poetry contest
encourages teens to esteem
titanic’s memory
Fiddle Around
The 22nd Annual Fiddle Festival kicks off at Branson Landing today with a free Big Smith concert at 8 p.m. On Saturday: preliminary fiddle rounds 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: Gospel Jamboree, 10 a.m. Fiddle Finals noon to 5 p.m. All free. DowntownBranson.org. Click Upcoming Events. 417-334-1548.
Weekend Events in Historic District
More free fun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Street fiddlers, food, arts and craft, children’s activities, cultural displays, sidewalk sales and vendors in the historic downtown district. A square dance Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Free trolleys to Branson Landing events. DowntownBranson.org. Click Upcoming Events. 417-334-1548.
“Lift Up” Concert Saturday
From 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the “Lift Up” Concert will be at the Jim Stafford Theater. Raises funds for Southwest Center For Independent Living. Funds will enable the installation of wheelchair lifts on area homes. Performers include Barbara Fairchild, Lori Locke, Mike Cathcart, Buckets ‘N’ Boards and many more. Tickets $20. 417-335-8080. Visit www.swcil.org.
Gospel Music and Fried Chicken
Through Sept. 6, Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic features hundreds of performances by top names in Southern Gospel music onstage. Dine at House of Chicken & Fixin’s on the square. Echo Hollow Amphitheatre presents the Southern Gospel Nights concert series each evening. SilverDollarCity.com 800-475-9370.
“As Seen On TV”
Bed, Bath and Beyond next to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Branson Hills Parkway is where you’ll find a “As Seen On TV” products. They’ve also have a new line of “lodge” décor for people furnishing cabins and condos. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. BedBathAndBeyond.com. 417-334-2550.
Head To The Oasis
Dine at Buckingham’s Restaurant & Oasis for a real treat. In the Clarion Hotel, 2820 W. Mo. 76. Say hi to Food and Beverage Director Joe Cuna. He recommends Prime Rib or Bourbon Glazed Pork Shanks. Great jungle décor. Friday and Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m. Happy Hour in the Oasis Lounge, noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 417-559-0444 for reservations. ClarionHotelBranson.com.
Contact kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com. ExploreBranson.com. 417-334-4084.
North shore of Lake Taneycomo near Table Rock Dam
A lazy Sunday afternoon in late August seemed like a perfect time to take the iconic Branson kayaking trip… floating the roughly 10 mile stretch of Lake Taneycomo from Table Rock Dam to the Branson Landing.
Lake Taneycomo is one of the Midwest’s largest cold-water lakes… and it’s definitely cold water, even in the middle of summer! There was no water being released from the Table Rock Dam the day we floated, yet the water was still a chilly 50 degrees! Certainly too cold for a swim, but perfect to dip your hand or legs in for a moment to cool off from the August heat.
We rented kayaks from Kayak Branson, an outfitter on Hwy. 165 across from Table Rock Lake State Park. Kayak Branson offers a number of kayak and canoe options starting at $25 and also offers shuttle services to and from popular boat ramps on Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake. Our two kayaks (including life vests and paddles) and shuttle fee totaled about $100 for the afternoon.
Kayaking Lake Taneycomo
We were shuttled to the public boat access at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, right below Table Rock Dam.
After putting in, our first kayaking test was to navigate the fly lines and numerous anglers wading in the shallow headwaters. Below the trout hatchery, that part of the lake is known as the “trophy area” and is one of the most popular sites in Southwest Missouri for trout fishing.
Of course, we weren’t looking to catch a trophy Brown Trout … though we saw plenty of the prized fish darting through the water or jumping above the surface to catch an insect. Our goal was a leisurely float down this beautiful, unique lake.
During our trip, the Table Rock power plant wasn’t generating, so the lake had virtually no current. Our guide told us that when the dam is generating power, the current is swift enough to make the 10-mile trip in about two hours. But with no current, that meant the trip was going to take four hours, and that forward motion would be via paddle power. But it wasn’t difficult; with minimal effort, our boats glided downstream at a gentle pace of 2-3 miles per hour.
A Blue Heron wading in Lake Taneycomo
Floating Taneycomo in a kayak is a very unique Branson experience. It’s not far removed from the hustle and bustle of Branson, but it’s so quiet and peaceful that we found ourselves almost whispering at times. In this solitude, the only sounds you hear were the paddles moving through the water, an occasional quack of a duck or honk from Blue Heron… and several waterfalls streaming down the bluffs adjacent to the lake.
And Lake Taneycomo is completely different than it’s sister, Table Rock Lake, which is bustling with boats, jet skis, parasailers and swimmers. We saw fewer than half a dozen boats along our entire float, and most were jon boats moving at a snail’s pace. Everyone waves, but also speaks in hushed voices… after all, you don’t want to startle the fish!
Along our trip, we were delighted to see a variety of the lake’s wildlife: many herons and ducks, an otter and even a bald eagle. We also took note of the various Branson-area landmarks along our course, including Pointe Royale, College of the Ozarks, Lilley’s Landing and the U.S. 65 bridges.
About four hours after we began, we caught sight of Downtown Branson and Branson Landing, and we took out at the public boat access near Scotty’s Trout Dock. Only after we were back on land did we realize how much of an upper-body workout we had gotten paddling down the lake.
Our shuttle met us at the ramp, and took us on a 15-minute ride back to our cars.
Things to bring with you: Sunscreen, a watertight bag, a small camera, cell phone, snacks, water or sport drinks, towel, sunglasses and a hat. And of course if you fish from your kayak, the appropriate gear and lures. Wear a swimsuit and plan to get at least a little wet.
Night Water At White Water
On the two remaining Saturdays in August, enjoy Night Water At White Water. Float on the Lazy River under a nearly full moon. Drop 75 feet in the dark on Kalani Towers. Play day and night with a one-day admission or season pass. After 5 p.m., $20. BransonWhiteWater.com. 800-475-9370.
Dick’s Oldtime 5 & 10 on YouTube
Dick’s 5 & 10 in downtown Branson is on You Tube showing the extensive collection of photos of World War II airplanes autographed by their crews. Great Halloween items already on the shelves. Only 12 weeks ‘til Halloween. DicksOldtime5and10.com. 417-334-2410.
Chateau’s “Day On The Lake”
The package at the Chateau on the Lake includes a two-night stay, $150 credit at the Chateau Marina and a picnic lunch for up to four people. Through Sept. 30. The Chateau AAA Four Diamond resort overlooks Table Rock Lake. ChateauOnTheLake.com. 888-333-5253.
Homemade Food at Sadie’s
Sadie’s Sideboard is on Mo. 76 next to the Clarion Hotel at the Palace. The buffet has comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or order off the menu: prime rib, chicken-fried steak and more. Daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. SadiesSideboard.com. 417-334-3619.
“Cat’s Pajamas” A Hit
See this unique vocal band from Madison, Wisc., sing classic rock, barbershop harmony and current hits at the Dutton Family Theater at 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday. Also, don’t miss The Duttons great show. VocalMeow.com. Dutton’s theater, 888-388-8661.
Tribute Artists from Las Vegas
New shows at the Superstars Live Theater across from the World’s Largest Toy Museum. Tuesday through Friday. “Superstars of Country—Live in Concert” at 2 and 8 p.m. Every six weeks, there’s a new line-up. At 5 p.m., “The Rat Pack—Live and Swingin’” with Frank, Dean, Sammy and a seven-piece band with a horn section. SuperstarsLiveTheatre.com. 417-332-3600.
Dine at Level 2 Steakhouse
In the Hilton Convention Center Hotel. Selections include Tomato Basil Bisque, Ahi Tuna flown in from Hawaii, and the most popular steak, the filet with toppings including Brandy Peppercorn sauce or crumbled bleu cheese. Join the Cut Club to get a personalized steak knife. Level2Steakhouse.com. 417-243-3433.
Contact kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com. ExploreBranson.com. 417-334-4084.
“In early May the water of Lake Taneycomo was a chilly 53 degrees. Last Thursday despite a blistering heat wave, the water of that Missouri lake had actually dipped below 50. No wonder Lake Taneycomo offers memorable trout fishing on a year-round basis….”
Read the rest of this great outdoors blog by Jeff Lampe of the Peoria Journal Star:
http://www.prairiestateoutdoors.com/index.php?/scattershooting/comments/tanneycomo_a_trout_mecca
Shepherd’s Super Summer Cruise Car Show
This late summer tradition features more than 500 cars at the Show’n’Shine today (Aug. 13) and Saturday at Shepherd of the Hills Homestead from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s fun to see the cars and visit with their proud owners. The midnight cruise starts at 10 p.m. Saturday and goes east on Mo. 76 to Shepherd of the Hills Expressway to Gretna Road. SuperSummerCruise.com 800-653-6288.
Night Water At White Water
For the next three Saturdays, enjoy Night Water At White Water, the 12-acre tropical adventure park. As dusk settles in, take a wild raft ride at Ohana Falls. Drop 75 feet in the dark on Kalani Towers. Float under the stars on the Lazy River, and on Saturday, Aug. 21, there will be a nearly full moon.
Play from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a one-day admission or season pass. Come after 5 p.m. for $20. Order online at BransonWhiteWater.com. 800-475-9370.
Now, For Something Completely Different…
When Paul LaRouche, who was adopted at birth, discovered his heritage with the Lower Brule Lakota tribe, he embraced his Native American ancestry, creating “Brule and the American Indian Rock Opera” with powerful music and dance. Adults and kids love it. At RFD-TV The Theatre. Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m. RFDTVTheTheatre.com. 417-332-2282.
Ridden A Duck Lately?
Cool off on a ride in one of Branson’s amphibious vehicles. They still go out on Table Rock, but try the ride on Lake Taneycomo. They leave Branson Landing by Arvest Bank, go through the beautiful campus of College of the Ozarks and along Downing Street in Historic Downtown Hollister. You’ll pass Ye Olde English Inn, now owned by romance author Janet Dailey. Then splash into the lake and go past Branson Landing. BransonDucks.com. 877-887-8225.
A Thundering Herd
If you haven’t been to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction this season, go Saturday when they have shows at 3, 5:30 and 8 p.m. One of the new numbers this year features a thundering herd of longhorn steers. The meal is a real treat. Did you know they now sell Dixie’s Original Soup Mix in the gift shop? DixieStampede.com. 800-520-5544.
Contact kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com. ExploreBranson.com. 417-334-4084.
The Shepherd of the Hills annual car show is about to be underway! The homestead is packed with beautiful cars and trucks, as well as their owners and spectators during the 3 days of car show. This year’s Super Summer Cruise is Aug. 12 through 14. Be sure to stop by to see more than 500 cars at the Show’n’Shine at Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. The midnight cruise starts at 10 p.m. Saturday and goes east on Mo. 76 to Shepherd of the Hills Expressway to Gretna Road.
To help alleviate traffic issues and long ZipRider wait times this weekend, the Vigilante ZipRider won’t open until 5 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Vigilante Hours:
Thursday, August 12, 2010 (REGULAR HOURS)
10 am – 7:30 PM
Friday, August 13, 2010
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2010
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Regular hours will resume on SUNDAY.
50th Anniversary Events Tonight
Today (Friday, Aug. 6) is the 50th anniversary of the outdoor drama at The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. The show is at 8:30 p.m. Be there by 7:30 p.m. for the frog races. After the show, there’s a big fireworks display. Also visit Inspiration Tower, ride the Vigilante Extreme ZipRider and go to Sons Of The Pioneers Dinner Show. Old Matt.com. 800-653-6288.
Legends’ Summer Lineup Rocks
Legends In Concert has fans literally screaming for this summer’s line-up which features Little Richard, Brittany Spears, Alan Jackson, Elvis, the Blue Brothers and Michael Jackson portrayed by J. Lucas, who started doing Michael when he was four years old. 3 and 8 p.m. LegendsInConcertBranson. 800-374-7469.
Horses On the Grassy Knoll
A FREE display by Avilla artist Rachel Wilson outside the Titanic Museum Attraction runs through Aug. 16. She makes life-sized horses out of Osage orange wood. Inside, visit Titanic’s mascots, King Charles Spaniels Molly and Carter in their fancy apartment. TitanicBranson.com. 800-381-7670.
FREE Concert at Branson Landing
On Friday (Aug. 6) at 8 p.m., it’s the Mark Chapman Band performing in front of the Fountains of Fire. The Springfield band plays modern country and alternative rock.
BransonLanding.com.
Wine-Down Fridays
Branson Ridge Winery across from the fountains at Branson Landing features the saxophone sounds of Gary Dooms starting at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays along with a menu of tasty selections and an extensive wine list. Seating inside or on the patio. 417-335-9700.
Dance For A Discount
On Friday and Saturday at Limited Editions for Her on the upper level at Factory Merchants Mall—the “Red Roof” mall on Gretna Road—it’s “Bust a Move for Explosive Savings.” Do a little dance, and get 10 percent off your purchase, says store manager LaVonne Parrott.
COME BACK NEXT WEEKEND: Annual Car Show and Midnight Cruise
This year’s Super Summer Cruise is Aug. 12 through 14. See more than 500 cars at the Show’n’Shine at Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. The midnight cruise starts at 10 p.m. Saturday and goes east on Mo. 76 to Shepherd of the Hills Expressway to Gretna Road. SuperSummerCruise.com 800-653-6288.
Contact kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com. Visit www.ExploreBranson.com. 417-334-4084.
When she was 16, doctors told Cindy Thomas she’d never walk again. When she was 47, Cindy completed the San Francisco half-marathon in less than three hours.
Thomas, who is Group Sales Manager for Silver Dollar City, ran the 13-mile race, which took place on July 25, to benefit the Student Youth Foundation, an arm of the Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA,) headquartered in Washington, D.C. Branson is closely tied with SYTA, which arranges travel for student groups, allowing them in many cases to appear on the stages of Branson’s state-of-the-art theatres.
“Branson is the fastest-growing student performance destination in America,” said Lenni Neimeyer, director of Leisure Group Sales at the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Choirs, drama groups and glee clubs all love to come to Branson for the chance to perform, as well as for the chance to visit many area attractions,” she added.
While many students have parents who can pay for their trips to Branson or are able to raise the money in other ways, there are some who simply cannot come up with the funds to travel with their respective performance groups, and that’s where the Student Youth Foundation comes in. It provides scholarship money to make certain every student within a group can travel and perform.
And that takes us back to Thomas and her half-marathon run. She was one of eight tourism professionals from throughout the country challenged by Kirk Troen, president of SYTA, to raise at least $3500 and run in San Francisco (only six of the eight actually ran in the race). Thomas exceeded the challenge, raising $4200, the most of any SYTA participant.
Doing more than is expected of her comes naturally to Thomas, who, after a devastating car accident in high school, was told she might well be wheelchair-bound for the rest of her life. She credits her parents and her strong belief in God for her recovery and for her determination to live a life of giving.
“After my accident,” Thomas said, “my parents told me that no matter how bad things might look to me, there were those who had it worse, and that this could be my opportunity to help others.
“I took that to heart, along with my favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ So when Kirk called and challenged me, I said, ‘I think I can do that.’”
SYTA’s mission, Thomas said, is to teach and educate through travel. “Branson needed a place in that mission,” she said. “I had so much support. Branson really pulls together as a community.”
Thomas didn’t just show up in San Francisco and start running: she had a long preparation to ready herself for the 13 miles she was expected to cover.
“I started training back in the winter,” Thomas said, running the trails that run through Table Rock State Park near the Branson Belle. Since those trails are largely flat and since San Francisco is quite hilly, Thomas also ran in her neighborhood, which had a lot more ups and downs than the State Park trails.
Not just anyone can enter a marathon and stay with it till the finish line, it turns out. Slowpokes are subject to being picked up by security cars before they can complete the course.
“We were told we had to finish our half marathon in three-and-a-half hours tops, which is a pace of 16 minutes a mile,” Thomas said, “and at first I was worried I might not be able to do that.
“But in the end, I averaged 13:06 a mile, and I came in in under three hours,” she added with a smile. “I was thrilled.”
The run was not without its pitfalls. “When I had run 9.3 miles, my MP3 player went out and my blisters were really hurting,” Thomas said, “but everyone was cheering me on, and I was determined not to stop.
“My shirt said ‘Cindy’ on it, and people were yelling, ‘Go, Cindy! You can do it, Cindy’ and that was so encouraging. But I was really running for Branson, not for myself.
“Branson gives not expecting to receive,” Thomas said. “Branson loves to give back, and I was honored to be part of that giving.”
Although Thomas’s blisters have hardly had time to heal, she’s already talking about running for SYTA and for Branson next year, “. . . and hopefully, next year, I won’t be alone,” she said. She encourages others in Branson to get involved and join her as she raises money for student travel and raises awareness about Branson as a destination for student performance groups.
“When I was recovering from my accident, my parents told me, ‘Thank God for what He’s given you, but also thank Him for what He hasn’t given you,” Thomas said, “and one of the things He didn’t give me was a runner’s body.
“But through training and hard work, I was able to really accomplish something. I’m not skinny, but I’m fit.
“And I’m looking forward to continuing to help disadvantaged students who want to travel and perform, as well as continuing to give back to a community that has given so much to me and to so many others.”
Formed in 2000, the SYTA Youth Foundation is the 501C3 Philanthropic sister organization of the Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA). The SYTA Youth Foundation provides students/youth financial resources, and programming through travel experiences that impact the lives of tomorrow’s global citizens.
SYF offer’s four scholarship/grant programs including:
National Youth Day Out The National Youth Day Out program provides a one-day travel experience for deserving classes around the United States and Canada. SYF, in partnership with the National Middle School Association and the Student & Youth Travel Association, plan to provide 25 classes a one-day travel experience in October 2010 in honor of the Month of the Young Adolescent.
Road Scholarship The Program awards fund to youth who, for various reasons are unable to afford the cost of their group’s educational travel.
Ripley Hunter “World Is A Classroom” Travel Scholarship Secondary school students can compete for this annual award by writing an essay relating what they have gained from a travel experience.
Silver Lining Program This program recognizes deserving high school students who have demonstrated through their action, intention, or circumstance the desire to expand their awareness, creating a dramatic life change.
Free Pancakes From The Platters
The World Famous Platters at the Starlite Theatre keep their audiences singing, laughing and dancing in the aisles whether they’re kids or couples celebrating their 50th anniversaries. The show stars longtime Platters Eddie Stovall, Lawrence “Rooster” Randall, Willie Nash, Andre Shepard and Yolanda Fletcher.
NEW! Enjoy a free serving of pancakes and coffee with each ticket to The Platters. Service starts at 9 a.m. before their 10 a.m. shows Tuesday through Saturday. Also at Starlite, Bill Medley and Cirque. StarliteTheatre.com. 800-785-1665.
Zipline After Dark
Through Sept. 4, Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours eight miles north of Branson on U.S. 65 offers 3-hour guided canopy tours at night, leaving at 8 and 10:20 p.m. “Xplorer In The Dark” features seven ziplines and 10 suspension bridges for a bats-eye view of nighttime activities in the Ozarks.
Trained guides provide instructions before taking zippers to the mountaintop on Wolfe Creek Preserve in a Swiss Army Troop Carrier. Book soon because the tours are filling up. Available Fridays through Sundays. BransonZipline.com. 417-561-2500.
Splash-A-Torium Specials
Enjoy the Welk Resort’s new 10,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor water attraction, Splash-A-Torium, with a 100-foot indoor slide and indoor-outdoor pools and hot tubs. Summer packages include breakfasts, tickets to shows, dinner at the Stage Door Canteen and more. WelkResortBranson.com. 800-505-9355.
Stone Hill Wins Governor’s Cup
This year, it’s for their 2009 Vignoles. It’s the second year in a row they’ve won the Governor’s Cup. They’ve previously won six times! Sample the Vignoles at the winery at Mo. 165 and Green Mountain Drive. 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Take a guided tour. They bake the Sherry before it goes to oak casks. Watch them bottling Spumante. The tour includes tasting, or you can go straight for the tasting. StonehillWinery.com. 888-926-9463.
Don’t Miss! Kids Fest Ends Aug. 8 – Silver Dollar City’s celebrating 50 years of family entertainment. Their new $7 million ride—Tom and Huck’s RiverBlast—will cool you off. SilverDollarCity.com 800-475-9370.
Contact kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com. ExploreBranson.com. 417-334-4084.
