Branson Bulletins

The hottest news from Showtown!

Branson, Missouri news you can use! All the latest Branson news about shows, celebrity news, show biz buzz, and breaking news on Branson attractions, Branson lodgings, and those special news events to circle on the Branson calendar!

Branson News Headlines:

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE QUARTERLY E-MAGAZINE! (Sign up button on the left sidebar)

Stay Connected to the deals, and all the latest Branson news and Christian events by “liking” us on Facebook/BransonChurchGetaways

Return of the Gas Buster Discounts Branson is so glad you motored into town despite the awful gas prices the locals wanted to reward you with some generous “attaboy” discounts. , Just take your gas receipts over to the official chamber of commerce Welcome Center at the 248 exit off hwy 65 and pick up your discounts. , For info: 417-334-4084

150th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Wilsons Creek Aug 12-14, one of the year's biggest national events during the Sesquicentennial of America's Civil War. , 3,000-5,000 infantry, cavalry and artillery reenactors from across the country recreate battles, camp life and entertainment. , In Republic, near Springfield, approx. 35 miles from Branson. 417-864-7428 http://www.WilsonsCreek150.com

 ,Noah’s Last Season in Branson That’s right, folks, 2011 is your last chance to see Noah: The Musical in Branson, the “Goliath-sized” production presented on a 300 ft. wrap-around stage, one of the world’s largest. , After October 31, 2011, this ship will sail! If this epic Bible drama tells us anything, it is certainly a warning for us to not miss the boat! Sight &, Sound’s Christmas masterpiece The Miracle will replace Noah for November and December. , As for what Sight &, Sound mega extravaganza will replace Noah in 2012? , Read the breaking news below.

After Noah in 2012: , Replacing Noah in 2012 is another massive Sight &, Sound production based on a story ripped from today's headlines-the message of forgiveness, redemption, deliverance and supernatural provision communicated to us via the life of Joseph. (Not the Technicolor dreamcoat show, this one is the real deal right out of , The Book! , Those fortunates who have seen Joseph in Sight &, Sound's Pennsylvania venue tell us the production is another one glorious to behold.

Jun 11- Jul 24
National KidsFest at Silver Dollar City Theme Park. , America's biggest kids fest.

Star Dates

 ,
July 15................Travis Tritt at Tri-Lakes Center
Aug 20................Larry the Cable Guy at Black Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Sept-Dec (sel. dates) , Righteous Brothers' Bill Medley at the Starlite Theatre
Sept -Oct (sel. dates) , Paul Revere and the Raiders at Andy Williams Moon River Theatre
Sept-Dec (sel. dates) , The Oak Ridge
Sept 12-Oct 22......Andy Williams and Ann-Margret at the Andy Williams' Moon River Theatre
Sept 23-24............Bill Anderson at RFD-TV Theatre
Sept -Oct (sel. dates) , The Gatlin Brothers at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre
Sept-Oct..............Lee Greenwood &, Louise Mandrell at the Welk Resort Theatre
Sept 2 - Dec 8 (sel. dates).....Texas Tenors at The Starlite Theatre
Oct-Nov..............Brule at RFD-TV Theatre
Oct 15.................Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw &, Joe Diffie at Tri-Lakes Center
Oct 18-20............Midwest Country at RFD-TV Theatre
Oct 21-22............Marty Stuart at RFD-TV Theatre
Oct 21-22............Tim Conway &, Friends featuring Chuck McCann &, Louise DuArt at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre
Nov-Dec.............Tony Orlando: , Welk Christmas Celebration Welk Resort Theatre
Nov-Dec.............A Christmas Snow at Starlite Theatre
Nov1-Dec 11.......Chubby Checker Icon Theatre
Nov 4-5...............Vicki Lawrence AND MAMA at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre
Nov 18-19...........Johnny Mathis with members of The Springfield Symphony Orchestra at The Mansion Theatre
Nov-Dec.............Celebrate Christmas: The Gatlin Brothers &, Debby Boone Together! At the Mansion Theatre
Dec 2-3..............Glen Campbell at Tri-Lakes Center

Honor America Celebration June 26 An old fashioned patriotic event, complete with live music, kids activities, and fireworks. At College of the Ozarks' Lake Honor Lawn.

Gospel Revival Plans Third Visit to Branson The four-day Branson Gospel Music Revival will be held at the Tri-Lakes Center June 28-July 1, 2011. Over a hundred gospel artists from across the country will be there to perform, including returning favorites Beyond the Ashes, Freedom, Kenny Bishop, Dan Keeton Quartet, The Williamsons, Praise Incorporated, 2^nd Generation, Jay Stone Singers, McMillan and Life, Rod Burton, Lynda Lynn, Sunday Edition, Mystery Men, and more. Branson's own Dino Kartsonakis will headline one night of the event. For more info this third annual event, look at www.BransonGMR.com.

Southern Gospel Picnic Aug 25- Sep 5 See hundreds of performances from the most famous names in southern gospel music, including The Chuck Wagon Gang and The Blackwood Brothers, by day and then be serenaded under the stars with the Southern Gospel Nights in Echo Hollow ® concert series each evening during the festival. http://festivals.bransonsilverdollarcity.com

New Bridge Open The new Lake Taneycomo Bridge is now open for traffic. While the new bridge to Branson Landing Blvd. is in use, the old bridge will close for repairs for about a year.

Titanic-size plans at the Titanic New adventures, returning favorites and exciting surprises are locked in for Titanic Museum Attraction’s 2011 season. To learn more about these events, go to www.titanicbranson.com. Coming soon:

July , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Rachel Wilson's Life-sized Hedgewood Sculptures
Sept , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Church Youth Nights, Midweek Congregations
Oct 15 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Titanic Firehouse &, Charity Chili Cookoff
Nov, Dec , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Titanic Christmas and Winter Celebration
Nov, Dec , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Santa and Two Live Reindeer (select dates)

White Water Expansion The water park’s biggest expansion yet! , Look for tropical- themed Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay, a Polynesian adventure with unexpected twists and turns. ,

Come Fly with Us! Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours Bring out your inner Peter Pan or Superman fantasies, as you soar through the trees in Branson's most exciting Eco-Adventure. Experience the splendor and beauty of the Ozark Mountains in a truly unique and exciting way. Friendly, certified guides, a one of a kind gift shop, an enchanting forest, and over one mile of zip lines and canopy walkways await your arrival. Visitors experience the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour, a two and a half hour, interactive tour which features a variety of zip lines, walkways and platforms, and the Blue Streak Fast Line, a thrilling one-stop ride from the top of the property to the base. Tours begin May 1, 2010, on this course designed to be a low impact activity that is appropriate for all ages. With limited capacity, we urge you to make early reservations. Tour times are booking up quickly. Learn more at www.bransonzipline.com. , Free Coupons on this website!
ShowBiz

Baldknobbers Are History That’s right. , The historic hillbillies who pioneered Branson’s first show have now had their collection of memorabilia added to The Smithsonian Museum in Washington, which will exhibit them prominently among our other national treasures.Get coupons on our website.

,Todd Oliver &, Talking Dogs Add Lunch with Laughs in New Show The Showboat Superstars have come ashore to the Jim Stafford Theatre to headline a picnic lunch show starring Todd’s hilarious talking dogs, plus more. , With the canine chatterboxes comes a new cast of comedy characters, plus lots of live music and fun, topped off with a picnic lunch. (Doggie bags optional) , The shows start at noon, with some dinner shows added in Dec. , Get coupons on our website.

Stars of Inspirational Movie Reunite for Branson Stage Version Christian movie Producers, directors, writers and movie stars descended upon Branson's Starlite Theatre recently for a sneak preview of the award-winning inspirational movie A Christmas Snow, which the movie's producers are bringing to the theater as a stage version starring the original cast in November and December (2011). , After screening the film, the stars chit-chatted with the folks at the red carpet and satisfied all the autograph hounds in true Hollywood style, meanwhile sharing endlessly how happy they were to be reunited for the Branson stage production, and each describing in detail how the movie impacted their own lives. , The movie has earned worldwide acclaim, owing much to its themes of loss, redemption, and reconciliation. http://www.starlitetheatre.com Get coupons on our website.

Hadler performs Hank Not an imitation, Tim Hadler celebrates the life and person of Hank Williams in this unique show. He feels ",the need to give the people the Hank they know, but leave them with the Hank that they didn't know.", To learn more go to http://www.bransonimax.com/hank-williams-revisited.html Get coupons on our website.

Yakov Stands Up for Marriage While making marriages last is no laughing matter, Yakov Smirnoff is bringing some humor to the institution. The world-renowned comedian, who also has a masters degree in positive psychology, performed with other comedians in a ",Stand Up 4 Marriage", event at the Juanita K Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield in October. Get coupons on our website.

Andy adds Elvis Experience Six-time Branson Entertainer of the year Tony Roi is taking his Elvis Experience to Andy Williams' Moon River Theatre for a six-month run starting March 4, 2011.

Mandrell and Greenwood to Team Up in Branson Performing for the first time together in Branson, these dynamic entertainers will bring their unparalleled showmanship and high-energy production to the Welk Resort Theatre Sept 12-Oct 22, 2011. Greenwood has had seven #1 hits , and 23 Top-Ten records including “Dixie Road” and “God Bless the USA.” , Mandrell wows audiences with her boundless energy, whether she is belting out her favorite songs, spinning her way through a dizzying dance routine or playing 13 different musical instruments. For more information visit www.welkresortbranson.com Free Coupons on this website!

Chuckwagon Performer Moonlights with Irish Rock Band Michael Horn of the Circle B Supper Show is also playing select dates with Eire and Brimstone, a band that performs Irish- and Scottish-themed music.

Doug Gabriel at Music City Center Popular Christian entertainer (and Branson’s 8 time Male Vocalist of the Year ) Doug Gabriel now headlines both the morning show and the evening show at the beautiful Music City Centre, right on the Branson strip. , Doug’s all-star cast of singers, dancers, musicians and his all-star performing family have for years been Branson’s top morning show. , For the night shift, Doug has been practicing trying to stay up late! ,

Branson Buzz

Giant Chicken Roosts on Branson Strip There is a new chicken and steak attraction in town! , And what is a chicken/steak attraction, you ask? , We call it an attraction because it promises to lure folks from far away, much like the owner’s other attraction restaurants, (like Whippersnappers, whose all-you-can-eat-lobster/crab/seafood bar hooks folks (like Whippersnappers, whose all-you-can-eat-lobster/crab/seafood bar hooks folks from hundreds, even thousands of miles away! , A drumroll please, as we announce the debut of The Great American Steak &, Chicken House, right there at the entrance of Tanger Mall. , Look for a giant 43 ft chicken. , Yikes. , All this courtesy of Branson’s Best Restaurants, the creations of restauranteurs Nolan and Babbette Fogle, whose other Branson eateries include Fall Creek Steak &, Catfish House, The Plantation Restaurant, and The Baldknobbers Country Restaurant. , And yes, Babbette is the same Babbette who has been the featured singer of The Osmonds show for the past nineteen years! Some fun features of the new eatery:”house handouts” such as free fried pickles and home made potato chips. , The giant chicken bests a 37 footer in France, and is now in contention for the Guiness Book of World Records. ,Free Coupons on this website!

Branson's Veterans Homecoming among Top 100 Events in US The American Bus Association (ABA) announced today that Branson Veterans Week to be held on November 5-11 has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2011.Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of the Destinations magazine, indicates that Branson Veterans Week offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to ABA.

Big Bucks for Fun Parks The Track Family Fun Parks are pouring over $3 million into their Branson attractions to celebrate their three decades in Showtown. , Look for new high-rise excitement and more “weather-friendly” fun!

New Lake Visitor’s Center The Dewey Short Visitor’s Center just over the dam on Table Rock Lake has always been a people-pleaser, but starting summer of 2011 it promises to be an eye-popper. , The 15,000 sq. ft. , center will now sport an auditorium, gift shop, and educational area and conference rooms. , We are told that the lake itself will become part of a new exhibit experience. , Should we bring our swimsuits?

,One of Branson’s Most Popular Tours—Believe it or Not! It’s an up-close and in-your-face tour of the innards of Table Rock Dam. , It’s quite impressive to see how this engineering colossus runs the 53,000-acres of Table Rock Lake!

SDC Christmas Makes AOL Top 10 AOL Travel recently included Silver Dollar City in its list of 10 Best Christmas Light Displays in the U.S. With more than 1,000 Christmas trees and 4 million lights illuminating the park for the holidays, the spectacle is among the world's best. See AOL's list of the 10 best at http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/11/22/10-best-christmas-light-displays-in-the-us

Branson Airport Adds Direct FlightsThe new Branson Airport now offers direct flights to Denver on Frontier Airlines. Non-stop service is also offered to Austin, Des Moines, Houston, Shreveport, Terre Haute and added flights to Atlanta. New connection include Tunica, Gulfport-Biloxi, Cancun, Jamaica, Nassau, Bahamas, Sarasota-Brandenton, Pensacola, and Miami. The airport is currently serviced by AirTran, Frontier and Branson Air Express. The airport is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the US. www.flyBranson.com.

Branson Zipline &, Canopy Tours Adds Freefall Xpress This zipline attraction on Hwy. 65 is the home of many unique eco-adventures including the Blue Streak Fast Line with the Freefall Xpress. This thrilling experience begins with a nearly quarter-mile zip that reaches heights of over 150 feet before landing onto a 100-foot tower. ",Then many of our guests are surprised to find that from there, it's a freefall from the top of the tower to the ground,",says Emma Hamilton General Manager. ",The landing feels like you've jumped only 8-inches in the air.", Wow! Free Coupons on this website!

Table Rock Dam Resumes Tours Closed Since 9/11 2001, The Table Rock Dam has once again opened for tours. The engineering colossus is a fascinating tour that has always been a favorite stop for sightseers. For reservations call 417-2266-7621.

Dewey Short Visitor's Center Reborn in 2011 By August of next year, a new Dewey Short Visitor Center near Table Rock Dam off Missouri 165 is expected to be finished. The new 15,000-square-foot visitor center will feature an auditorium, gift shop and educational area for exhibits, and conference rooms. The new visitor’s center is expected to take 15 months to complete. For more information visit www.tablerockdamtours.com/visitors-center

Branson Airport Plans Charter Service to Most of US. The Branson Airport (BKG1) is offering tour groups chartered jet service for the 2010 season. Non-stop service will be available from throughout the US. Competitive pricing will allow tour groups to bring Branson closer to home at an affordable price. For more info: 1-888-FLY-BKG1 or email reservations@flybranson.com

Directions to New Branson Airport: From Highway 65 North, turn right/east approximately 4 miles north of the Highway 86 intersection into the Communities at Branson Creek and follow Branson Creek Boulevard about 2.5 miles until it turns into Branson Airport Boulevard. Drive another 2 miles to the Branson Airport and follow signs to parking. From Highway 65 South, turn left/east approximately 1 mile south of the Hollister exchange into the Communities at Branson Creek and follow Branson Creek Boulevard about 2.5 miles until it turns into Branson Airport Boulevard. Drive another 2 miles to the Branson Airport and follow ",Media", signs to designated parking.

Veterans Observances and Events No place celebrates veterans like Branson! Veterans' events are celebrated throughout the year, culminating with the week-long Veterans Homecoming in November - the largest Veterans Day event in the country. The events are too many to list here. For a complete schedule, go to this link: http://bransonveterans.com/veterans-homecoming.htm, coordinated by the Branson Veterans Task Force.

Walking Trails Connected Now you can walk from the Branson Landing to Stockstill Park on one connected trail. The Skaggs walking trail to Stockstill Park is a wooded, secluded train, while the Branson Landing walking area provides a great view of Lake Taneycomo and the opportunity to window-shop. Now walkers can experience both, thanks to a connector trail that runs along Skaggs Road, Cahill Road and under U.S. 65.

Precious Moments Chapel and Visitor Center is Still Open Although the Fountain of Angels closed a few years back, the popular attraction near the Carthage exit of I-44 is now open for free tours. Celebrating 20 years, the attraction updated the surrounding landscaping with beautiful new gardens to adorn the chapel pathway. Also included in the beautiful scene are several statues, fountains, and park benches to sit and reflect while serenaded by inspirational music. In the Visitor Center there is an atrium with animated figurines and a stream that flows through a castle moat. Visitors can relax and watch a video on how a Precious Moments figurine is created. Also, there is the largest Precious Moments Gift shop and a year 'round Christmas shop with several different brands to choose from. There is also the Royal Delights snack shop with sandwiches, hot dogs, soups and other goodies. Box lunches can be prepared in advance for large groups. The Samuel J. Butcher museum has several collections of Mr. Butcher's world famous original art, plus a history of his life and stories of his family and friends. Back of the Chapel, visitors can view Grandpa's Island - an island with a castle created specifically for Mr. Butcher's grandchildren to play in. Around the corner is Resurrection Cave. All attractions are free. For reservations call 417-359-2983 or email reservations@preciousmoments.com. Precious Moments Chapel &, Visitors Center offers Free Coupons on this website!

New Shows to note:
Hurray For Hollywood Branson Variety Theater will unveil a new production celebrating great song and dance numbers from movie history. ",Singing in the Rain", and ",The Lion King", are just two of the hits to be featured in this tribute show.

Strait Country and Patsy Cline Tribute George Strait, Patsy Cline and more, all at the Imax Little Opry Theatre.

Take it To the Limit Eagles Tribute Recreating the ",,laid back",, California sound that showed us how to ",,Take it Easy!",

Top 10 Rock 'n' Roll Revue Slick-haired sax bopper ",Marvelous", Marvin Short and Jerry Lee Lewis tribute artist Darrell Croy fronts anall-star cast at The Branson Mall..

Newsbits

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE QUARTERLY E-MAGAZINE! (Sign up button on the left sidebar)

Holy Mackeral! That's One Big Fish! Brian Cunningham of Springfield caught a 40-pound striper near Powersite Dam on Nov. 17. The fish measured 46.25 inches long with a 28-inch girth.

Branson Airport Receives Award The Airline and Airport News &, Analysis , Website honored the Branson Airport for being the ",Fastest Growing US Airport in the 100,000-500,000 passenger category.", Since opening in May, 2009, seat capacity in the airport has more than doubled.Rogers featured on stamp Roy Rogers, the famous singing cowboy honored by his son and grandson in a tribute show at the Mickey Gilley Theater, was recently immortalized by the U.S. Postal Service. The elder Rogers was celebrated in a ",Cowboys of the Silver Screen", Collection of stamps with other cowboy stars William S. Hart, Tom Mix and Gene Autry.

New Hiking/Biking Trail A new 10-mile hiking and biking trail is under construction at Table Rock State Park. Known as the White River Valley Trail, it will have multiple loops, trail heads and beautiful views with the main trail head located across from the park's office on Hwy 165.

High Definition TV Station for Branson Visitors This Spring saw the launch of Branson Visitor Information Television in high definition TV. Branson Visitor TV features entertaining and informative segments highlighting Branson area shows, attractions, restaurants, retail shops, lake and outdoor activities and points of interest to the Branson area visitor.

Race Track in Branson? Developers are in the long process of building a race track and attraction in an area North of Branson on Hwy 65 known as Emory Creek Ranch. The project includes a 7,500-seat arena, where there are plans to hold not only car races but rodeos and concerts. This site will also include a waterpark, condo, cabins and retail shops. The developers have met with some opposition from local residents. Stay tuned to this website for updates!

We're History! The Downtown Branson Main Street Association History Museum is located at 119 W. Pacific St. Enjoy learning about the history of the area free of charge 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at no charge.


Come back often for Branson's latest news and events!
SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE QUARTERLY E-MAGAZINE! (Sign up button on the left sidebar)

,