Dixie Stampede's "Journey West

If you've heard of Branson, chances are you've heard of the Dixie Stampede. If you've ever been to the show, you know exactly why it's one of the best shows in Branson. The Dixie Stampede is a unique production where audience participation is key, especially when it is time for a "stampede." There is a fantastic meal included with the show, and the waiters and waitresses even sing and dance! This year, the show will include "Journey West," a new segment that features cowboys, a wagon train, and stampeding longhorn steer. I"ll be attending the season opener March 1, and I hope you all will as well!

Branson Fire Department's Newest Addition

Last night at City Hall, the Branson Fire Department unveiled to the public its brand new state-of-the-art ladder truck valued at almost $700,000. My brother Ryan, a fellow Branson volunteer firefighter, and I, got an up-close look. The truck was purchased to replace their 1988 addition, a 75 ft. ladder truck. Captain Ben Bonner (pictured) gave me a quick tour. It was an awesome sight to see. Even at a towering 105 ft. in the air, the ladder is safely rated for use in winds up to 50 mph. The main water pump is capable of sending 2,500 gallons of water per minute through either the top of the ladder or several ground hoses. It may look very complicated, but this truck has a very sophisticated "auto-pilot" system for regulating water pressure, keeping ladder balance, and other safety features. The cab is massive, with seating for 7, and room for at least 5 more to stand. Each seat is equipped with an oxygen tank that quickly releases to accompany each firefighter in action. I got to climb in but they wouldn't let me press any buttons!

Keep your fingers crossed for some snow tomorrow!

Branson Regional Airport

Well I hope everyone managed to get reacquainted with the sunshine this weekend! What beautiful Ozarks weather. Get ready for some possible snow tomorrow. You know how the saying goes, if you don't like the weather in the Ozarks, just be patient, it will change.

Many of you have already heard rumors about a possible airport coming to Branson. Well the rumors are true! Branson Regional Airport, soon to be the only privately financed and operated commercial airport in the U.S., is currently scheduled for take-off in May, 2009. It is being constructed on a location roughly 8 miles south of the heart of Branson. So far, 11million tons (that’s 22,000,000,000 pounds!) of dirt have been moved, and when all is said and done, they will have moved over 12 million tons. The next major step is to begin paving the runway, starting this April or May. I have lots more information about the Branson Regional Airport coming soon, so keep reading and I'll keep you updated. Many structural aspects of the project are in their final design stages, so look for some neat renderings coming soon!

If there is anything going on around Branson that you would like to read more about, please let me know. I am also still looking for people who would like to be featured on the blog as well. I love hearing your feedback!

Have a great day!

Dustin

Paul Colman of the Newsboys

Get ready for a fantastic weekend in Branson, as the high temperatures will rise over 30 degrees in a couple of days. Sunday is supposed to be 60 and mostly sunny! Sounds like a nice day for a bike ride, hike, or some other outdoor activity.

Yesterday evening I ventured to College of the Ozarks once again. This time I got to watch a performance by the very talented Paul Colman, of the Newsboys. A native to Australia, Paul has only been with the band for 2 years, and has already seen 49 of the 50 states. He performs with the Newsboys 4 times a week, then does his solo performances one or two nights. Paul put on a great show that kept his audience clapping, laughing, and singing along, by mixing comedy with his very own music, and even did a killer Bob Dylan tribute. The crowd's favorite was a reggae-styled song titled "Dear God," which Paul wrote himself, including a touching message and some impressive beatbox style vocals. Paul is currently en route to Minneapolis, where he will perform tonight with the Newsboys.

Thanks Paul, and Good Luck!

New for 2008!

In 2008, expect to see new shows, attractions, special events, festivals, restaurants, lodging, outdoor recreational activities and more as the Branson Lakes Area continues to grow and expand to meet the needs of so many visitors year after year. Did you know that Branson's residential population is only about 7,000, but attracts nearly eight million visitors a year to its live entertainment bonanza, offering active relaxation with three nearby lakes and the best in time-honored Ozarks hospitality? The Branson Landing, a $420 million lakefront shopping and entertainment district, has become an instant hit, offering incredible shopping, dining, and nightlife. Last fall, the Branson Convention Center and Hilton Hotel opened adjacent to Branson Landing. These are just a few of the many exciting offerings in Branson in 2008!

The Winner's Edge

Most of you probably don't know that I played racquetball for Missouri State University during my four year career there. I was fortunate enough to play in many tournaments, including the National Collegiate Championships at Arizona State University. Last night I got a chance to hear a fellow racquetball player giving a motivational speech to College of the Ozarks students.

At the age of 18, Bruce Bugoski awoke from a coma to a group of doctors explaining to him that he would never walk again. He had been in a terrible car accident. Bruce had the courage and willpower to prove the doctors wrong by regaining full use of his body. He took it a step farther by also excelling in athletics, achieving a state championship in racquetball twice, a state championship in softball, and coaching baseball, football, and tennis. He has personally trained and coached many elite athletes, as well as giving many powerful and inspiring speeches. Bruce has a motto we should all add to our daily lives -- GOYA (Get Off Your... Attitude!) He demonstrated to us just how easy it is to go through life without giving 100% and not even realizing it. Did you know that stretching your calves is actually the most closely related stretch to achieving relaxation and concentration? Thanks Bruce!

Snow Day!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Martin Luther King, Jr. day. Congratulations to Branson School's students for their first snow day of 2008. Freezing rain last night combined with a 12 degree sunrise this morning led to icy roads and locked doors at the school. Be extremely careful if you are driving this morning!

On Saturday I got a chance to check out NICA's (National Ice Carving Association) 2nd Annual Ice Sculpting event at the Titanic Museum. It was a very unique experience. I got to watch at least 17 entries being carved by bare-handed sculptors ranging in age from 13 to over 50. Each sculptor was on a time limit and you got points for using as much of the ice as possible, including the scraps. I didn't stick around for the awards ceremony, but the sculptures were still there the next day completely finished. If you ever get a chance to see something like this I would highly recommend it.



Well I hope everyone is staying warm. Have a wonderful day and drive safe!