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Dam, Princess Di and Kung Fu add to Branson’s fun and excitement

On the exciting scenes from Branson's newest show, "Legends of Kung Fu, Chun Yi"

The addition of Fung Fu, Princess Diana and a Dam tour this week illustrates the breadth and constantly evolving nature of the fun and entertainment that Branson offers. “Visitors to Branson are blessed with a wide variety of exciting and wonderful things to do with a selection of live shows, attractions, shopping and other activities combined with a price point that makes it one of the most affordable and fun filled vacation destinations anywhere,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most trusted providers of Branson show and attractions tickets, lodging and other travel services.

Branson’s newest show the “Legends of Kung Fu, Chun Yi,” opened at the completely renovated White House Theatre on June 28 and will run through November 29. The show is described as a spectacular production of beautiful music, dancing, acrobatics, Kung Fu and other feats woven into the story of a legendary Kung Fu Hero and how it influenced the life of a young Kung Fu apprentice, Chun Yi, and the excitement, adventure and trials he goes through as he becomes a true warrior for peace.

“Diana The People’s Princess,” an exhibition of a royal icon, opens July 1 in the Branson Exhibition Center (formerly the “Roy Rogers Museum”). The building has been completely remodeled for the exhibit which is “a major exhibition of royal artifacts” showcasing “the life and story of one of the most iconic and inspirational figures in recent history. It includes “royal dresses that Diana chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.”

A long time Branson favorite, Ride the Ducks, is now also conducting Table Rock Dam Tours.

Another exciting addition to Branson’s attractions is the reinstatement of Table Rock Dam Tours starting this weekend. The tours were a casualty of 9/11 and have been reinstatement as the result of a partnership between the Corps of Engineers, Ride the Ducks and the new Ozarks Rivers Heritage Foundation. The 45 minute tours will conducted by Ride the Duck.

The 45 minute tours will be conducted four times daily and, because the tour goes into the dam, strict security precautions are in effect. Among them, no cameras, purses, cell phone etc. and proof of U.S. Citizenship such as passport, drivers license etc.

For additional information on all that Branson has to offer please contract the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

White Water, Silver Dollar City and Showboat Branson Belle provide family summer fun

Lots of wet fun goes with a ride on Silver Dollar City's new "RiverBlast." (Photo provided by SDC)

“Silver Dollar City Attractions encompasses three of Branson’s major attractions, Silver Dollar City, White Water and the Showboat Branson Belle offering visitors a variety of fun, excitement, value and adventure,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “The neat thing for families is that at Silver Dollar City and White Water there are rides and activities for all ages, from the youngest to the oldest and a ride on the Showboat Branson Belle provides entertainment and excitement for all ages.”

Silver Dollar City, the 1880s theme park, is Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction. It is celebrating its 50th year of providing guests with “Memories worth repeating” and will be presenting KidsFest, Americas biggest kids festival, June 5 through August 8. KidsFest provides unparalleled opportunity for kids, guests of all ages and families to play, not the least of which is Silver Dollar City’s new $7 million ride, Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast, “where every ride is a different super-soaking experience as riders take part in America’s biggest water battle.”

KidsFest will feature the comedy and magic from the world famous illusionist Peter Gossamer, a Stunt Dog experience featuring “the high-energy antics of performing dogs, and some of Silver Dollar City’s Famous Friends — kid-favorite costumed characters including SpongeBob & Patrick, Shaggy & Scooby Doo, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Backyardigans. Kids can make their own creations at the Kid Concoctions Activity Center from the acclaimed Kid Concoctions books and television show. More hands-on fun rules with activities on the Square, as kids take part in water balloon tossing competitions and birthday cake eating contests – with the official Silver Dollar City Birthday Cake.”

Miller points out that KidsFest will culminate with a special event, “Moonlight Madness,” which will be held July 24 through August 8. Normally Silver Dollar City closes at 7:00 p.m., but during Moonlight Madness it will remain open until 10 p.m.

White Water features over 12 acres and 2 million gallons of wet watery fun, providing Branson visitors with an opportunity to “swim, surf, splash and slide at the Ozarks’ largest water park from May 29 through September 6. Its nearly 7,000 feet of slides, with more than a dozen rides and attractions provide families the opportunity to race down the 7-story, 6-slide thrill ride Kalani Towers, surf the waves in the 500,000 gallon wave pool, or float the Lazy River.” During “Night Water,” July 2 through 10 White Water will remain open until 10:00 p.m. Normally the park closes at 7:00 p.m. at this time of the year.

Miller said, “For a unique relaxing fun filled experience, it’s hard to beat a cruise on beautiful Table Rock Lake aboard the 278 foot long 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle.” The cruise features a three course dinner made in the ships galley, a production show and a spectacular view of the passing Ozarks scenery from Table Rock Lake. “The Showstoppers! show features a talented cast including nationally acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver and his live talking dogs featured on dinner cruises, plus a live orchestra.” Miller said, “Being on the Showboat, cruising the Lake, Todd Oliver and his dogs, and the opportunity to tour the ship and go up to the Bridge will hold the interest of not only the kids, but adults as well.”

For additional information or tickets Silver Dollar City, White Water, the Showboat Branson Belle or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson has “lots” of vacation fun and excitement

Silver Dollar City's "Wildfire" offers one of the most exciting and unique coaster rides in the world.

Often the question is asked, “What is there to do in Branson?” The answer depends on who is asking the question, but assuming it is someone who is coming to Branson to relax, be entertained and have fun, the simple generic one word answer is “Lots!”

One of the most important parts of a relaxing fun filled vacation is having lodging accommodations and amenities that are conducive to making that happen. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, who has over 13 years experience helping Branson visitors have a great Branson experience says, “As much as anything, the place where a person stays will set the tenor for the type of vacation experience they will have.”

Fortunately, Branson has lots of quality hotels and lodging to accommodate just about every budget and taste. From the grandeur of prestigious AAA Four Diamond lodgings, to condos, hotels, cabins and resorts located everywhere from golf course fairways to lake fronts, overlooking beautiful Ozark vistas, or close to Branson’s famed shows, shopping and attractions, Branson has the ideal lodging and amenities to contribute to the synergy for a great relaxing fun filled Branson experience.

Miller points out that Branson has lots of major attractions such as the world class award winning 1880s theme park, Silver Dollar City, the Titanic Museum and White Water, with its 12 acres of wet watery fun. Whether it’s history, shopping, boating, fishing, swimming or other activities on one of Branson’s pristine lakes, golfing, hiking, go karts, miniature golf, bird watching, simply relaxing or anyone of dozens of other activities to say the least, Branson has lots for visitors to do.”

“Branson is called, ‘The live music show capital of the world,” said Miller “and for good reason, it has lots of music shows with one for just about every musical taste and genre. He points out that in addition Branson also offers an unparalleled choice of other types of shows from acrobatic to cirque, comedy of every type, magic, ventriloquism, spectacular drama and lots more.

Miller said, “Branson not only has lots of fun and exciting things for visitors and families to do, but it provides them in an environment that creates a vacation experience that is unique in all the world.” He suggests that with all the things there are to do in Branson and choices that must be made that it could be helpful to use the services of a vacation planning service such as the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services.

He said, “All its services are free and there is never a service charge.” BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Huge birthday bash as Silver Dollar City celebrates 50 Years of “memories worth repeating”

50 years of helping people create "Memories worth repeating."

How does a Branson attraction celebrating 50 years of adherence to a mission of helping people “Create Memories Worth Repeating” celebrate their 50th Birthday? If that attraction is “Silver Dollar City,” it does it like it has every opening hour since May 1, 1960 by giving its guests an entertainment experience worth repeating.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center says, “And what an entertainment experience it will be as Silver Dollar City holds one of the biggest birthday parties ever April 30, May 1 and May 2.” In addition to all the entertainment, rides, and craftsmen and World-Fest, that weekend will be filled with special events and extended hours.

The park and all its rides will be open with extended hour until 10:00 p.m. on Friday April 30 and Saturday May 1. At 9:00 p.m. on both days there will be a “Street Dance” on Main Street as Silver Dollar City’s street characters, “lead the revelry dancin’ the night away with such family classics as the Macarena, the Hokey Pokey, and the ever-popular Chicken Dance. Think of it as ‘Dancing With the Stars’, under the stars… Ozark-style!”

The “Ozark Mountain Daredevils,” who got their start in the Ozarks and have hits such as “Chicken Train”, “Jackie Blue” and many others, will be doing two concerts on Friday April 30. The concerts will be held in the Echo Hollow Amphitheatre at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and will require the purchase of a separate $5.00 event ticket.

Saturday, May 1, 2010 is 50 years to the day from the very day Silver Dollar City opened near the mouth of Marvel Cave. It’s even going to open at the exact same hour that it did that very first day, 9:00 a.m. From the special opening ceremony to fireworks in Echo Hollow Amphitheatre and a very special 50th Birthday Party, even by Silver Dollar City standards, May 1, 2010 is going to be a very special day at Silver Dollar City.

Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday Party will be held at 12:00 p.m. in the Echo Hollow Amphitheatre and, for most people, will be a special once in a lifetime experience. Among other things it will include dignitaries such as Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, U.S. Congressman Roy Blunt and special performances by the Baldknobbers, Haygoods, Lennon Sisters, and the Blues Brothers from Legends in Concert.

What’s a birthday party without a birthday cake and, what a cake it will be. Silver Dollar City’s official 50th Birthday Cake is the result of a recipe selected through a “Taste Of Home” contest with contestants from all over the country competing.

Johnson points out that although there will be special activities April 30 through May 2, Silver Dollar City’s celebration of its 50th Anniversary will last throughout its 2010 season. For additional information on Silver Dollar City or for any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for hotels or lodging she suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. They can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Holy Spirit inspires Branson’s newest attraction

Shrine of the Holy Spirit on its dedication day showing the "shoulder" wall with its arm walls encompassing the chapel.

About five years ago, self made entrepreneur Gene Bicknell and the owner of the Mansion Theatre and Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson had a vision to build a shrine in Branson, Missouri. By his own words, it wasn’t an easy journey at times, but the dedication of the magnificent “Shrine of the Holy Spirit,” located in front of the main entrance to the Mansion Theatre in Branson, testifies as to his perseverance, faithfulness in that vision and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In describing the building of the shrine Bicknell said, “It was truly driven by the Holy Spirit…Even the design and blue stone materials were decided in and through the Holy Spirit.”

As he explained the various main elements of the shrine and their relationship to each other he pointed out that the cross towers over 100 feet above the ground. Directly underneath the cross is a sphere representing the world. Further down, the main wall spreads out from the tower and has two side walls, one from end of the “shoulders,” encompassing the chapel on either side. Bicknell said that the main wall represents Gods shoulders and indicated by gesture that the side walls are indicative of the position His arms would be in if He were welcoming us into his presence. The walls are also inscribed with inspirational scriptural verses.

The intimate and comfortable interior of the shrine.

Although the wall and its tower are the dominant physical elements of the shrine it seems that they highlight the chapel. It is a small beautiful building compared to the size and grandeur of the wall and yet, there is no doubt as to its importance. It is has beautiful stone walls, stained glass windows and provides a comfortable intimate place for those wanting to pray, reflect or contemplate.

Mike Rankin was the Project Manager for the shrine. He said it took two years and in excess of $4 million to build. The wall is constructed out of four hundred tons of blue stone, harvested from the Catskills Mountains of New York and trucked into Branson specifically for the shrine.

Missouri Division of Tourism Director, Katie Steele Danner read a letter of congratulations from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon calling the shrine “A truly unique venue.” Nixon’s letter went on to say, “The Shrine of the Holy Spirit will join the long list of remarkable attractions that entice millions of people from around the world to Branson each year.”

Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, said, “The Shrine of the Holy Spirit is not only a beautiful and inspiring thing to see, but a testimony to Mr. Bicknell’s vision and faithfulness and the Spirit that makes Branson the special unique destination it is.”

World-Fest kicks off festivals for Silver Dollar City’s 50th anniversary

The color, excitment and international flare of World-Fest

“Visit the world without ever leaving the Ozarks as Silver Dollar City gives its guests a unique opportunity to experience the cultures, foods, and entertainment of other countries at World-Fest, America’s Largest International Festival,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson said that World-Fest will be the first festival held during Silver Dollar City’s celebration of its 50th Anniversary and will run from April 8 through May 9.

She continues, “What a wonderful combination, America’s largest international festival not only being held in Branson, with everything it has to offer, but being held at Silver Dollar City, an international award winning 1880s styled theme park amid the natural spender of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. In addition to the fabulous festivals, rides, and entertainment Silver Dollar City normally has, there will be many other exciting things taking place in connection with the celebration of its 50th Anniversary. A new $7 million dollar ride, ‘Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast,’ America’s biggest water battle, debuts and the first weekend in May will be the ‘50th Birthday Celebration Weekend’ adding even more fun and excitement to World-Fest.”

One of many international acts performing at World-Fest, the "Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China."

Returning to World-Fest by popular demand will be the Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China. This internationally acclaimed troupe of two dozen acrobats and head-balancing monks demonstrate an awe-inspiring mastery of body and mind.

In addition there will be many new acts and performers. Highlights include “Fiery Fiddles” featuring the world’s only soaring string aerialist, Janice Martin and Nova Scotia’s premier fiddler Jennifer Roland; “Calpulli Danza Mexicana,” a 16 member dance troupe from Mexico and “Diego Martin Footprints Folk Performers,” from Trinidad and Tobago with steel drums, stilt dancing and fire limbo.

International foods will be featured at the “Tastes of the World”, a pavilion of global specialties. This will include “specialties including guest favorites Chicken Fajitas, Italian Calzone, and Moussaka and tempting desserts from around the world such as Tiramisu Torte, Baklava and Apfel Dumplings served with Cinnamon Ice Cream.”

Silver Dollar City’s Culinary & Craft School will also be offering classes on the culinary secrets of its “legendary home-style cooking, from recipes with a festival flare to new full course evening dinners.” Classes are offered within the 3,000 square foot timber frame building with its state-of-the-art kitchen showroom and Craftsmen’s Showcase room furnished with the work of the park’s expert craftsmen.

For additional information on World Fest, Silver Dollar City, or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for free personal one on one assistance. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Will CBS “Undercover Boss” uncover what other Silver Dollar City guests have discovered?

Silver Dollar City's unique world class coaster, "Wildfire."

In Branson, Missouri, a town filled with more fun things for people and families to do than “Jelly Belly” has jelly beans, one company is involved in that fun more than any other, Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE). HFE operates the majority of Branson’s most popular attractions such as its oldest and most popular, the award winning 1890’s themed theme park “Silver Dollar City,” “Ride the Ducks,” the “Show Boat Branson Belle,” “White Water” and, in partnership with Dolly Parton, “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.”

Joel Manby, the president of Herschend Family Entertainment, will be the “Undercover Boss” on the Sunday, March 28 episode of the hit CBS reality show of the same name. In “Undercover Boss” a high level company executive goes “undercover” within their company to see what is actually going on within the company outside of the paneled walls of the board room.

Press releases and snippets regarding Manby’s episode indicate he will be undercover at Silver Dollar City, the Showboat Branson Belle and Ride the Ducks. In a media statement by Manby promoting the show he said, ‘“Undercover Boss,’ gave us the chance to see if we were delivering on what we feel makes HFE different – our people, our ‘Servant Leadership’ philosophy, and ‘Core Values.’ Additionally, we knew that our employees’ dedication and passion to our company’s mission to ‘Create Memories Worth Repeating’ would be evident.”

Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center and a veteran of 13 years in the Branson travel services industry said, “The whole country will discover what guests to Silver Dollar City and HFE’s other Branson attractions have been discovering for over 50 years. That Mr. Manby’s confidence in their employees’ dedication and passion to ‘Creating Memories Worth Repeating’ is well placed, contributes immeasurably to the experience their guests have and there is a lot of fun and excitement for individuals, groups, and families in Branson at HFE’s Branson attractions as well as many other Branson attractions.”

He goes on to point out that the show is scheduled to be aired on CBS at 8:00 p.m. CDT, right after the “Amazing Race.” Miller also said that Silver Dollar City is celebrating its 50th Anniversary during its entire 2010 season. To get tickets or more information for Silver Dollar City and the other HFE attractions mentioned in this article, or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Showboat Branson Belle provides a great “free” reason to celebrate your birthday in Branson

Celebrate your birthday with a free cruise aboard the Showboat Branson Belle.

“This is another great reason for a person to celebrate their birthday in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With all its shows, attractions, shopping, entertainment and other activities Branson is a great place to celebrate a birthday, but with the “Showboat Branson Belle” offering a free cruise for those celebrating their birthday during 2010 it just might be “the place” to celebrate your birthday.”

Johnson points out that a cruise aboard the Showboat Branson Belle is a one of a kind entertainment experience. Sometimes referred to as the “Queen of the Ozarks,” the spectacular Showboat Branson Belle, provides its passengers with a memorable two hour journey across Table Rock Lake, complete with beautiful views, a fabulous meal and world-class entertainment. “It’s a special memorable entertainment experience anytime, but what a great way to celebrate a birthday,” said Johnson.

The free Showboat Branson Belle birthday cruise is available on the day of a person’s birth March 19 through December 31, 2010 with a valid photo identification. Johnson points out that if your birthday falls on a date when the Showboat Branson Belle is not operating you may take the cruise on the next available cruise date.

She is really excited about what the Showboat has done for those who had a birthday earlier in the year between January 1 and March 18, prior to the Showboat Branson Belle opening up for its 2010 season. They will be able to take their birthday cruise on their 1/2 birthday (i.e. February 1 births can cruise for FREE on August 1.)

For additional information, reservations and tickets on the Showboat Branson Belle and its free birthday cruise; tickets for any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements Johnson suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center. It is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.