It’s party time in Branson, Missouri, the small town nestled in the Ozarks that ranks as one of the nation’s top tourist resorts. Visitors and locals are invited to join a host of entertainers, dignitaries, and big names from near and far at Branson’s Mansion America Theatre for a Big Party on Monday, September 27, 2004. The party is to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Branson’s having more than 100 shows for the very first time.

Party organizers promise a celebration designed to honor the shows of Branson for the historic milestone achieved in 2004. Mayor Lou Schaefer says, “This event marks the first time Branson has a record-breaking 100 plus live shows to entertain and delight the more than 7 million annual visitors to our lively little vacation destination of neon excitement surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes.”

For the entertainers, local business leaders, and fewer than 7,000 town residents, hosting more live shows than Broadway and Las Vegas combined is certainly reason enough to party. And as theater owner and nationally known comedy star Jim Stafford says, “All of our shows are here because of you – our visitors. You’ve made Branson a place filled with fun things to do. Join the celebration on September 27 ’cause you’re the reason Branson has more than a 100 shows!”

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce President Ross Summers says, “Branson’s live show diversity is greater now than ever before with entertainment everyone in the family can enjoy.” Michael London, owner of Branson Update magazine, adds, “The wide variety of live shows in Branson includes country music, swing, big band, rock n’ roll, fifties, jazz, blues, comedy, magic, musicals, you name it – we’ve got it! Our line up of world-class productions combined with all our theme parks, attractions and fun things to do on the lakes and in the mountains means Branson is simply fun for everyone!” As Brad Thomas, vice president/general manager of Silver Dollar City, puts it, “Branson is the town that fun built!”

Branson visitors agree. “Anyone can vacation in Branson and have a blast,” says Jamie Frisby of El Dorado, Arkansas. “Branson has great entertainment for ages 1 to 100,” offered Scott Manes of Hulbert, Oklahoma. “The shows have the biggest hits with catchy tunes everyone is sure to like,” wrote Mary Davidson of Clarksdale, Missouri. “A good place to be royally entertained by the very best,” said Lewis Matheny of Claremore, Oklahoma. Kurt Kalbach of Menlo, Iowa refers to Branson as “a great place where kids of all ages will find something they enjoy.” Brenda Shea of Hickman, Nebraska loves “the wonderful family experiences we’ve enjoyed at Silver Dollar City… and Christmas in Branson is especially magical.” Gudi Andreolli of Utopia, Texas loved the “music, water sports, shopping, great food – all with down home hospitality” while Carl Linam of Arnold, Missouri perhaps summed up all remarks best… “If you can’t find something fun to do around here, you’re just a sourpuss!”

Signs all over Branson invite visitors to “join the party,” which refers not only to all the fun Branson has to offer, but to coming to the Big Party celebrating breaking the 100 show mark on Monday, September 27, 2004.

The doors of Branson’s Mansion America Theater will be open at 11:00 am and the party festivities begin at 12:15 pm. Admission is free and advanced reservations are not required.

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