The first year we came to Branson was in 1992. We have returned every year since anywhere from one to three times each year. With all of those years has come entertainment at its best. We have stayed at both your campgrounds and motels, depending on the time of year we visited. We saw the community prosper with new motels being built and lots of new eating establishments to whet the visitor’s appetite. More roads had to be constructed to accomodate all the visitors that came to Branson. In all our trips to your area, we saw visitors come from every state in this country we live in. I would not care to admit how many of our dollars my husband and I have pumped in to your economy in your "little town". I would not want any of our money back, because we loved the atmosphere in that "little town". It provided us with a home away from home and good entertainment besides. It was convenient to be able to call the theatres directly and make arrangements for all our show tickets. I have met some of the nicest people "over the phone". We have traveled alot, and there is no place nicer to come to than Branson at Christmas time.
In the past few years we have seen a drastic change to the community. Change that has not been for the best in our opinion. Nothing was more disheartening than to drive past the Grand Palace and see that it was dark as a dungeon. Most beautiful place in Branson to see a show and the doors were closed half the time. Several theatres have closed their doors, along with some of the best entertainers leaving the area. Finally this year the Grand Palace got busy and brought in some entertainment – new entertainment – good entertainment – thank you Joe Sullivan!! We also saw the Billy Ray Cyrus show at the Moon River Theatre. We are coming back for the Christmas shows – staying in your "little town" for 10 nights. Where are we staying? We are staying along Hwy. 76 – in the part of town that has been there for so long and the part of town that has provided us with the entertainment. Where will we be eating? Same answer. You figure it out. We do not need those fancy motels that are chains already and have lots of money. The motels on Hwy. 76 suit our needs – the ones that are independently owned. So do the eating places on Hwy. 76 fit our needs.
It appears that greed has taken over the area. Granted, we know the area has exploded in population. We know that changes had to be made. And we know that new things need to come in to play in order to keep the visitors coming to the area. What we see in the changes are that you are crushing the "little guy" that helped make your area what it is today. Remember, it was the "little guy" that brought all the visitors in the first place.
Except for what I have been reading I know nothing about this but I now hear they want to change the city’s name of Branson. What will some of you people think of next? What will you possibly gain by changing the name? (Mildred, MN)
Editors Note: Although there might be days when the Grand Palace is dark it is one of the most active theatres in Branson, and the Hall family, which runs it, is constantly raising the Branson entertainment bar by bringing in new talent and ideas. i.e. Carrie Underwood, Mannheim Steamroller, etc. Although the city of Branson is taking some steps that it believes is necessary to protect the name Branson, I have heard nothing about anyone wanting to change the name of “Branson.” (Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull)