What's New in Branson 2010

"See the World in Branson" is New Spring Event

BRANSON, Mo., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- See The World In Branson – No Passport Needed! "See The World In Branson" during April and May, a new annual Ozark Mountain Spring event highlighting the vast amount of internationally-inspired entertainment, attractions and cuisine available to the visitors who come to the Branson area. Visitors will enjoy cultural experiences in entertainment and tradition without actually having to travel abroad. It will be possible to experience Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Samoan, American and many other cultures in a single visit to Branson!

Silver Dollar City launches its 50th Birthday, a year-long celebration with America's Largest International Festival, World-Fest, and the addition of a $7 million ride, Tom & Huck's RiverBlast – America's Biggest Water Battle! The super-soaking ride is themed around the adventures of mischief-makers Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.  World-Fest, April 8 – May 9, presents Fiery Fiddles, featuring the world's only soaring strings aerialist, the return of the Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China, new dance troupes from Mexico and Trinidad and more.

Ray Stevens returns to Branson for a six-week run at The Welk Resort Theatre from September 15 through October 23.

Bill Haley's Original Comets join Paul Revere and the Raiders for a combo show at Andy Williams Moon River Theatre; Andy will perform in the fall as well as during Christmastime.

The historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson has been renovated for a new show starring Joseph Hall in "A Tribute to Elvis." Hall was Top 10 finisher in both the "Ultimate Elvis" contest in Memphis, and on "America's Got Talent."

The Cat's Pajamas, an award-winning vocal band, performs at The Dutton Family Theatre.  This popular quartet, described as revolutionizing a capella performance, has been seen all over the world. The Dutton Theatre also features tenor extraordinaire George Dyer in his new show.

Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will perform at The Mansion Theatre for select dates in the spring and again in the fall.

Debby Boone along with Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers get together for the Christmas Season at The Mansion Theatre.

The Legend of Kung Fu, with a cast of over 50 performers and a designated show of the Beijing Olympics, shares the ancient art of Kung Fu in a theatrical setting, combining martial arts and the elegance of Cirque-like acrobatics.  With over 3,000 performances in China, Australia, Vancouver, and London thus far, it is set for a May debut in Branson at The White House Theatre, recently renovated to house this large-scale production.

The Clay Cooper Theatre welcomes Neal McCoy and Buck Trent.

Yakov's Moscow Circus is a unique blend of mad-cap antics, romantic comedy and outright fun! Join the circus at Yakov's Theatre and have fun with Andrei the Clown, Irina Markova and her award-winning canine troupes and their feline friends, Flying Adagio star Marina the Ballerina, the National Unicycling Champion Anthony Soumiatin, and more. Plus an authentic Russian Dinner served at every show.

Cirque Montage, a thrilling acrobatic show of daring and skill, featuring Cirque du Soleil alumni, opens at the Starlite Theatre.

Branson's newest attraction, the Branson Auto Museum, is located on the world-famous "Strip" in the former "Engler Block" crafts mall. The auto museum features over 100 cool cars inside and 15-20 outside. The gift shop features die-cast, apparel, books, magazines (with a reading area), pedal cars and many other unique automotive items.

The Polar Express will entertain all ages this Christmas season at Branson Scenic Railway.

The Welk Resort offers a new indoor/outdoor water attraction, "The Splash-A-Torium." This 10,000+ square foot water attraction features a 100-foot, indoor water slide, indoor/outdoor pool, locker rooms, and a large indoor/outdoor hot tub. Plus an indoor/outdoor "Splash-Zone" where staying dry is impossible.

The White River Comedy Club, in the Branson Landing, is an upscale 178-seat club that offers a rotating schedule of stand-up comics, many who've appeared on Letterman, Leno, HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central and Last Comic Standing.

Have you ever dreamed of medieval castles? Based on an original project in Europe, a hideaway in the Ozark Mountains just south of Branson is being prepared for the Ozark Medieval Fortress, an entertaining and educational attraction. A team of historians, architectural experts and builders is constructing a genuine fortified castle, with towers, a drawbridge, moats, and stone walls surrounding using the techniques and materials of the 12th century. Thirty masons, carpenters, and stone carvers will work year-round for twenty years, the time required to build the entire castle.

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tour

Prepare to fly! Straight from the jungles of Costa Rica to the Branson forests, get ready to soar through the trees on over one mile of ziplines and walkways while experiencing the splendor of the Ozark Mountains.

Ironman 70.3

On September 19, 2010, the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Branson will serve as one of 34 worldwide qualifying events for the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Fla. Professional athletes will be competing for a $25,000 prize purse.

New Places to Stay

The new Baymont Inn & Suites is located on the "Strip" at US 65 and the new Hampton Inn at Branson Hills is adjacent to the 18-hole Payne Stewart Golf Club.

For up-to-the-minute news and special offers, visit ExploreBranson.com

Branson has more than 100 live shows, theme parks, pristine lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features that are fun for everyone!  For more information or to order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 or visit www.explorebranson.com

SOURCE Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau