The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Branson benefit helps kids for Christmas
A new program, Care for Kids Christmas, hopes to make Christmas brighter for area kids in need.
Moon River memoir: Andy Williams shares good times and bad in his new autobiography w/ Andy Williams Pop Art slide show & interview audio
He’s hobnobbed with political royalty, played golf with the greats of the game, and President Ronald Reagan called his voice “a national treasure.” In his new memoir, “Moon River and Me,” Andy Williams didn’t want to toot his own horn or brag about the awards he has received.
Dave Woods: 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.
Dave Woods: Silver Dollar City announces new ride for 2010
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.
Branson producers think Broadway's Peter Pan is good fit w/ Peter Pan video & Cathy Rigby interview audio
Kids of all ages have the opportunity to see the long-loved tale of Peter Pan through Dec. 12 at The Mansion Theatre in Branson. The production stars Tony Award nominee and Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby in the title role. “It’s great fun,” Rigby, now in her mid-50s, said of the part she’s played off and on since 1984.
Christmas shows, events keep visitors coming back to Branson w/ Branson Christmas parade & kids slide shows
Some come to Branson during the holidays for the shopping, some for the Christmas shows.
Mary and Joseph McAfee made the trip from Del City, Okla., for a little of both.
Rustic feel: Log cabins, fall foliage and outdoor activities keep families coming back to Branson area
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.
Silver Dollar City salutes cowgirls, craftsmanship during National Harvest Festival w/ Cowgirl Chicks video
Kenneth Kieser said he’s hard to impress when it comes to horsemanship and trick riding. The author of several western novels has spent much of his writing career researching all-things cowboy for the books he publishes.
But Kieser couldn’t hide his excitement during the opening performance of the All American Cowgirl Chicks equestrian drill team’s show at Silver Dollar City’s annual National Harvest Festival.
Chinese acrobats, balancing monks wow at Silver Dollar City festival w/ Zhejiang Chinese Acrobats video
It takes Ken and Vickie Cox only five minutes to drive down the road from their Indian Point, Mo., home to Silver Dollar City. It’s a drive they love to take. “We come down here all year long and we never miss World-Fest,” Vickie, a 70-year-old grandmother, said after watching a performance of the Zhejiang Acrobats and Balancing Monks. “It’s phenomenal. I don’t know how they do that. They are so strong and graceful.”
Branson springs to life w/ Best Read Guide & Branson blog
Mary Kellogg knows why Branson appeals to families planning their spring vacations.
“It’s an affordable destination, and with the economy the way it is, this is the best place in the country to come,” said the owner of the Titanic Branson Museum Attraction and an advocate for Branson tourism. “We give individuals extra value for their money.”
Christmas Branson style w/ Branson Christmas slide show
When Mark and Susan Lasiter retired and moved to Branson from Southern California, they knew they had landed in a very special place.
'Awesome!': New water ride, Kids Fest impress Branson visitors w/ animation, links
Celebration City’s new star attraction is the largest multi-million-dollar ride installation in the amusement park’s history and is drawing families from near and far to take the plunge.
An American celebration w/ link to Celebrate America show schedule and info
After five years on stage at The Mansion Theater in Branson, Bicknell said, “Celebrate America” is still going strong. “It’s a tribute to our country set to music and dance,” producer Gene Bicknell said. “It’s educational.”
Dream job, dream kitchen w/ Debbie Dance Uhrig interview audio and culinary school slide show
More than four years in the making, Silver Dollar City's Culinary and Craft School not only showcases the artisanship of Silver Dollar City’s citizens, it provides visitors an opportunity to take craft and cooking classes, take home traditional park recipes and pick up a few tips from Debbie Dance Uhrig, the park’s master craftsman of culinary arts.
It’s a Grand view: Branson theater covers all the bases with comedy, music w/audio
A 20-plus-year Branson entertainment veteran, Patrick produces Comedy Jamboree and Grand Jubilee, and has a hand in productions at the theater such as the Buck Trent Show, Amazing Pets, Sunday Gospel Jubilee, Ozark Mountain Jubilee and Branson Country U.S.A. — a live, late-night radio show staged at Grand Country.
Show Me some wine w/ links to winery Web sites and food and wine pairings
With 70-plus wineries in Missouri producing more than 420 varieties sporting the Missouri-product designation, it’s easy to understand why the state’s wines are growing in acceptance and popularity.
National Harvest Festival offered at Silver Dollar City w/ festival slide show
Through Oct. 25, thousands of fans of American craftsmanship will come from all over the country to the hills and hollows of Silver Dollar City to watch more than 200 American crafters — including many “Best of Missouri Hands” juried artists — create their one-of-a-kind jewelry, quilts, bronze and copper crafts, woodcrafts, metal work, baskets, pottery and stained-glass creations.
Farm fresh: An Ozark farm specializes in blueberries, fresh-baked goods & shiitake mushrooms w/ slide show
On just about any summer weekend morning, customers come from all over the Ozarks to stand in line and wait for a white bakery box filled with Persimmon Hill Farm’s famous “Blueberry Thunder Muffins.”
Farm fresh: An Ozark farm specializes in blueberries, fresh-baked goods & shiitake mushrooms w/ slide show
On just about any summer weekend morning, customers come from all over the Ozarks to stand in line and wait for a white bakery box filled with Persimmon Hill Farm’s famous “Blueberry Thunder Muffins.”
Haygoods deliver the goods w/ Links to The Haygoods' Web site, MySpace, YouTube and fan photo galleries
The show offered up a little something for the entire family, including showtunes, comedy, ’50s rock ’n’ roll, a little Rat-Pack and a few minutes of wholesome country fun.
'I have a captive audience' w/ links to Christopher James video and Showboat Branson Belle ticket info
It’s a long way from working vacation resorts in the Catskill Mountains of New York to entertaining crowds on Table Rock Lake’s Showboat Branson Belle, but it’s a journey Christopher James said he’s glad he made.
She's back in Branson: After four-year absence, entertainment icon Ann-Margret returns to the stage w/ Ann-Margret interview audio, video and official Web site
Ann-Margret said she has many fond memories of her last on-stage engagement in Branson, but most of all she remembers the people. After a four-year absence, Ann-Margret has returned to the stage at the Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre for a seven-week run with her friend of 46 years.
A 'Titanic' dream: Branson exhibit celebrates film w/ Titanic video, photo slide show & interview audio
Almost 100 years after the “unsinkable” ship struck an iceberg in the mid-Atlantic and sent more than 1,500 souls to the ocean floor, Titanic buffs have a new reason to set sail for Branson: “Titanic: the Movie Exhibit.”
Feet of Fire: Irish step-dancers heat up World-Fest w/ Feet of Fire photo slide show and link to listen to Irish harp music
Continuing through May 4, World-Fest is an annual celebration of international music and culture. This year, it features performers from five continents and nine countries.
A taste of Branson: Andy Williams serves it up just like mom used to make w/ Andy Williams interview and additional recipes
Andy Williams admits it was the recipes he remembers his mother whipping up in the kitchen that provided much of the inspiration for the menu at Moon River Grill
'Tis the season in Branson
This year, more than ever, Branson offers a wide variety of opportunities to make new friends and renew old acquaintances under the glow of millions of twinkling lights.

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