As he left a recent meeting at city hall, the Ole Seagull noticed a brochure advertising an Easter Brunch at the city’s convention center sitting on the conference table. It kind of set his mind a twittering about column ideas, most of which will probably find their way into future columns but one of which, he’d like to share this week.
January is probably not one of the biggest economic months for most of Branson’s businesses. It’s not for lack of trying or even things to do as a lot of the theatres, attractions, and restaurants stay open and participate in Hot Winter Fun. Although, obviously an Ole Seagull does not know the real reason people don’t throng to Branson in the winter months he has to believe it has to do with two major factors, the perception of the public, which is not entirely unfounded, that a lot major shows are closed and the primary reason, weather.
There’s not too much that can be done about the shows that, for individual reasons, are closed during the period. Some might even say, “But Seagull there’s not too much we can do about the weather either,” and they’d be right. Yet, when one thinks of swimming in the winter is the first place that comes to mind Wisconsin Dells, in Wisconsin? Probably not, yet, through the pioneering vision, use and promotion of indoor water parks, thousands of people are swimming at the Wisconsin Dells just about every day all winter long.
If Wisconsin Dells can do it for water parks all winter long, why can’t Branson have a city wide event for three to six days over one or two weekends in the middle of January to extend its season and promote itself and its convention center at the same time? Branson has the perfect indoor venue to serve as the focal point for it, the Branson Convention Center, and a number of other major indoor venues that could be used to supplement the event, as appropriate.
In an Ole Seagull’s mind he envisions a “city wide” free event running from 9:00 a.m. to about 4:00 p.m. daily. Except for concessions, and other things such as when a participant chooses to purchase something from a vendor or during an event such as an auction etc., all the Festival events listed on the schedule would be free.
The main focal point for the event would be the Branson Convention Center which would have its exhibition hall and ball room divided, as necessary, to provide the different venues for the activities taking place. Those activities would be calculated to entertain and encourage attendees to shop, eat, and be entertained elsewhere after the 4:00 p.m. closing time of the Festival. For example one area could be a free bingo game where donated prizes and discount coupons are the prizes. Another could be an actual auction where merchandise of Branson Merchants or show tickets, etc. is auctioned off. Other areas could include but are certainly not limited to inflatable kid’s rides, a children’s craft area, craft exhibit area, and an entertainment area that would provide constant entertainment. Hopefully entertainers from some of the shows and attractions open during Hot Winter Fun would appear to entertain and promote their own show or activity.
Simultaneously, at venues located away from the convention center there could be other free events such as an ice carving competition at the Titanic or similar sponsored events, “A Taste of Branson,” a back stage tour of a theatre, etc. The actual events would be free and would be listed in a schedule of events similar to that used for the Veterans Home Coming pull out.
The money spent promoting the Festival will do much more than promote the event. It will be promoting the convention center, Branson, Hot Winter Fun, etc. Now there will be those who say, “I always knew that old bird was nuts, it won’t work.” And they just might be right, but is there not just the possibility that it might not only do as much to market the convention center as a New Years Eve Party or an Easter Brunch but might also help to market Branson and bring some business to the businesses that stay open during the winter in an effort to extend Branson’s season?
