PBS to air national broadcast of “Daniel O’Donnell Live From Branson”

The concert will be held at the 2,600-seat Tri-Lakes Center, located on Hwy. 248 in Branson. Call (417) 336-0219 for ticket information. The concert will be broadcast locally on Ozarks Public Television stations KOZK-TV, channel 21 in Springfield and on KOZJ-TV, channel 26 in Joplin.

The evening-long concert event will feature Irish singing sensation Daniel O’Donnell along with country music legends Pam Tillis, Charley Pride, The Gatlin Brothers (Larry, Steve and Rudy) and fabled Lawrence Welk TV Show stars The Lennon Sisters (Dee Dee, Kathy, Janet and Mimi) and Jo Ann Castle. Mary Duff, O’Donnell’s long-time friend and performance partner, will also appear.

Daniel shares the stage with some of the most popular and enduring stars in American music in a spectacular public television concert event. Broadcast live from the Tri-Lakes Center in the live music capital of Branson, Missouri, the four-hour music extravaganza features O’Donnell in his first national television special on an American stage, as he welcomes an impressing roster of favorite performers.

“DANIEL O’DONNELL LIVE FROM BRANSON” will be broadcast on 90 percent of the PBS stations nationwide as part of their Winter Pledge Drive. The program will also be available for re-broadcast throughout the month of December on all 349 PBS stations.

Ozarks Public Television in Springfield and Joplin is anticipating strong viewer support during the broadcast. Their phone banks at the Tri-Lakes Center will be seen by a national audience.

“DANIEL O’DONNELL LIVE FROM BRANSON” is produced by Brockwell, Ltd. and WTVS Detroit Public Television. The Vacation Channel in Branson is providing production assistance. Executive producers are Sean Reilly for Brockwell, Ltd. and Diane Bliss for WTVS. Director is Ian McGarry.

“We are thrilled to host Daniel O’Donnell’s first live PBS show from Branson,” said Cindy Westmoreland, property manager for the Tri-Lakes Center. “The Tri-Lakes Center, Daniel O’Donnell, and PBS have harmonious philosophies in that we all present quality entertainment to our customers.”

“We’re honored to be the host city for this live television event and appreciate all the work that has gone into making this national PBS broadcast possible,” said Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Comments Off on PBS to air national broadcast of “Daniel O’Donnell Live From Branson”

New Shanghai Theatre in Branson, Missouri, to open May 15, 2005

In 2005, the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus will perform in a brand new theater currently under construction in Branson, Missouri. The New Shanghai Theatre is located at 645 State Hwy 165, just south of Hwy 76 between the Ain’t Misbehaving Theatre and Coffelt Country. The New Shanghai Theatre, featuring modern Chinese architecture, will seat approximately 900 and is scheduled to open on May 15, 2005. Shows are at 3 & 8 PM, through December 14.

Lizhi Zhao, owner of the New Shanghai Circus said, “2005 will mark our 8th season in Branson. Each year over 40 Acrobats of China travel over 14,500 miles to perform in the heartland of America. We’re pleased to now have a permanent home in Branson, Missouri. This beautiful theater will have state-of-the-art lighting and sound along with spectacular backdrops.” The theater will feature a giant sculpture of an early example of Chinese Bronze Ware, along with modern Chinese artwork, cascading waterfalls, and Chinese gardens.

Bill and Janet Dailey are building the New Shanghai Theatre. Bill Dailey said, “This theater is being built specifically for the New Shanghai Circus as their show requires extra rigging and large space for their backdrops. The back of the theater is 50 feet tall.” The New Shanghai Circus features aerial ballet, dancing lions, modern Chinese performance art, hoop diving, tumblers, jugglers, magicians, spinning plates, bicycle aerobics, pole climbing, and more. New Shanghai Circus performers begin training at the age of 6 and come from the same school as Chinese Olympic Gymnasts. In addition to their shows in Branson, the New Shanghai Circus presents shows year-round in Shanghai, China, and also tours internationally and across the United States.

Theater construction began in late October of 2004, with excavating by Tom Boyce. Designers for the exterior and interior of the New Shanghai Theatre are Bill Lennon and Tom Gass of Backstage Connections, architecture by Allen Johnson of General Design, building and other subcontracting by Scott Bockman of Cornerstone Building Services in Springfield, Missouri. An official groundbreaking was held on November 17, 2004.

Comments Off on New Shanghai Theatre in Branson, Missouri, to open May 15, 2005

Ozark Mountain Christmas offers ‘Top 10’ US holiday vacation experience

America’s live entertainment capital takes on a dazzling holiday persona during its 2004 Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration. Named a “Top 10 Destination” in the nation for holiday celebrations by USA Today and A&E Network in 2003, Branson comes alive with production shows, world-recognized performers, 10 million holiday lights, and outdoor activities from theme parks, to shopping, to golf. Hundreds of shows and attractions, colorfully designed with holiday themes, are offered throughout the region through December.

Ozark Mountain Christmas, now in its 17th season, was profiled in the Wall Street Journal in 2003. While appreciative of the accolades, the famed entertainment town keeps adding yet more grandeur to the celebration, creating a magical combination of family traditions, breathtaking scenery, drive-through lighting displays, dazzling performances, and a spirited Ozarks celebration of the joys of the season.

Holiday shows feature live entertainment from performers known around the world. The show bill includes the always popular Andy Williams in his famous Christmas show and Tony Orlando in his original production of “Santa and Me,” to newly-introduced shows such as Neil Goldberg’s “Christmas Dreams,” a unique blend of pageantry, puppets and fantastical twists on holiday tradition. Branson Variety Theater’s “Broadway Christmas Spectacular” stars Jimmy Osmond. The final season of the Lawrence Welk Show reunites the Lennon Sisters and fabled Welk TV stars; the Hughes Brothers bring Santa to Bethlehem; Mickey Rooney and his wife, Jan, headline at the Americana Theatre along with the Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon; and Neil Goldberg’s fantasy-filled “Cirque” continues through Christmas at the Remington Theatre. Funnymen Jim Stafford, Ray Stevens and Yakov Smirnoff add Christmas cheer and humor to their already hilarious comedy, music and dance shows. Perennial favorites the Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys’ Jubilee, along with shows like the Lowes, 50s At The Hop, Doug Gabriel, the Duttons and more are filled with holiday spirit and Christmas fun.

Visitors can immerse themselves in attractions such as the holiday wonderland at Silver Dollar City. The world-renowned 1880s style theme park features a dazzling Holiday Light Parade, a dramatic five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, a popular musical production of the famous classic, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, and over four million lights.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show features 32 horses and trick riders performing in a holiday competition, a dramatic Living Nativity with live camels and Christmas musical performances. Dozens of exuberant elves serve up a four-course feast. The Showboat Branson Belle cruises scenic Table Rock Lake during Ozark Mountain Christmas, offering guests festive holiday shows and meals. Branson Scenic Railway sets the scene for holiday romance with their candlelight meal excursions through the Ozark foothills in 1940s-era Zephyr dome cars.

The Branson Area Festival of Lights (November 1, 2004 – January 1, 2005) links several Southwest Missouri communities in creating a two-month lighting festival. The popular Festival of Lights Parkway, a two-mile drive-through animated display in Branson, along with the spectacular Port of Lights in Kimberling City, the Indian Point Village display near Table Rock Lake, and many others are presented for visitors to enjoy. Area businesses participate in the Festival by adorning their storefronts and grounds with holiday lights to further add to the spirit-filled atmosphere of the season.

The 56th Annual Adoration Parade will be held December 5 in historic downtown Branson immediately following the lighting of the Nativity Scene on Mount Branson, which overlooks the downtown area.

The Branson area is an ever-popular shopping destination with three outlet centers offering more than 200 name-brand stores. Plus the historic downtown offers the charm of a small town with dozens of shops, restaurants and live music. The Grand Village, Engler Block and Silver Dollar City contain one-of-a-kind artwork and collectibles made by local artists and craftsmen.

Many shows and attractions will remain open through the end of December and offer special New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Comments Off on Ozark Mountain Christmas offers ‘Top 10’ US holiday vacation experience

Top military reunion destination invites planners to conference

Military reunion planners from across the country now have the opportunity to see for themselves why one of America’s most popular family vacation destinations is also becoming the number one destination for military reunions. Military reunion planners from all branches of the service are invited to participate in the 8th Annual Military Reunion Planners Conference April 25-28, 2005. This year’s conference is hosted by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and the Branson Veterans Task Force along with many area businesses.

“We are thrilled to be inviting reunion planners to town again this year to experience our area’s hospitality and patriotism. Once they do, we’re sure they’ll want to bring their groups to Branson,” said Teina Hammons, chairperson for the Military Reunion Planners Conference.

Conference attendees will be treated to four days of planned activities, informative presentations, a trade show and more, all for the purpose of helping them plan and organize successful military reunions in Branson. From selecting the right lodging to previewing dozens of entertainment venues and attractions, to meeting professional reunion organizers, this conference is one of the best tools available for military reunion planners, according to Hammons.

Conference organizers are offering an all-inclusive package for attendees that includes lodging, all meals during the conference, a wide variety of shows and attractions, several educational seminars, a trade show, a marketplace, and all local conference transportation. For only $50 per person, reunion planners can experience the best Branson has to offer. Each reunion planner may bring one guest for an additional $50.

“This conference will be educational, informative, and a great opportunity to socialize with other planners from around the country,” said Liz Stanley, co-chair of the Military Reunion Planners Conference.

“Our community is often referred to as the year-round home for veterans and active duty military personnel — a distinction we’re very proud to have,” said Dan Lennon, vice-president of marketing and public relations for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. “It is an honor to be hosting this prestigious event for the first time, and we look forward to many years of inviting veterans of all eras to discover Branson, America’s military reunion capital.”

Reunion planners must complete an application and profile sheet and meet basic requirements before their registration is confirmed. The requirements for the reunion planners are as follows: The planner may not have attended Branson’s Military Reunion Planners Conference in the past two years. The reunion group represented cannot already have a lodging contract for an upcoming reunion in Branson. The attendee must be the decision maker, a member of the decision committee, or authorized by the reunion organization to act as an information scout for the destination. 

Comments Off on Top military reunion destination invites planners to conference

“Al Roker’s Country Festival” to feature BransonFest

“AL ROKER’S COUNTRY FESTIVAL” Featuring BransonFest
Join nine-time Emmy Award winner and host of NBC’s Today Show, Al Roker for an hour special as he visits Branson, Missouri, the live entertainment capital of America during BransonFest 2004. Nestled between the White River and the Ozark Mountains you’ll find bright lights and scenic nature mixed with live music and the widest variety of entertainment imaginable. And there’s food too, lots and lots of food. For one week every year Branson kicks it up a notch with BransonFest; a non-stop celebration of the music, the food, and the surprising culture of the Ozarks. Al takes us on a tour of the sights, sounds and behind the scene happenings, introducing us to those who put Branson on the map like Andy Williams and Tony Orlando. Plus, you’ll meet some of the legends of popular music, Pam Tillis, Mickey Gilley and even an Oak Ridge boy or two, cooking up their favorites.

Comments
“What an amazing treat to have Al Roker and company spend a week savoring the tastes, sights and sounds of BransonFest,” said John Richardson, director of Marketing for Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show, and chairman of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB’s BransonFest committee.

BransonFest 2007 is set for April 10-14 on the festival grounds of the beautiful Welk Resort in Branson. The annual event showcases Branson’s very best food, fun and live entertainment.

Comments Off on “Al Roker’s Country Festival” to feature BransonFest

Branding agency to community: Changing perceptions key to growth

In their presentation to the Board of Aldermen Tuesday, October 26, 2004, the firm hired to conduct a branding study for the Branson/Tri-Lakes Area recommended the creation of a marketing campaign designed to change the perceptions of a targeted segment of non-visitors while reinforcing the attitudes of current visitors.

The Sterling Group, a successful national brand consulting firm, was selected to conduct the study by a branding task force established by the Marketing Advisory Council of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB. The goal of the study was to determine ways to attract more first time visitors and increase visitation by Baby Boomers and their families. Sterling Group’s client list includes companies such as Nike, Pepsi, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, Levi Strauss, Yahoo, Sony, Johnson & Johnson, the NBA, and Time Warner.

Austin McGhie, the president of the Sterling Group’s San Francisco office and head of the company’s strategy groups in San Francisco, New York, and London, in his presentation to the Board, focused on three major aspects of the branding research that led to his firm’s recommendation to develop marketing tactics that address what he called the ‘perception gap’ between Loyal Branson visitors and non-visitors.

Identifying the ‘Resistors’
“Our research discovered that there is a Resistor group of people, who look like Branson’s current Loyal customers in ways such as lifestyle and demographics, but they are under the misguided perception that they know what Branson offers and that it’s just NOT for them. The reality is that when test groups of Resistors actually experienced Branson, not only were they pleasantly surprised by their experience, they become self-professed ambassadors who become enthusiastic advocates for Branson.”

Establishing the Branson Brand
The new marketing approach, according to McGhie, should shake the foundation of the Resistors’ perceptions with surprising and unexpected aspects of the Branson brand.

McGhie described the Branson brand position as the sum total of the qualities that differentiate Branson from its competitors.

Branson is up close and personal. Branson brings together a broad and unexpected mix of world-class entertainment and recreation to create an exhilarating family experience.

“In other words,” McGhie said, “… entertainment you can touch, entertainment that touches you. That is the essence of what Branson’s true brand position is in the vacation destination market today.”

McGhie said that in order to establish accurate perceptions about the Branson brand in the minds of Resistors, marketing must focus on the unexpected elements of Branson, and must be delivered in a way that will pleasantly surprise Resistors and Loyal customers alike.

The Brand Promise
The Branson Brand promise is the character, personality and values of the Branson community, key elements that satisfy and endear Loyal visitors, according to McGhie.

“If you can overcome Resistors’ perceptions with a marketing strategy that entices them with surprising facts and begin to reposition the brand in their minds, the Branson Brand promise will keep them coming back,” McGhie said.

He went on to describe the branding study process that formed the basis for his group’s recommendations. The 5-month study consisted of group and individual focus sessions with Branson area business and community leaders; interviews with tourism and media industry experts; interviews with visitors in Branson; focus group sessions with non-visitors in Dallas, Little Rock and St. Louis; a first-time visitor trip to Branson for residents (‘Resistors’) in key markets; and a review of existing statistical visitor information.

Branson Alderman Dick Gass participated in two local focus groups that provided Sterling with insight and feedback during the study.

“I think Sterling has defined the Branson brand and given us well thought-out recommendations for how to proceed from here. One of the keys will be for everyone in the community to get on board so we can put our full force behind making this branding campaign a success,” Gass said.

The next step in the process, according to BLACC brand consultant Linda Antus is to issue a request for proposals from creative agencies to develop a campaign expression of the brand strategy, including a slogan and other deliverables, as well as research to test our proposition and creative positioning.

Then, Camelot Communications, our strategic media company, will assess our market opportunity and recommend the targeting of our 2005 marketing strategies to maximize the contact with the Resistors, by Season, according to Antus.

Dan Lennon, vice-president of marketing and public relations for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB, said that once the Chamber has creative direction, it will be able to offer local businesses workshops on how to apply the marketing strategies to their individual businesses.

“The goal is to increase business for everyone associated with tourism in the Branson/Tri-Lakes Area,” Lennon said.

Branson Chamber president and CEO Ross Summers said he looks forward to implementing Sterling’s recommendations during the 2005 season and beyond.

“This is a long-term process for the Chamber and the community. We have a big job ahead of us, as does any destination or company that undergoes a branding campaign, but now we have the research-based evidence and soon we’ll have the creative direction we need to proceed with confidence and enthusiasm. The sky’s the limit for Branson,” he said.

Comments Off on Branding agency to community: Changing perceptions key to growth

Branson ‘Flips the Switch’ on five million lights

More than 5 million twinkling lights will illuminate the skies above the Tri-Lakes Area during the 2004 Branson Area Festival of Lights (BAFOL). A ceremonial ‘flipping of the switch’ will kick off the Ozark Mountain Christmas lighting spectacular at 5 p.m. Monday, November 1 at the Yakov Smirnoff Theater, located on Hwy. 248 near the intersection of Hwy. 65.

The public is invited to join city leaders at the free reception as they ‘flip’ a 10-foot light switch. Everyone that attends will receive a complimentary visit, provided by Ride The Ducks, to the Festival of Lights Parkway, the area’s centerpiece drive-through lighting display. The BAFOL Parkway extends for two miles along Branson Hills Parkway near Hwy. 65 and Bee Creek Rd. More than 500,000 lights adorn dozens of animated displays along the Parkway including the ever-popular “12 Days of Christmas,” Santa and his leaping reindeer, sailboat races, a nativity scene, a Victorian Christmas scene, and many others.

In addition to the Parkway, guests visiting the area during Ozark Mountain Christmas can see more than 280 lighted displays lining the famous stretch of Mo. Hwy. 76 from downtown Branson to the western edge of town.

The Branson Area Festival of Lights Parkway is open from 5 p.m. through midnight seven days a week November 1, 2004 – January 1, 2005. Admission is $7 per family vehicle and $50 for each commercial bus or motor coach. Unlimited admission passes are $15 per family vehicle and can be purchased at the Parkway or at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Centers, which are located at the intersection of Hwy. 248 & Hwy. 65, and at the intersection of Hwy. 160 & Hwy. 65.

Last year, an estimated 30,000 family vehicles and 1,100 commercial vehicles toured the parkway generating approximately $250,000 in revenue. Income raised at the Parkway and contributions from area sponsors go to support the BAFOL displays, which take several months to set up and require ongoing maintenance. This year’s platinum level sponsors include Buckingham’s Restaurant at the Clarion Hotel, Fairfield Resorts, Golden Corral, Grand Country Square, Hollywood Wax Museum, IMAX Entertainment Complex, Legends in Concert, Myer Hotels, Ozark Mountain Bank, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Skaggs Community Health Center, Stone Hill Winery and White River Valley Electric Cooperative among others. This year’s media sponsors include Hometown Radio, KHOZ and KTTS

Universal Concepts, the nationally known company that built many of the displays in the Parkway has also created lighting displays for Walt Disney World, the Centennial Olympic Park, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, Dollywood and Anheuser Busch.

“This community has put a lot of effort into enhancing the holiday experience for visitors. Branson offers spectacular Christmas shows, millions of lights, and countless shopping options, plus dozens of other ways to be entertained with friends and family,” said David Arney, president and CEO of Akers and Arney Insurance Associates and chairman of Branson Area Festival of Lights Committee.

The spectacular beauty of the Parkway and other area lighting displays has been captured in a professionally produced 30-minute video, available at the Welcome Centers for only $20 for DVD and $15 for VHS. Maps of the area’s lighting displays can also be picked up at the Welcome Centers.

Comments Off on Branson ‘Flips the Switch’ on five million lights

Public invited to honor women during veterans’ homecoming

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB together with the Branson Veterans’ Task Force invites everyone to participate in welcoming all women veterans and active duty military women to Veterans Homecoming Nov. 5 -11, 2004 during a special day of camaraderie and fun on Nov. 8.

The purpose of the event is to honor women veterans and active duty military women, and to give them the opportunity to meet other women from around the country who share similar backgrounds and experiences, according to Mary Slivka, chair of the Women Veterans’ Welcoming Committee. The Nov. 8 event will include an 11a.m. luncheon at the Radisson Hotel with guest speaker Brigadier General LaRita Aragon, Air National Guard, who, as a school teacher and single mom, enlisted in the Air National Guard and worked her way up the ranks.

Following the luncheon, guest will have the opportunity to Ride the Ducks, visit Stone Hill Winery and tour the American Presidential Museum. Dinner will be held at the Lodge of the Ozarks at 4:45 p.m. with guest speaker from St. Louis Missouri Jill Thomas, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, also an Air Force veteran. Several local entertainers are expected to stop by the Lodge of the Ozarks to welcome the women to Branson.

Branson Veterans Task Force sponsors have donated gifts for the Nov. 8 event which will be given away at the luncheon and dinner. All of the day’s activities are open to anyone who would like to attend. The costs to participate are as follows:

Lunch only: $25.00 per person
Activities only: $20.00 per person
Dinner only: $35.00 per person
All day events: $70.00 per person

Comments Off on Public invited to honor women during veterans’ homecoming

Roy Clark extends performances for Branson in 2004

Roy Clark and Doug Gabriel are dedicated to staying together – again.

The two performers, who four years ago debuted a unique three-hour show format for Branson, Mo. at 9:30 a.m. at the Legends Family Theatre, have added more show dates for “Doug Gabriel and Roy Clark – Together Again” for 2004 and set 70 performance dates for 2005.

“In the spring, my friend Roy Clark added to our original 2004 show schedule and again he”s added more dates for this season of ‘Doug Gabriel and Roy Clark – Together Again.’ The show format has been very successful for us with me and my cast doing the first half and Roy and his band doing the second half,” said Gabriel. “‘Doug and Roy – Together Again’ is three hours of power packed entertainment with Roy singing his classics and, as always, his guitar pickin” is simply incredible. Dates for ‘Together Again’ are Oct. 1-23 and Nov. 1 – 11 except Sundays at 9:30 a.m.”

Gabriel, a mainstay of the Branson entertainment market, has brought national recognition to Branson via the publicity gained through his one-of-a-kind guitar made from a 1969 Ford Thunderbird muffler, the Mufftar. The Mufftar is a favorite part of his show. Fans” delight in the unusual instrument is evident with the flash of the cameras when Doug strums the first note on stage. It is featured on Gabriel”s most recent CD, the all instrumental “Exhausting & Exhilarating,” the world’s only recording of Mufftar music which also features Doug on the piano.

Gabriel, whose 11th season in Branson was highlighted with being named time male vocalist of the year for the seventh time, said, “I am delighted to announce Roy will join me again beginning in April of 2005 for 70 dates.”

Comments Off on Roy Clark extends performances for Branson in 2004

BransonFest named to “Top 100 Events in North America” list

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.

Comments Off on BransonFest named to “Top 100 Events in North America” list


« Prev - Next »