Branson News Guide

More than 300 people were on hand to join city officials for the opening and ribbon cutting of the largest retail development in Branson’s history, Branson Landing.

The fanfare on the north end of the mile-long promenade included the Branson Landing Brass trombone quartet playing the national anthem and Branson magician Darren Romeo serving as master of ceremonies. “Today, we gather to open a new era,” Romeo said.

Mayor Lou Schaefer remembered “the unprecedented five-year journey for the city” in developing Branson Landing. But we also know that Branson Landing will add a new dimension to the Branson experience.”

Forty-eight of the 104 shops and restaurants are now open, with more opening daily until the grand opening Summer Celebration on June 16, when the lakefront boardwalk opens and the million dollar fountains featuring lights, music and fireballs debut.

The Landing also features an array of street performers like musicians, singers, dancers and clowns that stroll and entertain shoppers along the promenade.

The final phase of the lakefront project is a 220,000 square foot convention center and Hilton convention center hotel set to open in September 2007.

Rick Huffman, president of HCW Development, the company developing the Landing, said the project will help ensure Branson’s future. “Just 11 months ago this was nothing but concrete. Now, it will be very important for the Branson community and entire state,” he said. “It’s going to bring new customers to the area, it’s going to bring more customers to the area and it’s going to bring more money into the community.”

Classic and custom cars from around the country will be rolling into Branson next month for the annual midnight summer cruise and car show.

This festive car show takes place August 10-13 with the popular midnight cruise set for Saturday night, August 12. This year’s two-mile cruise route begins on Gretna Road at White Water, then south to Highway 76, west on 76 to Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, and then east on the Expressway to Roark Valley Road. Based on past years’ crowds, Branson police officials estimate more than 70,000 people will line the streets to catch a glimpse of the classic cars, relive the past and cheer on with appreciation the work these car owners put into their machines.

Organizers are expecting more than 500 vehicles for the four-day event. The majority of cars featured at the summer cruise are 50’s and 60’s models, but also showcased are healthy doses of 30’s Fords, newer model Corvettes, pick-up trucks and even the occasional import. Whether you’re looking to show off your own special ride or just want to experience a wide variety of classic cars, the summer cruise is definitely the perfect time for all motor heads to visit Branson.

To ensure public safety during the parade event, the Branson Police Department will assign additional officers along the parade route. In addition, officers from the Missouri Highway Patrol, Springfield Police Department and Taney County Sheriffs Department will also be on hand to assist in the safety duties.

Other activities that take place throughout the car show include a controlled burnout contest, worship service, live entertainment and awards. Whether you’ve got a hot rod of your own or simply want to check out the many amazing cars that are sure to be part of the summer cruise, this great event in Branson is the perfect place for a family vacation and collectible car excitement.

Legendary magician David Copperfield paid a surprise visit to Branson, MO last Friday, May 12, 2006, and attended the hit show, Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, the Voice of Magic. Copperfield, a friend and colleague of Darren Romeo (better known to his fans as simply “Romeo”) enthusiastically offered a standing ovation. Copperfield was in Springfield, MO this weekend for the performance of his live show, David Copperfield’s An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion, to a sold-out theater.

Romeo, sole protégé of another set of legendary illusionists, Siegfried & Roy, was thrilled to have such an esteemed guest among his audience. This is Copperfield’s second viewing of Romeo’s show and was ever more supportive of the work that Romeo is producing in the world of magic.

“I was truly honored to have Mr. David Copperfield in the audience today,” said Romeo after the show. “It is not often that one gets such a pat on the back from someone who has changed the face of magic during our lifetime. In my life, David Copperfield and Siegfried & Roy are the biggest names in magic and to have their support is unbelievable.”

Romeo is no stranger to endorsements from celebrated individuals. In February of 2006, Romeo, being a big fan of cars and racing, entered into a partnership with NASCAR and Jeff Gordon whereby the famous #24 car appears nightly in front of a live audience on Siegfried & Roy Present Darren Romeo, the Voice of Magic at the Welk Resort Theater. This partnership is a first between NASCAR and an illusionist of any sort on a nightly live show.

Romeo will also be appearing in “Branson Landing” on June 16, 2006, where he will be the official spokesperson for the launch of this $450 million mega-complex complete with residences, retail shops, dining, recreation, entertainment and relaxation that come together by the waterside.

Silver Dollar City Rings the BBQ Bell in a Toe-Tapping Way! - Announcing the Return of Popular Bluegrass & BBQ Festival

The ringing of the BBQ bell will soon resound through the Ozark hills with the return of what is becoming one of the most popular of all the Silver Dollar City festivals: Bluegrass & BBQ! Now in its second season, the 2006 festival, which matches up America’s favorite pastimes of mountain music and outdoor cooking, offers an expanded lineup while adding an extra week to the event. This year’s festival kicks off May 13 and runs through June 4.

“When we set out to build this event, our guests were very clear they wanted a spring music festival, and research showed barbecue ranks just as high. Based upon our history of listening to our guests, we decided to put the two together,” said D.A. Callaway of Silver Dollar City Entertainment. Callaway added that after last year’s popularity, the quality and quantity bar was set even higher with expansions including more music, more barbecue and more days.

“With every instrument tuning up, there will be a grill firing up,” Callaway said. Although the statement isn’t a literal count, the House of BBQ has been moved to the largest presentation hall on the park, The Red Gold Heritage Hall. Barbecue choices will feature smoky Texas-style, sweet Kansas City favorites, Memphis dry rubs and Carolina vinegar-based sauces. Tasting begins on the Square with demonstration of pit-style cooking and hundreds of barbecue sauces from around the country to sample.

The expanded festival also features a who’s who of American Bluegrass, with 50 bands and more than 1,000 performances from award-winning artists to rising stars, at a time when bluegrass music is exploding in popularity.

“We are in a Golden Age in bluegrass where pioneers of the music are still out there headlining and a new generation of talent is expanding the boundaries.” said Dan Hays, the executive director of the Nashville-based International Bluegrass Music Association. With the quality and quantity of bluegrass bands featured, “Silver Dollar City is one of the most significant and vital presenters of live bluegrass music anywhere in the world,” Hays said.

Bluegrass legend and 11-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs performs in a special concert May 28, headlining a lineup of featured bluegrass performers including Entertainer of the Year* and Entertaining Group of the Year** Cherryholmes; Emerging Artists of the Year* and Instrumental Group of the Year** The Grascals, and 2006 Bluegrass Band Champions** Billie Renee and Cumberland Gap. National touring bluegrass favorites include NewFound Road, Pine Mountain Railroad, the Lewis Family and the Chapmans.

Young bluegrass artists from around the country compete for honors and cash prizes as the park hosts its annual Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest, May 27-28. “Many of our past Youth in Bluegrass winners are now national touring bands, so the contest is a great place to see the freshest new talent in bluegrass.” Callaway said.

“One of the things people like best about this festival is a chance to get barbecue pointers from the experts - ‘how to’ tips on smoking and grilling methods, and sauce recipes,” said Mark Momany, culinary expert for Silver Dollar City. To kick off the festival, nationally recognized barbecue experts and authors Karen Adler and Judith Fertig, who have co-authored 9 cookbooks as the BBQ Queens, will share grilling tips and recipes at Silver Dollar City on Saturday, May 13. “Everyone likes to put their own signature in their barbecue and we like to introduce people to new flavors, such as smoking meats using ground pecan shells, corncobs or fruitwoods such as apple or pear,” Adler said. “At Silver Dollar City, we’re saluting two traditions with deep America roots - bluegrass and barbecue.”

Each evening, the show Classic Country Nights is featured in Echo Hollow Amphitheatre, with a special guest bluegrass group each night. Silver Dollar City also features rides and attractions including the Grand Exposition, an all-new development with 10 family rides showcased in an expanded, two-acre area of the theme park; six festivals; a dozen restaurants and over 100 demonstrating craftsmen.

Branson MO - - The 2006 class of Lakes Area Leadership produced 23 new graduates in a graduation event held April 21, 2006 at Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center. The Leadership program was started by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce in 1992, and has been instrumental in the development of community leaders in the areas of government, community service, marketing, economic development, environmental issues and the evolution of the area.

The 2006 graduates are:

1. Eudell Aldridge - City of Branson;
2. Elizabeth Andrews - College of the Ozarks;
3. Matt Behrend - Myer Hotels;
4. Anthony Burke - Chateau on the Lake;
5. Sherry Clouse-Day - Skaggs Community Health Center;
6. Jacob Fleig - Branson Ridge Winery;
7. Roger Frieze - Ozark Mountain Bank;
8. Charlie Gerken - Gerken & Associates;
9. Rhonda Haden - Connell Insurance;
10. Sue Head - College of the Ozarks;
11. Janice Hedgpeth - National Enzyme Company;
12. Sam Hedrick - Silver Dollar City;
13. Cathy Hubert - Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB;
14. Scott Jacobson - Ozark Mountain Bank;
15. Debi Lipper - Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB;
16. Mike Novak - Branson Fire & Rescue;
17. Tim Scott - Branson Bank;
18. Jim Slagter - The Vacation Channel;
19. Mendy Stuart - Fairfield Branson;
20. Cindy Thomas - Dixie Stampede;
21. Joan Westfall - Christian Action Ministries;
22. Heather Womack - Creative Printing;
23. and Jeff Wright - Kirkpatrick, Phillips & Miller, CPA’s.

Sue Head and Tim Scott were selected by their classmates to serve as co-chairs of Leadership 2007.

Lakes Area Leadership is a two-year commitment; year two involves active participation in developing the curriculum for next year’s class, and volunteer service with a community service organization.