What's New And Exciting in Branson!

BRANSON, Mo., Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Still family-owned and operated, Dick's 5 & 10 is a one-of-a-kind retail store that offers hours of entertainment for all ages. You'll know that this shopping experience will be different from any other the moment you step inside the store. A Historic Downtown landmark for 50 years, Dick's has over 50,000 different items and several unique collections on display.

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Silver Dollar City

Adventure rules at Silver Dollar City's new Half Dollar Holler, an all-new super-sized play area for little explorers, with treetop fun houses and climbing nets, box crawls and slides, mini-wave swings and truckloads of sand for hands-on play. The centerpiece is a vintage classic with a new spin: Silver Dollar City's hand-carved carousel returns in a brand-new way with whimsical woodland creatures to ride. This million-dollar play area is a treetop wonderland designed for kids up to age 7.

Seven signature Silver Dollar City events offer fun in every season, including the new Mayorov Russian State Circus for World-Fest; the Flying Wallendas, new for KidsFest; and new Lumberjack shows and flying Birds of Prey for the National Harvest Festival. Plus, the top names in bluegrass and a barbecue feast are featured for Bluegrass & BBQ, Southern Gospel music fills the park for Southern Gospel Picnic, Moonlight Madness offers ride time into the night, and 4 million lights illuminate the park for one of the most acclaimed festivals, An Old Time Christmas. The park features more than 30 rides and attractions, from high-flying roller coasters to a steam train, and a subterranean cave is open for daily exploration. Silver Dollar City presents talented craftsmen demonstrating daily, shows and home-style food; all at the 1880s-style theme park open Mar. 17 through Dec. 30.

Showboat Branson Belle

The Showboat Branson Belle launches 2011 with ENCORE! An unforgettable musical journey featuring two acts new to Branson -- the only fiddling aerialist in the world, Janice Martin, is a world-class violinist, pianist and vocalist. A new male vocal group, The Showmen, has amazing vocal range, performing music from the '60s to today. Comedian/magician Christopher James returns as master of ceremonies. There's also a brand new menu as showboat undergoes the biggest changes in her 15-year history.

White Water

Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay is an all-new, highly-themed tropical river adventure. A whole new area of the park is now a setting of lush Polynesian jungles reminiscent of the South Pacific surrounding a river, where tube riders cast off and float, maneuvering the calm waters through the tropical greenery – yet meeting unexpected twists and turns, water features, fountains, misters, geysers and more. Along the way are new seating areas and cabanas for riverside relaxing. This 800-plus-foot river (longer than two football fields!) is the park's longest, wettest, coolest ride yet.

The Track Family Fun Parks

The Track Family Fun Parks are celebrating three decades in Branson by reinvesting almost three million dollars in its five Branson locations. The new tracks' state-of-the-art steel and concrete construction will be more weather-friendly and will offer all the high-rise excitement of the other tracks.

Hooray For Hollywood

It's all about the singing and dancing in the movie musical "Hooray For Hollywood!" at the Branson Variety Theatre. Showcasing the most famous song and dance moments of the last 50 years of movie history, the show features film clips of your favorite movies and then watch the action unfold live on stage with a cast of singers and dancers performing classics ranging from "Singin' in the Rain" to Disney's "The Lion King."

Louise Mandrell & Lee Greenwood

Performing together for the first time in Branson, these two dynamic entertainers team up to bring their showmanship and high-energy production to the Welk Resort, Sept 12th thru Oct. 22nd, 2011.

Todd Oliver & Friends

Comedian Todd Oliver will appear at the Jim Stafford theatre in his own show, Todd Oliver & Friends, with his amazing talking dogs and hilarious comedy. His new, totally different show is for audiences of all ages. A picnic lunch is included in the show ticket.

Tony Orlando with All New Christmas show at Welk

Tony Orlando's Great American Christmas Show will launch its first season in 2011 at the Welk Resort Theatre November 1st thru December 10th .The incomparable Tony Orlando will perform all of his career hits, entertain you with his powerful band, and warm your heart with the true meaning of the Season. Don't miss the new Christmas show – it will be the talk of Branson!

Bill Anderson & Country's Family Reunion at RFD-TV, The Theatre

"Country Music Reunion" brings fabulous country music stars, armed with decades of songs and stories, to the stage at RFD-TV, The Theatre. Bill Anderson hosts this intimate gathering of country legends including Jeanie Seeley, Jim Ed Brown and many more together in one room with a world-class live band.

Tim Conway & Johnny Mathis at The Mansion

Best known through his 11 years co-starring on TV's classic Carol Burnett Show, Tim will portray some of his loveable original characters, Oct 21st -22nd , 2011 at The Mansion. Having sold more than 350 million records, Johnny Mathis brings his show to the Mansion Nov. 18th & 19th, 2011.

Travis Tritt

Country music superstar Travis Tritt comes to Tri-Lakes Center for one incredible performance on Friday, July 15. Travis regularly plays before tens of thousands of fans at festivals around the country, so this is a very rare opportunity to see him at a beautiful, intimate indoor venue with comfortable seats and air conditioning.

The 5th Dimension, with the original lead singers of internationally famous group Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., are coming to Branson for one night only - Saturday September 24 at 7:00 pm. You'll hear chart topping songs such as "Up Up and Away," "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In," "Wedding Bell Blues," "One Less Bell To Answer," "Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep At All," "You Don't Have To Be A Star" and many more. Also appearing on this very special concert is the amazing B.J. Thomas. B.J. has numerous number one hits in both the pop and country categories. "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," "Hooked On A Feeling," "Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song," and "I Just Can't Help Believing" are a few of his 18 Top Ten hits.

"70s Supershow" at Tri-Lakes Center Friday, May 13, 2011

For the first time ever in Branson, the biggest stars of the disco era will be on stage together. Headlining the night is the group that continues to be an international sensation for more than three decades, The Village People. This six-man group is the real deal and not a tribute act. These stars are in demand around the world with disco anthems like "Y.M.C.A.", "Macho Man" and "In The Navy." Also part of this special night is A Taste of Honey featuring original lead singer Janice-Marie and Maxine Nightingale, best known for her worldwide chart topper, "Right Back Where We Started From."

3 Redneck Tenors at The Mansion for 32 weeks in 2011

After a successful six-week run in Branson last summer, the 3 Redneck Tenors are returning to Branson for a 32-week show run at the Mansion Theatre in 2011. Starting in late April and running through early December, 3 Redneck Tenors will be performing the original show, A New Musical Adventure as well as their Christmas SPEC-TAC-YULE-AR during the holiday season in Branson. The show will be performed six times a week with both matinee and evening performances.

John Conlee & Gene Watson at Tri-Lakes Center

Two of the most recognizable voices in Country Music history will share the stage for one special evening at 7:00 pm on May 14th at Tri-Lakes Center in Branson. Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee and the legendary Gene Watson, with a combined 15 #1 songs and more than 50 Top 20 hits, will fill the night with their most popular tunes.

Marty Haggard Performs at The Clay Cooper Theatre in 2011

Marty Haggard will be performing throughout the 2011 season at the all-new Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson, Missouri. Marty Haggard: A Tribute to Merle Haggard "My Dad" is a perfect blend with the other shows in the theatre because it is based on God, Family, and Country.  Marty is proud of his dad, Merle Haggard, and his accomplishments as an entertainer and will perform a tribute to his dad in this two-hour performance.

Marty Stuart at RFD-TV, The Theatre

Marty Stuart is one of country music's more flamboyant showmen with his party-hearty image and a wardrobe of rhinestone-laden Nudie suits. You will enjoy show stopping performances with his many styles of music including his honky-tonk, rockabilly, country-rock, traditional country and bluegrass at the RFD-TV, The Theater in Branson.

Branson's newest Theater... The Icon Theater

The Icon Theater opened in December 2010 and is Branson's newest and most unique dinner theatre and home to The Rat Pack -- Live & Swingin': A Tribute to Frank, Dean & Sammy and the new home to the Platters. In 2011 a constant changing line-up of national acts and other full production shows are scheduled and will include such stars as Chubby Checker, Fabian, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Gary Puckett, Patty Page, Dody Stevens and more from that era. 

Mountain Mama's General Store Begins First Full Season in Branson

Having opened in mid-season in 2010 Mountain Mama is ready for a full season in Branson in 2011. Mountain Mama's General Store features over 25 free samples daily. You can try blueberry pretzels, blackberry and peach ciders, soups, many different coffees, nuts, fruits, candies and much more. Located at 3300 North Gretna Road in Branson and right next door you'll find The Leather Trading Company, P. Graham Dunn Gallery and the Branson Mill Craft Village.

Limited Engagements at the Clay Cooper Theater in 2011

• Neal McCoy - Appearing 35 select dates  in March thru December
• Exile - Appearing June 16th & 17th at 8:00 pm only
• "Jungle" Jack Hanna - June 19th at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm
• Michael English - June 17th at 3:00 pm only
• Jerry Van Dyke - Dates To Announced

Andy Williams & Ann-Margret Together Again in 2011

Ann-Margret joins Andy Williams for a limited six week engagement September 12th thru October 22nd at the Andy Williams Moon River Theater in Branson. For a limited number of shows, the timeless beauty Ann-Margret will be joining Andy Williams on stage for an unforgettable performance with song and dance like you've never seen before. Ann-Margret has been nominated for two Academy awards, six Emmys, and is the winner of five Golden Globes.

Tony Roi moves to Andy Williams Moon River Theater in 2011

Appearing on select dates March 4th thru September 4th - Tony Roi's Elvis Experience is the look, the voice and the moves that made Elvis the King of Rock 'N Roll. Tony crafts the story of Elvis and his music and does it so well, with so much passion and with so much energy that the fans go wild. Backed by a 6-piece band, Tony delivers an amazing performance.

Two Specials Shows Scheduled in April at The Mansion

• Charlie Daniels Band - April 28th at 8:00 pm
• Sawyer Brown at the Mansion - April 29th at 8:00 pm

Opry Legends at Tri-Lakes Center For One Night Only

It will be a very special night in Branson on Saturday June 4th, 2011 at 7:00 pm. Country music fans will be treated to a once- in-a-lifetime performance featuring the legends of Country Music. Making a very rare concert appearance outside of the Grand Ole Opry will be Country Music Hall of Fame member Little Jimmy Dickens. The night will also include another Opry legend, Jack Greene and "The Grand Ladies," this trio of "legendary ladies" includes Jody Miller, Leona Williams and Billie Jo Spears.

Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw & Joe Diffie at Tri-Lakes Center

Three of Country Music's biggest stars are coming to Tri-Lakes Center in Branson for one show only, October 15th at 7:00 pm.  Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Joe Diffie have more than 40 hit songs combined, and their fans will be treated to many of those chart toppers during this special concert performance.  This is the first time these stars have appeared together in Branson and it will be a night loaded with fan favorites.

Table Rock Dam Tours

Get an up-close and personal view of Table Rock Lake Dam on a guided walking tour. Go deep inside the Dam and see firsthand what it takes to operate the massive structure on the 53,700-acre Table Rock Lake. Tours are available daily.

New Dewey Short Visitor Center to open in 2011

By Summer of 2011, a new Dewey Short Visitor Center near Table Rock Dam, off Missouri State Highway 165, is expected to be complete. A 15,000- square-foot visitor center will feature an auditorium, gift show and educational area for exhibits and conference rooms. The lake itself will also become part of the new exhibit experience.

For a complete list of shows and attractions, visit ExploreBranson.com, the official website for Branson, Missouri.

General Information about Branson

Branson, Missouri is located in southwest Missouri, 35 miles south of Springfield, and is ranked 25th among all overnight leisure vacation destinations in the country, hosting nearly 8  million visitors in 2010.

LODGING: 208 facilities with 22,000 rooms

RV/CAMPGROUNDS: 26 parks with 2,870 sites

RESTAURANTS: 242 restaurants with 37,048 seats

GOLF COURSES: 12 courses

THEATERS/SHOWS: The Branson/Lakes Area offers 50 theaters and more than 100 shows with 64,057 seats (more theater seats than Broadway!). Audiences can see shows throughout the day with breakfast shows, matinees and evening performances. Country, Pop, Swing, Rock 'n' Roll, Gospel, Classical and Broadway-style musical productions join Comedy, Acrobatics and Magic shows to provide visitors a wide array of entertainment choices.

LAKES: Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals -- 3 pristine lakes with over 1,200 miles of shoreline offering fishing, boating, parasailing, jet skiing and swimming. While the lakes all offer great fishing, each has its specialty. Table Rock Lake offers world-class bass fishing; Lake Taneycomo, with its cold waters, offers superb trout fishing; and Bull Shoals Lake is a warm water angler's paradise, especially for tournament bass fishing.

SHOPPING: 300+ shops -- Branson is home to three outlet shopping malls with more than 200 retailers.  Visitors can find contemporary clothing, gift items, house wares, designer shoes, luggage and other treasures at reduced prices throughout the year at Tanger Outlets, Branson Meadows, or Factory Merchants.  Historic Downtown Branson is also a shopper's delight -- Dick's Old-Fashioned 5 & 10, countless boutiques and specialty stores, combined with quaint eateries, make the downtown area truly special. The new Branson Landing's 100+ retail shops and lakefront dining establishments are just a block away.

SOURCE Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau