Downtown Branson has played a central role in Branson's history.
BRANSON, Mo. “2012 should be an exciting year in Branson,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC).”In addition to everything else Branson has to offer 2012 brings the much anticipated opening of Joseph at the Sight and Sound Theatre, special events at the Titanic Museum Attraction in connection with the remembrance of the sinking of the RMS Titanic 100 years ago and the city of Branson is celebrating its Centennial which will start in April and last throughout the rest of the year.
The Centennial will celebrate “100 years of Heritage, Harmony, and Hospitality.” The city of Branson was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1912. That was 47 years before Branson’s first show, the Baldknobbers held their first performance in historic downtown Branson and about five years after the publication of Harold Bell Wright’s novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills” which caused the first major influx of tourists to the Branson area.
Earlier, Ann McDowell, Chairperson of the Branson Centennial Committee said that the purpose of the Celebration was to “educate, celebrate and honor 100 years of Branson, Mo.” She went on to point out that the general objectives of Branson’s Centennial Celebration was to have a fun filled and educational event that will tell Branson’s story both locally and nationally as well as express appreciation to all those who have contributed so much to Branson’s success over the last 100 years.
On Sunday, April 1, the Centennial History Museum will open in Historic Downtown Branson. In addition to being the focal point for the Centennial it will be displaying historical artifacts, documents, photos and other historical items providing an interesting and exciting look at Branson’s evolution over the last 100 years.
On Sunday, April 15, the “Branson Centennial Celebration Show” will be held at a time and location to be determined. Although things are still in the planning stages, it is expected that the tribute show will be an exciting and unique tribute combining Branson’s history and culture including elements of its entertainment heritage, both current and past. “Branson’s 100th Fest and Street Dance” will be held On Saturday, July 7.
Another unique and interesting aspect of the Centennial will be its “100 Days, 100 Years to Celebrate” which will be held from April 1 through July 10. This involves the community and its businesses getting personally involved in the Centennial to extend even more, the hospitality for which Branson is famous. Locals and visitors alike can expect “Branson Surprises” where individual businesses do something extra, preferably related to the number 100, to make the celebration more exciting and hospitable.
“One thing is for sure,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Milton, “although the final details are still being worked out, Branson’s Centennial will be a unique and once in a lifetime event that will add even more excitement and fun to the Branson experience.” For additional information on the Branson Centennial, as it becomes available, or for tickets to any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
