The Branson Blog

On the first Sunday in December, thousands of people line the downtown sidewalks of Branson to watch a Christmas parade with no hint of commercialism.

Sign up now to participate in this year’s 60th Annual Adoration Parade that will take place on Sunday evening, Dec. 7. The parade begins at dusk with the lighting of the area’s largest nativity scene atop Mount Branson. The event attracts thousands of spectators from across the country.

The deadline to apply to enter a band, float or walking unit is Oct. 24, said Kathleen Bullock, tourism development director for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

This event began when a few downtown business owners decided to honor their customers by closing their businesses, setting aside individual endeavors and honoring the story of Christmas.

For those who mourn the commercialism of Christmas, this parade requires all entries to have a Christmas theme-religious or non-religious-and no commercial signage or company logos are allowed. Each entrant is identified with non-commercial banners provided by parade organizers. Prizes are awarded in several categories.

For more information, contact Kathleen Bullock at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau at 417-334-4084 or kbullock@bransoncvb.com. Or go to www.explorebranson.com/adorationparadeapplication.

Additional information about Branson, its live entertainment, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features is offered at www.explorebranson.com or 800-296-0463.

Branson ranked as the No. 1 destination spot for the first half of 2008 on the domestic travel planning Web site Vacationfun.com, based on requests for tourist information.

“Branson’s location and reputation as a value destination pushed it to the top of the list,” said John Hudak, publisher of Vacationfun.com, which is currently ranked in the top 10 percent of U.S. travel Web sites by the independent tracking firm Hitwise.

Despite economic concerns affecting the tourism industry, travel planning on Vacationfun.com is growing—visits to the site increased by 36 percent in the first half of 2008 compared to the same time period in 2007. According to Hudak, most Americans are not giving up vacations altogether, but staying closer to home and looking for vacation deals.

A traveler survey co-authored by the Travel Industry Association and Ypartnership and released in May revealed that, of respondents who stated their plans will change if gas prices continue to rise, the greatest percentage will respond by driving a shorter distance to their vacation destination.

“Branson fits the bill perfectly for what travelers need this year,” said Hudak.

The average daily hotel rate in Branson is $75.90, compared with a national tab of $103, according to industry research group Smith Travel. Show tickets in Branson average $29, compared to an average $130 to $150 per ticket for Las Vegas.

In addition, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB sponsors a popular “Gas Buster” program to further offset the cost of travel. The program provides visitors who present at least $40 in gas receipts at either of the Chamber’s two Welcome Centers with a card worth $50 in discounts.

These factors, combined with recent additions and upgrades to Branson lodging, shopping and attractions, put the city in position to continue to attract growing numbers of travelers. Local tourism leaders project growth for 2008 between 2 and 3 percent over last year’s total visitor figure of 8.4 million.

Vacationfun.com attracts 1.85 million user sessions per year and is referenced as “America’s leading source of free official travel information.” The site enables travelers to research destinations and request information, by mail or electronically, from tourism organizations nationwide. Consumers requested more than 7.8 million visitor guides and brochures through VacationFun.com in 2007.

St. Louis captured the No. 2 destination spot on Vacationfun.com for the first half of 2008, followed by Boston, Savannah, Ga. and San Antonio.

For additional information about these special promotions, Branson’s more than 100 live shows, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features, or to order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 or visit our website at www.explorebranson.com.

John Daly’s Lion’s Heart Invitational Golf Tournament has moved to the new course that bears the founder’s name. The fall tournament will be held at John Daly’s Murder Rock Golf and Country Club, located within the acclaimed Branson Creek Residential Community on September 30th & October 1, 2008. This celebrity filled event moves from Tunica to its new home and will feature a celebrity extravaganza concert that is open to the public. The concert, along with a longest drive contest, will be held at the soon to open Branson Airport on their 7,140 foot runway. While enjoying good food, drinks, a celebrity concert, prizes and a little friendly competition, this event is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, and contributes to an annual donation to the John Daly Foundation.

“John Daly is not only a golf legend, but a generous, fun guy to be around, and he will be sure that everyone will have a good time, while raising money for the area kids,” said Murder Rock general manager Chris Meade. “We invite the public to come out for our free ice cream party and autograph session from 4-6 PM on Tuesday, September 30th, and then join us to watch the pro-am starting at 8 AM on Wednesday, October 1st.” Built on one of the most spectacular settings anywhere, Murder Rock is nestled within Missouri’s premier residential community, Branson Creek. Murder Rock Golf Club works with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, blending into the surroundings to preserve the beautiful landscape and natural atmosphere. Chris encourages everyone to “come on out and enjoy some great golf competition among our celebrities and sponsors while enjoying our spectacular views.”

Thanks to the generosity of the NEW Branson Airport, slated to open in May of 2009, a longest drive contest will be held throughout the tournament on October 1st on their runway, starting at 10 AM, with the final competition of the top pro-am finalists taking place during the evening concert. The public is also invited to take their own chance to hit a golf ball down the runway for $5/ball or $10/3 balls. When else will you have a chance to see if you can knock a golf ball down an airport runway? You can also see the progress of the airport construction, and see for yourself the 11 million cubic yards of dirt that has been moved on this 1,000 acre plot of land.

The 7:00 PM concert on October 1st will feature various local stars and founding members of the Murder Rock Country Club and will culminate in a special appearance from Samantha Cole, Mike Reno, and Darius Rucker. Concert tickets are on sale for just $10 each, and the public is invited to bring their own seating (but leave their coolers at home). Food and beverage will be available for sale.

Below is a list of the celebrities who have confirmed their attendance (as of August 6, 2008):

Name Background
Terry Ahola US Ski Team
Samantha Cole Solo Recording Artist
John Daly PGA Tour Player
Marshall Faulk NFL-St. Louis Rams
Robert Gamez PGA Tour Player
Vencie Glenn NFL-San Diego Chargers
Ian Gomez Drew Carey Show/Felicity
Clint Howard Apollo 13
Richard Karn Home Improvement/Family Feud
Bernie Kosar NFL-Cleveland Browns
Jack McGee Rescue Me/Crash/21
Mike Reno Loverboy-Lead Singer
Darious Rucker Hootie & the Blowfish-Lead Singer
Sterling Sharpe NFL-Green Bay Packers
Kevin Sorbo Hercules
Jan Stephenson LPGA Tour Player
Kordell Stewart NFL-Pittsburgh Steelers
Art Still NFL-Kansas City Chiefs
Tommy Thayer KISS
Gary Valentine King of Queens
Luke Wilson Actor

According to Talbird Lovan, the Executive Director of the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, this fundraiser comes at a crucial time for the organization. “We have had a record enrollment in our youth and adult programs this summer. This fall we begin our collaborative program with the Boys and Girls Club making possible the BGC/YMCA Tackle Football program. We also are expanding new Y Home-School and preschool arts programs for area children, and a new before school child care program in Branson starts this fall. We have a number of things going on, and monies raised from this tournament will assist us as we expand these programs while continuing enrollment in our wellness classes in step aerobics, yoga, NIA, Pilates, cycling, martial arts, and the Silver Sneakers program.”

Talbird continues, “We are thankful for all of the time and effort going into making this tournament and concert a success, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the sponsors and players who are donating their time and resources to help us meet the needs of our members.”

For more information regarding the Lion’s Heart Invitational or for tickets to the Celebrity Extravaganza Concert, contact Katie Steele Danner, email: lionsheart@murderrockgolf.com or call (417) 334-7818 ext. 104. Tickets for the concert are also available for $10 at the Murder Rock Country Club, or the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, or can be purchased at the site on the night of the concert.

Additional information about Branson, its live entertainment, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features is offered at www.explorebranson.com or 800-296-0463.

You are invited to participate in a Guinness World Record setting event

Silver Dollar City announces a quirky activity for summer fun, inviting guests to the park to participate in an official Top Spinning Event for the Guinness Book of World Records: “Most Spinning Tops Spun Simultaneously.” On Saturday, August 16 at 2:00 p.m., Silver Dollar City will host the event, which invites the novice and the professional alike.

“This is going to take 200 top spinners to set this record, so the rally call is on,” said event organizer Roy Campbell. The only catch, says Campbell, is that participants need to have their own tops, resting assured that on-site lessons are being offered daily at the theme park.

“It wouldn’t be Silver Dollar City if we didn’t have some teaching going right along with the activity,” said Campbell, assuring “spinner wannabes” that “Top-throwing Lessons” for skill seekers are now under way daily at the Homestead Barn at Silver Dollar City.

Those wishing to participate must register day of event. Registration will be at Silver Dollar City, Guest Relations, August 16th, from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. “Then at 2:00 p.m. the anticipated, cheering top spinners and fans will gather on Town Square. We’ll say Go — and they’re off!” said Campbell.
To qualify, each spinner will need to have a peg top that is thrown with a string, and be able to spin it for more than 10 seconds. At least 200 string-spun tops must spin for a total of 10 seconds each. Officiators and judges will be on hand, one for approximately every twenty tops.

“The craft of making and spinning tops has been around for hundreds of years, which fits perfectly with Silver Dollar City’s 1880s theme,” said Campbell. “Interestingly, in this day and age of video games and digital toys, we often see bright smiles from kids and parents or grandparents fiddling with our tops here at the park. We decided there wasn’t a better time or place to set this world record!”

Information on the Top Spinning Event, 417-338-3886 or www.silverdollarcity.com
Interviews/Images, 417-338-8210/8207

Motown, Rock ‘N Roll Keep Summer Hot

July Celebrity Birthdays:
Dee Dee Hamilton, July 13
Dino Kartsonakis: July 20
Pam Tillis: July 24
Bill Lennon: July 29

Pam Tillis is celebrating a birthday this month. She’ll be back in Branson on Sept. 16 at the Welk Resort Theatre with her daddy, Mel Tillis, her brother Mel Tillis, Jr., and her sister, Carrie April Tillis. Branson producer Joe Sullivan is bringing the “Tillis Family Reunion” for the second year with shows through Oct. 25, he says.
Carrie April, who studied theater and opera in college, now lives in New York City and Nashville. She likes to surprise audiences by singing a country song followed by an operatic aria. She reports she’s currently at the Mountain Playhouse in Jennerstown, Penn., where a recent role was Tammy Wynette in “Stand By Your Man – The Tammy Wynette Story.” She’s got a new CD out called “Roundtrip” that she describes as a blend of country, Americana and bluegrass.
Another birthday girl this month is Dee Dee Hamilton, who sang for some time with The Platters. Dee Dee’s currently appearing at the Hot Hits “Motown Downtown” Theatre in historic downtown Branson. She’s part of “The Hot Hits Experience” show presented by Rico J., who was a recent guest on the Branson Community Connection, airing at 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays on The Vacation Channel.
Rico J said he used to be a railroad conductor, but always wanted to be a singer. He got his start when he was a child and sang an Elvis song in a talent show. “I liked the cheers of the crowd,” he said.
Also in “Hot Hits” is Nedgra Culp, who graduated music studies at Southwest Baptist University. Nedgra drove Wayne Newton crazy while he was in Branson. She sang backup in his show and got better reviews than Newton.
Also in the show is Chico Vega who was with The Drifters and Dee Dee Vega doing a Tina Turner tribute.
A group from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce recently attended a matinee of Bill Haley’s band, The Comets, at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre. It’s hot rock ‘n’ roll coming right from the guys who invented the genre. Dave Somerville, the lead singer of The Diamonds opens the show. Remember “Little Darlin’” in 1957? Somerville, who’s 75, said he doesn’t mind getting older. “The older I get, the better I was,” he said.
Also in the show is McKenna Medley, Righteous Brother Bill Medley’s 21-year-old daughter, who has a beautiful and powerful voice. According to her MySpace page, she first headlined in Las Vegas when she was 15.
The Titanic Museum Attraction recently welcomed its one-millionth visitor. Owners John Joslyn and Mary Kellogg Joslyn gave prizes and a lifetime museum membership to David and Liz Richey of Warren, Ark., and their four children.
Among the fabulous special events coming up at the attraction, on Aug. 9—during the popular Shepherd Super Summer Cruise—the Liverpool Legends will play in the parking lot from 11:15 p.m. until the midnight parade.

by Kathryn Buckstaff

In his five years as a fishing guide on Table Rock Lake, Chris Tetrick has a good record.

“I’ve still never done a trip where at least one person didn’t catch a bass,” Tetrick said.

Fishing is one of Branson’s many choices for active relaxation that can create lasting memories for vacationers. And sometimes, the magic of Branson’s pristine lakes make residents out of those visitors.

This year, fishing will be especially good, said Tetrick, who operates Mid Lakes Guide Service.

“I’d rate it as a very good year,” he said. After this spring’s rains, the water is less clear than it will be later in the season, so fish tend to feed closer to the surface. Higher lake levels also give fish more habitats closer to shore.”

Tetrick is a 28-year-old Branson native who started fishing with his dad at an early age.

“Probably still in diapers,” he said.

Now, the lakes are his workplace, and he expects to be especially busy over the long Memorial Day weekend. Many of his clients are couples, a mix of veteran fishers who want help finding the best locations, and novices who want another excuse to be out on the lakes, he said.

But his favorite times are taking out a father and son, he said.

“If the kid catches one, he’s so excited,” Tetrick said. “It’s fun to see.”

Fishing For Supper

Jim Slagter, who works at The Vacation Channel, also began fishing early in life. Ten years ago -after vacationing in Branson for years – his family moved to Branson from Iowa because of the fishing.

“They’d take a pontoon boat out and catch dinner,” Slagter said.

Branson is an especially great fishing destination because Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo provide different environments.

“There are very few places I know of that you can go and bass fish and catch trout the same day,” Slagter said. “The year-round trout fishing here is incredible.”

That diversity was created in 1958 when Table Rock Dam was built. Bass thrive in Table Rock Lake where the water is deep and there are many craggy nooks for spawning.

Below the dam, Lake Taneycomo is fed by the colder water coming from the bottom of Table Rock, making a perfect environment for trout. To create recreation in Lake Taneycomo, the U.S. Corps of Engineers raises and stocks more than 750,000 10-to-12-inch rainbow and brown trout into the lake each year. Visitors can see the trout at various stages of growth at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, a fun and educational destination for children and adults.

In downtown Branson, visitors may rent equipment and fish along the Taneycomo lakeshore at public docks near Branson Landing, the town’s newest shopping, dining and boardwalk attraction. There’s also a Bass Pro Shops store there.

“For a woman to go shopping, and a guy to rent a boat down there, it’s perfect,” Slagter said.

New Life On The Lakes

Bert Lehman, the owner of Artilla Cove Resort on Indian Point, also expects a busy spring season. He is one of several resort owners who send people to Tetrick for their fishing trips.

Lehman and his wife, Gwen, bought the resort on Table Rock Lake in 1995 and moved here from Raleigh, N.C. where he was a business consultant. They’ve completely remodeled the 10 units, with upgrades including WiFi. They also have a boat dock and rent boats.

In an article in Midwest Living, Artilla Cove was called “cozy and immaculate” with “tasteful touches inside.”

The resort also was designated as a “Value Pick” by Arthur Frommer’s publication “Branson.” Frommer described the “knock-your-socks-off-view” driving down to the resort at the end of the road, and the “beautifully maintained homelike cottages.”

A lot of their customers return to the resort year-after-year, and some move to Branson, he said.

Firefighter Finds New Job

One regular guest was Charlie Neubert, who lived in St. Louis County and was a career firefighter. Neubert began as a volunteer firefighter when he was 14 years old, he said. Neubert, now 51, said he and his wife, Marge, started coming to Artilla Cove 20 years ago.

While visiting, he met a volunteer firefighter with the Southern Stone County Fire Protection District. The district is now the fourth largest district in the state with 15 fire stations.

Neubert started volunteering with the district eight years ago during his summer trips to Branson. The couple bought a boat, hauled it down for a few years, but eventually started storing it here. Next, they bought a condominium on Indian Point. Last year, Neubert retired from his job of 30 years and became the district’s full-time fire chief.

Now, the Neuberts own a 30-foot cruiser on Table Rock Lake. Sometimes, St. Louis firefighters come to visit.

“We go out on in a cove, and just throw out the anchor, and relax,” he said.

Sometimes they cruise to a lakefront restaurant for dinner. And they may go to Big Cedar Lodge or the Chateau on the Lake Resort for dinner. They also enjoy the annual Fourth of July fireworks display from their boat, and are among the volunteers who organize the big event.

“I’ve always enjoyed being out on the water,” Neubert said. “I’m fortunate. I feel like I’m a kid.”

For additional information about Branson, its shows, live entertainment, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features, or to order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 or visit our website at www.explorebranson.com.

Also check out Branson.net, another great site about Branson.

Dedication for Commercial Street Mural

The public is invited to the dedication of a mural of Branson’s Commercial Street circa 1913 at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, on Commercial Street between Main and Pacific Streets in downtown Branson, said Dawn Erickson, executive director of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association. Refreshments will follow at Reish Shoes on Commercial Street.

It was painted by artist John Short and sponsored by the Justus family of Branson. The mural project was overseen by DBMA Mural Committee members Joni Milstead and Deana Acton.

“Attendees will include Mayor Raeanne Presley, muralist John Short, the Justus family and DBMA volunteers who saw the project to completion,” Erickson said. “We hope this is the first of several outdoor murals to create additional attractions in Historic Downtown Branson.”

For more information, contact the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 417-334-1548 or dawnerickson@downtownbranson.org.

Ozark Mountain Christmas Community Kick-Off Event

Ho Ho Ho! It’ll be “Christmas in July” from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, for a Christmas decoration extravaganza at the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center.

See displays of a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting, and talk to experts about installing lighting and creating a vision for your business or home to make this year’s Ozark Mountain Christmas better than ever. There will be cookies to nibble and lemonade to sip while you look at displays. And Santa has promised to stop by.

The free event features ideas for every budget, and many ways to participate in making this year’s event something extra-special for Branson’s residents and visitors.

This will be the 21st year of Ozark Mountain Christmas, a season that draws 1.5 million visitors to the area. Organizers say it’s especially important this year to create a special wonderland because so many people have endured a tough year.

For more information, call the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 334-4084.

Sign Up for Annual Law Enforcement Bike Ride

Sign up now for the Tri-Lakes 4th Annual Local Law Enforcement’s Shop-With-A-Cop Benefit Ride hosted by the Five-O Motorcycle Club and the Taney County Sheriff’s Department.

Proceeds from the ride provide a Christmas shopping opportunity for area children with Wal-Mart matching all funds raised. The ride starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Branson 1st Stop at Bee Creek Road and U.S. 65, and ends at Danna’s BBQ on Missouri 76.

Lunch will be provided. Cost is $10 per person. Register starting at 8 a.m. at Branson 1st Stop or send registration to Shop With A Cop, P.O. Box 281, Kissee Mills, MO 65680. For more information, call 417-546-7250 and ask for Sheriff Jimmie Russell, Chief Deputy Jeff Anderson or Cpl. Can Luttrell.

Award-winning entertainer, singer and composer John Tesh will bring his music to the Branson Convention Center Ballroom at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18, for “An Evening With John Tesh,” said Gary Bartlett, founder of Midwest Concerts & Events in Branson.

Tesh loves Branson, and has brought his children to Kanukuk Kamps, the Christian summer camp, Bartlett said. The show is described as a “high-energy evening of music and dance for the entire family,” featuring guest performers including dancer Breeze Lee. Tesh was inspired when he dropped off his daughter at dance class and saw the youngsters performing styles from ballet to hip-hop and “dancing with joy,” Tesh said. Tesh and his wife, actress Connie Sellecca, hope to inspire kids and adults to find their passion.

Funds will go to the Branson School District’s “Christmas Assistance Program.” Last year, it helped 227 families including 540 children at Christmas and throughout the year with essentials from clothing to shoes, food baskets to special medical needs.

“We are looking forward to having John Tesh perform in Branson,” said Ross Summers, Chief Executive Officer of the Branson/ Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is truly wonderful that the evening will be benefiting the Christmas Assistance Program for the children.”

Tesh’s career includes 10 years as host of “Entertainment Tonight,” five gold albums and six Emmy Awards. He’s currently host of the syndicated “The John Tesh Radio Show: Music and Intelligence for Your Life.”

“This is going to be a great event and an amazing evening of entertainment,” Bartlett said. “In addition to being a great showman, John and his family have a personal passion for helping people in America and the world. We’re honored to have him here to make this night shine.”

Tickets range from $25 to $80 and are available at www.tesh.com or www.ticketmaster.com or call Ticketmaster at 1-877-272-6766.

Additional information about Branson, its live entertainment, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features is offered at www.explorebranson.com or 800-296-0463.