Branson Spring Preview 2005

Springtime in Branson is - blooming redbuds and dogwood blossoms, gently cool mornings, rainbow trout and big-mouth bass, the mountains lush and green, golf and outlet shopping, float trips on the scenic rivers, cruises on the lake, and all the new shows featuring America's brightest stars!

Fishing Branson's 3 area lakes boast big catches of rainbow and brown trout, lots of bass, (largemouth, smallmouth, Kentucky, white, rock) crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Fly fish on Lake Taneycomo, and enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of Table Rock Lake & Bull Shoals Lake

Golf Spring in the Ozarks mountain lake country makes for some of the most scenic golf courses in America. Branson's ten courses include links designed by Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus.

Outlet Malls Three, sprawling outlet malls makes Branson one of the top destinations in the country for outlet shopping.

Shopping, Crafts, Antiques Branson is a nationally recognized shopping destination, thanks to over 101 specialty shops in the historic downtown area, as well as an abundance of crafts, antiques, and demonstrating master craftsmen.

Springtime on the Lakes Springtime is a perfect time to take a cruise on Branson's lakes. Enjoy entertainment cruises on the majestic Showboat Branson Belle, the Lake Queen paddlewheeler, or the Polynesian Princess yacht. On the other hand, you might want to just rent a pontoon or pleasure boat and wet the line for a trophy-sized bass!

Ozarks Spring in the Great Outdoors -Canoe Branson's nearby mountain rivers, stroll the beautiful hiking trails, explore awesome underground caverns, picnic on a scenic overlook, or simply stroll the waterfront art galleries and feed the ducks. Are there better ways to say goodbye to Winter and to greet the splendors of Spring?

Spring Events 2005

*Family Spring Break Days: Mar 17-20, 22, 24-26 Silver Dollar City Theme Park.

*Young Christians Weekend: April 1-3: Silver Dollar City Theme Park. One of the premiere gatherings of Christian young people in the Midwest! A weekend of faith, fellowship, and rides! Top contemporary Christian recording artists, bands, nationally known guest speakers, and rides! This year: rides Sunday afternoon! Here's your chance to try out Powder Keg, the park's brand new, multi-million dollar roller coaster! (417) 338-2611

*BransonFest: Apr 5-9 Named one of the "Top 100 Events in North America" by The American Bus Association, Meet the stars, see all the new shows. Sample local cuisine, enjoy the crafts, expos and attractions as Branson kicks off the new show season. Home base is the Welk Resort. Fabulous food and fun for all. Admission is free to all events except for the "Super Shows"

*World Fest: Apr 7-May 15 At Silver Dollar City theme park. America's largest international festival features performers, music, dance, native costumes, pageantry and food from around the world. www.silverdollarcity.com

*Veterans Observances: For more information on any of these events, contact the Branson Veterans Task Force (417)-337-VETS (8387) or visit their website at www.bransonveterans.com Apr 10 Gulf War Cease Fire Ceremony, May 13-15 Armed Forces Day, Branson Remembers, May 15-17 Women Veteran's Week: May 15-17 Memorial Day Tributes May 31

*Kewpiesta: Apr 20-25 The festival for those lovable "kewpie dolls". Events scheduled at Bonniebrook Park The Ramada Inn. (417) 561-1509.

*Ozarks 100: (Bicycling): Apr 17 - Apr 20 The charity event follows 3 beautiful routes for all levels of cycling, all in the scenic Mark Twain National Forest. (417) 335-2634 Ext. 225

*Branson Collector Car Auction Apr 15-17 At Celebration City Amusement Park. Antiques, classics, exotics, street rods. (800) 335-3063 www.collectorcarsint.com

*50-Plus Shoppers Club Open House: Apr 19 Factory Merchants (Outlet Mall)

*Main Street Hoops 3 on 3 Street Basketball Tournament: Apr 24 Amateur street tournament. (417) 334-1548.

*The Mid America Gospel Singing Convention: May 13-14, 2005 at the Tri-Lakes Convention Center. Big shows each night, plus special events. The convention will host "A Rockin' Church Choir and a Praise Team Talent Showcase, all competing for a $1,000.00 prize. (417)-336-2921, 417-336-0219

*Branson Motorcycle Rally May 19-22 Ride the beautiful Ozarks! Several special biker events. www.bransonmotorcyclerally.com

*Compton Ridge Fiddlers Convention: May 21 - Jun 5 Stage Shows, jam sessions, catfish fry, pig roast and more! (417) 338-2911.

*Plumb Nellie Days Hillbilly Festival & Craft Show May 20-22 Celebrating the craft heritage of the Ozarks. Crafters from all over the Midwest. Entertainment, events, games for the kids (417) 334-1548.

*Bluegrass and Barbecue: May 21-Jun 5 Silver Dollar City Theme Park. A new festival for 2005; a celebration of BBQ cooking and bluegrass music! (800) 475-9370

*AAA Membership Appreciation Days: May 21-22 Factory Merchants (Outlet Mall)

*Red, White & Bluegrass Weekend: May 28-30 at Silver Dollar City Theme Park

*Hydroplane Races and Swim Suit Contest May 29 - Jun 30 at Rockaway Beach (800) 798-0178

Mark Your Summer Calendars for these great events:

*National Kids' Fest Jun 10-Aug 15 At Silver Dollar City Theme park. Entertainment and activities all designed with kids in mind, plus the Veggie Tales live stage show!

*Welcome Home: America's Tribute to Vietnam Veterans: Jun 13-19 Mark your calendar today! Over 50,000 Vietnam Veterans expected in this summer event: Named Operation Homecoming USA, the celebration honoring Vietnam vets will include visiting guest stars, flyovers, displays, golf and fishing tournaments, the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, a Vietnam Homecoming Parade, Grand Finale Extravaganza, and many more events to be announced. For more information contact Paul Wannenmacher (417) 869-4848 or Jerry Adams (417) 334-3345, or visit 
www.cityofbranson.org