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Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull Articles

Branson's Adoration Parade Route and Map

Map and parade route for Branson's 60th Adoration Parade begining with the Nativity Scene Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. December 7. 2008. The parade will start.... ...
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Mishka bears all at Branson show

On June 23, "Mishka the Russian Bears" started their limited engagement at Yakov's Moscow Circus. ...
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Three fun ways to stay cool and beat the heat in Branson

ccording to Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center, is that Branson has lots of ways to stay cool and beat the heat of summer. "Three that can really cool off Branson visitors... ...
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Cruising Branson's Lakes

For those who might want to slow down, relax, and have a unique entertainment experience, a cruise on one of Branson's two major lakes, Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo might just fill the bill. ...
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Redhead Express moves to Dutton Family Theatre

The Walker Family a.k.a. the "Redhead Express""will be performing at the Dutton Family Theatre starting on July 6, at 2:00 p.m. " ...
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Original unique new Branson kid's show will "Rock U Mentally LIVE!"

An inspiring show features exciting original music, awesome choreography, larger than life costumed characters, a thrilling... ...
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What a country, what a show, what a man, and what fun

From its "Star Spangled" beginning the audience at the Yakov Smirnoff Show knows they are in for something special. Yakov's unique blend of humor, variety, personality, natural unforced patriotism ...
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Branson's White Water hosts "Care for Kids"Benefit

The Silver Dollar City Foundation is sponsoring a benefit for the Foundation's "Care For Kids" program at Branson's White Water on Saturday, June 20th, from 3:00p.m to8:00 p.m. ...
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Central Pro-Am Association partners with Professional Anglers Association

In striving to give its fishermen a better fishing experience the CPAA has just announced a partnership with one of the fastest growing fishing associations in the country, the Professional Anglers Association (PAA). ...
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Will Branson show bare it all?

There is an unconfirmed rumor going around Branson that "Yakov's Moscow Circus" will bare it all on or about June 23. ...
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Branson celebrates Fourth of July with multiple fireworks displays

Branson, Missouri "the Live Music Show Capital of the World," will be celebrating America's Independence Day and the Fourth of July with a number of fireworks displays and celebrations. ...
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JEERK featured at Silver Dollar City's KidsFest

In terms of fun and excitement, Silver Dollar City's "Kidsfest" running from June 6 through August 9...the first U.S. performance of JEERK, a Swedish super group ...
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First step on a walk into Branson's history

Oh, most people see the parking lot and public restroom, but don't realize that they are looking at the very spot where "It all started." ...
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Choices Branson air travelers make can cost time and money

The good news for Branson air travelers is that in doing so it forced the air carriers flying into SFG to lower their fares to compete. The result is competitive lower airfares for travelers flying into Branson. ...
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Branson's unique tourism tripod

Yet, if Branson were a camera sitting on a tripod, it would be supported by the three legs Branson's Shows, Silver Dollar City, and Table Rock Lake. ...
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Debby Boone lights up Branson

Debbie Boone, who made the song "You Light Up My Life" one of the biggest hits of all time is lighting up Branson. She is in town promoting the show she will be doing during Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas. ...
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Branson's White Water turns water on for summer fun and adventure

Where in Branson can visitors surf? At the same place where they can enjoy 7,000 feet of water slides and 12 acres of water fun and excitement White Water. ...
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Magic, Fun. and comedy are not an illusion at Hamner Barber Variety Show

...keeping the audience waiting in anticipation for what is coming next and it makes no difference whether the age of the audience member is 10 or 70. ...
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Now is the Time to Plan a Vacation to Branson

A paraphrase of the title of a recent article entitled, "Travel Experts Say Now is the Time to Plan a Vacation," published on the KSMU Ozarks Public Radio website could be "Now is the Time to Plan a Vacation to Branson. ...
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Great granddaughter of Titanic survivor has Titanic wedding

Melissa Vartanian, the great granddaughter of Titanic survivor David Vartanian was married recently... ...
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Ozark Mountains come from the sea and top down

As one looks at the beauty of the Ozark Mountains today it is hard to imagine just where a "sea" fits into Branson's history. What should be understood however is that over a billion years before there was a Branson or Ozark Mountains ...
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It is a reality Branson will help NBC surprise America

Can it be "reality" if it's a secret? It can if it's NBC's newest reality show, a portion of it is being filmed in Branson and Lynn Berry, Director of Public Relations, Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau says it is. ...
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Accessibility is a unique Branson show tradition

One characteristic that, in terms of the vast majority of its shows, is unique to Branson, the accessibility of its entertainers. ...
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Emerson and Hedgpeth win $10k Table Rock Skeeter Tour

With a total of 72 teams competing, the local team of Randy Emerson and Ron Hedgpeth won 1st place and $10,000.00 by over 4.5 pounds over their closest competitors with an impressive five fish limit weighing 23.83 pounds. T ...
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A unique entertainment experience Silver Dollar City, Bluegrass, BBQ and Branson

DC indicates that 2009 will be the " "biggest show year ever" and a look at the shows and talent that will be coming to SDC as part of its next festival, the "Bluegrass & BBQ Festival," running from May 13 to May 31, shows why. ...
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"Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love" and "Our Sinatra" celebrates two of the greatest

Two of America's most honored singers are represented in Branson's two newest shows "Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love" and "Our Sinatra." The shows are presented by the "American Songbook Dinner Theatre" at the ...
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As Ozark Mountain Spring winds down Branson Tourism comes into full bloom

As Branson newest event, Ozark Mountain Spring, enters its last month, it signals that... ...
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Plumb Nellie Days enhances Branson tourism

Plumb Nellie Day is a springtime tradition featuring arts and crafts, sidewalk sales, live music, entertainment, the Outrageous Dog Show, a book signing, and other family fun. ...
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Legends in Concert - a super show of super stars

Saying the "Legends in Concert Show" is just another tribute show is like saying the "Kentucky Derby" is just another horse race. There are horse races and there is the Kentucky Derby. There are tribute shows and there is ...
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Annual cleanup removes 14 tons of trash from Table Rock Lake shoreline

Tourists, visitors, and locals using Table Rock Lake for recreation will be enjoying a cleaner shore line thanks to the recent efforts of hundreds of volunteers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Table Rock Water Quality Inc. ...
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Branson welcoming signs one step closer

Currently, Branson bound tourists and visitors traveling north and south on U.S. Highway 65 see the standard highway signs... ...
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Fight Cancer - Eat lots of food!

Eating lots of food is probably not a good idea all the time, but, in terms of fighting cancer, it can be an excellent idea if it is done at Chili's Restaurant, 1150 Branson Hills Parkway on Tuesday May 5th between 4:00 p.m. and closing. ...
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DWI a Branson experience no one wants

The message is clear to both local residents and visitors alike driving in the Branson area, "Don't drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs." ...
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Special Branson Landing ceremony to honor Purple Heart Recipients

...but perhaps none will be more special to the heart beat of Branson than the "Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients," an event honoring ...
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"Start your ovens," Branson's Great American Pie Show is underway

Branson's First Great American Pie Show is going to get a great start. The pie show's guest celebrity judge, Al Roker, the meteorologist on the NBC "Today show," will be broadcasting a number of live weather cut-ins... ...
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The Twelve Irish Tenors - A special Branson entertainment experience

..."what happens" in this show is the presentation of some of the most beautiful, powerful and inspirational musical vocals one is likely to hear not only in Branson but anywhere. ...
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Comedy is in Branson show genes

Comedy was part of the original foundation upon which two of Branson's longest running shows were built and is no less important to those shows today than it was then. ...
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Branson Landing not impacted by GGP Bankruptcy

The operation of Branson's largest shopping attraction, Branson Landing, will not be effected by what is being described as one of the largest commercial real estate failures in history. ...
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Historic downtown Branson celebrates "Plumb Nellie Days"

Branson's Ozark Mountain Spring Festival covers over 40 different events. Some of those events such as ...Others like Historic Downtown Branson's "Plumb Nellie Days," being celebrated May 15-17, are an ingrained part of Branson's history and heritage. ...
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"Military Order of the Purple Heart" Joins Branson in Saluting Purple Heart Recipients

In an April 13 press release, the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) said it "is proud to announce its participation in the special salute to Purple Heart veterans by Branson.Com on April 24-25, 2009." ...
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50's At The Hop rocks to the rock and roll era

"50's At The Hop" is an entertaining fast paced musical tribute to the rock and roll era music of the 50's and "rocks" for all ages. ...
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12 finalists key ingredient in Branson's Great American Pie show

The announcement of the 12 finalist the first Branson Great American Pie Show this week was a major key ingredient in the "making" of Branson's first Great American Pie Show (Pie Show). ...
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Resurfacing to cause traffic delays on Highway 265

Branson tourists and locals planning on using State Highway 265, a popular route to and from Branson's Silver Dollar City and other points west of Silver Dollar City should plan for delays during the week of April 13. ...
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Hollister celebrates Sixth Annual Founder's Day Celebration

On Saturday, May 2, fun and history will permeate the day as the city of Hollister celebrates its Sixth Annual Founder's Day. According to Rob Dixon, Executive Director of the Hollister Chamber of Commerce, "Beginning at 10:00 a.m... ...
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Jim Stafford Show demonstrates why it's celebrating 20th year

First and foremost, this is a show by a family for families that will hold the interest of not only adults, but kids. Everyone is on the edge of their seats wondering what Jim is going to come up with next. ...
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Wheel of Fortune Wheelmobile wheels into Branson

The "Wheel of Fortune's "Wheelmobile" will be in Branson at the Welk Resort Theatre between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on May 9 and 10 conducting the preliminary screening process before the final Wheel of Fortune contestant auditions. ...
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Branson's "Broadway" - a spectacular entertainment experience

From beginning to end, this show has the audience enraptured with the beauty of its dancing, vocals, choreography, costume changes, and energy. ...
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Branson area offers children a variety of Easter Egg Hunts and activities

It looks like Branson's Easter Bunny is going to be acting more like the "Energizer Bunny" on April 11. He has no less than three scheduled appearances and three Easter Egg Hunts to get ready for the children ...
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Five free "family friendly" things to do in Branson

Even in a value destination like Branson, there are free things families can do that will add even more value and stretch their vacation dollars farther. ...
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Ozark Mountain Spring's April highlighted by Purple Hearts, pies and World-Fest

Branson is celebrating spring with a new community wide festival called "Ozark Mountain Spring"... April is the month during which Branson's Ozark Mountain Spring really comes into full bloom. ...
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Davis brothers win $10,000 in CPAA Skeeter Tour Bass Tournament

First place prize of $10,000 was won by the team of Jimmy Davis, Jr. and Jackie Davis, brothers from Willard, with a total weight of 24.44 pounds. They won an additional $630.00 for catching... ...
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Branson's Elvis Festival features "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest"

Even in Branson where Elvis is portrayed on a daily basis by Dean Z and others in the "Legends in Concert The World's Greatest Live Tribute Show," Dave Ehlert in "Elvis and the Super Stars" and Tony Roi in "Tony Roi's Elvis Experience" April 18 will be a special day for Elvis fans. ...
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Annual Table Rock shoreline cleanup needs volunteers

One of Branson's greatest tourism and scenic assets is Table Rock Lake, but trash ending up on the shoreline of the lake happens even though, in a perfect world, it shouldn't. 2009's annual shoreline cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 4. ...
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Branson.Com and Missouri Wine Festival Announce Marketing Partnership

Branson.com and the Missouri Wine Festival, announced a marketing partnership promoting the celebrations of Missouri wines and artesian cheeses and the honoring of America's Purple Heart Recipients ...
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New CPAA bass tournament format proves successful

The first tournament of the "2009 Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA) Schedule," sponsored by Skeeter/Yamaha is history. The bass tournament was held recently on Beaver Lake with the take off and weigh in at Prairie Creek ...
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Garrett's "A Tribute to John Denver" is a Branson "Gem"

James Garrett's "A Tribute to John Denver" is a show that doesn't have the marketing, star power, or "big" production style of some Branson's better known shows, but what it does offer is two plus hours of some of the most enjoyable entertainment in Branson ...
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Family Spring Break Week in Branson

Then there is the Branson type of "family" Spring Break emphasizing togetherness, fun and the type of entertainment that creates the type of memories most people want to remember and share with others. ...
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Branson to honor Purple Heart Recipients

At a recent press conference Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Public Relations and Advertising, Branson.Com, announced a new event entitled "Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients." ...
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Missouri wine with Easter ham and chocolate bunnies

In Branson, Missouri, as is the case in a lot of other places, wine with Easter Dinner is not common. Mount Pleasant Winery, with wineries in Branson and Augusta, Missouri, ... ...
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A rainy day in Branson still means family fun

The good news about a visit to Branson, Missouri is there are a wide variety of fun filled exciting shows, attractions, and activities that are not weather dependent. ...
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Walker's 26 pound 11 ounce limit leads Table Rock FLW after Day 1

Branson's weather threatened snow on the first day of the FLW-Mart Tour Bass Tournament on Table Rock Lake March 12 - 15, but it didn't seem to hold the competitors back much. ...
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Even an iconic Branson show doesn't change by osmosis

The only way a show survives year after year, in Branson, Missouri, is if it gives its audiences an entertainment experience that they will remember, share with others and return to see again. Presleys' Country Jubilee has been doing exactly that for over 40 years. ...
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Titanic Irish Festival enhances an already great experience

The entire month of March the museum is celebrating "Titanic Honors the Irish" an event dedicated to the Irish involvement with the RMS Titanic from its building and routing to the composition of its crew and passengers on its fateful voyage. ...
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Branson's "SIX" show gets great overview on 1Branson.Com

A March 3 article entitled "1Branson.Com poster's overview on Branson show 'SIX," posted on www.news.branson.com used an unusual way informing people about the ...
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Basketball's "Big Show" being played in Branson

Branson's basketball "Big Show" is the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Championship which will be played at the College of the Ozarks Keeter Gymnasium March 11-17. ...
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Branson shows the Lucia Branson "zig zag"

As compared to some of the more exciting things Branson has to offer, Branson's zig zag streets might not be at the top of the list of things most visitors plan to experience while in Branson. However, they can certainly provide a pleasant... ...
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An Ole Seagull's last column is but a "Letter to the Editor"

Someone a lot wiser than an Ole Seagull said, "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven." Although perhaps not soon enough for some, the Ole Seagull's "appointed time" as a columnist has come to an end. ...
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Branson celebrates spring early with Ozark Mountain Spring

Although technically spring doesn't start until the vernal equinox occurs on March 20, Branson, Missouri's "spring" will start on March 1 with the celebration of its new event, "Ozark Mountain Spring." ...
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Public invited to Purple Heart Recipients press event

All those interested in participating in or getting additional information on Branson's first "Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients" event, to be held on April 24-25, are invited to attend a press conference/meeting at the Hamner Barber Theatre at 2:00 p.m. on March 3. ...
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Branson's Dutton Family adds new meaning to the term "Off Season"

For most Branson shows the "off season" provides a respite between one season and the next, but the Dutton's idea of the "off season" adds new meaning to the term. ...
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Snowden places third in Bassmaster Classic

They say, "The third time is the charm," but Table Rock Guide, Brian Snowden, might favor the fourth time. After fishing in the prestigious Bassmaster Classic three previous times ...
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Are Branson's Tri-Lakes "the fresh water fishing capital of the world?"

It is hard to imagine any other area where the same fishing quality and experience is provided in a more convenient or accessible manner. One thing is for sure, there is no other area where this variety of fishing is offered within minutes of each other and the all the shows, attractions, entertainment, and shopping that Branson has to offer. ...
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Live music shows are Branson's entertainment heart

Who could have known back in 1959 that when the Mabe family started performing their country music variety show called the "Baldknobbers," in a small 50 seat basement room in the Branson Community Center, the show would still be going 50 years later? ...
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Branson third most budget friendly destination in America

Now the rest of the world knows what travelers to Branson, Missouri have known for years, Branson is one of the top travel values in the country! On February 17, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) published a... ...
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Dixie Stampede adds flying machetes to flying hooves

It's hard to think of a way that one of Branson's perennial favorite attractions "Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction" can give even more value and entertainment to its guests. Well, how about by adding some flying machetes, a military reunion tribute for veterans, a world class juggler, a new... ...
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"Passion," a great reason to visit Branson, Missouri

At first, with its reputation for being a family destination, to say "passion" is a reason to visit Branson almost appears to be an oxymoron. On reflection however, ...
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Baldknobbers, the show that started 50 years of Branson shows

Called "the show that started it all," the Baldknobbers was started to provide night time fun and entertainment for visiting tourists, primarily fishermen. The show's simple format was entertaining, blending original unique comedy routines with popular country music presented by the Mabe brothers, Bob, Bill, Jim and Lyle along with the help of Delbert Howard and Chick Allen. ...
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Branson Airport is about as private as Dr. Jekyll is "Cinderella"

"The airport can do whatever it wants to do because it's private." That's true if the airport is truly private, but from its inception, to this point, that makes about as much sense as saying Dr. Jekyll is "Cinderella." ...
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Laughter and music - the Comedy Jamboree has it all

For a great afternoon of Branson comedy, music, and just plain fun, the Grand Country Music Hall's "Comedy Jamboree" would be hard to beat. The show has a variety of comedy and music that's' thoroughly entertaining. ...
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Branson Airport service westbound weak

...viable connections with same day service on both the outbound and return flights for Milwaukee, Baltimore, New York City, Minneapolis, Boston, Orlando, and Atlanta," the same cannot be said for the connections to the west. ...
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Presleys' goal is making each year's show new, fresh and exciting

Steve Presley said all the year to year planning and changes are dedicated to the same thing each performance of the show is, giving the audience a fresh exciting entertainment experience they will not only enjoy, but will return to see again. ...
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The "Great Branson Marketing Idea Show"

Like a lot of people, the Ole Seagull is no more of an expert on pie shows than he is a marketing expert. But, that doesn't mean he doesn't have an idea or two about pie shows or marketing. Here's a great marketing idea, how about using the internet to market Branson? ...
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Branson, romance and Valentine's Day go together

With its many restaurants and shows offering a choice for every taste and budget, Branson has a variety of ways to share Valentine's Day with that special someone. ...
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Branson's biggest show of 2009 is Hot!

"Branson's 15th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show," will really kick the celebration into gear when some of Branson's best performers come together in a one of kind show. The fun and excitement will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9... ...
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Making your personal Branson event special

Until now, no major Branson business has specialized in combining all that Branson has to offer, in one place, to specifically help people plan their own personal special event in Branson. That has changed. Branson Tourism Center has established a ...
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Kewpiesta celebrates Rose O'Neill and her Kewpies

Branson's "Kewpiesta" is an annual commemoration of the "Kewpie" and its creator Rose O'Neill, which has become an Ozarks tradition since its initial beginning in 1967. It is a combination of Rose O'Neill and Kewpie events that is unmatched ...
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Attack nay, intercept you may, but "ours is but to do or die"

Interestingly, last week's column entitled "Mirror mirror on the wall, who brings Branson most of all?" evoked a response that was 100 wrong. There were those who disagreed with the column because they perceived the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB (CVB) was being attacked and there were those that agreed with the column because they perceived the CVB was being attacked. Both were wrong. ...
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Branson ready after major ice storm

An article published at news.branson.com entitled, "Branson's Hot Winter Fun back on track after major ice storm," describes that Branson, Missouri is basically ready to continue to do what it does best, entertain its guests. What's amazing is that it is taking place in spite of just having gone through one of the worst winter storms Branson has seen in decades. ...
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Engler Block ceases operation as craftsmen venue

...called "Engler Block," where practicing craftsmen and artisans put on a special "show" as they practiced their crafts and art. That unique "show" will be ending as of Feb. 1. ...
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Branson's Ozark Mountain Spring is more than "an" event

Branson is welcoming spring and kicking off its season with a brand new event, "Ozark Mountain Spring." Actually, it's much more than "an" event, it's a collection of over ...
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"Mirror mirror on the wall, who brings Branson most of all?

The queen, in the movie "Snow White," was concerned about whether or not she was the fairest in the land...Maybe, just maybe, those government officials with a responsibility and true concern for the marketing of Branson should be asking the magic mirror, "Mirror mirror on the wall, who brings Branson most of all." ...
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Grand Country's Amazing Pet Show truly amazes

Branson, Missouri is known for its fantastic selection and variety of shows, but of all the shows Branson offers there are very few of them that will hold the interest of a child for more than a few minutes. Grand Country's Amazing Pet Show is one of those shows. ...
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Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients

In Branson, Missouri, where honoring veterans, active duty military and their families is a passion, another event honoring them is not surprising. What is surprising is the uniqueness of the "Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients" event, the sponsorship of the event, and that all of the events scheduled activities are free to Purple Heart Recipients. ...
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Are there positions taken when an issue is put on a ballot?

It seems the hot issue in Taney County, Hollister, and Branson, Missouri over the last couple of weeks, and particularly this coming week, is the rush for Taney County to put the financing for the East West Corridor (EWC) and an Events Center (EC) on the ballot for the April election. ...
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Ozark Mountain Spring to "refresh" Branson's spring

...formal announcement of a new Branson event called "Ozark Mountain Spring." Mary Kellogg, the co-owner of the "Titanic - Worlds Largest Museum Attraction" and one of the community leaders championing Ozark Mountain Spring, described the event as a way of "refreshing our guest's experience" and "giving them added value." ...
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Branson entertainment warms up for February

From polar bears to sweethearts and comedy to legends, even the cold temperatures of February warm to the increasing availability of the entertainment for which Branson, Missouri is noted ...
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Central Pro-Am Tournament Association - has new Branson owner

The Central Pro-Am Tournament Association (CPAA), a long time provider of local pro-am bass tournaments in the Branson and other areas of south west Missouri and northern Arkansas, has recently been acquired by long time competitive bass fisherman and local Branson businessman, Jim Thompson. ...
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Oh, be still my beating heart, rumors of no Branson pie show!

It's not a rumor, no matter how BransonFest has done in the past, good bad or indifferent, it isn't going to do anything in Branson this year...the Titanic's Mary Kellogg said "Branson's First Annual Great American Pie Show" would be held at the Branson Convention ...
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"White Flight" at Branson's Butterfly Place is unique

Even in Branson, how can anyone describe a butterfly as "simply incredible?" Well, actually, it's pretty easy when that butterfly is a White Butterfly flying with thousands of other White Butterflies in a rain forest sparkling with thousands of lights, living angel ...
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AFCO - Branson Airport developer and minority owner

Information on AFCO's web site, regarding its involvement with the Branson Airport, states "In its role as developer, AFCO is responsible for overseeing the design and construction of the project" and that "AFCO has a minority ownership and sits on the board of Branson Airport LLC." ...
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