Branson celebrates 100 years of family entertainment

When Harold Bell Wright first published The Shepherd of the Hills in 1907, he could never have imagined the impact that his best-selling novel would have in bringing visitors to the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri. The tale is still told each summer evening at the Shepherd of the Hills outdoor pageant, based on actual events and inspired by the book that helped spark the beginning of the area’s tourism.

Branson’s popularity as mid-America’s live entertainment destination, with its traditional American values and Ozark Mountain hospitality, continues to bring in folks from all over. They come to see more than 100 shows featuring renowned entertainment, enjoy the many family attractions, and relax in naturally scenic surroundings.

Add to that the latest shoppers’ paradise, some new and different musical fare, additions to those already popular attractions and an elegant spa, and groups find themselves in one of the most popular destinations in the United States. “Branson has a unique combination of world-class live entertainment, shopping and dining, along with being close to outdoor and lake recreation.

Along with our famous Ozarks hospitality, this really sets Branson apart from other destinations,” according to Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area CVB. New in 2007, Silver Dollar City, the awardwinning 1880s theme park, presents the Giant Swing, a $6-million ride that launches riders more than seven stories in the air – and nearly upside down – at rollercoaster speeds.

The internationally awarded theme park debuts its newest ride during World-Fest, the first of six festivals, with performers from six continents, including the Zunyi Acrobats of China and Polynesian Fireknife dancers. In other festival news, Bluegrass & BBQ brings in top performers in American bluegrass music, including performances by Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent and The Grascals, and a huge barbecue feast. Throughout summer, Kids’ Fest features the new show “Circus of the Century – On Ice,” along with performing dogs and Kid Concoctions.

Southern Gospel Picnic presents gospel artists from Dottie Rambo to The Isaacs. The Festival of American Music & Crafts features hundreds of the nation’s best artisans and musicians, a new production called “Headin’ West,” and a special performance by cowboy-music icon Michael Martin Murphey. An Old Time Christmas, ranked one of the world’s top holiday events by CNN.com, features a new Christmas Light Spectacular around the Square, a Holiday Light Parade, the popular production A Dickens Christmas Carol and more than four million lights.

Now in its second year, the World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction, a 17,000-square-foot, ship-shaped structure built half-scale to Titanic’s original size, is adding over $1 million in new group experiences in 2007. Groups arriving at the attraction can stroll through the new ‘London Waterloo Train Station,’ replicating the experience of the ship’s most affluent passengers in 1912 on its maiden voyage. And the all-new TITANIC audio tour, featuring stories told by the ship’s actual survivors, guides groups on an emotional and personal journey through 20 galleries on two decks with more than 400 priceless artifacts.

TITANIC’S new webcam offers a live bird’s-eye view of TITANIC, the new ‘train station,’ and the Branson Strip (Hwy. 76). Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, already the home of Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley, Fabian, Paul Revere  the Raiders and more, celebrates 50 Years of Cool Cars & Rock Stars with a new matinee production show commemorating 50 years of American Bandstand.

By Lynne Berry Courtesy of leisuregrouptravel.com