Just getting settled in for a fun-filled Branson weekend. It’s going to be a blast. I'm in town for the opening day of Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Fest, Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, a tour of Andy Williams’ art collection and a roller coaster or three. Already hit two wine tastings. Crazy stuff planned.



Here’s the kicker. I’m staying at The Wilderness in a “rustic”
cabin built for four. Kinda’ lonely, but pretty cool stuff, and very Silver Dollar City.



For a family looking to get away for the weekend … or a week … on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, this could be the place. It’s Very Laura-Ingalls Wilder … “Pa …. Where you goin’ Pa?” The crafts-persons at SDC put these cabins together and they are solid.



Big log furniture, pine floors, beamed ceilings and lots of “Ozarky” stuff nailed to the walls with rocking chairs and a propane grills on every porch. My brothers will be so jealous. WiFi too. That’s living, Branson style. Seriously, they look cool. I’ll tour some other floor plans and get back with you.


Seriously, I feel like Grizzly Adams ... without the bear.


I hope Carol Parker is in town for the media fest. We missed each other last time we were in town. She’s the Queen of Branson, and I like to ride on her coattails. Kiddin.’ She is The Queen though. Check out the virtual tour of one of The Wilderness’ loft cabins. It’s pretty cool, but too big for my needs this weekend.

This just in. Thursday will be a big day for Shoji Tabuchi.

"The Shoji Tabuchi Theatre’s Placement In
America’s Best Restroom Contest To Be Announced Aug. 20

Cincinnati, Oh. - The results are in and local media are invited to find out how the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre fared in the 2009 America’s Best Restroom contest.



A special announcement will take place on Thursday, August 20 at 2:00 p.m. at 3260 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson, Missouri. Shoji and Dorothy Tabuchi, representatives from the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre and Cintas Corporation will be present for the big event.

The 2009 contest attracted nominations from a wide cross-section of businesses, including restaurants, hotels and several theatres. Ten finalists were selected based on exceptional hygiene, style and open access to the public.

Tens of thousands of votes were cast on the program’s web site, and the results will be announced nationally on Thursday afternoon. This year’s winner will receive the coveted “America’s Best Restroom” plaque of recognition from Cintas, and secure its place in the “America’s Best Restroom Hall of Fame” found at www.bestrestroom.com."

I'll let you know what happened when I get word.

This just in ... here are some of the events and activities planned for Silver Dollar City this summer and fall. Go to www.silverdollarcity.com for additional information.

SOUTHERN GOSPEL PICNIC - August 27 – September 7 (Open Daily)
The top names in Southern Gospel fill stages throughout the park for the fan-favorite Southern Gospel Picnic, as the park serves up a picnic feast of Chicken & Fixin’s. The festival features top groups from contemporary artists to the traditional, including:
● Dove Award winners Jeff & Sheri Easter, Brian Free and Assurance, The Isaacs and Austin’s Bridge
● Grammy nominees Karen Peck & New River
● Singing News Fan Award stars The Booth Brothers, winners of Tenor of the Year, Lead Vocalist, Trio of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Favorite Artists
● Southern Gospel Hall of Famers The Kingsmen and The Perrys
● Featured Show: Southern Gospel Nights concerts bring top Southern Gospel performers together to fill the 4,000-seat Echo Hollow Amphitheatre each evening

NATIONAL HARVEST FESTIVAL - September 12 - October 31 (Open Wed. - Sundays)
The largest gathering in America’s Heartland of demonstrating craftsmen, authentic harvest-time foods and musical performances, featuring two special events: a Salute to the Cowgirl in September and Missouri’s Best in October:
● New Featured Production: All American Cowgirl Chicks equestrian drill team brings precision trick riding, daring stunts and thrilling horsemanship to Silver Dollar City’s arena
● New Featured Production: Wings Over Missouri birds-of-flight show presents the state’s most majestic birds in soaring flight, from Bald and Golden Eagles to Great Horned Owls
● Featured Production: Headin’ West , an original musical production, presents the adventure of Western expansion with scenes from white water river travel to a buffalo stampede
● Acclaimed artists including watercolorist and actor Buck Taylor, weavers, jewelry makers and leather crafters, and Best of Missouri Hands juried artists
● Music groups including: Belinda Gail & Curly Musgrave, the Quebe Sisters, Les Gilliam

AN OLD TIME CHRISTMAS - November 7 – December 27
(Open Thursdays – Sundays, plus November 25, closed Dec. 21-25, open Dec. 26-27)
Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas, ranked as one of the world’s top holiday events by CNN.com, USA Today, Good Morning America and The Travel Channel, dazzles with Christmas lights, shows, rides and foods.
● Featured Show: The spectacular Christmas on Main Street featuring the five-story special effects Christmas Tree and an encompassing light-and-sound show on the Square with over one million lights flashing in synchronization to Christmas music
● Featured Production: A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, an original adaptation of the classic story and one of the park’s biggest production shows with elaborate sets, vanishing ghosts and flying spirits
● Featured Production: The Living Nativity, a musical retelling with talented actors, original music and elaborate sets in a dramatic presentation of the birth of Christ
● Featured Show: Frosty, an interactive musical show where kids help bring the legendary snowman to life
● The Holiday Light Parade with colorful, musical floats winding through the city streets
● The Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train and nighttime rides, plus holiday shows, specialty foods and over 4 million holiday lights

Branson bound this weekend?
Silver Dollar City has an event on tap for the whole family. On Saturday, August 15th, the park will attempt to beat the Guinness Book record set set last summer for the most spinning tops spun simultaneously. That's big fun. Last year, park staff and visitors got 192 tops spinning all at the same time and set the world record. The target this summer is 250.
(Photo by SDC)

Here's the info to participate:
Spinner registration is from 8.a.m. Until 1:30 p.m. On Saturday morning. Register at guest relations.
To qualify, each spinner will need to have a Peg Top that's thrown with a string, and be able to spin it for at least 10 seconds. The Goal is 250 tops spun for 10 seconds to make the record. Top activities and contests will be hosted all day throughout the park.

For additional information call 417-338-3886 or go to www.siilverdollarcity.com .

This is my last entry for a while.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not abandoning the Branson beat, just taking a little hiatus.
The challenge of covering Branson from a couple of hours away in Joplin has been fun. Trying to keep up with Branson goings-on from Reno, Nv., seems daunting. I'll be out west for two months this summer on an editing fellowship at University of Nevada, Reno. It sounds like fun. I should be back on the Branson beat by late July. (photo by flickr user: Zach Sheppard)

Well, It's official, The Branson Airport is open for business.
“The first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the U.S., officially began operations today by welcoming its first commercial flight,” Steve Peet, CEO, Branson Airport said in a written release Monday morning. Sun Country Airlines flight SY509, with passengers from Minneapolis/St. Paul, touched down at 9:00 a.m.,and were greeted with gift bags from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber/CVB.



“It’s an honor to be the first airline to land a plane at this beautiful new facility,” said Stan Gadek, Chairman and CEO of Sun County Airlines added in the news release. “With the addition of this new market, customers in the Twin Cities and Branson will now enjoy low fares and the award-winning customer service we are known for.”
Sun Country Airlines is offering an introductory fare between Branson and Dallas of $29 each way, good through Wednesday, May 13.
“The arrival of this flight marks a new beginning for air travel in the Ozarks,” said Steve Peet, CEO, Branson Airport. “The vision we’ve had for so many years of providing low-cost air travel to and from Branson, is today a reality.” Sun County will offer nonstop flights, the release detailed, to and from Minneapolis/St. Paul and Dallas/Ft. Worth on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The second commercial flight to touch down on the airport’s 7,140-foot runway was AirTran Airways flight 1582 from Milwaukee, which landed at 11:55 a.m. An official welcoming ceremony was held for this flight as well. AirTran Airways will be providing daily nonstop flights to and from Atlanta and Milwaukee.
“We look forward to showing the wonderful people of the Ozarks why AirTran Airways was ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study,” said John Kirby, Senior Director of Strategic Planning, AirTran Airways.
Today’s activities wrapped a three-day grand opening extravaganza for the Branson Airport, which included the first ever Branson Air Show.
Here's the rest of the release: The second commercial flight to touch down on the airport’s 7,140-foot runway was AirTran Airways flight 1582 from Milwaukee, which landed at 11:55 a.m. An official welcoming ceremony was held for this flight as well. AirTran Airways will be providing daily nonstop flights to and from Atlanta and Milwaukee.
“We look forward to showing the wonderful people of the Ozarks why AirTran Airways was ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study,” said John Kirby, Senior Director of Strategic Planning, AirTran Airways.
Today’s activities wrapped a three-day grand opening extravaganza for the Branson Airport, which included the first ever Branson Air Show. More than 50,000 people attended the weekend show which featured an impressive list of America’s top air show performers, including the USAF Thunderbirds, US Army Golden Knights, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Patty Wagstaff, Manfred Radius, and many more.
Construction on the airport, which includes an access road and two bridges built over gorges, began in July 2007. 11 million cubic yards of rock and dirt were moved in order to construct the terminal and runway. The Branson Airport’s 7,140-foot runway, built on top of a mountain, is designed for midsized commercial type aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and 757, but can handle planes as large as the 767. This will enable the airport to receive non-stop air service from anywhere in the continental United States.
The 58,000 square-foot terminal facility offers all the amenities of a full-service airport, with one critical difference. The Branson Airport is the first airport in the country to put customer service first, by providing “concierge-level” service to all departing and arriving travelers. The airport employs 50 people, all of whom work for the airport, not the airlines. Services include a welcome center, screening checkpoint, baggage claim area, full-service kiosks, curbside service, concessions, gift and news shop and full service restaurant. All the check-in counters, and the airport’s 4 gates, are designed for “common use”—meaning they can be used for any airline serving the Branson Airport. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is providing rental car service at the airport. Gray Line is providing ground transportation services.
For more information about the Branson Airport including flights and schedules, visit www.flybranson.com.
About Branson Airport
Branson Airport is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States and is located in Branson, Missouri. The $155 million project introduces an innovative business model that has the potential to redefine air travel in the United States by focusing on creating a more pleasant travel experience for customers. The Branson Airport is expected to significantly increase the number of new visitors from around the U.S. who will be able to enjoy the wonderful Branson experience. For more information on Branson Airport LLC, go to www.flybranson.com.
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There was a time when people thought all Branson had to offer was Baldknobbers, funnel cakes and corny country music shows.
Times have changed. (Photo courtesy Silver Dollar City)



Branson still provides plenty of knee-slappin’ entertainment with more than 100 shows at 50-plus theaters. What many may not know is that it offers many other entertaining and educational attractions sure to keep families busy during their spring and summer vacations.
Visitors can climb aboard the ill-fated Titanic, take in the 90-mile view from atop the Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower, descend to the dark depths of Marvel Cave and even sample some of Missouri’s best vino at Mount Pleasant Winery.
But wait, there’s more.

Film fans can pose for pictures with their favorite celebs at the Hollywood Wax Museum, take in an first-run film on IMAX Branson’s giant movie screen and try to unravel the mystery behind the world’s largest ball of string at Ripley’s Believe It of Not.



Uncommon attraction
If you are scared of the dark, the lantern tour of Marvel Cave may not be for you.

But, if you’re brave of heart, unafraid of bats and interested in experiencing one of Missouri’s natural wonders, Silver Dollar City has the attraction for you.
At the end of each day, 20 park visitors descend 300 feet into the darkness of the cave’s Cathedral Room, the largest of its kind in the United States. On the 1.5-hour tour, visitors explore the cave just as native Americans and Spanish explorers did hundreds of years ago — by lantern light.
John Zajac, the supervisor at Marvel Cave, told me visitors — especially young people — love the uncommon theme-park attraction.
“The kids love it,” John said. “Anything that’s out of the ordinary. I think the kids love learning about the animal life inside the cave. They love the bats.”
Kids, he added, are not the only ones who enjoy the subterranean experience.

“For adults, it’s the history of the cave and the information about its formations,” he explained to me in a phone interview.
Stalactites and stalagmites, endangered gray bats, underground lakes and Spanish ladders built centuries ago by European explorers searching for the Fountain of Youth peak tourists’ interest and curiosity.
“It’s a very different experience on the lantern tour. You hear different stories than you get on the regular tour,” John stressd during our conversation. “There are a lot of good stories about it. I don’t want to give them away. We want people to come down here and experience it.”
Opened as an Ozarks tourist attraction in 1894, the cave came into its own as a popular destination in 1960 when Silver Dollar City’s owners decided to capitalize on the natural formation. Originally named the Devils Den by Osage Indians, the cave hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy Branson’s shows and attractions.

‘A great escape’
At Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Renee Stratton, a shift supervisor, told me she enjoys the reaction she gets from the tourists who pass through the museum’s off-kilter doors.
“The shrunken heads really get people going,” Renee said. “They always ask, ‘Is it real?’ and when you tell them it’s real they get grossed out.”
They also love the giant mirrored rolling barrel.
“It makes them feel like they have been drinking,” Renee joked.
Stratton said Ripley’s in Branson has artifacts from 198 countries.
“It’s a great escape from the ordinary,” she said. “It’s an easy trip from Joplin and a fun time.”
Barb Allen and her family traveled farther than Joplin to take in Branson shows and activities.
“What a good time. There is so much to see,” Barb, a 45-year-old mother of three from Sacramento, Calif., explained while we admired the world’s largest ball of string. “We could stay here all day. It’s educational for the kids. The boys love the crazy machines.”
“I want to learn how to make that kind of stuff,” Hayden Allen, 13, told me. “I could if I had the stuff.”
Mari, Hayden’s sister, had her own favorites.
“I want a (wedding) dress like that,” the 16-year-old said of a bridal gown made from recycled paper. “I bet grandma could make me one.”
The wishbone collection, she frowned, was a “gross out.”
“There are very few things that aren’t real,” Renee pointed out to me. “If they aren’t real, they are really good reproductions of the real thing. When people ask us if it’s real, and we tell them it is, we always say, ‘Believe it or not!’”

Want to go?
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
3326 West Highway 76
Open daily at 9:30 a.m.
Details: (417) 337-5300
www.ripleysbranson.com
 
Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City
399 Indian Point Road
Open daily at 9:30 a.m.
Details: (800) 475-9370
www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com

Hollywood Wax Museum
3030 West Highway 76
Open daily 8 a.m.
Details: (417) 33-STARS
www.hollywoodwax.com/branson

Titanic Branson Attraction
3235 West Highway 76
Open daily at 9 a.m.
Details: (417) 334-9500
www.titanicbranson.com

Mount Pleasant Winery
3125 Green Mountain Drive
Open Monday through Saturday at 8:30, Sundays at 10.
Details: (417) 336-WINE
www.mountplesantwinery.com

Shepherd of the Hills Old Mill Theatre and Inspiration Tower
5586 West Highway 76
Open daily at 9 a.m.
Details: (800) 682-1265
www.oldmatt.com
 
IMAX Branson
3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
Open daily at 8:30 a.m.
Details: (800) 419-4832
www.bransonimax.com

Cave tours
Regular tours of Marvel Cave are included in the Silver Dollar City’s admission price. For those wanting something a little different, the Marvel Cave Lantern Tour is $10 for adults and $5 for children 8-11. Children younger than 8 are not allowed on the lantern tour.

The Great American Pie Show is a thing of the past.
Maybe I shouldn’t say that. The weekend-long tribute to the culinary arts is a great memory for thousands of Branson visitors. The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce posted some great video from the event. If you didn’t get to trek south to sample some pie and hob-knob with Al Roker – I didn’t get to go – these videos give us a peek at the competition.





A talked with a couple of people who – unlike me – were able to get to Branson for the fun, had a great time.

The Branson Chamber has a flickr site devoted to the show. It offers a lot of pics to peruse.

If you are like me and missed this great weekend of activities, don’t despair, Ozark Mountain Spring still has plenty to offer. MOPARS in May, Bluegrass and BBQ and the opening of the Branson Airport will keep Branson area folks busy and visitors to the city entertained. Go to the Branson Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site for all the details.

It’s big news from Branson. I suppose that shouldn’t surprise me given the star-studded weekend the great American Pie Show and Taste of Home Cooking School offered.
Not only will the Mid-West’s Music City welcome the new Branson Airport, a privately owned, financed and developed airport of its kind on May 11, Branson area residents will have the chance to win a spot on Wheel of Fortune. Before you get your ‘Hello Vanna’ signs ready, it’s not quite that glamorous. Still, it’s pretty cool!
“We’re thrilled to have the Wheel of Fortune’s ‘Mobile Wheel’ in Branson on May 9 and 10 at the Welk Resort Theatre,” Ross Summers, president of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce announced in written statement. “This traveling Wheel show will run from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and is used by the Wheel of Fortune to find potential contestants for the show.”

Ross said in the release that Branson will be considered as a host location for the show, and asked chamber of commerce members to “put on our best show for these special guests.”
Clich here for details.

It sounds fun.

It sucks to be me this weekend. As I write this, thousand of pie fans and celebrity big wigs are Branson bound. I, however, have an assignment that will take three hours into the heart of the Sooner State. Given the choice, I’d rather rub elbows with American Pie Show judge, Al Roker, or maybe learn how to make Andy Williams’ chicken pot pie.



Like I said, it sucks to be me.

This weekend, and the rest of the Ozark Mountain Spring celebration promises a once in a life time experience. The Today Show hits town and Wheel of Fortune dropping through. The Great American Pie Show -- and all of the celebrity sight seeing it offers -- is exciting.

I’ll miss it. Send pics of your Pie Show experience. dwoods@joplinglobe.com, and I’ll post them here.

I’m working on an interview with Cassandre’ Haygood. Her new ‘Voice of an Angle’ show at the New Americana Theatre sounds interesting. She was featured during the Haygood’s Show I caught a couple of weeks ago. Celine Dion and Josh Grobin fans watch out.

The last time I was in town took in a few non-theatre attractions Branson offers and have a report -- Hollywood Wax, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Ride the Ducks, Titanic and the cave at Silver Dollar City to name a few.

It was a busy day.

Its going to be an all-Elvis kind of weekend in Branson.

Music City visitors are assured plenty of Elvis sightings to keep them busy as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest hist the stage at the American Bandstand Theatre. Here's some info on the weekend's activities from Branson's CVB.


"Branson's forecast for "King" sightings is unusually high for the weekend of April 17-19, when the 3rd Annual Branson Elvis Festival takes place at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater.

Legends in Concert and Elvis Presley Enterprises are sponsoring Branson's Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on Saturday, April 18, 2009. The winner of this contest will advance to Memphis to compete for the title of "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist" in August.



In addition to the tribute artist contest, fans can get all shook up with two nights of Elvis karaoke, or they can shop at the Elvis vendor village and watch a free showing of "Speedway" (starring Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra). At 10 a.m. Sunday morning there is a Grand Old Gospel Hour with Elvis.(photo courtesy flickr user HawHawJames)


Put on your blue suede shoes and visit www.bransonelvisfestival.com or call 417-339-3003 or 417-336-4888 for more information.

Elvis Connection
While it is believed that the real Elvis was only in the Branson area once (and then only passing through on his way to a May 17, 1956, performance in Springfield, Mo.), the memory of the King of Rock 'N Roll is alive year-round in the Ozarks.

An Elvis tribute is a mainstay at the Legends in Concert show in Branson, with Elvis portrayed by Dean Z. He has performed as Elvis around the world, including performances at Las Vegas' Caesar's Palace, Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand.

Elvis fans also flock to Tony Roi's Elvis Experience. Roi, who moved to Branson in 2000 to perform with Legends in Concert, also has performed in Las Vegas, on Broadway and on the David Letterman Show, Regis and Kathy Lee Show and All My Children. Roi started his own Branson show in 2004.

And new in Branson in 2009 is Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love, an Elvis Presley musical tribute. This dinner show is playing at the Shake It Up Show Club."

It only takes Ken and Vickie Cox five minutes to drive down the road from their Indian Point, Mo., home to Silver Dollar City . They told me It’s a drive they love to take.
“We come down here all year long and we never miss World-Fest,” Vickie, a 70-year-old grandmother, offered after watching a performance of the Zhejiang Acrobats and Balancing Monks. “It’s phenomenal. I don’t know how they do that. They are so strong and graceful.”



Nathan Trumbo and his wife Katie, like me, were also wowed.
“I cheerleaded in college and know some of those moves, but they take it a lot further,” Nathan, 23, laughed. “They’re all very flexible. Those guys are solid muscle.”



It took the 23-year-old couple from Barnhart, Mo., more than five hours to get to Silver Dollar City from their home south of St. Louis. Like the Coxs, they were glad they made the trip.
“It’s crazy how good they are,” Katie told me as we walked out of the theatre after the 50-minute performance. “It’s crazy how fast it was over. I wanted more.”



Through May 3, tens of thousands of Branson visitors will trek to Silver Dollar City to take in World-Fest, the theme park’s annual celebration of international entertainment.
New at this year’s festival are the Zhejiang Acrobats and Balancing Monks and Jallamay, a 28-member Peruvian music and dance troupe. Returning to the World-Fest lineup for 2009 is Feet of Fire, the parks largest Irish production ever staged; the Invaders, a steel drum band form Trinidad and Tobago; the Russian Academic Band; and Jenny Blackadder, New Zealand’s banjo queen.

China to Branson
Hong Cheng, the producer of the Zhejiang Acrobats and Balancing Monks, told me in a phone interview before I saw the show, her group of 28 twisting, turning, dancing, juggling, flipping and flying performers are thrilled to be included in the month-long festival.
“They are very excited to be here because they are representing China,” Hong said. “They are excited about seeing the other international performers as well.”
Hong said the show is styled after traditional Chinese folk tales from the Zhejiang Provence of southeast China. Many of the performers have been training and performing since they were 6 years old.
“The show is built on the West Lake theme of heaven above and West Lake below,” Hong explained. “West Lake is one of most famous lakes in China.”
The show offers something for everyone.
“We have traditional music and some contemporary songs American audiences can connect with,” she explained. “It’s nice for audiences to hear traditional music and get some exposure to the music of China.”
The group recently returned from an engagement in Mexico, and in January were honored with a French Presidential Award for the Arts.

International exposure
Brad Schroeder, director of events and entertainment at Silver Dollar City, said he was impressed the first time he saw the acrobats and balancing monks in action.
“When I first saw the DVD, I was like, ‘Wow! It’s amazing,’” he explained during a recent call. “It’s a religious discipline for them, all part of their religious background and they have found a way to put it into a show that’s amazing.”
One performer, Schroeder told me, walks up a set of stairs while balancing on his head. “No hands,” he said.



World-Fest is a good opportunity to get up close and personal with the international performers, Schroeder said. And the guests love the performers.



“It’s a world community kind of thing,” he said. “Some of the performers speak good English, and some don’t speak English at all. It’s worth the hassle of cutting through so much immigration red-tape to secure the international performers.”
As the Coxs filed out of the theater after the Chinese acrobats performance, Vickie shared that she wished her grandchildren could see the show.
“There are some children who will never get the chance to leave the country and see these kinds of things,” she said. “It shows our kids how to get along with people from other places. We are all just one people.” (photo courtesy SDC)

Want to go?
Silver Dollar City is open Wednesday through Sunday from now until May 3. Go to www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com for park, show and ticket information, or call (800) 475-9370.

When I head to Branson for a weekend of shows and shopping I usually try to stay somewhere on The Strip. I love the hustle and bustle of tourists digging through Dollar Stores and searching for cut-rate show tickets. It's fun people watching on a Saturday night. It's not quite Sunset Boulevard, but it's a good time.

Last weekend I made my annual trek to Silver Dollar City for World-Fest, the parks celebration of international entertainment. Chinese balancing monks and acrobats, Irish step dancers, an African percussion group and half a dozen other acts keep the crowds busy ... and entertained.



This time I stayed a lil' off the beaten track at The Villages at Indian Point. The Villages are conveniently located a few minutes down Indian Point Road from Silver Dollar City. I landed a nice two bedroom/two bath log cabin style condo with a good view of Table Rock Lake. Include the pull-out sofa and it sleeps six. I liked the digs, but it was a lil' quiet for my tastes. No hustle or bustle. The only noise I heard all weekend was chirping of birds and crickets. Peaceful.



For a single guy looking to have some fun in Branson it was too quite. Too peaceful. For a family looking for some outdoor time together it would be great. The Villages offers a nice club house, outdoor pool, marina and dock, trailer parking, fire place and BBQ grills.



The nice thing about that kind of condo vacation is the ease. The condo provides everything you need. For a Villages weekend all you need to bring are cloths and food. The rest is provided. A good deal.



The rate was reasonable ... around $175 a night. Not bad by Branson standards. Silver Dollar City is two miles down the road and the Indian Point Marina is just a mile away. Internet service seemed reliable and the front desk offered good suggestions on dining and activities.



For a family wanting easy access to SDC , Branson Belle or a good dock for some fishing, it's the spot.
Check out The Villages Web site for condo floor plans, a complete list of amenities and rate info. They also have a slide show of condos and the grounds to preview.

The Villages at Indian Point gets a Best Read Blog Branson thumbs up.

The Great American Pie Show keeps getting bigger and bigger. The Branson chamber announced today Rachel Ray, Ellen, Martha Stewart, Regis and Kelly and Tyra Banks are supporting the first-time Branson event. Here's some info:

"Audience members at the Taste of Home Cooking School on April 24 and 25 in the Branson Convention Center will have a chance to win an array of door prizes provided by some of TV’s most beloved celebrities," the release notes.

"Rachel Ray autographed copies of her “Big Orange Cookbook” and sent some of her favorite cooking utensils. Martha Stewart also included her favorite kitchens gadgets plus autographed copies of her books “Cookies” and “Great Good Fast.”

There are signed photos, t-shirts, mugs, ball caps and more from generous TV hosts including Regis & Kelly, Tyra Banks and Ellen. And the casts of the “The Young and The Restless” and “The Bold and The Beautiful” sent a raft of autographed goodies including autographed scripts of the shows.

Taste of Home is the world’s #1 publisher of cooking magazines, cookbooks and hosts 300 cooking shows each year. The Taste of Home Cooking Schools will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 24, and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. It includes admission to the Great American Pie Show where a dozen semi-finalists from 11 states will compete for the grand prize awarded by guest celebrity judge Al Roker of NBC’s “Today Show.”

From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Roker will conduct a book signing and question-and-answer session. Admission to the Pie Show and Marketplace only is $5."

I'm pretty excited about my first Branson pilgrimage of the season. The Ozark Mountain Spring celebration opened a few weeks ago, but this will be my first chance to head south and enjoy the city's celebration of 50 years of live music shows on the shores of Lake Taneycomo.

I have a full schedule on tap. The Landing on Friday night for dinner and some Bass Pro shopping. Saturday morning Silver Dollar City World-Fest kicks off. I'll check out the international performers and blog a report. I plan to catch the new Balancing Chinese Monks and a few other acts. Saturday night I'm on to the New Americana Theatre for the Haygoods new show ... and new digs. Haygoods always entertain. Sunday morning Titanic is the first stop, then it's off to Ride the Ducks. I have to stop in at the Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not to check things out. Hollywood Wax is in the midst of a big remodel.

Branson is banking big on a dry spring with plenty of visitors to help struggle through the economic downturn. They are well positioned to do it. The new airport will help make that happen.

Branson bound ... see ya soon.

A new show opened recently at The New Americana Theatre.

"The theatre debuted Cassandre' Voice of an Angel on March 16th. It's an all new show for 2009 and features Cassandre’ Faimon-Haygood, wife of Timothy Haygood. Cassandre' sings time-honored classics and contemporary hits backed by a live eight piece orchestra," according to a news release. (photo courtesy New Americana)



"Cassandre' has been featured in Silver Dollar City's productions of For the Glory, Dicken's Christmas Carol, and Headin' West for the last 9 years. Now, she steps into the heart of Branson to entertain concertgoers with pop, Broadway, classical, and gospel songs." (photo courtesy New Americana)

I will talk to Cassandre' later this week and get back with some information.

The Branson Area Chamber of Commerce announned the reopening the Point Royal Golf Village in a news release today.

BRANSON, Mo. — Pointe Royal Golf Village officials will officially reopen the 18-hole championship golf course beside Lake Taneycomo with a ribbon-cutting and media tours at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1.

The ribbon-cutting conducted by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce will take place at Tee #1 across from the Clubhouse, followed by a tour of the course for media.

The $1.5 million golf course re-do included new bent grass on greens and zosia collars, said golf pro Jeff Walster. Sand traps also were redone with zosia linings and new sand.

The Clubhouse also is open after a $3 million remodeling. Pointe Royale was built as a planned development in 1986. It has many beautiful private residences and is home to several area entertainers including Andy Williams. The development also has numerous condominiums in a nightly rental program.

For more information, call Ann Sweet at 417-294-1799 or email ann@pointeroyalegolfvillage.com. Or call Walster at 334-4477.

Just a week after announcing Sun Country Airlines service from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Branson, a second Sun Country route is ready for takeoff. Sun Country, Branson Airport's second confirmed carrier, will provide direct service to Dallas International Airport (DFW) beginning May, 11 when the new $155 million single-runway, privately- financed airport opens to commercial service. The Dallas route marks the fourth destination served by the new facility. Flights will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday featuring a $79 one-way fare.

AirTran Airways will provide service to and from Atlanta and Milwaukee.

I learned some sad news this morning.
Jack, Carol Parker’s husband of more than 50 years, passed Monday.



Whenever I had the opportunity to hang with the Parkers, it was a great time. In Joplin at Chamber of Commerce after-hour’s events, Jack was always at Carol’s side as she spread charm around the room. In Branson, on media junkets, Jack was Carol’s wing man too. He always joke he was just along for the ride. When you read Jack's obit it’s easy to understand why he was loved. He was a devoted family man, a friend to most and a funny guy. As Mike Pound worked on his Wednesday column remembering Jack, we traded Parker stories and laughed. Jack Parker will be missed. (Photo: Jack and Carol Parker)

I’m a little out of touch with Branson this week. I’m in Oklahoma City on a lil’ R&R and will be back on the Branson beat next week.

A couple of weeks ago I spent some time with Carol Parker and profiled for a Globe Let’s Eat feature.



The story includes a slide show of some of Carol’s big-time gets … Willie Nelson, Al Roker to name a couple. I’ve known Carol for about ten years. I loves me some Carol Parker. Jack, her husband is a great guy too. (Globe photo//T. Rob Brown)


The KSNF-TV veteran and longtime Branson supporter is celebrating 35 years on the air in Joplin. It’s her devotion to covering Branson entertainment that has always impressed me. Carol knew long ago Branson had a big future and she started making the contacts needed to take advantage of it. When you hang with Carol in Branson, it’s like being with Ozark’s royalty. She holds court. Everyone knows Carol. More importantly, they respect her. I hope Carol and I will cross paths this spring in Branson. She’s a great lady.