. The north and south will once again be competing with each other in a fun filled interactive adventure as the competitors enjoy a four course meal, complete with dessert, as one of Branson’s most popular shows, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, gallops into its new season.

    The exciting harmonies of Pierce Arrow, the beautiful vocals of Desta and Kim Boyce and the comedy of Jarrett Daugherty will once again be delighting Branson audiences. The dynamic voices and harmonies of the New South quartet, comedy of Jamie Haage, as Jim Dandy, and the vocals of Jackie Brown and Todd Bradshaw in the Grand Jubilee show started their season in January and are in full swing.

    And those are just the highlights. From magic and ventriloquism to music of just about every type, there is a Branson show for every taste. Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s largest and most passionate tourist resource for Branson information and services, said that potential visitors should remember that the shows will be opening on different dates during February and that weather and other factors could impact on availability. To minimize disappointment, Miller suggests either calling the individual venues or a service such as the Branson Tourism Center to insure availability.

  • Central Pro-Am Tournament Association – has new Branson owner

    Central Pro-Am Association
    Administrator Kris Maples and
    owner Jim Thompson.

    Branson, MO – The Central Pro-Am Tournament Association (CPAA), a long time provider of local pro-am bass tournaments in the Branson and other areas of south west Missouri and northern Arkansas, has recently been acquired by long time competitive bass fisherman and local Branson businessman, Jim Thompson. In acquiring CPAA from its former owner, Kevin Bowling, Thompson said, “I am very excited about this new opportunity and challenge that I have been blessed with.”

    Thompson said his number one goal is to serve the needs of the members of the association. “To help insure that result,” he said, “I will rely heavily on the advice of the CPAA advisory committee composed of David Barker, Billy Bird, Greg Dishman, Buster Loving, Mike Webb, Paul Rice and Lupe Garcia. He indicated that all are well known bass fishermen in the area dedicated to bass fishing and that members should feel free to contact them and let them know not only what changes they would like to see, but what they think of the changes currently being made.

    The first change is the resumption of the regular publication of the CPAA’s magazine entitled “Fishin’ Magazine.” The magazine will contain information about CPAA’s tournaments and schedules, new products and techniques and articles designed to entertain and make the reader a better bass fisherman.

    The second change is that the CPAA tournament format has been changed to provide for a one day Pro-Am tournament on Saturday followed by a Team Tournament on Sunday. The Pro-Am pairs a professional with an amateur selected by computer. The Team or “buddy” Tournament is two people who decide they want to fish a tournament together.Click here to see the complete 2009 CPAA Tournament Schedule.

    Thompson pointed out that the prizes awarded in most CPAA tournaments are directly related to the entry fees paid; the more who enter larger the prizes. He said the prizes awarded for the Pro-Am Tournaments are more than the prizes awarded for the Team Tournaments and within the Pro-Am Tournaments the prizes awarded to the professional are more than the prizes awarded to the amateur. The fees for the Pro-Am Tournaments are $200.00 for the professional and $100.00 for the amateur and the fees for the Team Tournaments are $150.00 per boat.

    A third change is a series of three guaranteed $10,000 Team Tournaments. Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Motors are sponsoring the “Skeeter Tour Missouri Division” tournaments. The $10,000 guaranteed first place prize will be paid regardless of the number of boats entered. Each participant must be a member of CPAA and there is a $200.00 per team entry fee which covers both fishermen in the boat. Thomson said there is no requirement to own a Skeeter Boat or Yamaha engine to fish in the “Skeeter Tour Missouri Division” tournaments.

    He went on to say that membership or further information on the Central Pro-Am Tournament Association or its tournaments can be obtained by contacting either himself or Kris Maples, CPAA Administrator, by phone at 417-335-5075 or through its headquarters located at 220 Branson Hills Pkwy, Suite B, Branson, MO 65616.

  • Oh, be still my beating heart, rumors of no Branson pie show!

    It’s not a rumor, no matter how BransonFest has done in the past, good bad or indifferent, it isn’t going to do anything this year because it is not going to be held. Rumor has it that this year, taking advantage of the “Ozark Mountain” brand that has proved so successful in the marketing of “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” Branson is going to have a multi month event called Ozark Mountain Spring.

    Rumor has it that Ozark Mountain Spring will, for the most part, be a marketing tool to promote events that, much like the now defunct BransonFest, have been taking place for years during the March through May time frame during which Ozark Mountain Spring is scheduled to run. Rumor had it that selected new events, picked to help promote Ozark Mountain Spring and bring visitors to the event would be made part of the event. Why there was even a rumor that a pie show was going to be the major new event for Ozark Mountain Spring in 2009.

    Hold on a minute, actually it was much more than a rumor. At the Annual Meeting of the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TECD) on Sep. 30, 2008, Speaking on behalf of the Branson Tri Lakes CVB/TECD Marketing Committee (Committee), the Titanic’s Mary Kellogg said “Branson’s First Annual Great American Pie Show” would be held at the Branson Convention Center on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2009 as part of Ozark Mountain Spring.

    Imagine how surprised the Ole Seagull was this week when he received a number of announcements from the Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau announcing there would be an Ozark Mountain Spring Community Kick-Off on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the Branson Convention Center in the Taneycomo B meeting room. It’s not that the meeting was being announced or is being held that was surprising, it was the way it was announced.

    The very first line of the announcement said, “You’ve heard the rumors… Now come and learn the facts!” There have been rumors about the pie show and its concept ever since it was announced at a TCED meeting weeks prior to its announcement at the TCED annual meeting on Sep.30, 2008.

    Although certainly not all the rumors, there are three main rumors that the Ole Seagull has heard discussed. The first is that the estimated budget to promote the pie show could be upwards of $250,000. The second was that between $100,000 and $150,000 of that budget would be used to bring in a nationally known personality such as Al Roker, nationally known weatherman with NBC, to help create the possibility for getting large amounts of publicity from the local level to the national level in all media forms. The third is that the people who came up with this idea and support it are crazy.

    The announcement clearly indicates that those managing Ozark Mountain Spring were aware of these and other rumors and chose to wait until now to address them. They could have put the “Facts” out months ago but chose not to. From a community involvement and influence perspective what good are the facts going to do now. Even as it makes no difference what benefit BransonFest was or was not to Branson because it will not be held this year; it makes no difference what benefit a pie show will be to Branson because it’s going to held this year.

    Or is it? The CVB announcement saying “You’ve heard the rumors… Now come and learn the facts,” doesn’t even mention a pie show as one of the items that will be discussed. It says, “This is YOUR OPPORTUNITY [caps theirs] to learn about what’s happening Spring 2009 in Branson! Craft Shows-Car Shows-Culinary Demonstrations AND celebrating 50 years of Live Music Shows- there’s something for EVERYONE!” Well maybe not quite everyone, there is no mention of a pie show, “Great American” or otherwise.

    One could almost see how a rumor that “There is not going to be a “Branson Great American Pie Show” could start as the result of an official announcement like this. Oh be still my beating heart, no pie show or possibility of a pineapple cream pie in Branson. Won’t someone please tell an Ole Seagull that the omission of the pie show from the CVB announcement was a rumor of omission and that in fact it is going to be held?

  • Life on Buffalo Brings [Branson] Crew Together

    By: Sgt. Catherine Graham, Public Affairs NCO, 890 Eng. Bn.
    The route clearance patrols of the 890th Engineer Battalion travel the streets of Baghdad throughout the day and night to provide safe travel for the locals and coalition forces. As darkness falls on the streets of Baghdad, the Buffalo crew from 1st platoon, 688th Mobility Augmentation Company, begins their day.
    The crew is made up of Sgt. Clinton Caperton, the truck commander, Spc. Michael Shields, driver, and Spc. Joseph Thompson, gunner. [All of whom are from Branson, Missouri.]
    As the Soldiers focus on the surrounding environment, a continuous dialogue can be heard through the internal radio.

    “We pass the time with conversations about marriage, family, movies and pretty much anything I can think of. We have become like brothers so it’s not hard to make conversation,” said Thompson. “We have a lot of memories that we will take with us when we go home. It’s funny that we are all from the same town of Branson, Mo., but we never met each other until this deployment. We have become so close that we plan on staying in touch after we get back.”

    Each of the crew members has a crew name or nickname that bonds them together. The nickname describes an individual trait of their personality.

    Caperton has been gifted with the name “Chewy” from a previous deployment because of his ability to make the Chewbacca sound from the movie Star Wars. Shields brand is “Shamrock,” because he is able to mimic an Irish accent. He is so good that if you did not know him, you would never guess he was from the states. Thompson “Broseph,” correctly named because of his brotherly disposition, makes up the rest of the Buffalo crew.

    Traveling through the dark nights with limited visibility, the crew searches the streets for hours with the assistance of floodlights attached to the vehicle. Common scenery for the platoon is Iraqi army and Iraqi police check points, rubbish and concrete T-walls that line the roads. Some of the walls are painted with designs or writings in the Arabic language. Recently, as the Iraqi elections approach, the T-walls have been covered with political propaganda of candidates adding to the elements that they must sift through.

    A question often asked by guest riders is, “How can you tell the difference between an IED [improvised explosive device] and what is garbage?”
    Spc. Michael Shield, 688th MAC, 1st Platoon’s Buffalo operator response is, “We are able to tell the difference between the trash and IED through familiarization of the route and scenery. We travel these roads every day, and we notice when something is different or new to the landscape.”
    “Whenever we interrogate something that looks suspicious there is always a feeling of apprehension and excitement,” said Thompson. “Our missions are a hit or miss situation. If we don’t hit it, we don’t miss it … just joking. We take our job very seriously. If it’s out of place we interrogate,” said Caperton.

  • “White Flight” at Branson’s Butterfly Place is unique

    Two of the many species of White Butterflies
    featrued in "White Flight," a White Kite and
    Orange Tip butterfly.

    In Branson, Missouri, where natural beauty abounds and its entertainment venues include animals and birds of every type, how can anyone describe a butterfly as “simply incredible?” Well, actually, it’s pretty easy when that butterfly is a White Butterfly flying with thousands of other White Butterflies in a rain forest sparkling with thousands of lights, living angel statutes, colorful white and red poinsettias and beautiful holiday music. In fact, the result is a unique spectacular entertainment experience called “White Flight” that is, simply incredible.

    The “White Flight” is currently appearing at Branson’s Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, in a limited engagement, through January 15, 2009. Sarah Bolend, General Manager, said there are about 20 different species of tropical White Butterflies used in the “White Flight” exhibit, but the most common variety is the Paper Kite Butterfly, also commonly called the Rice Paper Butter Fly.

    Bolend said that all the butterflies used in all the exhibits, including “White Flight,” at the Butterfly Palace come from tropical rain forests and are shipped to the Butterfly Palace by air express while in their chrysalis stage, commonly called the “cocoon” stage. After the butterfly emerges from the cocoon and its wings dry, it is released into the exhibit where it lives out its average three week life span in a predator free environment.

    She went on to explain the reason they have the “rainforest theme” and get all their butterflies from rainforests all around the world is “To showcase something that people haven’t seen before” and provide their guests with a unique experience. None of the butterflies used in the Butterfly Palace are native to the United States.

    When asked how she would relate the exhibit in terms of “kid appeal,” Bolend quickly responded, “Excellent, it’s great for kids of all ages.” She went on to point out they routinely have groups from preschool ages to senior citizens and they all have a great time at their own age, experience, and interest levels as they proceed through the various stages of the exhibit.

    Guests enter the Butterfly Palace through the gift shop and ticket area before proceeding into the theatre to view the well photographed, interesting and exciting 15 minute movie on the life of a rain forest butterfly. After the movie the next guests step into the rainforest aviary and its thousands of butterflies.

    While in the aviary they will have the opportunity to interact with thousands of butterflies made up of many species of tropical rain forest butterflies. During “White Flight,” Nov. 1 through January 15, the butterflies are all colored white and provide a spectacular and unique display. Bolend said that from January 16 through November 14, the display is just as spectacular, but is composed of 50-60 species of different brightly colored butterflies.

    A White Kite butterfly lands on the hand of
    one of the living statutes. Photo Courtesey
    The Butterfly Palace.

    This year, for the first time and during “White Flight” only, Bolend said the art form of living statutes, dating back centuries is being featured. The art form is beautifully presented in the form of White Angels. Appearing, for all purposes to be statutes, as people walk through the exhibit and butterflies alight on and flutter around them, they present a picture of angelic beauty and tranquility.

    That picture becomes even more amazing as the statutes quietly, slowly and subtly come to life. Almost imperceptibly, positions change. It might be to just change the position of a head or the extension of a hand. The neat thing is the ability of the artist playing the angels to interact with the guests. It’s fascinating to watch.

    For “White Flight” the aviary is decorated with a number of poinsettias and other flowers. The display is highlighted by a large poinsettia Christmas tree that provides an excellent place to take a picture. The whole “White Flight” experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statutes and beautiful music is a unique experience that should, as Bolend said, be enjoyed and remembered by people of all ages.

    Although “White Flight” is featured only from November 1 to January 15, the Butterfly Palace is open all year long, seven days a week, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • AFCO – Branson Airport developer and minority owner

    An article appearing in the Jan. 7 edition of the Baltimore Business Journal reported that Aviation Facilities Co. Inc. (AFCO), “Is developing the nation’s first privately-funded commercial airport in Branson, Mo., which is scheduled to be finished in May [2009]. The primary topic of the article, was to announce that AFCO, a developer and manager of airport infrastructure, based in McLean, VA, bought the trade name and seven U.S. airport management contracts from AvPORTS, a division of Macquarie Infrastructure Co. (NYSE: MIC), for an undisclosed amount.

    The mention of the Branson Airport was incidental to the main topic and appeared in the last sentence of the article. Information on AFCO’s web site, regarding its involvement with the Branson Airport, states “In its role as developer, AFCO is responsible for overseeing the design and construction of the project” and that “AFCO has a minority ownership and sits on the board of Branson Airport LLC.”

    The website indicates that AFCO’s “services include the management of airports, the development, design, financing, leasing, and marketing of terminals, cargo, maintenance and other support facilities, fixed-base and general aviation facilities, cross-dock facilities, aircraft aprons, parking facilities and other transportation infrastructure.” It lists airports such as Orlando International, Kansas City International, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX as properties using AFCO services.

  • Even in January Branson’s Hot Winter Fun means family entertainment and excitement

    Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Branson, MO.

    Regardless of the season there are always lots of special and exciting things to do in Branson, Missouri and that’s what Branson’s Hot Winter Fun is all about. Even in January, when a lot of Branson’s shows and some attractions and activities that are weather dependent are closed there is always shows to see, loads of fun to be had and things to do, and memories to be made.

    The majority of Branson’s shopping, major attractions, museums, movies, restaurants and a broad choice of lodging are open. Click on the Branson Tourism Center link for a more specific and complete list of available activities complied by the Branson Tourism Center or contact them by phone for at 800-785-1550 for additional information or assistance.

    If there’s one thing that doesn’t miss a beat during winter, or any other season, it’s the fabulous shopping that Branson is noted for. With the number and variety of stores in Branson there is a shopping experience to meet just about every shopping need or desire.

    Branson’s premier shopping – attraction location, Branson Landing and its 100 plus shopping and restaurant venues are all open and offer a variety of shopping and dining conveniently located in one location. In addition, weather permitting The Landing’s spectacular free $7.5 million synchronized water, fire, and music show is amazing to see.

    Branson’s other major malls, Tanger Outlet, Factory Merchants, Imax Shopping Complex and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows are all open. When the rest of the specialty shopping that Branson has to offer such as those available in historic downtown Branson are factored in, Branson just might be the perfect illustration of the place where a person can truly “Shop till they drop.” Click here for specific information the hours of operation for Branson major shopping areas and links to “special offers.”

    The Grand Country Complex offers an indoor water park and miniature golf course and live shows including the Buck Trent, Grand Jubilee, and the Comedy Jamboree shows. Where else but Branson, MO can a person experience the ferociousness of dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Museum and the daintiness of thousands of White Butterflies at the unique “White Flight” spectacular in the Butterfly Palace?

    Branson has a museum for just about every interest. Their size and exhibits are as diverse as the “Titanic – World’s Largest Museum Attraction,” a huge one half scale replication of the Titanic dedicated completely to the memory of it, its crew and passengers, to the “The World’s Largest Toy Museum.”

    Branson’s museums also include “The Veteran’s Memorial Museum,” dedicated to America’s Armed Forces; “The Hollywood Wax Museum” an action packed tribute to Hollywood’s stars and movies; “The Roy Rogers Museum” celebrating the “King of the Cowboys” and the lessons of a bygone era; “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” featuring unusual and unique exhibits from all over the world and housed in a building, Ripley’s says, is one of the most photographed in the world and, for kids of all ages, there is

    In the month of January features two very special events at Branson Attractions. “White Flight” is finishing out a limited engagement at the Butterfly Palace, through Jan. 15. It features a blizzard of thousands of white butterflies flying in a rain forest lit with thousands of lights, and music that combine in a unique one of a kind spectacular.

    On January 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the “Titanic – World’s Largest Museum Attraction” will be presenting its Third Annual Ice Sculpturing Event. The competition features some of the world’s most accomplished ice sculptors as they create fantastic creations out of 250 pound blocks of ice. The event is free and is held at the bow of the Titanic located at the intersection of Gretna Road and State Highway 76 in the heart of Branson’s strip.

    In keeping with Branson’s long standing tradition of honoring America’s Veterans, the signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord will be remembered on January 28. A special program will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Golden Coral to mark the day in 1973 when one of Amerioca’s most controversial wars came to an end. Please contact Barbara Linderer of the Branson Veteran’s Task Force for additional information on this even at 417-337-8387.

    The Branson IMAX Discovery Theatre offers a full selection of IMAX Adventure films, shown in the giant IMAX format on its giant six story high IMAX Screen with 22,000 watts of digital surround sound. In addition to showing the latest Hollywood feature films in its three state of the art Elite Cinema theatres the IMAX also shows selected on the IMAX screen at selected times each day. The Branson Meadows Cinema also offers 11 screens showing the latest feature films.

    The opportunities for outdoor activities from hiking, golfing, kayaking, fishing, boat riding, and even a dinner cruise on the Branson Landing Princess are, although weather dependent, boundless. Just a simple walk along the boardwalk at Branson Landing beside Lake Taneycomo with your family and the opportunity see a Bald Eagle in Flight will be unique and just might provide that special memory that could last a life time.

  • Branson’s Sun rises over Ozark Mountain Spring as it sets on BransonFest

    It will be a new spring for Branson, Missouri and its environs in more ways than one as Branson starts its 2009 season. Most notably will be the absence of BransonFest which has kicked off the new season in Branson for the last 16 years and its replacement with Ozark Mountain Spring.

    Normally held in early April, BransonFest was, according to the press release used to publicize 2008’s BransonFest, “named a Top 100 Event in North America by the American Bus Association!” It went on to point out that the five day festival of entertainment, food, fun and activities showcased Branson’s world-class performers, authentic Branson fare, local arts and culture and represented the multi-dimensional experience Branson offers.

    A new concept, not including BransonFest, was presented to the general public at the Annual Meeting of the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TECD) on Sep. 30, 2008 by the Branson Tri Lakes CVB/TECD Marketing Committee (Committee). The general thrust of the concept, as explained by the Titanic’s Mary Kellogg, on behalf of the committee, was to expand on the “Ozark Mountain” brand in an effort to get a bigger slice of business for Branson’s spring season.

    Kellogg stated Branson has done a great job of marketing and branding Ozark Mountain Christmas. She said, “It is a brand you own in town” and indicated the same brand would be used to develop “Ozark Mountain Spring.” She went on to explain that Branson already has a lot of spring events that are established and scheduled for the period March through Memorial Day.

    As explained by Kellogg, Ozark Mountain Spring will be a combination of the current spring events and the addition of selected additional events. The additional events will provide opportunities for getting national coverage as well as marketing to help promote Ozark Mountain Spring.

    Kellogg said that after considering different events and other factors, the committee decided the first such event to be added to Ozark Mountain Spring will be “Branson’s First Annual Great American Pie Show” (Pie Show) to be held at the Branson Convention Center on Friday April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2009.

    In describing the goals for the Pie Show Kellogg said, “We are setting our sights pretty high” and that they would like to have 10,000 people attend Branson’s first Great American Pie Show.” The pie show would have other, as yet undetermined, events associated with it such as cooking schools, a 5k race, etc. and was an event that would be designed to grow each year as it promoted and marketed itself, Ozark Mountain Spring and all the events associated with it.

    Kellogg stressed that it was extremely important to bring a particular type of person into the market to help promote the event. The person she suggested as the type of person needed was Al Roker, nationally known weatherman with NBC.

    Although the Committee has been meeting regularly there has been no official announcement, except for the “Great American Pie Show,” as to the events that will make up Ozark Mountain Spring or the national personality that will be brought in for the Pie Show. All that should be changing on January 16 when the community has been invited to the Ozark Mountain Spring Community Session at 10:00 a.m. in the Branson Convention Center.

    The announcement says, “You’re not going to want to miss this session. Learn more about all of the Spring events happening in March, April and May in our great community. From craft shows to car shows to culinary demonstrations and fiddle contests – there is something for EVERYONE!” Maybe there will even be an answer to the commonly asked question, “Why wasn’t BransonFest included as one of the Ozark Mountain Spring events?

  • Titanic Branson Ice Sculpturing Event incorporates teen chorus Carnegie Hall benefit performance

    Branson Titanic Museum will host a live, Carnegie Hall, preview performance by the Carl Junction Junior High Mixed Chorus to help fund the group’s travel expenses to New York City, announces Mary Kellogg Joslyn, Ttianic Museum Attraction co-owner. This free, one-day only, choir performance will be held by the ship’s bow, located at the intersection of State Highway 76 and Gretna Road in Branson, MO, on Saturday, January 17, 2009 as part of the Third Annual Titanic Branson Ice Sculpturing Event being held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    Proceeds from Museum Attraction admissions received between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on January 17th will be donated to the Carl Junction Junior High School to help send 58 students to Carnegie Hall in New York City. “This could be a life changing experience for these talented kids,” Kellogg Joslyn says, “and all of us at Titanic Branson feel privileged to be able to help make this happen.”

    Carl Junction Junior High Mixed Chorus was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in recognition of its quality and high level of musicianship. “Our boys and girls will join six ensembles from the United States and Europe who will be performing in the prestigious hall on Monday, April 13, 2009, under the direction of Dr. Patrick Freer of Georgia State University.” explains Doug Campbell, Vocal Music instructor at the junior high school. Carl Junction is a suburb of Joplin, MO with a population of 6,457. There are 500 students enrolled in the town’s Junior High School – 138 of them sing in the choir.

    Admission to the Titanic Museum Attraction during the 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.period will be specially priced at $30 per ticket and $50 for two, with proceeds going to the Carl Junction Junior High School Mixed Chorus to help cover the groups traveling expenses to New York City. Estimated cost per student is $2,000.

    The World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction is the new landmark family destination in Branson, Missouri. In operation for just over two years, it has welcomed aboard more than one million guests. The 7,000-square-foot ship-shaped structure – built half-scale to Titanic’s original size – towers more than 100 feet above its anchored position on Highway 76. A 90-minte self-guided or optional audio tour covers 20 galleries on two decks that display more than 400 priceless artifacts that once belonged to Titanic passengers or crew.

  • Branson Airport is just another PRIVATE for profit business

    By GARY J. GROMAN
    a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    Branson as much as New York City, Chicago, Seattle Washington, Orlando already has an airport, it’s called the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF). Low price carriers aside for a moment, does anyone know how many first time visitors flew to Branson, MO through SGF over the last ten years? Probably not as many as would have if there had been a low cost carrier, but unless an Ole Seagull misses his guess, quite a few nevertheless.

    It’s probably true to say that the vast majority that fly into SGF have to rent a car, unless they are part of a bus tour, but it’s not because of the 40 minute drive to Branson from the airport it’s because there is no efficient public transportation in Branson and the fact that a car is needed to get around. Come to think of it, those flying into the new Branson Airport will be in the same situation. Unless they are on a bus tour they will have to rent a car for the same reason.

    In each case, the airport will make the decisions about which vendors will be able to rent cars and provide bus, taxi, car rental, limo services from their respective airport or provide services within the airport proper. In the case of the Springfield Airport, because it is not a private, but a public airport operated with public dollars, one would think that the typical government procurement process with ample notifications would apply in obtaining vendors to provide those services and would be open to all businesses on an equal basis. Further, all final contracts would be subject to public scrutiny under the Sunshine Law.

    Those same expectations would be unreasonable at the Branson Airport because it is a private airport. Just recently it was announced that Branson Gray Line will exclusively operate all taxi, shuttle, limousine, luxury coach, charter bus and ground transportation services at the Branson Airport. Did anyone notice any public notices about a bid process to provide all potential vendors an opportunity to bid on providing the services or was there discussion on why more than one vendor couldn’t provide such services? Oh, that’s right Branson Airport is a private entity and doesn’t have to comply with the Sunshine Law.

    “But hold on Seagull, don’t they receive public tax dollars and if they do shouldn’t the entities giving them that money require some sort of compliance with basic procurement rules?” The truth is, at this point, although the airport has not received tax dollars directly, they have and will continue to receive the benefit of marketing dollars allegedly to market the availability of low coast air fares to Branson. That benefit is expected to be in the $100s of thousand dollar range.

    In addition, once passengers start flying in on commercial air flights, the city of Branson, thanks to the commitment made by the previous administration in the spring of 2006, is obligated to pay $8.24 per passenger for the vast majority of the passengers arriving at the airport on such flights. There is a yearly cap of $2 million, the agreement is for 30 years and could be worth a total of $60 million over a period of 30 years. No such dollars have been spent so far because no passengers have flown in yet. Interestingly, there is no restriction on what the airport may use the money for.

    Is it really a privately owned and operated airport when it is receiving up to $2 million in government funds directly and the direct benefit of hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax payer financed marketing? Should the city revisit the contract in view of other information on how the airport will be raising revenue and operating? Wow, one can only wonder how much stress it would take off some local attractions like Silver Dollar City, Sight and Sound Theatre, or the hundreds of other shows, attractions and businesses if they got $8.24 cents for each person that came to Branson because of them.

  • Acrobats of China add Branson shows through Jan.4

    After extending their show season to run through all of December, the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus have once again added shows to their Branson, MO schedule. The New Shanghai Circus in Branson, Missouri will have shows on January 1, 2009 through January 4, 2009, at 8:00 PM.

    Mr Lizhi Zhao, owner and CEO of the New Shanghai Circus says, “Xin Nian Hao (Happy New Year)! This is the first time in ten years that the Acrobats of China have stayed in Branson through the American New Year’s Celebration. It’s been a great experience for us. Due to the response from our visitors, we decided that doing shows this weekend would be a great way to complete our season.”

    Over 40 Acrobats of China showcase a revolving line-up of internationally award-winning physical performance artists. Currently the New Shanghai Circus is featuring Lei Gu – The Thunder Drums. The Thunder Drums are a dramatic and impressive group that arrived in Branson after performing at the 2008 Olympics. Along with the Thunder Drums visitors will enjoy Aerial Fish Ballet, Martial Arts, Wire Walker, Adagio, Diabolo, Plate Spinning, and more. The Acrobats of China perform at the New Shanghai Theatre at 645 State Hwy 165 in Branson, Missouri.

    After completing the added shows on January 4, some of the New Shanghai Circus troupe will be on tour throughout the United States, including Hawaii, and will appear at the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) conference representing Branson. The entire troupe will return to Branson to begin shows on March 12, 2009, at 8:00 PM.

    Release sponsored on this site by Branson Tourism Center. Please contact BTC on line or by phone at 800-785-1550 for additional information, assistance or to purchase tickets.