The American Bus Association recently announced its annual “Top 100 Events in North America” including the spring season kick-off event, BransonFest, for the second straight year.

“BransonFest is the opportunity to spend a season in one of America’s most popular vacation destinations in just five days,” according to the ABA’s Top 100 Committee. The 13th annual season kick-off festival set for April 5-9, 2005 at the Welk Resort provides visitors with a sample of the kinds of entertainment, food, art, and vacation experiences they can expect to find in the Branson area throughout the upcoming year.

“We consider this ABA designation a tremendous honor. For BransonFest to have been chosen out of all the events reviewed in 44 states and 11 Canadian provinces is definitely something this community can be proud of,” said John Richardson, chairman of the BransonFest Committee for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, and director of marketing for Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show.

BransonFest 2005 will showcase the talents of more than 500 world-class performers. Each of the daily shows inside the Welk Resort Theater will feature at least 10 different Branson headline acts performing segments from their 2005 season shows. Details of the show roster are still in the works and will be released later this year.

Shows inside the Welk Theatre start at 7:00pm on Tuesday and at 2:00pm Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are $29.50 per show or $130 per person for all five shows. Special discounted rates are available for groups of 20 or more.

Throughout each of the five days, the Real American Entertainment Tent will feature the talent of area singers, dancers and musicians performing a variety of music and dance styles including jazz, pop, bluegrass, rock n’ roll, country, gospel, classical and show choir.

New in 2005, an exclusive “Student Performance Showcase” including dance troupes, choral groups, flag corps, special demonstrations, and costumed characters will feature entertainment especially for kids and will enhance the overall ‘streetmosphere’ throughout the Welk Resort festival grounds.

“We’re always excited about adding new elements to BransonFest,” said Ross Summers, executive vice president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB. “In 2004, Al Roker shot footage for his show on The Food Network which will air on November 7, 2004. In 2005, we’ll have lots of exciting things going on throughout the tent area making it a real attention -grabbing event for kids.”

More than 70 booths inside the Hospitality and Business Expo tent will offer a sample of Branson’s finest attractions, businesses and theaters. The Expo area will house autograph sessions, giveaways, contests and more.

The spotlight is on Ozark Mountain culture and heritage at the Arts, Culture and Heritage Expo tent. Visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase the art of nationally recognized Branson painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, fabric artists, and writers among others. Each day, a different artist will be on hand to visit with guests and sign autographs.

Inside the Taste of Branson Food Tent guests can sample traditional Ozarks cuisine and watch as recipes are prepared by celebrities and chefs from several of Branson’s finest restaurants.

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