August 2009

 

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'Totally Free' Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival Aug. 28-30

The 21st Annual Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival & Mid-American Fiddlers Championship is coming to the banks of Lake Taneycomo this month.

Fiddlin’, according to event producer Bill Lennon, is an integral part of the fabric of the Ozarks. “The Ozarks and Fiddlin’ should be like New Orleans and Jazz,” Lennon said, and this event has brought together the best in Ozarks fiddlers for the last two decades.

The weekend kicks off Friday night, August 28, with a concert by Springfield third generation family bluegrass legends Big Smith in front of the fountains at Branson Landing. Free and open to the public, Big Smith’s concert is only the beginning of a weekend packed with the best fiddle performances anywhere

On Saturday, August 29, the competition will begin with preliminary heats, running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Then following a gospel service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 30, the finals will get underway at noon and run until 5 p.m.

More than $5000 in cash prizes will be awarded to winners, who will compete in six divisions: Pee Wee (ages 9 and younger,) Junior (10-16,) Senior (60 and older,) Cross Tuning, Seconding (guitar/bass accompaniment) and Open. All division winners, with the exception of Cross Tuning and Seconding, will also compete Sunday afternoon for the Grand Prize title.

In addition to the competition, there will be seminars held in the Ozarks Music and Culture tent up the hill from The Landing in Branson’s Historic Downtown area. Street performances and sidewalk sales will also be part of the happenings in Historic Downtown, and throughout the weekend, Branson musicians and entertainers will be making special guest appearances.

The best part of the event is that it’s totally free — free to watch and free to enter, sponsored by The Downtown Branson Main Street Association, The Historic Downtown Branson Business Owners, The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, The Branson Landing and the City of Branson.

As Branson’s reputation has grown, the fiddle festival’s reputation has grown along with it, and Lennon thinks the sky’s the limit. “There’s no reason why this event can’t be an event of national importance,” he said.

To enter the Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival or for more information, call 417-334-1548 or visit www.ExploreBranson.com/fiddle.

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Comfort Inn & Suites in Branson Captures Inn of the Year Award

Left to right:  Bruce Haase-EVP of Global Brand Operations, Todd Winkler-Choice Hotel Owner Council President, Chris Myer-VP of Marketing Myer Hotels, Janice Myer-Myer Hotels, Carroll Myer-Myer Hotels, Gail Myer-VP of Operations Myer Hotels, Sonja Myer – Myer Hotels, Steve Graber-General Manager of Comfort Inn & Suites, Steve Joyce-President and CEO of Choice Hotels International

The Comfort Inn & Suites in Branson Meadows offers spectacular views of Ozark Mountains, but the hotel staff has another accolade to brag about -- being named Inn of the Year by the Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), franchisor of the Comfort Inn brand. The coveted award was announced during the company’s 55th annual convention in Washington, D.C.

"Being selected as the best of the best from the over 1,995-strong Comfort Inn brand shows that Comfort Inn & Suites in Branson is an exceptional performer," said Bruce Haase, executive vice president, global brand operations. “When it comes to operational excellence and guest satisfaction, this hotel stands out among its peers as the best – which is quite an accomplishment.”

The best of each Choice Hotels brand is selected by reviewing the property’s guest satisfaction scores, the quality assurance scores and unannounced on-site inspections. Choice Hotels presents the awards for properties that best demonstrate lodging excellence by offering services and guest experiences that set the standards for the entire industry.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award and it reaffirms our commitment to providing guests with an optimal experience,” said General Manager Steve Graber, who celebrated the award with Owners Carroll and Janice Myer, Chris and Sonja Myer, and Gail Myer, of Myer Hotels. "Our staff is very committed to making sure our guests have the best experience each and every time they visit us. This award shows that the hard work of the staff has been appreciated.”

Myer Hotels is no stranger to having top ranked hotels. It has been a past finalist for “Comfort Inn of the Year” five times. This year, the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, also in Branson and owned by Myer Hotels, was a top-five finalists for the award. "To have two properties in the same town in the top five is incredible," said Chris Myer, VP of Marketing.

With the majestic Ozark Mountains nearby, the 102-room Comfort Inn & Suites in Branson Meadows, with its mountain lodge theme, is conveniently located near Mansion America Theatre, Sight and Sounds Theaters, the Tri-Lakes Center multi-purpose complex and the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre.

Located at 5150 Gretna Road, the hotel offers guests amenities which include free breakfast, high-speed Internet access, an indoor heated pool, hot tub and sauna as well as an on-site exercise room, game room and sundeck.  Guests will always enjoy the “million-dollar” views of both the Ozarks Mountains and Branson area.

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Special "Last Blast of Summer" opportunities at Silver Dollar City Attractions

Moonlight Madness, July 27 – August 9 (Silver Dollar City)

Throughout Moonlight Madness, Silver Dollar City will be open all day and into the night. July 27 – August 9, the park will be open from 9:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. for summer night thrills on the thirty themed rides and attractions from high-speed coasters such as the explosive-launch coaster PowderKeg, to the mega-splashing American Plunge.

Enjoy KidsFest all day and stay all night with your day pass or season pass
-OR-
Come after 5 p.m. for only $20 for night ride thrills

Summer Ride Days, August 17-20 (Silver Dollar City)

For those still not back to school, the dates August 17-20 have been added to the Silver Dollar City calendar.  Open 10-6 p.m., these days are dedicated to the rides, from the multi-looping roller coaster WildFire to the 10 family rides at the Grand Exposition.  Select merchandise and food venues will be open as well.

Night Water, August 17, 19, 21 (White Water)

Open only at night August 17, 19 and 21, White Water hosts Night Water with the largest selection of water rides and attractions in the Ozarks.  For only $20 from 4-10 p.m. guests can enjoy their favorite water thrills in a new way, from catching a wave in Surfquake Wave Pool to racing on the region’s largest high-speed water ride, Kalani Towers, under the stars.  The Hawaiian theme will include a nighttime luau, offering tropical treats.  

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Savor Southern Gospel Music and Home Cooking at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic presents the top performers in gospel music along with hearty home-cooking served up picnic-style. The festival features 12 days of soul-stirring songs from Dove Award winners, Hall of Famers, top recording artists and up-and-coming groups, with over 300 performances during the festival, Aug. 27 - Sept. 7.

“The Southern Gospel genre has changed from being exclusively quartet-focused to including family groups, trios and even bluegrass and country groups, and we’ve got the favorites in all categories,” says SDC festival coordinator, D.A. Callaway. “The common thread is that it’s all uplifting – praise music from the heart, guaranteed to lift your spirits, make you tap your feet and clap along.”

Featured traditional artists include multiple Dove Award winners The Kingsmen, Gold City, Brian Free & Assurance and The Booth Brothers, plus phenomenally popular groups and Dove Award winners Jeff & Sheri Easter, Karen Peck and New River and Mike & Kelly Bowling. Contemporary artists include 2008 Dove winners The Isaacs and Austins Bridge. Another crowd favorite, Callaway says, is the Reggie Saddler Family, led by former R&B artist Reggie Saddler who performed with artists from Jerry Lee Lewis to the Drifters before entering the gospel music ministry. Performances throughout the day are followed by Southern Gospel Nights concerts each evening in the park's 4,000-seat amphitheater.

New this year, worship services on Sunday, Sept. 6 will feature The Lesters and minister/humorist Dr. Dennis Swanberg. Swanberg’s humor is also showcased in several performances, and comedic performers include Aaron Wilburn, Tim Lovelace and Roy Webb.

Nothing pairs with Southern Gospel music better than favorite picnic foods. The House of Chicken and Fixin's and The Picnic Wagon on the Square feature double-battered southern fried chicken, slow-roasted apple-glazed chicken and smoked barbecue chicken, with favorite “fixin's” from au gratin potatoes and coleslaw to Silver Dollar City’s signature cakes.

Throughout the festival, the park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sept. 5-6, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Information, schedules and tickets are at 800-831-4FUN or www.silverdollarcity.com.

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Branson/Lakes Area Calendar of Events

May 29 - August 9
Branson Landing’s 3rd Annual School Shoes for Kids
Please join us this year in our community outreach program "School Shoes for Kids," providing school children in need with brand new tennis shoes to start the new school year!  It’s easy to sponsor a child simply purchase a NEW pair of children’s tennis shoes and drop them off at one of the Branson Landing Sponsor locations.  This year, Branson Landing has partnered with OnMedia and PETER PAN and for each pair of shoes donated, the donor will receive one FREE 2009 Child’s Admission Ticket to see the amazing Cathy Rigby in PETER PAN at The Mansion Theatre - as our way of saying Thank You!With your donation, together we can make a real difference for the children of Stone and Taney County School Systems. See below for a list of the 2009 Branson Landing "School Shoes for Kids" Sponsors and the drop-off locations at Branson Landing.Bass Pro ShopsFamous FootwearJourneysJustice Just for GirlsNew Balance BransonPaylessTradehome Shoes"School Shoes for Kids"... brought to you by OnMedia, Branson Landing, The Mansion Entertainment and Media Center and sponsors.

June 6 - August 9
National Kids’ Fest
Get ready for the All-NEW Fun Family Ride coming to Silver Dollar City next spring. We can’t tell you what it is just quite yet, we’re trying to keep the secret as long as we can! But we’ll be spilling the beans soon enough, so continue to watch the website for updates.

August 6 - August 8
Super Summer Cruise
The Super Summer Cruise is the premier car event in Branson, Missouri, held annually during the second weekend in August. It features the Show’n’Shine with over 500 cars and trucks on display at The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead. The event concludes with the Midnight Cruise, a three mile parade of vehicles down Highway 76 and The Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Don’t miss this fantastic weekend of fun!

August 7 - August 9
Missouri State Sales Tax Free Weekend
Just in time for back-to-school, pay no Missouri state sales tax on all clothing, shoes and other qualified items.  

4 Jax In Concert At Branson Landing
Friday, August 7, 8 p.m.
Join us for an unforgettable concert on Friday, August 7th at 8:00 PM with the 4 Jax, a Missouri based band ? featuring 2 time CBS Star Search Winner? and Stevie Wonder duet performer (on the Oprah Show)  ? JAKE SIMPSON!   You will find that Jake Simpson on Vocals and Keys - is backed by some of the finest musicians out of the Midwest - (Justin Ward on Guitar, Bart Kelley on Drums and Donnie Inman on Bass) and having played together since their college days, the 4 Jax are one of the tightest and most dynamic shows you’ll find anywhere - playing all of those 80’s Covers we love! This is one concert you don’t want to miss ? so? join us on Friday, August 7th for an unforgettable evening with the 4 Jax and Jake Simpson.  Concert begins at 8pm on Friday evening ? right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains!  Don’t miss this chance to catch a Star.

Ozarks Teen Challenge Annual Graduation Banquet
Friday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.
Ozarks Teen Challenge will be holding its second graduation since its program for juvenile boys struggling with life-controlling issues opened in September 2007. Five students will be honored for completing the 15-month program and taking the next step in rebuilding relationships with God and their families. This year’s graduates to date are Andrew Hampson, A.J. Sheffield, David Wadsworth, Cory Jobe and Michael Ott. Dinner will be catered by Light for the Lost, a national men’s ministry of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, and the event is open to the public.

Robot Workshop
Friday, August 14, 6 - 8 pm for age 6+
We want parent and child duo to enjoy an evening of fun and learning while putting together the 6 in 1 solar kit robot that you can take home.

August 15 - September 26
New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition
Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Noon - 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 1-4 p.m. Evenings & Sundays for groups by appointment.
The White River Valley Historical Society (WRVHS), in cooperation with the Missouri Humanities Council, will explore aspects of America’s roots music as it hosts the local showing of New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition. Free events, times, dates and locations include: Opening Night Concert with BIG SMITH and Blues by Pokey LaFarge. Sunday, Aug. 16, 4 p.m. Shadowrock Park, Forsyth. Gospel Gathering with some of the Ozarks’ best gospel groups. Sunday, Aug. 23, 2 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Branson. Music at the Cabin: Celtic, British and American Ballads from Nancy Walker and Mike Micham. Judy Domeny and The Stringfield Band. Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m., The Log Cabin at Shadowrock Park, Forsyth. Pickin’ Party: Old Time Jam Session & Potluck. Friday, Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m., The Taney Center, Forsyth. WRVHS Quarterly Meeting & 3rd Annual Ice Cream Social. Native American Music: Sunday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m., The Taney Center, Forsyth. Weekly free “brown bag” lunchtime events at the Museum include: “Get Downtown” free lunchtime concerts, Each Thursday, noon, WRVHS Museum. Kids Konnection each Tuesday, noon, Museum. Lunch & Learn music programming for adults, each Wednesday, noon, Museum. Karaoke 4 Kids, each Saturday, 1-4 p.m., Museum. New Harmonies events culminate in the only ticketed event of the series, the Second Annual Shadowrock Jubilee featuring a variety of bands - The Best of Roots Music. Tickets will cost $8 in advance at the museum and $10 at the gate. The Jubilee will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, at 4 p.m., in Shadowrock Park, Forsyth. Information about the “new Harmonies exhibit, activities and events can be obtained by calling the White River Valley Historical Society and Museum. New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. More information about New Harmonies and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions can be found at www.museumonmainstreet.org.  

August 17 - August 20
Military Reunion Planners Conference
Ask for Debbie Chesnokov or Lennie Neimeyer.

The Mark Chapman Band In Concert At Branson Landing
Friday, August 21, 8 p.m.
Don’t miss this Friday Night Concert by The Mark Chapman Band on Friday, August 21st at 8:00 PM - right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains!  The Mark Chapman Band (MCB) is a regional favorite based out of Springfield, MO - labeled by the Media as a Modern Country, Alt-Rock and Red Dirt Band and? they are coming to the Branson Landing!Mark your calendars for The Mark Chapman Band performing right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains on Friday, August 21st.  Concert begins at 8pm ? so join us for an unforgettable evening of music ? you’ll hear it all, from Country, to Rock and Pop!

6th Annual Moonlight Bike Ride to benefit Discovery Center
Saturday, August 22, 8:00 - 11:00 pm
Sponsored by Sunshine Bike Shop, Great Southern Bank & CoxHealth Plans. From 8:00 - 9:15 pm enjoy astronomy exhibits and party in the parking lot. Ride through the streets of downtown and then enjoy Pancakes from Village Inn after the ride. 1st 100 riders to pre-register will get a bike headlight courtesy of Sunshine Bike Shop For more information check the website at www.discoverycenter.org.

August 27 - August 30
"Battle at the Beach" Battle of the Bands Contest and Music Festival
ALL Bands, Solo Artists and Genres of music, original or Cover songs are invited. Amateur artists only please! First Place Prize: 8 hrs of Studio Recording Time (Paradise NKR Recording), Record label, Booking Agent, Photo Shoot (other prizes TBA). Family-friendly music ONLY please. No profanity or lewd acts allowed in lyrics or stage performance! Special guest judges. Preliminary rounds for the final 12 bands will be judged by the audience on Thursday and Friday. Final elimination round on Saturday, so come hungry and ready to play. Final four bands will battle on Sunday. Preliminary and final round sets to be no more than 15 min or 2-4 songs of original or cover song/music. Final round sets will be no more than 30 minutes so come hungry and ready to play Entry Fees: $75.00 per band or solo performer. Bring your amps, mikes and cords. Back up music is available (CD or Live) for solo performers. If extra equipment is needed there will be an extra charge of $25.00 (amps, cords, mikes etc.)Rooms and lodging are available in Rockaway Beach as well as the surrounding area. For information by phone please call Cruiser: 417-464-8735

August 27 - September 7
Southern Gospel Picnic
Closed Aug. 24-26
See hundreds of performances from the top names in southern gospel music! The heavens will resound with the sweet sounds of your favorite southern gospel groups on stages throughout the park by day.

Big Smith In Concert At Branson Landing
Friday, August 28, 8 p.m.
Mark your calendars because you don’t want to miss Big Smith’s Concert at Branson Landing as they kick off the Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival Weekend! Straight out of Springfield, MO, this band composed of five cousins is bound together by blood and harmony, both of which make up this great American band. Big Smith has earned a devoted following playing raucous acoustic music that has captured the spirit of their native Ozarks. Equipped only with an acoustic guitar, mandolin, bass fiddle and washboard they continue to demonstrate to unsuspecting audiences that joy and liberation can be found in an unlikely combination including the energy of bluegrass, the sound of gospel harmonies and the raw mojo of indigenous, authentic Ozarks culture.Don’t miss this special FRIDAY night concert with local favorites, BIG SMITH, starting at 8 PM in front of the Branson Landing Fountains!

August 28 - August 30
The 21st Annual Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival & Mid-American Fiddlers Championship
When “Big Smith” concert: 8:00 pm, Friday, August 28th Fiddle Prelims: 10:00 am – 7:00pm, Saturday, August 29th Gospel Celebration: 10:00 am, Sunday, August 30th Fiddle Finals: 12 noon – 5:00 pm, Sunday, August 30th Where The Concert and Contest will be held “On the Banks of Lake Taneycomo” at The Branson Landing. The Historic Downtown area will host fiddling seminars and other activities in the Ozarks Music & Culture Tent; additionally, there will be street performances, sidewalk sales, a Farmers Market and more throughout the Downtown area. Facts Over $5,000 in cash prizes! There are six divisions: Pee Wee (9 and younger), Junior (10 through 16), Senior (60 and older), Cross Tuning, Seconding (Guitar/Bass accompaniment) and Open. Additionally, all division winners (except the Cross Tuning and Seconding) will compete Sunday afternoon for a Grand Prize title. There is no charge to enter the contest. All events will be free to the public. There will be special guest appearances by Branson musicians and entertainers throughout the contest! To enter or for more information call (417) 334-1548.

Eddie Gumucio & The Electrics in Concert
Saturday, August 29, 12 noon - 2 p.m.
Summer Music Series Presented by Coca-Cola

1st Annual Guns and Hoses Fishing Tournament
Saturday, August 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lilleys' Landing Resort & Marina is hosting the 1st Annual Guns and Hoses Fishing Tournament on August 29th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  All proceeds go to the Branson Fire and Police auxiliary funds to help support our community. The entry fee is $75 and prizes will be awarded for 1st through 3rd places and big fish.  To register your two-man team email Megan@lilleyslanding.com for an entry form.

End of WWII
Wednesday, September 2
Join us in this special ceremony to commemorate the Formal Surrender of Japan in 1945 that brouht the end to WWII; the single most defining event of the 20th Century.

September 3 - September 5
Orphan Car Show
This is a show dedicated to vehicles that the manufacturers are no longer around, Studebaker, Hudson, Nash, Rambler and many more. Always a great show and a chance to see some rare vintage machines!

September 4 - September 7
Labor Day Sidewalk Sale
Enjoy additional savings during the annual Labor Day Sidewalk Sale. Just look for the "red roofs".

September 4 - September 6
William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
8 p.m.
Shakespeare Under the Stars... bring a chair or blanket. Presented by the Vagabond Stage Company and the Branson Parks and Recreation Department. Call 870-426-4567 for more information.

Underground Blues Division
Saturday, September 5, 12:30 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Don’t miss this Powerhouse Blues/Rock Band from Branson, Missouri ? featuring the phenomenal talents of 23 year old Stratslinger, Nathan Keck.  The Underground Blues Division has played with the likes of Bob Margolan, Chris Duarte, Wes Jeans and a host of others and they made their first appearance this February at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.Don’t miss the Underground Blues Division during our Labor Day Weekend Concert Series benefiting our local MDA Chapter and Jerry’s Kids.  The Underground Blues Division will have two performances (12:30pm and 4:00pm) on Saturday. September 5th - right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains.

The Nace Brothers
Saturday, September 5, 8 p.m.
Mark your calendars because you don’t want to miss The Nace Brothers in Concert at Branson Landing on Saturday, September 5th.  The Nace Brothers Band first played together on December 31, 1981 and twenty-eight years later, they’re still going strong with three original members ? David Nace, Jimmy Nace and Tim Williams and their newest member, T.J. Erhardt.  Authentic versatility and twenty plus years experience give the Nace Brothers an original sound that’s all their own, setting the standard for roots rock and roll music.  Eighteen years of working with Jimmy Buffett ? occasionally opening shows and performing at Margaritaville ? has made their sound even tighter.What sets the band apart from so many other bands is the soulful, aggressive vocal style of leader, David Nace.  His brother, Jimmy also shares the spotlight, with a guitar that flows with the same soulful emotion.  The band’s bassist and violinist is Tim Williams and in 1996, the band added keyboardist T.J. Erhardt.   The Nace Brothers are musically unstoppable, touring 220 dates over 50,000 miles a year and Branson Landing is thrilled to have them back in the Branson area ? performing LIVE at the Branson Landing.Don’t miss The Nace Brothers in concert during our Labor Day Weekend Concert Series benefiting our local MDA Chapter and Jerry’s Kids.  The Nace Brothers will perform at 8:00pm on Saturday. September 5th - right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains.

Chain Reaction - A Tribute To Journey In Concert At Branson Landing
Sunday, September 6, 8 p.m.
Back by popular demand, DON’T MISS this exciting Labor Day Weekend Concert by Chain Reaction - A Tribute to Journey on Sunday, September 6th at 8:00 PM.  Join us for what promises to be an exciting concert as this group of five is one of the best tribute bands in the country, honoring all of those timeless classics of Journey. They will take you back in time with the Big Hits like Separate Ways, Don’t Stop Believin’, Faithfully, Open Arms, Ask the Lonely, Be Good to Yourself,  Who’s Cryin’ Now, Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’ and more!  Chain Reaction will make you feel the magic of Journey all over again and you are sure to be amazed by Chain Reaction’s incredible recreations of Journey.  Don’t Miss Chain Reaction ? A Tribute to Journey during our Labor Day Weekend Concert Series benefiting our local MDA Chapter and Jerry’s Kids.  Concert begins at 8pm on Sunday evening  right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains? so join us for an unforgettable journey back in time with Chain Reaction ? A Tribute to Journey!

Pontiac Regional Car Show
Sunday, September 6
Saturday night we will offer up a FREE Drive-In for all who would like to come out and watch and kick off. It will run Saturday night through Sunday afternoon September 6th.

September 7 - September 13
Model T Meet

CAM’s Rockin’ Gospel Sing-Off
Monday, September 7
Christian Action Ministries (CAM) of Branson, Missouri is seeking contemporary, traditional and southern gospel singing groups that are interested in competing for 12 finalist positions at CAM’s Rockin’ Gospel Sing-Off to be.  A committee, headed by veteran Branson show producer Joe Sullivan, will select the 12 finalists based upon audio and video submissions.  There is no entry fee required of the contestants. Finalists will perform before an estimated crowd of over 2,000 people and a panel of celebrity judges.  First place winner will receive $2,500, second place $1,500 and third place $1,000. The Rockin’ Gospel Sing-Off is a major fundraiser to support the CAM Food Pantry, which provided services to 11,686 individuals in 2008, 36% of whom were children.

9/11 Branson Remembers
Friday, September 11
A beautiful and moving ceremony held in observance of the tragedy which changed the world for us.

September 11 - September 12
2009 Branson Car Collector Auction
This will be our 28th year as one of the region’s leading collector car auctions offering some of the finest classic, sports and exotic automobiles. The event is open to the public as well. If you would like further information on consignments, bidding or just general admission please contact us.

Teacher Appreciation Day
Friday, September 11, 4-7 p.m.
Inviting all school teachers. Roam Discovery Center without the school children and plan your next field trip.  Check out some of our programs and demonstrations. Additional guest admission $5.00.  Receive your coupon for 10% off fall field trip Sept-November 30, 2009.

September 12 - October 31
National Harvest Festival
Open Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; closed Sept. 8-10, Nov. 1-6
The Home of American Craftsmanship, Silver Dollar City welcomes over 100 visiting craftsmen, over 400 of the nation’s finest musicians.

Grandparents Day
Sunday, September 13, 1-5 p.m.
It's a day to honor the family, as well as share the love and respect for our elders and our individual roots. Sign up for a Grandparent Membership that day and receive $5.00 off membership.  Grandparent Memberships are valid for one year.

September 17 - September 20
Compton Ridge Fiddler’s Convention
Come and enjoy 3 days of fiddling jam sessions and concerts.  Also join the fish fry and pig roast.

September 17 - September 20
36th Annual Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival
Up to 150 vendors show their wares at this popular downtown event. Live music.

September 17 - September 19
2009 Pond Boss III Conference & Expo
Brought to you by Pond Boss, the nation's leading magazine dedicated to managing private waters, the Conference is a gathering of pond enthusiasts from around the country and two days of learning at its finest. You'll enjoy an outstanding program of seminars, workshops and hands-on opportunities - all presented by recognized experts in pond, lake and fisheries management. From pond construction to understanding how your underwater pond community works... you'll come away with information you can understand and apply to your specific pond or lake environment.

September 17 - September 20
2nd Annual Sleds in September
2009 marks the 2nd year for the Sleds in September Custom Car & Rod Event at AREA '57. Join us for three days of wild customs and rods, drive in movies both Friday and Saturday nights - "Running Wild" & Hot Rod Gang", vendors, live music from the Maxwell's on Saturday night and much more! Visit www.sledsinseptember.com for more information and to register your pre-1969 custom rod today!

Science Sprouts Museum Day Topic Tornados
Friday, September 18, 9-5 p.m.
Museum Days just for Early Childhood Learners (up to age 6). Includes special free science presentations and science story time geared to young learners.  Groups may schedule 30 minute programs for an additional fee. For Kindergarten or 1st grade classes, MOPS groups, day care providers, preschools, playgroups and families.  Explore the fun of science and science of fun. Pre-registration for group rate. General admission applies for general visitors.

POW/MIA Day
Saturday, September 19
A "Silent March" and a short commemorative service will be held for those who have not returned from WWII, Korea, Vietnam or Desert Storm. "Help bring them home."

September 19 - September 20
Teacher Appreciation Days
Factory Merchants Branson invites all teachers, active and retired, to visit the Center Management Office for additional savings during the Teacher Appreciation Days. Just look for the "red roofs".

Discovery Science Club!
Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
New for 2009-2010! Designed for parents and children to attend as a learning team!  Come explore a different topic each month!  September is Flights of Fancy.  This club is designed for children ages 6-12 and one accompanying parent!  Learn new science, build a project or two, get to see "behind the scenes" areas of the museum or special equipment, and lots more! Cost-$20 per member parent/child duo, $25 per non-member parent/child duo.