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?
