Yakov Smirnoff introducing a new event for Ozark Mountain Spring 2010 “See the World in Branson."
From America’s biggest water battle to Kewpies, cuddly dogs and honoring America’s Purple Heart Recipients, Branson’s 2nd Annual celebration of Ozark Mountain Spring promises to provide a wide range of fun, activities and entertainment. On the morning of Jan. 12 , an estimated 300 people turned out for a preview of the event which will run from March 1 through May 31.
In his introductory remarks, Troy Hill, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB emphasized how important it was that those involved with the event communicate to the community and the country what is happening in Ozark Mountain Spring in order to create a synergy and excitement” for the event. Mary Kellogg, Titanic Museum Attraction, reminded the audience that Ozark Mountain Spring was an umbrella extension of the “Ozark Mountain” brand used to market the different events that will be taking place in Branson during March, April and May.
Detailed reviews of some of the 38 different events currently scheduled for Ozark Mountain Spring were presented through presenters, videos, and slides.
Brad Thomas, Vice President & General Manager, Silver Dollar City said that Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday Celebration will start during Ozark Mountain Spring and last during the entire 2010 season. The celebration includes a new $7 million ride, America’s biggest water battle, “Tom & Huck’s River Blast;” special events entertainment, shows, and its biggest event year ever. Thomas pointed out that two of the parks major events “World-Fest” and “Bluegrass & BBQ” and its “50th Birthday Celebration” on Apr. 28 – May 2 will be held during Ozark Mountain Spring.
Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff and Toyea Youngblood of the Branson Area Receptive’s Association introduced a new community wide event this year entitled “See the World in Branson Without a Passport.” The program will run from April 3 through May 2, is timed to run in conjunction with Silver Dollar City’s “World Fest” running from April 8 through May 8, and is intended to provide Branson visitors with a “phenomenal world experience” by taking advantage of the international attributes that are already a part of Branson. Youngblood said, “It’s just about having fun.”
Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Advertising and Public Relations, Branson.Com, said that due to the success of the first “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event held Apr. 24 and Apr. 25 in 2009 that the event is being expanded to three days for 2010 and will run from April 22 through April 24. Stockinger explained it is the only event designed specifically to honor the recipients of the Purple Heart, showed a moving video summary of the 2009 event, outlined some of the major activities planned for the 2010 event, explained, except for the fish fry, all the activities are free and that Branson.Com, owned by the Branson Tourism Center, is sponsoring the event. Click here for a complete schedule of activities and more detailed information on the event.
Mary Kellogg, the co-owner of the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, said that the Titanic will be adding a new activity starting in March 2010, the world’s first tribute to the dogs of the Titanic. The show stopper occurred when the Titanic’s First Class Maid, Jaynee appeared on stage with the Titanic’s new mascots “Carter” and “Molly,” two King Charles Spaniels who will start their duties officially on March 19. Carter and Molly and the dog tribute will also be part of “a dog educational program young people.”
Other presenters were, Al Waller, NAIA Division II Basketball National Championship; Bob Nichols, Missouri Food and Wine Festival; Tate Womack, FLW Outdoor Fishing Tournament; Keith Thurman, Shepherd of the Hills 50th Anniversary; Julie Cox-Sonveau, Ozark Medieval Fortress, Jean Cantwell, Bonniebrook, Robert Speight, Compton Ridge Fiddler’s Convention, Larry Krauck – Area ‘57 Events; Lisa Owens & Vonnie Mathiesen, Hollister’s Centennial Celebration, and Angela Walker, Historic Downtown Branson’s Plumb Nellie Days.
