Month: April 2009

The Baldknobbers Jamboree in Branson, Missouri, is really a history of music in Branson and the Ozarks. While the band doesn’t have washtubs or a jawbone anymore, the country music show that audiences enjoy each night adheres faithfully to the very beginnings of music in Branson and The Baldknobbers, Branson’s first show.

It was 1959 when four Mabe brothers started entertaining Branson visitors on Taneycomo’s lakefront. Most of the visitors had come for the fishing, and The Baldknobbers Jamboree was good family entertainment for the evening. Today in Branson the Baldknobbers still give fans the best in country classics, "hot" new country, Gospel tunes…and comedy.

Second- and third-generations of Mabes and a cast of 19 singers, musicians and comedians give enthusiastic audiences a high-energy, fast-paced show. "I believe our best quality is that we entertain everyone from the age of 2 to 92," says Tim Mabe, producer and comedian Droopy Drawers Jr. Indeed, kids and grandparents alike enjoy the variety of country music and laugh out loud at the antics and tales the comedians weave into the show.

The Baldknobbers took their name from the Ozarks vigilante group that met on the bald tops, or knobs, of mountains in the area in the late 1800’s. In the early days of their music, The Baldknobbers played during the intermission square dance the very first year of the Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama, a story about that vigilante era in Branson.

At the Baldknobbers first shows, the instruments actually did include a washtub bass, washtub for rhythm, the jawbone of a mule instead of drums, as well as a dobro or flat-top guitar, and an acoustic guitar. Second-generation Brent Mabe, who plays guitar and bass in the show, remembers early days on the lakefront when he and his cousin Tim Mabe would earn 50 cents putting bumper stickers on cars and for a free Coke would do some cleanup. He says fans have told him, "I remember you playing ball in the parking lot, with a crushed-up soda cup."

It was 1968 when the Baldknobbers built their 1500-seat theater out on Highway 76 and Brent Mabe still remembers the "huge, empty building." It meant quitting day jobs and was a major decision for the group. But it was quite an improvement from 50 folding chairs in the theater on the lakefront.

Today, Tim Mabe is the producer of the show, but as Tim explains, "We don’t have a star, the show is our star and all 19 of us put our mark on this show. Many of the talented musicians and singers have been with the Baldknobbers for many years so our show is collaborative." About the 2009 show Tim says, "In addition to a fantastic show, we will have events all year long to mark this milestone in Branson’s entertainment history."

In 1959 The Baldknobbers sometimes performed for a crowd of just a dozen people. Today The Baldknobbers Jamboree is often a sellout, and entertainers give the same energy and enthusiasm and personal attention to their audiences as they did on the lakefront.

In 1959 The Baldknobbers Jamboree was the only show Branson. Today Branson is known as the Live Music Show Capital of the World, boasting more theater seats than Broadway. But some things never change. There’s still great fishing. And even more great music. Come help celebrate 50 years of entertainment in Branson, with The Baldknobbers Jamboree!

The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-"The Show That Started It All"-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m..

This Press Release edited for and sponsored on this site by Branson Tourism Center. For additional information on this show, other Branson shows, accommodations, attractions, or other information on all that Branson has to offer please call 800-785-1550 or visit on line at www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Ten young local dancers from the Dance Branson Stars dance team have been selected to perform at the "Branson’s Great American Pie Contest," Saturday, April 25th at 9:15am. The girls, ages 6 to 9, will be performing right on the cooking stage at the Pie Contest at the Branson Convention Center.

Lia Bernhardi, Anna Henderson, Ali Kelly and Gabbie Lisemby, all 3rd graders from Branson, will perform “Trolley Song,” followed by 1st and 2nd graders Ana Bernhardi, GraceLynn Holloway, Sandra Jaroon, Gracie Lisemby, Molly Sparks and Darcee Stone who will tap dance to “Codfish Ball”.

All of these wonderful young dancers study ballet, tap and jazz at Dance Branson under the direction of Rae Owen, Tonya Coker and Regina Laughlin

Branson’s First Great American Pie Show is going to get a great start. The pie show’s guest celebrity judge, Al Roker, the meteorologist on the NBC “Today show,” will be broadcasting a number of live weather cut-ins to a national audience on the “Today Show” from near the fountains in Branson Landing from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, April 24.

The 12 semifinalists competing in “Branson’s Great American Pie Show” will compete for one of the four finalist positions between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on April 24 in the Branson Convention Center. The judging is scheduled to take place at 3:00 p.m. and the announcement of the four finalists at 4:00 p.m.

The four finalists are scheduled to compete between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25. The pie judging for the finalists, with celebrity judge Al Roker, is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and the awards ceremony for 4:00 p.m.

The competition is only one of the activities that will be going on at Branson’s First Great American Pie Show.” On both April 24 and 25, the show’s “The Marketplace,” consisting of over 50 booths, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with cook books, samples from local wineries, kitchen supplies, herbs, foods, etc.

The “Taste of Home Cooking Schools” will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 on April 24 and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 25. The doors for the cooking school open three hours before the scheduled school and the cost of each school is $15.00, plus tax and service charges, which also includes admission to the Market Place and the Pie Show.

The theme of the schools will be simple recipes for spring. “Home Town Radio’s” Janet Ellis and Janet Lennon will be hosting the cooking schools and participants will be eligible to win door prizes donated and autographed by celebrities including Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, Ellen, Regis & Kelly and others as well as “goodie bags.”

Throughout the day a line-up of Branson celebrities are scheduled to appear at the showand share their favorite pie recipes. The schedule for the celebrity appearances and the pies they will present is:

Friday, April 24:

10 a.m. – Lennon Sisters – Berry Rhubarb Pie
11 a.m. – Branson Divas – McFarlain’s Traffic Jam Pie
12 p.m. – The Comets – Raspberry Lemon Meringue pie
1 p.m. – Roy Rogers Jr. – Mrs.Roger’s Lemon Meringue Pie
2 p.m. – Silver Dollar City’s Culinary & Craft School – Pumpkin Strudel
3 p.m. – Paul Revere – Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Saturday, April 25

10 a.m. – Al Roker book signing and question-and-answer session.
1 p.m. – Andy Williams – Andy’s Mother’s Chicken Pot Pie.
2 p.m. – Candy House – Chocolate fondue, ganache and truffles
3 p.m. – Bill Medley – Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

At the conclusion of the pie show on Saturday, April 25, attendees are invited to participate in the unique and inspirational “Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony” at Branson Landing from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The ceremony is part of the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event sponsored by Branson.Com and will remember and honor the sacrifices of those who have served their country in combat and been awarded the Purple Heart for receiving wounds while in such service.

“The most beautiful music of all is the music of what happens,” is an old Irish proverb. Having heard “The Twelve Irish Tenors” sing recently it gives one pause to wonder if the writer of the proverb would object too much if the words “when the twelve Irish tenors sing” were added to the end of the proverb.

Branson, Missouri the “live music show capital of the world,” has music shows of just about every type, but even in Branson, this show stands out. Although they dance a “jig” or two and there is a little humor, “what happens” in this show is the presentation of some of the most beautiful, powerful and inspirational musical vocals one is likely to hear not only in Branson but anywhere.

“What happens” with the first notes of their first number, “Danny Boy,” is that the audience realizes they are in for a special entertainment experience. From that number to their last, the sheer beauty, power and harmony of their singing entertains, inspires and amazes.

The “Twelve Irish Tenors” must all have Irish heritage and over half of them are actually from Ireland. Arguably, each of the twelve could be successful as a soloist in their own right, but what is inarguable is “what happens” when their voices are combined.

The show covers Irish favorites such as “Danny Boy,” “Cockles and Mussels,” “Sweet Rosie O’ Grady” and “Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” some of the most inspirational songs ever written such as “You Raised Me Up,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “I Believe, ” as well as “Funiculi Funicula,” “O Solo Mio,” “Nessum Dorma,” “Unchained Melody,” “Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a Glenn Miller Medley and many more. And, although the range and variety of the music covered is impressive, even more so is manner in which they are presented.

The Neapolitan song “O Solo Mio,” was written in 1898 and has been performed by many artists in that language over the years. Elvis Presley did a version of the song in English entitled “It’s Now or Never.” The shows presentation of this classic, featuring Jonathon Fisk Hill is a unique powerful performance that is a show highlight.
The very next number, “Toreador” featuring a unique duet by Brian Walker and Seph Stanek was another highlight followed by a powerful and beautiful performance of “You Raise Me Up” featuring Brian Walker on the fiddle and Ron Remeke on the vocal which was yet another show highlight and therein lies the strength, power and beauty of this show.

From the beginning to the end it is one amazing performance after another covering just about every music genre. It makes no difference if the song is an Irish folksong like “Phil the Flutter’s Ball,” an old favorite such as “Unchained Melody,” the aria “Nessun Dorma,” or a song that was recorded by the Beatles on their first album, “Twist and Shout.”

Although it has been said previously, the strong powerful voices of the Twelve Irish Tenors coupled with the unique and varied way in which each number is performed makes it worth repeating. This show has “some of the most beautiful, powerful and inspirational musical vocals one is likely to hear not only in Branson, but anywhere.”

“The Twelve Irish Tenors” are currently appearing at the Branson Variety Theatre. To purchase tickets for this show or to get more information on this show or any other Branson show, attraction, or accommodation please contact the Branson Tourism Center by phone at 1-800-785-1550 or on line by clicking here

Branson Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff

In 2009 Branson is celebrating 50 years of live music shows. An earlier article entitled “Live music shows are Branson’s entertainment heart” asked the question “Who could have known back in 1959 that when the Mabe family started performing their country music variety show called the “Baldknobbers Jamboree,” in a small 50 seat basement room in the Branson Community Center, the show would still be going 50 years later?”

The article went on to state, “If, in 1959, someone had said, ‘50 years from now people will be coming from all over the world to see live music shows in Branson’ they would have been laughed at. Well, no one’s laughing now.” In retrospect, that last statement is wrong because lots of people are laughing in Branson shows today and for the same reason they were laughing in 1959, great comedy.

The two shows that pioneered what has become the “Live music show capital of the world,” Branson’s first show the “Baldknobbers Jamboree” and its first show on the strip, “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” were, from their very beginnings, based on a simple format containing two major elements, music and comedy. Comedy was part of the original foundation upon which two of Branson’s longest running shows were built and is no less important to those shows today than it was then.

In fact, it appears comedy is a consideration for a lot of people when they are making decisions about which Branson show to see. Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center, who sells more theatre seats to more shows than any other business in Branson, said that when people are deciding what shows to see, in a lot of cases, comedy is a major factor in making the decision

The good news is that, as it has been from the very beginning, good clean family comedy is still an important major element in Branson shows. It is not only available, but it is available in a lot of varied formats and venues.

Although the type of comedy changes from show to show, the original “Baldknobber” “Presleys’” variety format of having a strong musical element blended with great comedy designed to hold the interest of adults and kids alike is as popular today as it was 50 years ago. From a familial perspective, the original Ozark comedy and characters such as “Herikmer” and “Cecil” at “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” or Droopy Drawers, Jr. at the “Baldknobbers Jamboree” provide one type of comedy using that format and comedian Jim Stafford yet another type using the same format.

Perhaps not as well known as those mentioned above but providing major comedy elements as part of a musical variety show, each with their own different comedic style, would be comedians such as Joey Riley, appearing in the “Mickey Gilley Show,” Jarrett Dougherty with the “Pierce Arrow Show” and Perry Edenburn with the “Branson Brothers Show.” The comedy of ventriloquist comedians such as Todd Oliver with the “Show Stoppers” on the Show Boat Branson Belle and Jim Barber of the “Hamner Barber Variety Show” provide yet another source of laughter for Branson show goers.

When one considers the unique comedy of Yakov Smirnoff, Tom Mullica’s Red Skelton Tribute or shows like the “Comedy Jamboree,” “Circle B Chuckwagon,” “Grand Jubilee,” “Branson Country USA,” “Bob Nelson,” and “Paul Harris Live” to mention just a few, it is hard to imagine a destination city that has more live shows with opportunities for family laughter and fun than in Branson. Laughter and comedy have been a part of the Branson’s show genes every since the beginning and will remain an important part of the entertainment experience that makes Branson so special.

Branson’s Ozark Mountain Spring Festival covers over 40 different events. Some of those events such as “Branson’s Great American Pie Show,” sponsored by the Branson Lakes Area CVB and the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients,” sponsored by Branson.Com are new events. Others like Historic Downtown Branson’s “Plumb Nellie Days,” being celebrated May 15-17, are an ingrained part of Branson’s history and heritage.

This year’s celebration is the 36th Annual Plumb Nellie Days, a traditional springtime event organized by the the Downtown Branson Main Street Association (DBMA). Prior to leaving her position as DBMA’s Executive Director recently, Dawn Erickson said, “When I was growing up in Branson, we looked forward to this festival all year long. We dressed up in pioneer costumes, the men had beard-growing contests, and the kids competed in greased pig and other old-fashioned competitions, and everyone came to watch the parade. A carnival was set up near the railroad tracks, and cakewalks and other games were held on Commercial Street.

“I’ve always heard that the name is derived from an old-fashioned surveyor’s term “plumb” which means exactly, and ‘nellie’ is a colloquial expression for ‘nearly.” We think the word spring was also part of the original name. So Plumb Nellie probably means ‘exactly nearly spring.’ It makes no sense, but it’s such a fun name for a springtime festival.”

Information received from DBMA indicates there will be over 100 artists, crafters and food vendors. Most of the craft booths will be under tents that will be located in the Awbery parking lot at Commercial and Pacific Streets in historic downtown Branson, just behind Dick’s Old-Fashioned 5 & 10. The Plumb Nellie Days location is easy to fine, just go to the center of Historic Downtown Branson, the corner of Main and Commercial Street, turn north and “You can’t miss it.” Commercial Street is closed to traffic for one block, from Main Street north to Atlantic for the event.

The arts and crafts festival will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. There is no charge for admission and all the arts and crafts and entertainment are free. Live music, including blue grass, gospel, and rock and roll, will be presented by “Elvis,” Bob Mabe, The American Kids, Red Head Express and others.

“The Outrageous Dog Show,” one of “Plumb Nellie Days” most popular events, will take place on Saturday, May 16 with registration starting at 9 a.m. This is a fun event with the dogs competing in categories such as “cutest, ugliest, most spots, look alike, and best dressed.”

For additional information on “Plumb Nellie Days” call the DBMA at 417-334-1548. For information on Branson lodging, shows, attractions or other assistance with Branson travel needs please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or online at their web site.

Shawn Verhaben and David Sanders performing Everly Brothers medley.

The “50’s At the Hop Show” shares the music of the 50’s with not only those who lived it and can remember it, but with generations who did not. It was interesting, sitting in the back of the theatre, watching people who obviously related to the rock and roll era kind of “rocking and rolling” in their seats while the show was being performed.

Even more interesting however, was the reaction of some of the younger members of the audience who were two generations removed from the 50’s. Out of six teenagers asked what they thought of the show one said it was “ok,” but the others enthusiastically expressed their enjoyment of the show. When asked what they liked the most they said the music and dancing.

Let there be no doubt about it, this is a straight no glitz music show presented by a small talented vocal cast dedicated to sharing the music of the 50’s with their audience. For just about two hours the cast of Shane Verhaben, David Sanders, Monica Garrett, Mandy Stauffer, Angie S, and Kelly Smith sing and dance through the music of the 50’s rock and roll era, one great number after another, with a vocal quality and energy that is amazing.

The live band is composed of some of Branson’s finest musicians. Band members Norman Bergen, Piano; Bogie Bohinc, Guitar; Mike Carroll, Saxophone; Paul Purtle, Bass Guitar and Jeff Whittington on Drums do a great job of playing in support of and interacting with the singers. They also have a few show highlights of their own such as Carroll’s saxophone rendition of “Harlem Nocturne,” his “Night Train” duet with Bohinc and the band’s “Rock A Billy” number.

The show’s range of music covers the “Bill Haley and the Comets” classic, “We’re Gonna Rock Around the Clock Tonight,” which some believe launched the rock and roll era, to the Roy Orbison songs “Only the Lonely,” “Pretty Woman” and “Crying Over You” of the early 60s. In between is a vast selection of rock and roll hits from artists such as Elvis Presley, The Coasters, The Everly Brothers and the Supremes to name a few.

“Angie S” does a number of solos throughout the show and does an excellent job. Her rendition of “At Last,” a song written in 1941 and recorded by Nat King Cole in 1957 was beautiful. The Everly Brothers medley, including “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” “Bye Bye Love” and “Wake Up Little Suzie,” sung by Shane Verhaben and David Sanders showcased their vocal talents nicely.

“50’s At The Hop” is an entertaining fast paced musical tribute to the rock and roll era music of the 50’s and “rocks” for all ages.

The 50’s At The Hop Theatre is located in the “Shoppes at Branson Meadows” at 4230 N. Gretna Road in Branson.

The announcement of the 12 finalist the first Branson Great American Pie Show this week was a major key ingredient in the “making” of Branson’s first Great American Pie Show (Pie Show). According to information received from the Branson Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), a sponsor of the Pie Show along with the “Taste of Home” magazine, the 12 finalists were selected from over 1,000 who had submitted recipes for the Pie Show.

The rules for the contest as listed on the “Taste of Home” website, www.tasteofhome.com/pieshow, as of Jan. 17, required 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 had to be submitted in one of four categories Fruit, Nut, Pudding/Cream/Custard, or Refrigerator/Freezer. The 12 finalists were selected from the over 1,000 entries submitted by the Taste of Home judging panel who selected three in each of the four categories. The selection was based on four criteria Creativity, Feasibility, Flavor and Visual Appeal.

The 12 finalists that will be competing in Branson’s Great American Pie Show at the Branson Convention Center on April 24 and 25 come from 11 different states and represent a cross section of America. The names of the 12 finalists in alphabetical order and the names of the pies they are competing with are listed below:

Judy Castranova, New Bern, NC, “Marshmallow Cream Almond-Topped Key Lime Pie.”

Sherrell Dikes, Holiday Island, AR, “Sour Cream Peach Pecan Pie.”

Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, WI, “Mixed Nut ‘n’ Fig Pie with Orange-Laced Cream.”

Rosalind Jackson, Stuart, FL, “Greek Honey Nut Pie.”

Jan Louden, Branson, MO, “Raspberry-Lemon Pie.”

Chris Michalowski, Dallas, TX, “Mayan Chocolate Pecan Pie.”

Barbie Miller, Oakdale, MN, “Vermont Maple Oatmeal Pie.”

Dawn Moore, Warren, PA, “Dreamy Creamy Peanut Butter Pie.

Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, ND, “Apple Praline Pie.”

Michael Powers, New Baltimore, VA, “Uncle Mike’s Berry Apple Strawberry, Rhubarb Pie.”

Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, MI, “German Chocolate Cream Pie.”

April Timboe, Siloam Springs, AR, “Frosty Coffee Pie.”

The 12 selected finalists will compete in the semi-finals Friday Apr. 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the judging at 3:00 p.m. and the announcement of the four finalists at 5:00 p.m. The four finalists will compete from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 25 with the judging at 2:00 p.m. and the awards ceremony, with NBC’s Al Roker at 4:00 p.m.

The judging will be done by a combination of celebrity judges, led by NBC’s Al Roker, and participants in The Taste of Home Cooking School. According to information contained in a CVB press release the first 100 ticket-holders The Taste of Home Cooking School will also will participate as judges in the Great American Pie Show.” Among other prizes the 12 finalists are competing for the First Place prize of $2500 and a four day, three night trip for two (2) to Branson.

Jim Stafford performing on stage.

As Branson is celebrating 50 years of live music shows, one of its favorite comedians, Jim Stafford is celebrating his 20th year of performing in Branson and for good reason. Those who say it’s because of his “comedic genius” are only half right.

The other half is his skill at combining that comedic genius with an innate ability to relate and interact with his audience to give them a great personal entertainment experience. Even the preliminary and obligatory “Exit Location” announcement is unique, entertaining, and becomes part of the total “Stafford” entertainment experience.

First and foremost, this is a show by a family for families that will hold the interest of not only adults, but kids. Everyone is on the edge of their seats wondering what Jim is going to come up with next. Whether it’s a “black light presentation” used during his performance of “Spiders and Snakes” and other places during the show, using 3D or getting the audience involved with “cow paddies,” during his presentation of “Cow Patti,” there is a constant feeling of anticipatory excitement.

When the Stafford’s children, Shea and GG perform it is obvious that they have talent and that talent has been choreographed into the show in a manner that enhances the total entertainment experience for the audience. From their opening piano numbers, through each appearance, their talent becomes more and more apparent. Their “Chariots of Fire” duet and its manner of presentation is a show highlight.

The star of the show, its MC and the “grease” that make it all run and transition seamlessly from one segment to another is, of course, Jim Stafford. His comedic and musical talents coupled with his ability to relate them to his audience are apparent from the opening number to the last number. Whether it’s a straight standup comedy routine, a “question and answer” period with the audience, or a discussion of his trials as Shea is learning to drive, the audience, kids as well as adults, are in stitches.

Jim’s musical talents are displayed throughout the show. His renditions of “Shenandoah,” on the harmonica, and “Malaguena,” on the guitar are, but two of many examples. One should remember however, that in the Jim Stafford Show comedy can be but a “note” away.

Adding still more variety to the show, Lauren Heavener does a great job on vocals. Her rendition of “Columbus Stockade Blues” with its yodeling was an audience favorite. The graceful dancing of Zhenya and Sasha, especially during the Jims rendition of “Dark Eyes” on the guitar, is a beautiful thing to see and hear.

From beginning to end this show has it all, great comedy, music, dancing and all the fun anyone could want. It is one of those shows that is just as entertaining for adults as it is for kids. May the sound of “Yippee-i-ay, Cow Patti” resound through Branson for another 20 years.

It looks like Branson’s Easter Bunny is going to be acting more like the “Energizer Bunny” on April 11, 2009. He has no less than three scheduled appearances and three Easter Egg Hunts to get ready for the children who live in the Branson Hollister area or will be visiting Branson over the Easter weekend. The good news is that he will get a lot of help from his helpers at the Tri-Lakes Kiwanis, Branson Tourism Center, Factory Merchants Branson, and the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce.

Branson’s newest Easter Event, “The First Annual Branson Tourism Center Easter Egg Hunt” will be held in the city of Branson’s Stockstill Park, 260 James Epps Road from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is a variety of fun and exciting things planned for children of all ages throughout the day including live music, balloon animals, face painting, Easter Egg painting, Easter Egg baskets, contests and games. The “Toddler Easter Egg Hunt” will start at 2:30 p.m. with the Easter Egg Hunt for those 5 through 12 starting at 3:00 p.m.

All the activities and the Easter Egg Hunts are free and both “locals” and visitors to the Branson area are invited to participate. Concessions selling items such as hot dogs, chips, soda and cotton candy, etc. will be available throughout the event. Although all the activities and the Easter Egg Hunts are free, donations for Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society event to raise money for cancer research will be accepted and appreciated. For additional information call Tiffany Combs, Administrative Assist, Branson Tourism Center, at 417-334-4400.

The Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 24th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Hollister High School football field for toddlers through 8 starting at 12:30 p.m. The children will be divided into age groups and are encouraged to bring baskets or bags. This year, the Easter Bunny will be arriving at the football field by helicopter, provided by Chopper Charter Branson.

The Factory Merchants Branson (Red Top Mall), 1000 Pat Nash Drive, is hosting a free Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 years and under with a separate area for toddlers. In addition there will be prizes for the winner, a contest for the “Best Decorated” basket or bag” and the Easter Bunny will there to visit. Call 417-335-6686 for additional information.

The Easter Bunny will be at the Branson Tri-Lakes Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in Appleby’s Restaurant at 1836 W. Highway 76 to visit with the children attending. The all you can eat pancake breakfast is free to children 4 and under and is $5.00 for everyone else. The proceeds from the event will go to the Children’s Miracle Network as part of the Kiwanis Club’s Children Priority One project to assist young kids under five. For additional information call and tickets call 417-335-9231.

Free Discovery Trolley leaves historic downtown Branson on loop to Branson Landing about every 15 minutes.

In these economic times, families on vacation are looking for ways to stretch their travel dollars farther. An article entitled, “Branson listed third most budget friendly destination in America,” published on line in this publication, indicates the decision to come to Branson for a vacation or getaway is one step in the right direction. But, even in a value destination like Branson, there are free things families can do that will add even more value and stretch their vacation dollars farther.

The following is not meant to be an all inclusive of all the free activities available in Branson. It is however, a list of five different and unique, free, and “family friendly” activities that families can share together while in Branson that can add variety, fun, and memories to their Branson experience.

1. Edwards Mill at College of the Ozarks – This is an actual working grist mill on the campus of the College of the Ozarks and is powered by a twelve foot water wheel driven by water flowing from Lake Honor in the center of the campus. Students working at the mill actually grind flower and meal that is used on the campus and is available for sale at the mill, in the gift shop, and on line.

A weaving studio is located on the upper floor of the mill. Students use traditional floor looms to produce hand woven placemats and coasters that are sold by the College in the gift shop and on line.

2. Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery – The hatchery is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation and produces both Rainbow and Brown Trout for not only Lake Taneycomo but other state trout fishing facilities. The best way to experience the hatchery is by starting at the Visitors Center located at the foot of Table Rock Dam and reachable just off of State Highway 165 just north of the dam.

The Visitor Center features a display of wildflowers and plants indigenous to the area as well as a nature display and a short video on the hatchery and the process of producing the trout that makes Lake Taneycomo one of the premier trout fisheries in the nation. There is also a huge aquarium with some “lunker” Brown and Rainbow Trout indicating the size of some of the trout in Lake Taneycomo. The Visitor Center opens at 9:00 a.m. every day except, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

Branson Landing Boardwalk looking south toward the “home port” of the “Branson Landing Princess” and the river boat replica, “Lake Queen.”

3. Branson Landing Boardwalk – Although there are many free hiking opportunities in the Branson area, one that is very accessible to everyone, is level and very family friendly is the scenic paved boardwalk running 1.5 miles along Lake Taneycomo. Parking is available right off Branson Landing Boulevard in either the Belk or Bass Pro parking lots. Walk east toward Lake Taneycomo and you can’t miss it. The leisurely and level walk will provide a view of Branson Landing that most people never see, such as the beautiful landscaping between the east side of the landing’s buildings and the lake.

The walk will pass the Branson Landing Fountains and the docking facilities of Branson Landing Cruises, the “home port” of the “Branson Landing Princess” and the river boat replica, “Lake Queen.” Along the way there will be the opportunity to observe the boat traffic and activity on the lake and an excellent chance to observe various species of ducks, Canada Geese, Grey Herons, Black or Turkey Vultures (buzzards), an occasional Bald Eagle and other birds and water fowl.

4. Branson Landing Fountain Show – Branson Landing’s Fountains are located at the heart of Branson Landing at the foot of the “Town Square” on the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront. The fountains are a part of the spectacular $7.5 million water, fire, and light and music show. Weather and maintenance permitting the show is presented hourly on the hour starting at noon each day. Even during daylight hours, it is truly amazing to see and hear the bursts from the vertical “ fire canons” coordinated with fountains shooting geysers of water up to 120 feet in the air all musically choreographed, but add darkness and the lights and it becomes spectacular.

The Branson Landing Fountain show is an excellent item to combine with numbers 3 and 5 on the list or a simply a walk up and down the Branson Landing Promenade. Although weather and seasonally dependent, Branson Landing also has “street performers,” singers, clowns, etc. entertaining up and down the promenade during the vast majority of the “season.”

5. Historic Downtown Branson’s Discovery Trolley – The green trolleys run a 15 minute loop through Historic Downtown Branson and the length and breadth of Branson Landing. The trolleys stops can be boarded in Historic Downtown Branson at Commercial and Main Street, and two blocks south at Commercial and College Street or at Branson Landing at the Bass Pro Shops parking lot and Belk department store parking lot near the parking lot end of their respective buildings.

The ride provides an excellent way to get an overview of the historic downtown area, Branson Landing, the Branson Convention Center and to see Lake Taneycomo. Along the way you will pass Branson’s first theatre, the Owens Theatre and the spot where the first show in Branson performed, the “Baldknobbers Jubilee” and the grave of the man the city of Branson is named after Ruben S. Branson.

Passengers can get on and off at any stop. With the convenient 15 minute loop the trolley makes, it easy for those shopping down at Branson Landing to take the trolley up to the historic district to experience its unique shopping and restaurants and vice versa. It should be noted that although there is no time limit on parking at Branson Landing there is a two hour limit for the vast majority of the free parking in Historic Downtown Branson.

One of new events being held during Ozark Mountain Spring is "Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients.”

Every spring the Redwoods and Dogwoods blossom forth to fill these Ozarks hills with their beauty. As spring spreads over the Ozarks, Branson blossom’s forth with a new year of the entertainment experience known as “Branson.”

This year Branson is celebrating spring with a new community wide festival called “Ozark Mountain Spring” running from March 1 through May 31. Although Ozark Mountain Spring has been in effect for over a month and has another month to go after April, the show, attraction, event, and Ozark Mountain Spring schedules for Branson destination websites, such as the Branson Tourism Center, show that April is the month during which Branson’s Ozark Mountain Spring really comes into full bloom.

From a show perspective, although a lot of its shows opened with limited schedules in March, in April just about every show that is going to be opened for the complete season is not only open, but performing on their normal schedule. As Branson celebrates its 50th year of live music shows the breadth and variety of the live shows it offers supports the claim that Branson is the live music show capital of the world.

The events of Ozark Mountain Spring are a blend of old and new events. A complete list of the events taking place during Ozark Mountain Spring in April is available on line on the Branson Tourism Center website. One of the highlight events is Silver Dollar City’s first festival of the year, its acclaimed “World-Fest,” which will run until May 3. “World-Fest” is an international festival featuring the food, culture and performers from six continents. The 2009 World-Fest is a brand new production and will feature the “Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China” who will be presenting a show that has never been seen in the United States before.

Two major new events that will be presented are “Branson’s Great American Pie Show” and the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients.” The first ever “Branson’s Great American Pie Show” will be held at the Branson Convention Center April. 24 and Apr. 25 in conjunction with “easy breezy spring Cooking Schools” presented by a “Taste of Home” magazine.

The celebrity judge for Branson’s Great American Pie Show will be NBC’s Al Roker. In addition to the judging, Roker will also be available for a book signing and question and answer session from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on April 25.

A very special Ozark Mountain Spring event will be the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients,” sponsored by Branson.Com, to be held on Apr. 24 and 25. It is a continuation of the Branson tradition of honoring those who have served to defend America and is specifically dedicated to the honor and remembrance of those who have received the “Purple Heart” for wounds received in combat defending their country.

Although there are a number of activities planned for the Purple Heart Recipients, all of which the public is invited to attend and are free to the participants as well as the public, the major event honoring the Purple Heart Recipients will be “the “Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony” at the Branson Landing from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on April 25. The ceremony will start with the Purple Heart Recipients riding down the Branson Landing promenade and being honored by members of the public lining both sides of the promenade holding candles.

After the promenade ride, the Purple Heart Recipients and the public will share in an exciting and moving ceremony at the Branson Landing fountains. The featured speaker will be “9-11 Pentagon” survivor Sergeant Major Tony Rose (ret.). Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Public Relations and Advertising, Branson.Com, said there is a full schedule of the events activities on the “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients,” web page and to contact her at 417-334-2360 for additional information

In addition, Ozark Mountain Spring is just bursting forth with other April events. From princesses at the Titanic to Elvis, actually the “Branson’s Elvis Festival” and “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest,” “Kewpie dolls” and Kewpiesta, the Missouri Wine Festival, the Branson Car Collectors Auction and much more, April promises to be another extremely full and entertaining month for Branson’s visitors.