Welk Resort to Host April 5-9th Event Highlighting What’s New & Hot in Branson in 2005

This booming vacation destination kicks off its 2005 season of family entertainment with BransonFest, April 5-9 at the Welk Resort. The five-day festival features great performances by more than 500 world-class entertainers, authentic Branson cuisine, demonstrations by local artists and craftsmen, and a business and hospitality expo.

Named a ‘Top 100 Event’ in North America by the American Bus Association for the second straight year, BransonFest gives visitors a sample of the many exciting and surprising things they’ll find awaiting them in the Branson/Lakes Area this year.

Daily concerts, held inside the Welk Resort Theatre, feature some of the biggest names in live entertainment and numbers by many of Branson’s hottest production shows. See Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, The Lennon Sisters, Roy Rogers, Jr., Siegfried and Roy Presents Darren Romeo, Mickey Gilley, The Platters, Dino Kartsonakis, Les Brown, Jr. & His Band of Renown, and Red Skelton, A Tribute by Tom Mullica along with the casts of Spirit of the Dance, Broadway!, and Country Tonite.

Each 3-hour performance represents 10 different Branson shows. Tickets are $29.50 per person, or $130 per person for all five shows.

Free live entertainment in the Real American Entertainment Tent on the Welk Resort grounds includes non-stop performances by groups such as Legends in Concert, Goldwing Express, The Platters, Cedric Benoit & Cajun Connection, plus many others. Costumed characters and performers from the Tall Timber Lumberjack Show, comedian Wayne Milnes, and the home-school performance group, the Make-Believers, roam the festival grounds daily entertaining guests with impromptu performances.

Branson celebrities will pose for pictures and sign autographs inside the Business and Hospitality Expo Center. The center will also house 60 booths representing new and existing Branson area theaters, attractions, golf resorts, and other businesses of interest to visitors and area residents. Pick up show schedules and register for daily give-aways.

Inside the Taste of Branson Food Tent, guests can sample some of the most popular dishes from Branson’s finest eating establishments. In 2004, television personality Al Roker and his production crew filmed a special for The Food Network from BransonFest, which has aired multiple times beginning last November.

Inside the Arts, Culture and Heritage Tent, visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase the work of nationally recognized Branson artists, sculptors, jewelry makers, wood carvers and potters. A different artist, author or musician will be on hand each day showcasing their work.

BransonFest 2005 runs daily, April 5-9. Free outdoor tent activities are noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 6-9. Daily concerts in the Welk Resort Theatre are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5; and at 2 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 6-9. The Welk Resort Theater is located on Missouri Highway 165 just south of downtown Branson.

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One of America’s greatest modern-day war heroes, Brigadier General James Robinson “Robbie” Risner, USAF retired, will be the keynote speaker at a Memorial Service for the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country during the Vietnam War.

A pivotal part of Welcome Home…America’s Tribute To Vietnam Veterans, the national homecoming to be held in Branson, Missouri, June 13-19, 2005. The memorial service is scheduled to be held Saturday, June 18, at 9 a.m. at a yet to be determined site.

A two-time recipient of the Air Force Cross and veteran pilot of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Risner was shot down twice over enemy territory, the second time captured by the Viet Cong. Held prisoner for seven-and-one-half years in the notorious Hanoi Hilton, he endured frequent torture and four-and-one-half years of solitary confinement. Risner’s valor, loyalty, adherence to the Code of Conduct, and faith in God and country during his captivity became rallying points for fellow prisoners. A nine-foot tall statue of Risner stands today on the central plaza of the United States Air Force Academy as an inspiration and reminder of his uncompromising courage.

Welcome Home…America’s Tribute To Vietnam Veterans will be held June 13-19, 2005 in Branson, Missouri. The weeklong celebration will include demonstrations and displays, golf and fishing tournaments, the Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall Experience, a Homecoming Parade honoring Vietnam Veterans, and an outdoor Grand Finale Celebration which will include more than 15 aircraft from the Vietnam era.

Confirmed performers for the Saturday Grand Finale Celebration include the Beach Boys, the Fifth Dimension, Creedance Clearwater Revisited, the Doobie Brothers, the Supremes with Mary Wilson, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Tony Orlando, Les Brown’s Band of Renown with Les Brown, Jr., will also appear, plus special appearances by other noted entertainers including Ann-Margret. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders will also participate. The Grand Finale Celebration will be held on a scenic 100-acre mountaintop at Saddlebrooke, 10 miles north of Branson on Highway 65.

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Travelers Discover Diverse Entertainment Experience in Branson, Missouri

Not since the boom years of the mid-1990s has this town of approximately 6,500 seen the kind of record-setting new development and expansion of entertainment and vacation amenities that are taking place in 2005. This year, the city is anticipating $125 million in new theaters, attractions, golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, resorts and residential and vacation housing. The previous record of $119 million was set in 1993. A Top 20 vacation destination, Branson attracts an estimated 7.2 million visitors to southwest Missouri each year.

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Ross Summers said new visitors will be surprised at what the town has to offer, and those familiar with Branson will find even more ways to have fun than ever before in 2005.

“What has made Branson such a popular vacation destination has also made it attractive to new and expanding businesses,” he said. “Our unique combination of world-class entertainment in close proximity to outdoor and lake recreation, along with our famous Ozark Mountain hospitality is what sets Branson apart from other major destinations.”

More than 100 live shows at 49 state-of-the-art theaters star music legends such as Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, and the Lennon Sisters. Production shows such as Broadway and Legends in Concert; comedy shows by Jim Stafford, and famous Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff; big-budget magic shows such as Brett Daniels, and Siegfried and Roy Presents Darren Romeo: The Voice of Magic; and family shows such as the Presleys, Baldknobbers, Duttons and Haygoods present a diverse range of entertainment for people of all ages. Shows such as Neil Goldberg’s sight and sound fantasy, Cirque; Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show; and the Acrobats of China engage audiences with non-stop action and mystifying physical feats.

Branson also has Silver Dollar City, an international award-winning theme park; Chateau On The Lake, Missouri’s only AAA four diamond lake-side resort and conference center; 10 championship golf courses; three pristine lakes; 100,000 acres of nearby parks and wilderness areas; the nation’s largest annual Veterans Homecoming event each November; and the benefit of $40 million of new and improved roads since 1990.

Branson Businesses Expand
Among the new attractions visitors will find in 2005 are Silver Dollar City’s $10 million explosive launch roller coaster called Powder Keg. The ride, which blasts riders from 0 to 53 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds, is one of only three like it in the world, according to Brad Thomas, general manager for the 1880’s theme park, owned by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), owner of White Water, Showboat Branson Belle, and Ride the Ducks, all popular family attractions in the Branson area.

The $40 million Celebration City amusement park, also owned by HFE, will unveil the new $2 million NightFire! spectacular in April featuring a five-story mountainside video projection, fire cannons with 150-foot flames, three-dimensional visuals, laser lights, water effects, and pyrotechnics.

The Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus will open their 8th season in Branson on May 15 at the brand new 900-seat New Shanghai Theatre.

Springfield, Missouri-based development company John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc., owner of the four-diamond Chateau on the Lake, has added Spa Botanica, a $2 million, 10,000 square foot addition. Last year, the company announced its intention to build an 18-story five-star hotel adjacent to the Chateau in 2007.

World-famous magician David Copperfield will perform a limited engagement at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre June 13-26, and legendary pop star Petula Clark will join Williams in the spring and fall.

Ed Ames of the chart-topping Ames Brothers, and actress Carol Lawrence will appear at the MGH Performing Arts Center in Don Gregory’s The Great American Songbook show beginning in June. Patti Page and Carol Channing will guest star in The Branson Follies, also new at MGH, beginning this fall.

In keeping with the spirit of Branson’s reputation for exceptional customer service, the Presley family, owners of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first theater on Hwy. 76, which opened in 1967, now has new leather seats, as does the Jim Stafford Theatre. Stafford also recently remodeled his theater’s lobby and upgraded the sound and lighting systems. The Dutton Family Theatre and the Dutton Inn have also undergone major renovations.

Other new developments planned for 2005 include a 100,000 square-foot Boyds Bear Country teddy bear store; “Titanic: The Legend Continues” attraction featuring more than 400 original artifacts from the fateful ship; the Belair Theatre starring Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers and Paul Revere and the Raiders; a 32,000-square foot 1957 vintage car exhibit; the $50 million Branson Mill Craft Village; and an Arnold Palmer-designed signature practice facility at Top of the Rock Golf Course overlooking Table Rock Lake.

Major new developments such as Sight and Sound Theatre, a $25 million Christian-themed theater and property development; Branson Ridge Winery; and Branson Hills Plaza shopping center featuring Target and Home Depot are anticipated to open over the next few years.

Branson Creek Golf Course, which ranks #66 on Golf Digest’s list of Top 100 courses in America, and another development company are planning 68 golf villas, 70-acres of vacation homes and condos, a club house, and a lodge, all within a few miles of downtown Branson, and just minutes from Table Rock Lake.

Visitors Put Down Roots
Beginning this month, the Chamber will launch a brand advertising campaign featuring a newly designed website, and TV commercials to show visitors like Dan Reardon the tremendous variety waiting for them.

Reardon, an engineer from St. Louis, and his family, recently came to Branson for the first time as participants in a marketing research study for the area.

“I had no idea Branson was so sophisticated and had so much to offer. The area is a growing metropolis. My wife and I are even considering buying property in the area,” Reardon said.

Mike Rankin, director of economic development for the City of Branson, said business interest in Branson is overwhelming. “Our phone is ringing off the hook with people who want information on Branson. Many of our inquiries come from visitors who are so impressed with the area, they have decided to put down permanent roots.”

Convention Center Attracts Business Travelers
Branson’s single largest new development currently under construction is Branson Landing, a $400 million multi-phase retail shopping, dining, luxury lodging, condominium and convention center facility situated along 95 acres of Lake Taneycomo shoreline in historic downtown Branson. The 220,000-square foot convention center will provide 56,000-square feet of exhibition space, 20,000-square feet of banquet space, and 15,000-square feet of meeting space.

The opening of the first major phase of Branson Landing is set for spring of 2006, and will include several major retailers such as Bass Pro Shops and Belk Department Store.

History
Since the dawn of the 20th Century, the Branson/Lakes Area has been attracting visitors, lured by natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. The addition of Silver Dollar City and Shepherd of the Hills Homestead in the early 1960s formally established the area as a vacation destination.

Branson’s 45-year-old live entertainment scene had been enjoyed by millions of visitors even before it was “discovered” by the CBS television program 60 Minutes in 1991. Following the release of the feature story, which proclaimed Branson, “the live country music show capital of the entire universe,” many nationally-known celebrities built multi-million dollar theaters, and together with other property developers, launched the area into a period of previously unmatched record growth in new construction, and sparked the interest of millions of new visitors to the small Ozarks town. Many of them still visit on a regular basis, according to the Chamber’s research, which shows that 80% of Branson’s visitors in 2004 were repeat customers.

“Branson has undergone tremendous growth in the past 45 years and will continue to see record-breaking expansion for several years to come, but through it all, Branson remains the kind of place where visitors feel at home among family and friends, and that’s what truly makes Branson phenomenal,” said Summers.

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The non-profit organization which honors the nation’s veterans every day is being honored by 16 Branson entertainers in what is being billed as March Military Madness on Monday, March 21, at the Musical Palace (#1 Hits of the 60’s), 2353 W. Hwy. 248 in Branson at 7 p.m.

The benefit show for the Branson Veterans Task Force (BVTF) is a cooperative effort between Steve Weyher from Branson’s Golden Corral who serves as BVTF’s community liaison and the Women Veterans’ Welcoming Committee. In addition to a vast amount of talent, a vast amount of door prizes will be part of the evening’s entertainment.

“We have come together to invite the public to a fund-raiser for the Branson Veterans Task Force, a not-for-profit organization that is known for its years of dedication to veterans’ causes in and around Branson. The BVTF is especially known for creating and hosting Branson Veterans Homecoming Week during the month of November. Begun in 1995, the event has become the nation’s largest veterans’ celebration. Last year approximately 100,000 veterans and their families came to Branson during the week leading up to Veterans Day on Nov. 11,” said Mary Slivka, chairman of the Women Veterans’ Welcoming Committee.

Among the entertainment scheduled to perform are members of American Kids Inc., the nation’s only little league of entertainers, Bob Anderson, Circle B Chuckwagon and Cowboy Music Show, Doug Gabriel, From Patsy to Present, John Tweed, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon, #1 Hits of the 60’s, Ronnie Prophet, The Braschlers Music Show, Tony Roi of The Elvis Experience and Two Fluffy Ladies. Jim Owen, Dalena Ditto and Les Brown Jr. are serving as masters of ceremony.

Door prizes include a color television, a child’s bicycle, tickets to a Kansas City Chief’s game, Silver Dollar City passes, Celebration City passes, White Water passes, restaurant gift certificates, a free overnight stay in Branson and more, according to Weyher.

Slivka said she is proud of the entertainment line-up which puts Branson’s entertainment community’s “best foot forward” and will include a military salute to veterans. She encourages every to “come say thank you to the Branson Veterans Task Force.”

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Gail Myer, a 20 plus year Branson hotel industry veteran, was unanimously reelected Brand Identity Committee Chair for Best Western International at a recent Best Western Governors conference in Las Vegas. The Brand Identity Committee serves as liaison between the company’s executive marketing team, Board of Directors and more than 2,200 Best Western hotels in North America.

“I know from experience the importance of brand image in the relationship between travelers and Best Western hotels,” Mr. Myer noted. “As committee chairman, I am honored to lead hotel members in their support and enhancement of this brand.”

Mr. Myer was initially appointed a Best Western Governor in 1997, a position he has since held. His experience additionally includes service on Best Western’s Executive Marketing Advisory Committee, which he chaired in 2002.

“As the World’s Largest Hotel Chain, Best Western has long been a customer focused product,” observed Mr. Myer. “It is a privilege to help plan the future of this hospitality leader. Branding is an increasingly visible and important part of corporate America. Technology advances in internet and media have required dynamic changes in brand placement and positioning.”

Mr. Myer has been involved in the hospitality industry’s development from an early age. Growing up in a hotel family, he has worked at over a dozen hotels in four states. Presently, he is the Vice President of Operations at Myer Hotels, a family-owned business. Myer Hotels includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West, all located in Branson, Missouri.

Best Western International is the world’s largest hotel chain with over 4,100 hotels in 80 countries and territories. It is a membership organization of independently owned and operated hotels providing marketing, reservations and operational support to members.

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Comedian Jim Barber and illusionist team The Hamners announce today that they have purchased “The Victorian Theater” next to the Victorian Shopping Center on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson, Missouri.

In 2005 the venue will be officially renamed, the “HAMNER BARBER THEATER,” and will be the permanent home to their magical variety show featuring the award winning illusions of Dave and Denise Hamner as well as the vocal comedy of internationally recognized ventriloquist Jim Barber.

There are plans to upgrade many aspects of the theater including the addition of a new marquee sign in front of the theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

Continuing their long run at the theater will be one of Branson’s original productions, the Braschler Music Show. For over 22 years, the Braschlers have entertained audiences across America. Their repertoire includes country, bluegrass, gospel tunes, and comedy featuring the vocals of Cliff Braschler, Tommy Fairchild, Paul Braschler, Brad Bacon, Sherri Braschler Weiss, Jan Braschler, Merissa Stacy, Gil Stockebrand, Tim Brooks, and Cortlandt Ingram.

“We are honored and thrilled that the Braschler family will remain an integral part of our theater line-up and we look forward to many years of sharing their awesome musical talent with Branson audiences,” stated Jim Barber. “We are also excited that Jan Braschler will remain in place as the theater’s box office manager,” added Dave Hamner.

Throughout the performance season, The Hamners will continue to host their “Solid Gospel Sundays” at the theater every Sunday morning at 10:00am. The free, non-denominational worship service will feature a variety of local performers along with inspiring sermons and speakers.

During November and December the theater will take on a decorative holiday flair and feature not only the Braschler’s Christmas show but also an expanded version of the Hamner Barber production, “The Wings of Christmas.” This new musical production is both magical and inspirational and stars Dave Hamner and Jim Barber in featured performance roles.

A special addition to the holiday show are original songs by T.J. Kuenster, longtime music conductor for Glen Campbell. T.J. wrote Glen’s top ten contemporary gospel hit, “The Greatest Gift of All,” and was the music composer for Don Bluth’s classic animated films “All Dogs Go To Heaven,” and “Rock-A-Doodle.” Also featured in the holiday production are Diane Barber, Denise Hamner, A. J. Heard, Ken Brown and Tim Lewis.

“We wish to thank the thousands of visitors and local area residents who came to watch our new production this year and especially thank all the wonderful ticket outlets, hotels, and travel groups who believe in our talents and promoted our show so well. We love Branson and are so gratefull to have this opportunity to settle down in such a beautiful facility and focus on producing the best family show possible for many years to come!”
– The Hamners and The Barbers

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Whether spelunking in a cave, dunking in a water park or plunking in a line and fishing hook, Branson provides the ideal bunking spot for a fun-filled family vacation.

More than ever, families are selecting Branson as their vacation destination for much the same reason seven million others do—Branson provides a unique combination of exciting shows, attractions and shopping areas along with natural features such as lakes, caves and nature trails. And, while summer is the time most families visit Branson, actually everyday is family day in the Branson/Lakes Area.

No matter the time of year, families will always find exciting activities and a host of live entertainment options. In fact, every show in Branson is appropriate for kids, parents and grandparents, every day of the year.

Lodging accommodations in the Branson/Lakes Area are ideal for families.

Luxury, full-service resorts with family-sized cabins, hotels with family suites and large sleeping rooms provide comfort for the entire family. Area eateries also cater to families. Mile long buffets, casual upscale restaurants and on-the-go quick stops all serve meals that will appeal to every family member.

ATTRACTIONS
Attractions throughout the Branson/Lakes Area are sure to bring out the kid in everyone. Silver Dollar City, voted the top theme park in the World in 1998 by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, offers shows, bands, demonstrating crafters and great food in addition to several exciting rides all in a 1890s atmosphere. The new high flying, mulit-looping, cobra-rolling coster Wildfire drops drops 15 stories and reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour. Buzz Saw Falls, the world’s first liquid roller coaster of its kind, thrills kids of all ages. This, in addition to the Thunderation roller coaster, Lost River and the World’s Largest Tree House at Splash Harbor.

Silver Dollar City also offers special events including the nation’s largest children’s festival, National Children’s Festival, making it a truly special place for families.

The all-new theme park Celebration City celebrates the top events and entertainment of the 20th Century. The new theme park features 30 themed rides, attractions and activities, including the wooden roller coaster, Ozark Wildcat. The park also features themed eateries, shops and an outstanding multi-media laser production show Celebrate.

At Dixie Stampede, families can enjoy a fingers only full-course dinner while cheering on their trick ridin’, whip crackin’, gut bustin’ team. The show filled with unique special effects, colorful costumes and hilarious comedy—including the only Ostrich races in town!

Missouri is known as the “Cave State” for good reason. In the greater Branson area, three caves await the family that loves to explore. Cosmic Cavern, an hour south of Branson in Berryville, AR., Fantastic Caverns, approximately 40 miles north in Springfield, and Marvel Cave, at Silver Dollar City offer tours through these fascinating natural wonders.

Ride the Ducks, one of the area’s most popular rides, is great fun for kids and parents. With “quackers” in hand, riders get a brief history of the area while riding on brightly painted amphibious vehicles and then dive into Table Rock Lake with a splash. Kids are encouraged to take a turn at the wheel and receive a complimentary “Captain’s Certificate” when the stint at the helm is complete.

Families can experience the tropics and cool off during the warm summer months at White Water. This spectacular 12-acre park is a great way to cool off. From the giant Surfquake pool to the 207-foot drop of Paradise Plunge to Splash Island for Kids, White Water is a wet and wild family adventure.

For those looking for a little zip, the Track, with several locations in Branson, offers go-carts, mini golf and arcades for hours of fun. Miniature golf can also be found inside the Grand Country Square. Rain or shine this entertainment complex offers shows, shops and fun all year long.

Two intriguing museums add a touch of the weird and wonderful to any family’s vacation. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum showcases the strange and unusual and includes the world’s largest ball of nylon string. At the Hollywood Wax Museum, legendary stars are depicted in life-like replications.

Branson is also home to the Discovery IMAX Theater. Here, families can enjoy spectacular films on a 10-foot high screen everyday of the year. The complex also includes a restaurant and shops.

For a unique combination of history and entertainment, families should stop by the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. This National Historic Landmark is home to the outdoor amphitheater production of “Shepherd of the Hills.” Visitors can also see old-time craftsman and take the elevator high atop Inspiration Tower for a panoramic view of the entire Branson/Lakes Area.

SHOWS
Family shows are an important tradition in the Branson/Lakes Area. Since the beginning of Branson’s entertainment scene, families have been performing together in great music and comedy shows. The Presley and Mabe (the Baldknobbers) families have been providing visitors with family-oriented shows for more than 40 years.

Several other entertainers also include family members in their show including The Lennon Sisters and their sons and daughters, the Shoji Tabuchi Show features daughter Christina and the Jim Stafford show includes numbers with his children.

In addition, the Lennon Brothers, the Osmonds, the Duttons and the Hughes Brothers all have shows that are not only family comprised, but family-oriented as well.
Branson also offers large production shows that feature non-stop music and great special effects. In addition to the musical entertainment, comedy and magic shows are sure to delight every member of the family.

NATURAL FEATURES
Branson’s three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Schoals Lake, provide myriad opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors. Boating, fishing, swimming or building sandcastles along the beaches are just some of the many exciting lake activities. Many of the resorts on the lakes offer boat and water craft rentals.

The Ozark Mountains also offer hiking, biking and nature trails that provide the ideal chance to learn about the wildflowers and wildlife that call the Ozarks home.

Branson is also an deal place to celebrate a family reunion. Lots of activities for the whole group and a great wholesome atmosphere will make for a memorable gathering.

Branson, Missouri, one of the most popular destinations in the country, boasts 50,000 theater seats—more than on Broadway, three pristine lakes, dozens of attractions, 22,000 lodging rooms 30,000 restaurant seats and more than 200 outlet retailers. Home to big-name entertainment and breathtaking scenery, Branson offers year round entertainment for the whole family.

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As the selected destination for more than seven million visitors per year, the city of Branson is keenly aware of its need to provide the entertainment needs for today’s vacationer and for future generations of visitors as well. Whether it be the condition of the city streets or the quality of the water in the pristine lakes, rivers and streams, Branson is working hard to ensure that area businesses, residents and government offices are aware of and committed to preserving the environment.

Branson is one of the most progressive communities in the state thanks to its Environmental Excellence Challenge. The City of Branson began the program in 1996, reflecting the area’s commitment to preserving the natural resources of the Ozarks. The program is a partnership between the City of Branson and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau and works to advocate environmentally friendly practices within area businesses.

Those who show an outstanding commitment to protecting the environment are rewarded with the opportunity to display the program’s official logo. The Environmental Excellence Challenge gives businesses, churches and schools and opportunity to earn points for such items as recycling, water conservation and beautification.

The Branson area is also tremendously committed to preserving the water in Table Rock Lake and neighboring rivers and streams. To this end, the James River Basin Partnership was instituted to monitor and enhance the area’s water quality. Fifty years ago the James River was a pristine stream meandering through the wondrous Ozark landscape.

Today, sections of the river are threatened by years of misuse. The James River Basin Partnership is working against the clock to protect the river from further pollution and enhance the water for fish, wildlife and future generations of residents and visitors. The ultimate goal is to protect and improve the water quality in area streams, lakes and rivers including Crane Creek, Spring Creek, Flat Creek, Wilson Creek, James River, Finley River, Lake Springfield and Table Rock Lake.

Every resident and business in Branson can participate in the city’s recycling program. The City of Branson operates a drop-off recycling center that accepts paper, yard waste, metals, plastic and glass. A recycling guide is available from the City that outlines the recyclable materials accepted.

Branson also recognizes trees as an important natural resource and, since 1994, has had one of the strictest landscape ordinances in the state. In fact, Branson considers tree management so important that the City’s landscape administrator has worked with the engineering department to inventory all trees on city property utilizing a computerized global positioning mapping system. Because of Branson’s efforts, it has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for three years in a row and has received the Governor’s Town Treescape Award for improving the community through tree planting.

Environmentally friendly practices throughout the Branson/Lakes area are in place to encourage residents and visitors to retain the Branson area’s natural resources – a leading reason why vacationers have been traveling to the community for many decades.

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