In preparation for the summer season, the Big Cedar Lodge in Branson is hosting a Kids’ Day Camp on March 15. The fun event takes place during the afternoon from 1-5, and it is a great educational tool to help your kids learn a little more about the outdoors and spend a some time exploring the basics of camping. Knowledgeable guides will equip your kids with fun tips and open their eyes to the extent of the nature and wildlife surrounding them in the Ozarks. Children will be taught how to build a fire and pitch a tent. They’ll even have the opportunity to play a few games with their peers. Most of the camp will take place at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a stunning paradise of budding plants and trees and a small waterfall. Parents can explore some of the park as well, and there are several trails for both walking and biking.

You’re welcome to reserve Branson lodging if you’re planning to make a whole vacation out of your experience here, and you certainly won’t be disappointed with the variety of Branson shows in the area. Choose the entertainment and shelter that suits you best, and make the excursion one that the entire family remembers!

The Big Cedar Lodge’s regular event, Cooking 101 with the Chef, provides visitors with excellent opportunities to learn to prepare a variety of culinary delights, and on March 26, guests can learn to cook comfort food. The professional chef at Big Cedar Lodge is sure to teach you techniques that will help you cook delightful fares that will have your friends and family asking for a second helping. Along with the fabulous cooking lesson, you will also receive a handy cooking tool and recipe book, along with a delicious complimentary appetizer from the Devil’s Pool Restaurant or the Worman House. Be sure to reserve your spot early, because this event is sure to be popular!

While you’re in Branson for Cooking 101 with the Chef, be sure to catch an entertaining show and visit some of the attractions in the Branson area by viewing BransonShows.com.

Film lovers need to be prepared for the biggest film event of the year as the 18th Annual IMAX FilmFest begins on March 18th. The festival will continue through April 24th with special movie presentations as well as regularly scheduled new releases being put on for film aficionados’ appreciation.

IMAX movies are displayed on a screen that is the same height as a six story tall building with high definition picture and sound for an incredible movie experience that is larger than life. That means that this film fest is going to present a visual effect that is as huge as the story each film tells. Tornado Alley, Arabia, Mysteries of the Great Lakes, Born to Be Wild, and Ozarks Legacy and Legends will be the main featured films for this festival, so make sure that you don’t miss a chance to see any of these as they are given their larger than life showing!

While you’re in Branson for the 18th Annual IMAX FilmFest, make sure that you don’t miss seeing any of the other great shows and attractions that have reopened for the season. BransonShows.com can give you a complete list of what is available and makes it easy for you to get the shows, activities, and lodging you need in one place.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect wedding planner, photographer, or other wedding specialist for your upcoming wedding, you need to head to Branson, Missouri, for the 2011 Bridal Show. The bridal show will take place on March 12th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Branson Convention Center, so make sure that you mark your calendar for the event.

At the show, you will have the opportunity to meet with a number of specialists and can use the time to decide if each one is right for helping you out on your special day. Cakes, catering, venues, flowers, decor, tuxedos, and gowns are just a few of the exciting things you can view and discuss at the show, so it might be a good idea to bring a pen and paper to help you organize your favorites. As an added bonus, you will be able to register to win a $1,000 prize package to help you have your dream wedding!

While you’re in Branson for the bridal show, keep in mind some of the other great activities and attractions that are re-opening for the season in March, and make plans to go see them at BransonShows.com.

As many families prepare for a Spring Break in Branson, Silver Dollar City prepares to welcome them with a grand re-opening for the season by featuring Family Spring Break Days on March 17th through the 20th and March 24th through the 27th. With rides, shows, and attractions that feature old fashioned fun, the park is family friendly and perfect for all ages.

In addition to its usual children’s rides, Silver Dollar City is also opening Half Dollar Holler to the public this season. Treetop fun houses, climbing nets, sand tables, and the Silver Dollar City Carousel are just a few of the new attractions that await kids. Perfect for families with younger children, it will provide hours of entertainment for the kids while parents get to take a break and relax.

For the adrenaline junkie in your family, thrill rides will also be open during Family Spring Break Days. They can enjoy the twists and turns of the classic Thunderation roller coaster or experience the rush and excitement of going upside down with WildFire. For the more cautious members of your family who want more gentle rides, The GIANT Swing or The Flooded Mine each provide a less wild adventure.

With all of the rides and attractions at Silver Dollar City, you may have a hard time pulling yourself away for a show, but it’s worth it! Silver Dollar City offers a variety of shows featuring country music or old fashioned entertainment for your enjoyment and all of the shows feature the best and brightest singers, dancers, and actors Branson has offer. Pure Heart, Choctaw Charlie’s Frontier Follies, and Cajun connection are just a few of the wonderful opportunities for entertainment that you will have during your visit!

While you’re preparing for Spring Break in Branson, make sure to check out the other shows and activities available by going to BransonShows.com.

Experienced anglers and leisurely fisherman are sure to have a good time participating in the 2011 Team Trout Championship at Lilley’s Landing in Branson on February 26! The winners will be awarded with cash and prizes by catching the heaviest rainbow and brown trout, and this year you could win up to $800 for catching the heaviest brown trout. Anglers must enter the contest in teams of two and use only artificial bait. Those who are not competitive but still want to participate can enter the catch-and-release tournament taking place at the same time. For a great time fishing in the Ozarks, be sure to include the Team Trout Championship in your February Branson vacation plans!

While you’re in Branson, make sure that you take the time to visit some of Branson’s shows and attractions. To compare prices and make reservations for lodging and to purchase tickets for shows, visit BransonShows.com for a convenient way to plan your Branson vacation!

Join Jim Barber, Dave Hamner, and Bob Anderson at the Jim Stafford Theatre on February 23rd for the 2nd Annual Branson Gong Show. This show, created to benefit Meals on Wheels for seniors, offers guests the chance to watch a variety of talented performers from across Missouri compete for the title of best talent in the region.

The most exciting part of the show is that you, along with Jim Barber, Dave Hamner, and Bob Anderson, are the judge. Each judge will be given a gong to signal that the performer should stop for the next act to begin. If you like an act, cheer them on, and if you want to move to the next act, shout for the judges to use their gong. You will see a variety of performers with anything from a musical act to dancing, so you never know what kind of act will be named number one for 2011!

While you’re in town for The Branson Gong Show, check out some of the other area attractions and activities also available during your visit at BransonShows.com.

Visitors and locals will be heading over to Table Rock Lake on February 12 for a cold swim. Although the temperature may not be favorable to swimmers, the fundraising event puts money toward the Special Olympics, so it goes for a great cause to support others. Swimmers that raise $50 and more will benefit with a special Polar Plunge sweatshirt, and there are many other prizes to be won as well, including duffel bags, hoodies, backpacks and travel gift cards.

Many of the prizes will be distributed at the “Post Plunge Party,”  which will incorporate fun music, delicious food and a silent and live auction into the event as well. If you went for a swim beforehand, admission into the party is free of charge! It’s a Branson event that all can look forward to, whether they’re “hibernating” as spectators, or diving in for a cold swim. Remember to check out other Branson activities and lodging while you’re in the area as well.