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.”

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 27th, 2006 at 12:02 pm and is filed under Branson News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.