Great American Pie Show in Branson is Cooking Up Some Fun

Taste of Home Magazine and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB present Branson’s Great American Pie Show (a contest) Friday, April 24 – Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Branson Convention Center. America’s favorite weatherman, Al Roker from the Today Show, will be a celebrity judge on Saturday, April 25th. Twelve finalists from across the country selected by the culinary experts at Taste of Home will compete for the Grand Prize of $2500 cash, plus a 4-day/3-night fun filled trip for two. Contestants will compete in the following categories: Fruit Pies, Nut Pies, Refrigerator/Freezer Pies and Pudding/Cream/Custard Pies. Celebrity cooking demonstrations and a Marketplace with culinary related exhibitors are planned for both days. Pie Show/Marketplace general admission is $5 per day with tickets available for purchase on-site the day of the event. A complete schedule of events is available at www.GreatAmericanPieShow.com.

Friday, April 24
Great American Pie Show Semi Finals 9 am-2pm
Exhibits Open 8 am - 5 pm
Great American Pie Show Judging 2 pm
Taste of Home Cooking School 3 pm-5pm
Announcement of GAPS Finalists 4 pm

Saturday, April 25
Exhibits Open 8 am - 5 pm
Great American Pie Show Finals 9 am - 11 am
Peoples Choice Pie Judging 1 pm
Great American Pie Show Judging 2 am
Taste of Home Cooking School 2pm-4pm
Awards Presentation 4 pm

The Taste of Home Cooking School—Made Easy is an onstage program of 7-8 recipes that offers quick and easy dishes along with craft and decorating ideas. Enjoy the great live cooking demos with top culinary specialist, Martha Schwend. Hosted by Janet Lennon (Lennon Sisters) and Janet Ellis (KRZK On-Air Radio Personality) with special appearances by area entertainers, this is an afternoon not to be missed! Take home fabulous recipes, creative cooking tips and a free gift bag! All ticket holders will be entered to win fantastic door prizes! Visit the Marketplace with culinary related exhibitors! Cooking School: Friday, April 24th starts at 3 p.m. and Saturday, April 25th starts at 2 p.m. Doors open to the Cooking School 3 hours prior to the start time each day. First 100 ticket holders in attendance on Saturday will participate in Great American Pie Show People’s Choice pie judging at 1 p.m. Marketplace exhibits are open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission to Pie Show and Marketplace is included in Cooking School ticket price. Tickets are $15 (plus service charge and tax) at www.ticketmaster.com/outlets or (800) 745-3000.

Magnificent Variety Show Moves to Osmond Theatre

The Magnificent Variety Show, formerly known as the Magnificent 7 Variety Show, has a new home for the 2009 season. Their new location will be the Osmond Theatre, located at 3216 W. Hwy 76 Branson. The show will also be lead by Joe & Tamra Tinoco, and will feature more than 75 musical performances spotlighting music from the 1940’s through today. As the name suggests, the show features a variety of music including everything from country to Latin to Broadway.

World-Fest at Silver Dollar City 2009

World-Fest returns to Silver Dollar City in 2009 starting April 4. This unique event is a spring staple in Branson and it brings international performers from around the world to this Midwestern heartland for an event that celebrates the cultures of the world. This year’s festival features the Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China, a troupe of two dozen acrobats and head-balancing monks who demonstrate an incredible mastery of mind and body. World-Fest at Silver Dollar City runs from April 4 – May 3.

Other exciting additions to the World-Fest include a Peruvian dance troupe named Jallmay, percussionists from Ghana known as Dzenbii, who combine tribal rhythms and dance, and New Zealand’s banjo queen Jenny Blackadder.

Silver Dollar City is also presenting their largest Irish production ever with Ireland’s Feet of Fire. With a cast of almost two dozen acclaimed dancers, the Feet of Fire Dance Show features a dramatic stage show with live Irish music, champion step dancers and artists presenting symbolic fire dancing.

World-Fest is also presenting performers from other corners of the world, including the Invaders, a steel drum band from Trinidad, who perform music of the Caribbean Islands, and the Russian Academic Band, a brass ensemble performing Russian & American Jazz classics. Wayne Horsburgh, and Australian musician who performs American country and Australian classics, will be performing as well in his last World-Fest appearance.

The World-Fest event at Silver Dollar City Branson is also a great time to try delicious food from around the world. The international cuisine offered at Tastes of the World includes Greek salads, tasty Irish stews, international flavors of coke and tempting desserts like tiramisu. Or, if you would like to learn to cook these delicious delectable’s guests can attend the Culinary & Craft School at Silver Dollar City where classes teach participants how to make anything from French crepes to Asian stir-fry.

Silver Dollar City tickets are available now. Special Silver Dollar City Branson Packages are available as well.

Branson Airport adds Dallas to Flight Schedule

The Branson Airport has added another destination to their flight schedule. Sun Country, a low-fare passenger carrier they recently partnered with for flights from St. Paul Minnesota, will now be offering nonstop service from Dallas to Branson, Missouri.

Sun Country will be flying to Branson out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport three days a week (Monday, Wednesdays, & Saturdays.) Flights from Branson to Dallas will depart at 9:35am and arrive at 10:55am. Flights from Dallas to Branson will depart at 11:45am and arrive at 1pm. Introductory rates for a one-way ticket will be $79.

Branson is a popular entertainment destination. With over 70 great Branson shows, outdoor recreation activities, theme parks and more, Branson has become the place to travel for family fun.

The Branson Airport opens in May.

Branson Titanic Museum Announces Spring Events

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson Missouri has a full schedule of activities and special events line-up for 2009. Here are a few of the Spring Events they have planned:

British Car Show
Friday, April 10 & April 11

The British are coming! The British are coming! And you’re invited, too! Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with British automotive royalty — Jaguars, MGAs MGBs, Austin Healeys and more. Join us for the Greater Ozarks British Motoring Club’s Classic Car Show, an exclusive Titanic Museum Attraction event. These rare classic motor cars will be on public display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Pull your own wheels into Titanic’s lot, where parking’s always free.

3rd Year World Wide Event – Ham Radio Operators
Saturday, April 11

Ham radio operators worldwide will participate in this very special broadcast originating from the Titanic Museum Attraction. To commemorate the 97th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic and honor the wireless operators who sent the distress signals, ham operators from Branson to Belfast, Ireland, will transmit news of the anniversary using a special call sign and signals. We invite visitors to witness this live event, which offers a firsthand look at the fragile and primitive nature of communication at sea in 1912.

Titanic Princess Tea Parties, Part I
Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26

Sit up straight and mind your manners. It’s time for Titanic Museum Attraction’s first Princess Tea Parties of 2009. These bi-annual parties are Titanic’s biggest, most popular mother-daughter events of the year. Jamie, Titanic First Class maid, will welcome the little princesses and introduce them to time-honored rituals of gracious living — from mini-manners and etiquette lessons to proper table settings, serving skills and polite conversation. Titanic Princess Tea Parties include a grand tour of the museum following each event. Reservations Required.

Duttons Add Luigi's Pizza Kitchen to Theater Complex

The Duttons have a new attraction at their theater – Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen! Opening in early April, the Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen will replace the Dutton Deli as the restaurant on-site. The restaurant will be full service and cater to all Branson guests. They will also be responsible for the free meal included with the popular Island Fire Show, which opened their third season on March 14th. With Luigi’s on site, the Dutton Hotel also expects guests to take advantage of the delicious menu items served daily.

Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen currently has two other locations in Branson, but this is their first location on the famous Hwy 76, otherwise known as Country Music Boulevard.

The Duttons will open their 2009 season on April 2, and they are promising an all-new show for the new season. With the talent they demonstrate each year, it is sure to be a tremendous production.

For Branson show schedules, reservations or additional information on Branson entertainment, contact ReserveBranson online or by phone at 1-800-590-0155.

Branson Blooms with Entertainment this Spring

From March through May, Ozark Mountain Spring’s full calendar will feature the thrill of NAIA college basketball and one of the nation’s largest air shows; collector car auctions and culinary demonstrations; FLW bass tournaments, as well as the international folk music and cuisines of World-Fest at Silver Dollar City and historic downtown’s Plumb Nellie Days, to name just a few.

New in 2009, The Great American Pie Show, featuring NBC’s Al Roker from the “TODAY” show as a celebrity judge, will be held April 24-25 at the Branson Convention Center. Culinary events are popular nationwide and Taste of Home magazine’s cooking demonstrations will be a part of the festivities that weekend. For more information, visit tasteofhome.com/cooking-schools.

Special events are planned each week during Ozark Mountain Spring, including Legends in Concert and Elvis Presley Enterprises 3rd annual “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest,” the Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show, Kewpiesta at Rose O’Neill’s beloved Bonniebrook and Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival.

Branson Airport, the first privately operated commercial service airport in the United States, will host one of the nation’s largest air shows during its grand opening celebration May 8-10.

• The Baldknobbers Jamboree will celebrate its 50-year anniversary of music and comedy in 2009.

• The Welk Resort Theatre has added Lee Greenwood and the Bellamy Brothers to its fall line-up.

• Andy Williams Moon River Theatre will welcome Righteous Brother Bill Medley, Paul Revere & the Raiders and The Original Comets.

• The Haygoods, Tony Roi, plus Red, Hot & Blue, have moved to the New Americana Theatre. The Haygoods have added a fourth show in 2009 — “Cassandré, The Voice of An Angel,” with a full production show of pop, Broadway and classical songs backed by a 10-piece orchestra.

• RedHead Express has a new show at the Circle B Chuckwagon. The band has just come off a winter tour of the South and the Appalachian Mountains, bringing with them a new producer, new CD and sound.

• #1 Hits of the 60’s Show has moved to the Caravelle Theatre.

• Mary Duff will co-star with Daniel O’Donnell and then perform in her own show for limited dates in May.

Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Branson Airport Announces Additional Carrier for Non-Stop Flights

Sun Country Airlines today announced exclusive non-stop service from the Twin Cities to Branson, MO beginning May 11, 2009. The airline will fly to the popular tourist destination Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and will feature a $79 one-way* introductory fare. Sun Country offers the only non-stop service to Branson out of the Twin Cities.

Branson is best known for live entertainment, family attractions, award-winning theme parks, outdoor recreation and its warm Ozark Mountain hospitality. The destination features more than 100 live shows with talent such as the legendary Andy Williams and Broadway’s “Peter Pan”. Branson’s entertainment also includes comedy, acrobats, magic and the World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction.

“We are excited about Sun Country’s service and the grand opening of the Branson Airport on May 11,” said Jeff Bourk, Executive Director of Branson Airport. “We look forward to welcoming Minnesota travelers to Branson where they can enjoy all the attractions we have to offer.”

“We are pleased to be the only airline offering service to Branson out of the Twin Cities,” said Stan Gadek, Chairman and CEO of Sun Country Airlines. “The addition of Branson is a positive step for Sun Country’s future. We look forward to providing non-stop service to a great new destination, featuring the low fares and award-winning service that Sun Country is known for.”

Branson becomes the 27th destination served by Sun Country from its hub in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Flights may be booked online at suncountry.com or by calling Sun Country reservations at 1-800-359-6786.

*Stated fare is for base ticket price only. Taxes and fees are not included.

Information courtesy of The Earth Times

Island Fire in Branson Brings All New Show to the Stage for 2009

Branson’s highly-acclaimed Island Fire extravaganza returns to the Dutton Theater for a third straight year, opening Saturday night March 14th. Totally restyled for 2009, Island Fire features new dancers, vocalists and fire knife performances.

Working her magic on this year’s ensemble cast is Ramona Schwenke, an internationally famous director of Polynesian shows. She has toured and produced shows throughout the United States including the legendary Drums of Tahiti who performed at Sea World in Florida for 10 years. She has also judged Tahitian, Hawaiian, Maori and Samoan Dance Competitions and Miss Samoa – Utah. Ramona is joined by Alvin Schwenke, famed trainer of world champion fire knife dancers, who will be choreographing the breathtaking fire knife routines of World Champion, Malaki!

Branson's Island Fire, conceived by Jonathan Dutton’s beautiful Samoan wife Bella, turns the stage of the Dutton Theater into a Polynesian paradise with giant palm trees, beautiful flowers along with misty fog and fiery flames.

According to marketing manager, Judith Dutton, “Last year’s show seems tame compared to the exhilarating and mesmerizing excitement of Island Fire 2009! Both Sheila and Bella traveled extensively and spent hundreds of hours auditioning performers from around the world to build this superb cast of performers. Plus, Ramona and Alvin Schwenke have taken Island Fire to a new level – a truly world class event for the audiences.”

Tickets for Island Fire, which include a box meal with a Polynesian flavor, catered by Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen which is opening soon on the complex, are available now.

Information courtesy of Dutton Theater

Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients at Hand In Hand Event

A new, two-day event in Branson will be geared toward honoring a unique group of U.S. military veterans.

Hand In Hand: Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients is scheduled for April 24-25, with several events and ceremonies scheduled.

“We could never do enough to honor these wonderful men and women, who have been injured in battle,” said Marlyce Stockinger, with branson.com, which is presenting the event. “This is just something to honor a group of heroes who do not seek a lot of recognition.”

Purple Heart recipient Ray Wheeler, who was shot nine times in Vietnam, made an appearance during a press conference announcing the event this week.

“I’m glad the Purple Heart recipients are getting the recognition they deserve,” Wheeler said. “They don’t necessarily want it, but it’s good to receive a pat on the back and a ‘thank-you.’”

The event will be filled with special events.

April 24

•8 a.m.-noon — Registration at Factory Merchants Branson.

•2-4 p.m. — Opening Ceremony at the Hamner-Barber Theatre. The guest speaker will be Col. Hemant Thakur, an expert in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Stockinger said Thakur’s presence will be to, hopefully, help some of the veterans.

“I spoke to a lot of Purple Heart recipients and many of them said they do want to have fun and laugh during this event,” she said, “but they also want some tools to help them. We want each of them to be able to use what the speaker says.”

April 25

8 a.m-noon — Fishing tournament at Moonshine Beach. Participants will have their name drawn from Purple Heart recipients who registered on April 24. Each of the 25 participants will be paired up with a professional fisherman from the Central Pro-Am Tour.

9 a.m. — Purple Heart recipients and one guest will be able to join in the fun at the Missouri Wine Festival, which is being held at Chateau on the Lake all day on April 25. While they wait for the fishermen to return, they will be able to sample various wines, cheeses and chocolates.

2-4 p.m. — The Hand in Hand Entertainment Show at the Hamner Barber Theatre will include a variety of Branson performers entertaining the heroes and their families.

6-7 p.m. — The Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony will be held at Branson Landing. It will include hearing from guest speaker Maj. Tony Rose, a 9-11 Pentagon survivor and Purple Heart recipient.

“This is going to be a wonderful two days,” Stockinger said. “We need to have as many people show up for these events as possible. Purple Heart recipients need to know that they are appreciated.”

Purple Heart recipient Aaron Wintterle, who was wounded in Iraq, said it’s important to bring as many recipients to the event as possible.

“I was reluctant to come forward and talk,” Wintterle said, “but I really think it will help others. It’s going to be a good event.”

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

"Peter Pan" to Perform in Branson

The opening of the Broadway musical Peter Pan at the Mansion Theatre Branson this spring could open up the possibility of more musical theater coming to the area.

“Musical theater is a great idea for Branson,” said Lynn Berry, with the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. “There has been some musical theater in Branson, including the ‘Breaking Up Is Hard To Do’ show. The addition of a show like ‘Peter Pan,’ which has played on Broadway, will bring in a lot of visitors.”

Former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby, who stars in “Peter Pan,” said she thinks Branson could become a “musical theater mecca.”

“This would be a great place to bring in more musicals,” Rigby said. “I’ve spent 10 of the last 30 years performing across the country and (the Mansion Theatre) is the most amazing theater I’ve ever been at. As far as production goes, there is so much we can do with this building. We are going to have to be careful that we don’t over-produce the story.”

Rigby said she was impressed with the talent level of performing artists in Branson.

“There are a lot of talented people here,” she said. “Holding auditions here was a great idea and we got a great cast out of it.”

Rigby said musical theater has an appeal that would fit well with Branson.

“Musical theater has the ability to entertain people of all ages,” she said. “Take (‘Peter Pan’), for instance. This is a story that binds generations together.”

She added that audiences get a different kind of experience from musical theater.

“During the show when Tinker Bell is dying, I ask the audience, ‘Do you believe?’” Rigby said. “It’s amazing to hear 3,000 people yell ‘yes.’ That’s powerful.”

She also said musical theater can affect anyone.

“I once received a letter from a little boy who saw the show,” Rigby said. “He said ‘I know you’re really a girl and I saw the wires making you fly, but I’ll leave my window open anyway. Maybe you can take me to Neverland.’ That is the impact that musical theater can have on people.”

Larry Wilhite, general manager of the Mansion Theatre, said he is excited about the possibilities for “Peter Pan.”

“We’re doing something a little different and we hope people will respond positively,” Wilhite said. “This season may show us whether musical theater will work in Branson. I think it will be great.”

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Young Christians Weekend at Silver Dollar City Branson begins March 27

Chart-topping Christian musicians and award-winning bands pack the theaters and bring crowds to their feet when thousands of teens from across the country gather to Rock the Park at Silver Dollar City's Young Christians' Weekend, March 27–29. The Midwest's premier Christian youth event combines big-name concerts, high-energy inspirational speakers, youth-leader workshops and amphitheatre-filling worship services, plus Silver Dollar City's thrill rides - all throughout the weekend in Branson, Missouri.

Featured bands include 2009 Dove Award nominee Kutless, and Grammy and Dove Award nominee Leeland. Rally and worship speakers include Christian athlete and champion of NBC's American Gladiator show Tim Oliphant, and Kanakuk Ministries founder and author Joe White. Additional concerts and performers include Canadian band DownHere and comedy by The Skinny Improv.

"The energy during Young Christians' Weekend is phenomenal," said Silver Dollar City General Manager Brad Thomas. "We bring in the top names in Christian rock along with dynamic speakers addressing topics relevant to teens today. Instead of kids sitting in the back passing notes, they're right up front taking notes and rocking along with the bands."

Young Christians' Weekend has been presented at Silver Dollar City for more than 30 years, and includes the park's thrill rides such as the multi-looping steel coaster WildFire and the explosive launch coaster PowderKeg.

Information courtesy of Christian Newswire

Things to do in Branson for March 2009

March Events in Branson

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Meet the Pros Fishing Banquet
March 6, 2009
Times: 6 p.m.
Location: First Baptist Church
Phone: 417-334-3441
Admission: $8
Meal served and door prizes to be given away. First Baptist Church Banquet Hall and the SW corner of Hwy 76 & 65
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Titanic Salutes the Irish
March 1, 2009 - March 31, 2009
Location: The Titanic Museum
Celebrate the Irish and their Titanic legacy throughout the month of March. 2009 marks the third year the Titanic Museum Attraction has used music and song to honor the memory of the Irish men and women who built and sailed the ship. What began as a spirited three-day celebration in 2007 became a hugely successful two-week family affair last year and returns in 2009 to cheer visitors for an entire month! A celebration of Gaelic traditions and music.
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13th Annual Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show
March 6, 2009 - March 8, 2009
Location: Branson Convention Center
Phone: 417-334-1200
For 13 years, this first class consumer show has been hosting the areas leading companies in one location to bring you everything from home improvement, remodeling, landscaping, home security, kitchen and bath and so much more!
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NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament
March 11, 2009 - March 19, 2009
Location: Keeter Gymnasium at College of the Ozarks
Phone: 417-334-6411
The Division II Championship is a 32 team, single-elimination tournament featuring the champions of the Division II conferences, regional tournaments and at-large berths.
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Walmart FLW Bass Tournament
March 12, 2009 - March 15, 2009
Location: Table Rock State Park Marina
Phone: 417-336-5401
Registration: March 11, 2009 from 2-4 p.m. Pre-tournament meeting: 4:30 p.m. at Branson Convention Center. Takeoff daily 7 a.m.; weigh in 3 p.m. days 1 and 2 at Table Rock State Park Marina; Fun Zone days 3 & 4 at 12 p.m.; weigh in 4 p.m. days 3 & 4.
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Family Spring Break Days
March 19, 2009 - March 22, 2009
Times: Thurs.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Silver Dollar City
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Family Spring Break Days
March 26, 2009 - March 27, 2009
Times: Thurs.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Silver Dollar City
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Young Christians' Weekend
March 27, 2009 - March 29, 2009
http://www.silverdollarcity.com
Location: Silver Dollar City
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Family Spring Break Days
March 29, 2009
Times: Thurs.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Silver Dollar City

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

Showboat Branson Belle offers Live Performers, Live Music and Great Food

Combining a high-energy live show, a three-course meal and a cruise on picturesque Table Rock Lake, the Showboat Branson Belle is a one-of-a-kind experience in America’s Heartland. The 700-seat authentic paddlewheeler takes passengers back in time to celebrate the beauty and grandeur of the 1890s paddlewheel riverboats. The cast of singers and dancers performs all-time favorites from Broadway to the Big Screen, along with Todd Oliver and his live talking dogs --- all setting sail March 20, 2009.

“The show Showstoppers! highlights some of the best music from the last six decades that has ‘stopped’ many a show,” said Jim Moeskau, Showboat Branson Belle General Manager. “With a world-class orchestra and quartet of singers and dancers, you can’t get this experience anywhere else in Branson.” Showstoppers! is featured on all lunch and dinner cruises.

Throughout the Broadway-style show, nearly 50 of the world’s most recognizable hits are performed from “Phantom of the Opera” to “Hairspray.” Created, choreographed and arranged specifically for the Showboat Branson Belle, this show is unlike any other. Evening cruises feature comedian and ventriloquist Todd Oliver and his cast of live talking dogs. Todd and his troupe have been featured on such national TV shows as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman and most recently The Today Show. Lunch and Sunday cruises present the award-winning comedic magician, Christopher James.

The Showboat Branson Belle galley crew enhances the experience by preparing each of the 3-course meals onboard. The dinner menu includes a main course of Admiral’s Choice Braised Beef in demi-glace sauce and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Both lunch and dinner are served with a house salad and the Showboat’s own Lemon Raspberry Torte dessert. The Paddle Wheel Club Room offers a more private dining area for small groups or couples for a special occasion. With this premium dining experience, guests dine overlooking the ship’s paddlewheels and select from a dinner menu including grilled Mahi Mahi with shrimp, Captain’s special-cut rib-eye steak, Caribbean stuffed chicken and a choice of desserts.

After dinner, guests are seated in prime seats in the main dining room for the show. Another option is the Captain’s Row where first row balcony guests enjoy the Showboat Branson Belle main dining room atmosphere while choosing from menu selections. Cruises sail from March 20 through New Year's Eve. All cruises run approximately two hours and 15 minutes, and begin at noon, 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. For Showboat Branson Belle Tickets, shop online at ReserveBranson.com or call 1-800-590-0155.

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

Spring Comes Early to Butterfly Palace in Branson

Spring has come early to the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure in Branson.

The attraction is decorated with hundreds of colorful tulips and tropical butterflies fluttering from flower to flower.

“There is something delightful about tulips,” said Dianna Herschend, owner of the Butterfly Palace. “They are simple and fragile, yet enduring, and when you have hundreds and hundreds of them along a path, it really is a magical, fun stroll.”

Tulips have an extraordinary history of economic impact and even mania.

They have steadfastly remained one of the world’s most popular flowers since their introduction to Europe in the 1560s. Before their commercial evolution, tulips were wild flowers that grew mostly in central and western Asia. Tulips were cultivated in Turkey as early as 1000 AD and were the featured flower in the gardens of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire by 1556.

The Ottoman Empire’s wealthiest time period, 1703-1730, is called the “Tulip Era.”

Although tulips did not originate in the Netherlands, it’s easy to understand the misconception. The Dutch have been the primary cultivators and sellers of tulips for more than 400 years.
Holland currently produces more than 3 billion bulbs annually.

Unfortunately, just like the 1920s stock market crash, the tulip market crashed in 1637, simply because the cost of a single bulb had become so exorbitant.

The crash ruined the finances and lives of many who had invested such extravagant sums on tulip bulbs that were still in the ground.

As legend has it, red tulips represent a declaration of true love. Cream-colored tulips convey the message, “I will love you forever.”

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson Haygoods Open New Theater March 3

The Haygoods plan to open the family’s own theater March 3 in Branson.

The New Americana Theater on 76 Country Boulevard will feature state-of-the-art sound and effects, a spacious lobby and gourmet deli. The theater will also house four shows: The Haygoods; Tony Roi — The Elvis Experience; Red, Hot & Blue; and a new production, Cassandre’ The Voice of an Angel.

The Americana Theatre was purchased by the Haygoods in May 2008. With that purchase, they became the youngest family to own a theatre on the Branson strip. It has undergone half-a-million dollars in renovations and has an entirely new look. A new addition to the theater is a gourmet deli shop.

“This project has been an enormous endeavor for our family,” Timothy Haygood said. “We knew it would be a lot of work but it is something that we all wanted and we were willing to work hard for.”

The Haygoods arrived in Branson in 1993 with nothing but their instruments, and started performing at Silver Dollar City.

“Silver Dollar City was great for us,” Haygood said. “It helped us grow as musicians and gave us the courage to take our show out into Branson.”

The Haygoods are the headlining show in The New Americana Theatre. This award-winning family has been performing in Branson for 18 years. The musical entertainment group, consisting of seven brothers and one sister, has performed more than 10,000 shows for more than 4 million people during their Branson career.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Silver Dollary City Branson Lines Up New Acts for Festivals

Silver Dollar City presents its biggest show year ever with more than a dozen blue-ribbon production shows, including two never before presented in the United States.

“From a show perspective, there isn’t a time of year when we are not offering something spectacular,” said Brad Schroeder, director of special events. “Silver Dollar City is like a 50-acre performing arts hall, constantly presenting the best shows we can find worldwide, and those we create — ever changing, always adding.”

The theme park’s new production shows — never before presented in the United States — include the Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China for World-Fest and the Swedish Supergroup JEERK for KidsFest.

Opening with World-Fest on April 4, The Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China bring to Silver Dollar City an all-new show of incredible acrobatic proportions. An internationally-acclaimed troupe of two dozen acrobats and head-balancing monks demonstrate awe-inspiring mastery of body and mind.

This unique show is being created and co-produced by LOVE Productions of New York City and Silver Dollar City.

Rhythm and dance artistry stomps to the stage for KidsFest as Silver Dollar City presents the Swedish Supergroup JEERK. Five performers use their percussion skills, rhythmic body movements and an array of novelty props to drum, dance and crash their way through this one-of-a-kind stage show, making its U.S. debut at the park June 6.

Major festival productions include the new 28-member Peruvian music and dance troupe Jallmay, the Feet of Fire Irish dance show, an original VeggieTales live stage show, the Magic of Peter Gossamer, the All American Cowgirl Chicks trick riders, Wings Over Missouri birds of flight, the Headin’ West musical drama presenting the adventure of America’s western expansion, and the acclaimed original production, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol.

Silver Dollar City’s new Culinary & Craft School offers guests more behind-the-scenes experiences in 2009, presenting culinary techniques with festival flavor, such as international specialties during World-Fest, and homemade sauces and side dishes during Bluegrass & BBQ, plus classes on legendary Silver Dollar City home-style cooking.

Classes are offered within the 3,000 square-foot timber frame building with its state-of-the-art kitchen showroom and Craftsmen’s Showcase room furnished with the work of the park’s expert craftsmen.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Merle Haggard & Gene Watson Team Up for Country Supershow

It will be an incredible night when two of the most amazing voices in Country Music History share the stage at the Tri-Lakes Center June 11, 2009. Country Music Hall of Fame Member Merle Haggard and fellow legend Gene Watson will fill the night with a seemingly endless list of hit songs. Merle Haggard draws huge crowds around the world, and Gene Watson’s November concert in Branson was a sell out, so this is sure to be a hot ticket.

Bob Cannella with Up Close Concerts says this event took a lot of planning but it will be worth it. “Each year we survey concert goers in the Branson area, and Merle and Gene always top the list of artists country fans want to see. We have taken two amazing performers who draw massive crowds on their own, and created one of the biggest shows ever to hit Branson. We are also keeping ticket prices at a level you would expect to pay to see just one of these legendary artists, with prices starting at $35.00.”

Tickets are available at the Tri-Lakes Center box office, 2527 State Highway 248, or by calling 417-336-0219. Cannella says, “Merle had a great time at his show last August in Branson, and Gene enjoyed performing for a standing room only crowd in the fall, so we’re not sure who will have a better time on June 11, the audience or Merle and Gene.”

Information courtesy of The Tri-Lakes Tribune

Branson Prepares for Great American Pie Show

Know someone who makes the best pie? Are you known for your pie making skills? This contest is for you.This is your chance to prove that you make the best pie in America. Enter Branson’s Great American Pie Show presented by Taste of Home. Entry details are on the Taste of Home website.

There are four pie categories: Fruit Pie, Nut Pie, Refrigerator/Freezer Pie or, Pudding/Cream/Custard Pie. 12 finalists will be invited to present their pies at the show on April 24 & 25, 2009 with host Al Roker from NBC’s The Today Show. One grand-prize winner will receive $2,500 and a 4 day / 3 night stay in Branson. Rumor has it that some of Branson’s celebrities will have their own entries in the pie contest.

Join the festivities and learn more about Ozark Mountain Spring 2009 in Branson online. Remember to checkout the lodging and entertainment discounts on the Direct Deals page before you go. The internet is one of the best sources for Branson bargains. Springtime in Branson is March through May. Be sure to bring your camera, the Ozarks are abloom with dogwoods, redbuds and wildflowers.

Great American Pie Show Schedule

Friday, April 24

Semi-Finals: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Pie Judging: 3 p.m.

Finalist Announcement: 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 25

Finals: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Pie Judging: 2 p.m.Awards Ceremony at the Taste of Home Cooking School: 4 p.m.

Book Signing/Question & Answer Session: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Information courtesy of St. Louis Examiner