Silver Dollar City Foundation, Hometown Radio making Christmas brighter for kids in need

This just in:  “A new program, Care for Kids Christmas, hopes to make Christmas brighter for area kids in need. Responding to reports that requests for assistance are up 40 percent this year, the Silver Dollar City Foundation and Branson’s Hometown Radio in conjunction with Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC), have launched Care for Kids Christmas to help families who are in need now more than ever. Care for Kids Christmas hopes to provide gifts for nearly 3,000 area kids this year. The goal is to collect and distribute enough new toys and gifts this holiday season that every area child in need can receive a few gifts.

Anyone wanting to help can donate a new toy or gift item for a child, from infants to age 18. Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at one of three area collection points before Dec. 14. Gifts will be distributed by Love INC Dec. 16-18. Cash donations can be taken to the Hometown Radio office in Branson or made online. Funds will be used to purchase gifts, and all cash donations are tax deductible. Collection points for gifts are: Hometown Radio office in downtown Branson, the Southern Stone County Fire Protection District Fire Station in Branson West, and Crane City Hall. Information, days and times are posted on the web site www.careforkidschristmas.com.”

Details: Love INC office, 417-336-7056.

Andy’s “Moon River and Me,” a great buy

In the last five years I’ve interview Andy Williams several times.

Andy's new book, "Moon River and Me," is a great read.

I’ve loved Andy’s music since I was a little guy. From the Christmas music that used to come from my grandmother’s record player, to his version of the classic “Born Free,” to the recently popular “Music to Watch Girls By,” I’ve always  loved  Andy. It wasn’t until my stretch on  Faboulous 1490-AM KDMO, an adult standards radio station in Carthage, Mo., that I really understood the impact he had on me and American music.

 In more recent years, since I’ve been covering Branson for the Globe, I’ve grown to appreciate Andy’s music and entrepreneurialism even more. His devotion to his Branson theatre, restaurant, and to his fans is impressive. His new memoir “Moon River and Me” tells it all. In it he talks about the good times and the bad ones, too. From his childhood in Iowa to his long-loved variety show on TV and stage show in Vegas, Andy bares it all. From his wife’s legal trouble, to his medicinal use of LSD and the death of his friend Robert Kennedy in 1968, he opens up his life for all to see. Pretty brave, I say. In the past couple of years, I’ve talked with Andy about his Moon River Grill for a food page story for the Globe. I chatted with Mr. Moon River about co-star, Ann Margaret, and, most recently  his new book. Listen to the interviews and check out my previous coverage of the boy from Wall Lake.

Letter writer loved “Magnificent Variety” show

I opened a letter on Tuesday afternoon from Paula Moore. Paula didn’t say where  she was from or where she read one of my Branson stories.  Paula wanted to let me know about a show she recently caught in Branson.

Tamra and Joe Tinoco in a promo photo from "Magnificent Variety."

She wrote: “I am writing in regards to your comments about the various shows in Branson. Recently our group from St. Johns watched a show called the “Magnificent Variety Show” at The Osmond’s Theatre and enjoyed the talented musicians and delicious dinner.” Paula enclosed a show flyer and said she hoped I could take in the show soon.” Thanks, Paula.

A little background: The “Magnificent Variety Show” – formerly “The Magnificent Seven” was staged at The White House Theatre in Branson. I saw it last year and was impressed with the cast’s trip through seven decades of American music, but never had the chance to write about it. The show, staring Joe and Tamra Tinoco, put on a great review. Add to the mix their 4-year-old daughter, Talya, and it’s hard to imagine how anyone wouldn’t love the show. The show touts more than “75 blockbuster hits” and “over 300 costume changes.” Here’s a local connection, Tamra is a former Missouri Southern State University student and a great musical talent.

 The show offers a dinner/show combo ticket. Check the show’s Web site for dates and times. The Christmas show runs through Dec., 12, with New Year’s shows the last week of the year.  Call 417-336-6100 or go to www.magnificentvariety.com for show info.

Get ready to get wet

Tom & Huck's RiverBlast

A couple of weeks ago during Silver Dollar City’s Christmas kickoff celebration the marketing team at the park gave me and a room full of other media types a preview of Tom & Huck’s River Blast. The new ride will début in spring 2010 and promises to be a great addition to the park. The $7 million water adventure pays homage to Mark Twain’s mischievous duo, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. As SDC’s media package notes, The Water Blast will allow, “Raft riders, armed with water soakers, to navigate the Mighty White River, battling raft-to-raft and raft-to-shore, dodging even more streams of water from sharp shooters on shore.”

 Sounds wet to me. I suppose that’s the idea. The park bills the new ride as America’s biggest water battle. I’m trust them on that. The graphics are intriguing and the site where the ride is under construction is impressive. I snapped a few shots of the work site and have a couple of renderings of the new attraction. SDC always does a great job with their rides. If you have ever been to SDC in the heat of the summer, you know that a cool-down on a water ride is always welcome.

SDC theme boards preview the rides character.

A look at Tom & Huck's RiverBlast under construction at Silver Dollar City near Branson.

The RiverBlast snakes through the landscape to create a winding, river-type feel.

Silver Dollar City's own craftsmen are building the ride from the ground up. That's a lot of concrete.

The ride is set to open when the park opens the gates this spring. In 2010 Silver Dollar City will celebrate 50 years of entertaining families from around the country. I’ll have more on the events and celebration in the coming weeks.

Christmas kicks off in Branson

Christmas is in full swing in Branson. Last weekend I headed down to the Mid-West’s Music City to take in a few Christmas shows and hit Silver Dollar City for their annual Christmas kick off. What a weekend. I started my Yule weekend with “The Miracle of Christmas” at Sight & Sound Theatre. A great show based on the story on Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. The epic production, much like the S & S’s “Noah,” production, has wowed Branson audiences for the last couple of years. It’s an outstanding show. The spectacle is impressive and as several audience members told me after the show, “every child should see it.” The show is graphic in it’s treatment of the crucifixion of Christ, but tells the story in dynamic and dramatic fashion. I know that many Joplin-area churches will head to Branson before the end of the year to see the show and reaffirm their faith.  

Santa Cruises The Landing in Branson.

Friday  night I took in Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby at The Mansion. A great show. Everyone I talked to in the crowd – from 4 to 40 – they all said the same thing: “I want to fly like Peter Pan. For those of us who never want to grow up, it was a memorable show. Captain Hook and his crew provided good comic relief, Cathy impressed as Peter and the Lost Boys captured our hearts. For an old theater guy like me, it brought back a lot of memories.

Branson Kicked off the holiday season – don’t start the Dave-hates-Christmas E-mail campaign just yet, Thanksgiving is a holiday too and deserves recognition – with the annual Promenade of Stars parade on Saturday morning. The last couple of years the star-studded event rolled down The Landing, but this year they closed off Highway 76 for the morning event. What a great morning. Debbie Boone, Cathy Rigby from Peter Pan and Andy Williams  Served as Grand Marshall. The Haygoods – one of my favorite Branson acts — wowed the crowd with an sweet version of the National Anthem and the parade was on.

After the parade Saturday morning, it was off to Silver Dollar City. NOTE: keep traffic in mind on weekends as you head out ’76 to SDC. Traffic can be a killer. Check your map for an alternate route. Big news from SDC this fall. In 2010 they will celebrate 50 years in business. So, if you were born in 1960 or married in ’60 you get into the park all year for free. What a deal. In the spring, SDC will offer a new ride based on Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. It’s a water fight raft adventure that promises to be tons of wet fun. More later. Check out the Silver Dollar City Web site for hours of operation.

On Sunday morning I hit Red, Hot … and Blue. The Broadway-style trip through eight decades of American music kept mu toes tappin’ and a song on my lips. I strongly suggest takin’ in this musical dance review. Top quality stuff. Four guys and three girls song and dance you through the American songbook. It’s a must-see. A great ting about show at the New Americana Theatre is if you show your full-price ticker stub at the box office, you can get into another show there for half price. The Haygoods, Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, Cassandre’: Voice of an Angle and Red, Hot and … Blue, run through the end of the year. A good deal.

Log cabins, fall foliage keep families coming back to Branson

Sharon Crawford looked content as she strolled down a  tree-covered drive holding her morning coffee in one hand and her  grandson in the other. The 50-something grandmother told me she came from  Jefferson City, Mo., to The Wilderness log cabins near Branson for a weekend walking in the woods with her family.
“It’s really neat,” she told me. “It’s nice to stay somewhere that’s not your typical hotel, and the kids love this. You can’t have a campfire and roast marshmallows in a hotel.
Sharon’s grandson, Luke, liked the accommodations The Wilderness at Silver Dollar City offered, too.
“I think it’s neat,” the 6-year-old explained as he ran for a swing. “It’s like Lincoln Logs, and the playground’s fun.” His cousin, Rylee Spencer, 5, agreed. “The playground is so much fun and I like the bunk bed I was in,” she yelled.
After a long day boating on Lake Taneycomo, or hiking around the Mark Twain National Forest or descending into a deep, dark, Ozarks’ cavern, you’re going to need a place for your family to rest their heads … and their feet. I did. For a family wanting to spend quality time together, and avoid the hassles of motels on the Highway 76 Strip in Branson, Sharon said thinks the cabins at The Wilderness fill the bill. “I like the rustic feel,” she said. “We’re more country people than city people, anyway,” she laughed as we talked.

The collection of nearly 40 hand-crafted log cabins off of State Highway 265 near Silver Dollar City, offers cabins crafted with timbers hand-hued by Mark Edwards. They offer families, and singles like me,  unique options when it comes to memorable lodging. Appealing to families wanting to spend a weekend together in the woods is exactly what they had in mind at Silver Dollar City when the started building cabins there almost10 years ago. The cabins at The Wilderness offer several floor plans and various amenities.
Primitive cabins are bare bones. Rustic cabins offer kitchen, bathroom and other modern amenities. Loft cabins can accommodate a small family, or couple, and some come equipped with Jacuzzi tubs. Amish-made furniture and locally styled décor stick to SDC’s 1880s theme, and most cabins come equipped with gas grills, wood-burning fireplaces and, yes, even televisions and wireless Internet.
A simpler time
Jason Bernard, director of attractions for the park, told me the philosophy at The Wilderness is simple. “It’s about families creating memories,” he explained. “The family theme carries over. The expectation with the brand at Silver Dollar City carries over. It’s good wholesome fun.”
The first cabins built were small and primitive. As demand grew, and they wanted to accommodate larger families, the size of cabins expanded and the modern amenities were added. “We wanted legitimate hand-made cabins,” Jason said. “That’s what
we got.”  As Dan Rota, 65 of Phoenix  Ariz. , packed up his SUV after a five-night stay, he laughed when I asked how his brother and their wives liked their time in the wilderness. “We are used to staying in better hotels and this has been a refreshing change,” he told me.

Cabin kitchens come equiped with two-burner stoves, a fridge and a micro.

“Getting some fresh air is great. It’s a little more rustic than we thought it would be, but that’s been a good part of it. It’s unexpected. We joked about getting a cabin without a toilet.” To his
surprise, and mine, all but a few cabins come complete with indoor plumbing.
“I will recommend it to friends back in Phoenix,” Dan said. In Phoenix he lives near the free way and it’s never quite he growled. Then his tone changed. “This has been so peaceful. I like the peace and quiet,” he added. “It  reminds me of a lot simpler time.”
Talking about a “simpler time” provided Jim and Terry Potter, a 40-something couple from Paola, Kan., a lot to talk about with their adult children during their cabin stay. “It makes you wonder what it was like way back when in pioneer days,” Terry said. “You know, without a fridge and TV and microwave. I’m glad we have them here, but it makes you wonder.”
While many families come to the Branson area for the glitz and glamor of music and comedy shows, some families find in just as fun to set back and relax, or at least take a little time to enjoy what mother nature has to offer. I did.
Here are a few suggestions to keep your family outdoors in the Ozarks this fall:
  * For fall foliage driving tour route descriptions and maps go to www.explorebranson.com. The site offers three different driving tours and a fall foliage meter. 
 * To view fall foliage from Table Rock Lake, check out the Showboat Branson Belle dinner cruises. View the splendor of the Ozarks from the deck of The Belle or take a catamaran cruise on The Spirit of America from the State Park Marina. Go to www.stateparkmarina.com for catamaran cruise information. Is a kayak or canoe tour of Table Rock or Taynecomo more your style?  Go to www.kayackbranson.com for rental information.
 * The Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower offers a birds-eye-view of the Branson area from atop the 230-foot-tall structure. It’s a perfect place for a family to view nature’s fall show. For Go to www.oldmatt.com for tower operating dates and hours.
* Looking for cabins or other family lodging, go to www.bransonvacationcabins.com or check out www.thousandhills.com for options. For reservation at The Wilderness go to www.thewildernesslogcabins.com.
  * Want to Get down in the Ozarks? Way down? Go to www.bransonshows.com and search “caves” for Crystal Cave, Fantastic Caverns, Marvel Cave and Talking Rocks Cavern tour information.

Check out previous Branson blogs.

“King of the Cowboys’” museum to close

It’s time to bid happy trails to the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in Branson. An Associated Press story today said the museum dedicated to all things ’singing cowboy’ will close down in December.

A Trigger look-alike stands watch over the ill-fated attraction in Branson.

The story didn’t specify a date. Roy Rogers Jr. said he will look for another Branson-area location to continue live shows, but no further details were given. The museum’s artifacts and memorabilia will be sold. Poor Trigger. Noting “declining attendance” and an “uncertain economy,” the non-profit that runs the museum made the decision to close the operation which opened in California in 1967. It operated in Branson for six years. (Photo curtesy World-Guides.com)

 Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy, a joplinglobe.com user posted this comment to the AP story soon after I posted it: “Sad news for Roy Rogers fans! My daughter, now 13, loves the King of the Cowboys and we went through the museum several years ago. It was wonderful, great for kids with a big play area and hands on fun. It was one of the more worthwhile, family friendly venues in Branson which grows farther away from its’ simple, country roots each year.”

 Another comment said it simply: “Happy trails…to you, until we meet again …” signed, Big Easy

Check out previous Branson blogs

 

AirTran Airways Offering Low-Cost Flights To Florida for the Winter

This just in … Branson Airport officials today announced flights to Orlando, Fla. Here’s the info:

 ”Branson Airport, LLC the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the U.S., announced today the addition of nonstop flights between Branson Airport and Orlando International Airport beginning December 19, 2009. The service will be provided by AirTran Airways. ‘We are excited to connect two of the most popular entertainment destinations in our network,’ said Kevin Healy, senior vice president of marketing and planning for AirTran Airways. In December of 2008, AirTran Airways became the first national carrier to offer service out of Branson Airport. ‘The addition of low-cost nonstop Orlando service is a welcomed addition to AirTran’s presence at Branson Airport,’ said Jeff Bourk, executive director, Branson Airport.  ‘The new service will make it easy and convenient for folks, in Southwest Missouri and Northern Arkansas, to travel to the exciting vacation destination of Orlando to enjoy the beautiful weather during the winter months.’  The following nonstop flights between Branson and Orlando will be available beginning December 19, 2009 (Saturdays only) Branson to Orlando, departs 3:20 p.m. arrives 6:40 p.m. Orlando to Branson, departs 1:10 p.m., arrives 2:45 p.m.”

Read more of Dave’s previous blog.

 

The Wilderness wows

My cabin at The Wilderness near Branson

Just getting settled in for a fun-filled Branson weekend. It’s going to be a blast. I’m in town for the opening day of Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Fest, Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, a tour of Andy Williams’ art collection and a roller coaster or three. Already hit two wine tastings. Crazy stuff planned. Here’s the kicker. I’m staying at The Wilderness in a “rustic”
cabin built for four. Kinda’ lonely, but pretty cool stuff, and very Silver Dollar City.

For a family looking to get away for the weekend … or a week … on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, this could be the place. It’s Very Laura-Ingalls Wilder … “Pa …. Where you goin’ Pa?” The crafts-persons at SDC put these cabins together and they are solid.

Big log furniture, pine floors, beamed ceilings and lots of “Ozarky” stuff nailed to the walls with rocking chairs and a propane grills on every porch. My brothers will be so jealous. WiFi too. That’s living, Branson style. Seriously, they look cool. I’ll tour some other floor plans and get back with you.

Seriously, I feel like Grizzly Adams … without the bear.

I hope Carol Parker is in town for the media fest. We missed each other last time we were in town. She’s the Queen of Branson, and I like to ride on her coattails. Kiddin.’ She is The Queen though. Check out the virtual tour of one of The Wilderness’ loft cabins. It’s pretty cool, but too big for my needs this weekend. The cabins are great. The staff at The Wilderness saved my bacon on Sunday. A friend came down and had a flat tire when we headed out on Sunday. He didn’t have a lug tool to pull his tire off and mine didn’t fit. A staff member searched out a four-way lug wrench and our problem was solved. OIt’s that kind os service that is remembered. I sent off an atta’ boy to the management at SDC. Thanks.

SIlver Dollar City previews fall fun

Here are a couple of the events and activities planned for Silver Dollar City this summer and fall. Go to www.silverdollarcity.com for additional information.

The All American Cowgirl Chicks salute the American cowgirl at the National Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City.

NATIONAL HARVEST FESTIVAL – September 12 – October 31 (Open Wed. – Sundays) The largest gathering in America’s Heartland of demonstrating craftsmen, authentic harvest-time foods and musical performances, featuring two special events: a Salute to the Cowgirl in September and Missouri’s Best in October: ● New Featured Production: All American Cowgirl Chicks equestrian drill team brings precision trick riding, daring stunts and thrilling horsemanship to Silver Dollar City’s arena ● New Featured Production: Wings Over Missouri birds-of-flight show presents the state’s most majestic birds in soaring flight, from Bald and Golden Eagles to Great Horned Owls ● Featured Production: Headin’ West , an original musical production, presents the adventure of Western expansion with scenes from white water river travel to a buffalo stampede ● Acclaimed artists including watercolorist and actor Buck Taylor, weavers, jewelry makers and leather crafters, and Best of Missouri Hands juried artists ● Music groups including: Belinda Gail & Curly Musgrave, the Quebe Sisters, Les Gilliam

AN OLD TIME CHRISTMAS – November 7 – December 27 (Open Thursdays – Sundays, plus November 25, closed Dec. 21-25, open Dec. 26-27) Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas, ranked as one of the world’s top holiday events by CNN.com, USA Today, Good Morning America and The Travel Channel, dazzles with Christmas lights, shows, rides and foods. ● Featured Show: The spectacular Christmas on Main Street featuring the five-story special effects Christmas Tree and an encompassing light-and-sound show on the Square with over one million lights flashing in synchronization to Christmas music ● Featured Production: A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, an original adaptation of the classic story and one of the park’s biggest production shows with elaborate sets, vanishing ghosts and flying spirits ● Featured Production: The Living Nativity, a musical retelling with talented actors, original music and elaborate sets in a dramatic presentation of the birth of Christ ● Featured Show: Frosty, an interactive musical show where kids help bring the legendary snowman to life ● The Holiday Light Parade with colorful, musical floats winding through the city streets ● The Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train and nighttime rides, plus holiday shows, specialty foods and over 4 million holiday lights