At their September 26, 2006 regularly scheduled meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen voted, by a six to zero (6-0) margin, to reduce the size of a proposed 25 story skyscraper to 12 stories. The proposed skyscraper is to be constructed as part of a $100 million multi use retail and resort complex to be constructed at the junction of U.S. Highway 65 and State Highway 248 in Branson. The complex is being jointly developed by HCW Development Company, of Branson, and Evergreen Investments, of Lebanon. At their regularly scheduled meeting on November 27, 2006 three of the those that voted for the reduction of the building to 12 stories at the September 25 meeting, alderman Gas, Martin, and Barker reversed their position. The tie vote of the council was broken by the Mayor as he voted in favor of the reversal. The reason the issue was voted on again was because of alleged problems with the way the ordinance passed at the September 26 meeting read.
Visitors going to Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas.” or the “Trail of Lights” at the Shepherd of the Hills, or anyone just wanting to see a neat Christmas Light drive through display, might want to plan to visit Indian Point’s free Christmas Light drive through display. Located south of the entrance to Silver Dollar City. The “Enchanted Forest” was the first drive-through holiday light display in the Branson/Lakes Area. The display covers a mile-long drive and has hundreds of thousands of lights including tunnels, whimsical animated woodland creatures and a few new surprises. The focal point is the now famous “Freedom Tree” with its 60,000 plus red, white and blue lights sending forth a visual support for our troops abroad and emergency workers here at home. The Enchanted Forest is free and is located three miles south of Highway 76 on Indian Point Road (the entrance to the Silver Dollar City Theme Park) between Branson and Branson West. It will be open from dusk until midnight each evening from Nov. 11 through January 1.
Those attending the Sep. 25 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen meeting thought that the matter of the proposed 25 story sky skyscraper that was to be part of “The Point Entertainment Development,” located at the gateway to Branson, had been settled. The compromise was a motion, made and approved by the board, to “restrict the building to 12 stories.” Unfortunately, the height of the building in the ordinance was not stated in stories but in feet, 300 feet to be exact.
At the Nov. 27 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen the issue will again come up. On a recent KRZK Home Town Radio Broadcast, Jerry Adams, the Communications Director for the City of Branson said, “What will happen this Monday night is the ordinance will be reintroduced with the 300 foot, the original 300 foot height restriction and the ordinance will provide clarification for the maximum height in feet allowed for a structure within that planned development there at Highway 248 and US 65.” From an Ole Seagull’s perspective what is important is what will happen after its reintroduced.
SIX, a.k.a. The Knudsen Brothers, featuring six real bothers and their own dynamic brand of sibling harmonies, are getting a lot of excellent reviews from the 1Branson.com message board in threads here and here. SIX is performing at the 2:00 pm. time slot at the Hughes Brothers Theater through December 6, 2006 and is scheduled to be back in Branson next year. One commenter said, This is an excellent variety show featuring six real brothers…These guys display wonderful harmonies and sing standards, Broadway, Frankie Vallie & the Four Seasons, the Detroit sound (the Temptations and other Motown groups) and the Beach Boys. The second half of their show is Christmas standards.”
Springfield’s Festival of Lights is a six-week celebration featuring a number of no- or low-cost activities for people to enjoy during the holiday season along with a variety of music and theater performances in the spirit of the season. The kick-off events are open to the public at Jordan Valley Ice Park, Jordan Valley Park and culminating with the first-ever Festival of Lights Kick-off Fireworks at Hammons Field Saturday evening.” Saturday’s schedule will feature a Holiday Ice Show, Mayor’s Tree Lighting Celebration, a fireworks display at Hammonds Field and many other events.
For more information on all of the Festival of Lights events, visit: www.itsalldowntown.com or www.festivaloflights.net or contact the following for additional information Louise Whall, Director of Public Information, 417-864-1010; Bob Nelson, Special Projects Coordinator, 417-864-1403; Lisa Zimmerman, Jordan Valley Park Marketing Director, 417-866-7444; or Kirk Elmquist, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Springfield Cardinals, 417-863-2143.
The fundraising efforts of the Circle B Chuckwagon and Cowboy Music Show, on behalf of Christian Action Ministries of Branson [CAM], reaped a bountiful harvest on November 12 & 13. Funds were contributed by a combination of locals, and interested friends from around the country who were enlisted in the cause of helping our less fortunate neighbors in the Branson neighborhood.
Since C.A.M has recently relocated, new financial obligations have to be met; therefore, if you missed the fundraiser last weekend, you can still contribute. Those who are less fortunate will always be with us, but we can help now. Just call Joan, or any of the dedicated staff of Christian Action Ministries at 417-334-1157. They can use food, but money is an immediate concern for this worthwhile organization!
Experience the excitement of Branson’s 72nd Annual Veterans Day Parade conducted as part of Branson’s 13th Veterans Homecoming through Basil Groman’s photographic essay of the event.
Crystal Gayle and Lee Greenwood will be appearing in Branson for four more weekends in November and December. Known for her signature song, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” and floor length hair, Crystal Gayle will perform with Lee Greenwood, singer and songwriter of the patriotic anthem, “God Bless The USA.” The Gayle - Greenwood appearances will be at Branson’s Welk Theatre on November 18 & 19 and December 2 & 3 at 2 & 8 p.m. on Saturdays and at 8 p.m. only on Sundays. For online information and ticket purchase click here or for further information or tickets call 800-590-0155 or 417-337-7469.
Internationally renowned entertainer Pat Boone is scheduled to make public appearances in the following events during Branson’s Veterans Homecoming:
Friday, Nov. 10, world premier of “For My Country – Ballad of the National Guard” at the Presley’s Country Jubilee, 2920 W. Hwy. 76. Doors open at 3:15 p.m. and the premier begins at 4:15 p.m. “For My Country – Ballad of the National Guard” is the first time the National Guard has been honored and acknowledged with a historical documentary and music video created, produced and performed by Boone. A major portion of the proceeds of the sale of the DVD/CD package (suggested retail price of $12.98) will benefit the Paralyzed Veteran’s of America, an organization that assists veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction. The package containing the 50-minute documentary, music video and a special message from Boone will be available to consumers on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Saturday, Nov. 11:
The 72nd Annual Branson Veterans Day Parade sponsored by American Legion Post #220 goes through downtown Branson (begins and ends at Long and Commercial – west on Long to Commercial, north on Commercial to Main, east on Main to Branson Landing Blvd., south on Branson Landing Blvd. to Long) beginning at 11 a.m.
Closing Ceremonies at the White House Theater begin at 3 p.m. also on Nov. 11. The culmination of the weeklong Veterans Day event, the observance will include, in addition to Boone, Barbara Fairchild’s exciting salute to “Branson Doesn’t Forget.” Media seats will be designated on front rows for photographers.
The “Branson Doesn’t Forget” Ball at Chateau on the Lake begins at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. and entertainment and dancing with Les Brown and the All Stars. Boone will be honored along with the American Legion Post #220 and College of the Ozarks plus other special guests.
On November 11, the Branson Veterans Task Force, BVTF, will host the “Branson Doesn’t Forget” Ball at Chateau on the Lake. Celebrities scheduled to attend include Pat Boone, Moe Bandy, Dalena Ditto, Jim Owen and Les Brown’s Band of Renown. The ball is open to the public with the cocktail hour (cash bar) 6:30 p.m., dinner 7:30 p.m. and entertainment and dancing following with Les Brown and the All Stars. Special guest Pat Boone to be honored at our “Branson Doesn’t Forget” Ball along with the American Legion Post #220 and the College of the Ozarks. Tickets are $50.00 per person and are available at three BVTF registries Celebration City, Mansion America Theater, Grand Country Square or at the BVTF Office, 158 Pointe Royale Dr. throughout the week. For additional information call 417-337-8387.