See the colorful and rich paintings of famous artist Jim Rodgers at Mount Pleasant on September 18 during the evening, from 5-7 pm for the “Meet the Artist” event. Rodgers, whose painting style is focused on acrylic and oil, will be provide a plethora of pictures and designs for audiences to see along with wine and cheese reception. The admission is free, so you’ll certainly want to see Rodgers’ works and meet him as well.

Rodgers will be painting a variety of images that will truly demonstrate the experience and creativity he has as an artist. You’ll see oil paintings of fresh vegetables and fruit, seasonal terrains, detailed portraits and the attractive Branson Belle to show his Branson spirit!

The creative art of Rodgers will be on display for the six weeks following in the Mount Pleasant Winery in Branson. If you would like to purchase a piece, most of the art will be on sale so you can take a piece of Branson back with you.  A new artist will be announced for the next “Meet the Artist” every six weeks. If you’re in the mood for other entertaining attractions inside Branson, you can certainly try a tour, cruise or show in Branson’s activities. If you’d like to stay for a few days, you can book Branson lodging as well.

Take the entire Labor Day weekend to spend in Branson, where you can find nonstop entertainment through the artists and activities present at the Branson Landing sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Take friends and family to see some of the best regional music talent featuring artists like M-Dock Band, a Midwestern band known for their rock mixed with an acoustic / electric sound.

Your weekend only begins, as more bands are scheduled to entertain your entire party. On September 5, you can listen to Beyond the Walls in the afternoon, covering famous Christian artists like Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, and much more. That evening, the Souled Out Band will bring you special music accompanied by their talented horn section.

Finally, on Labor Day, you’ll hear the highlight of the weekend, which starts with ”Jerry’s Kids,” who will be sharing their talented voices for the audience and working to “dance the day away for MDA.”  Take part in the other activities and lodging of the city if you’re planning to stay for the weekend as well.

On September 19, the city of Branson will host one of the 34 qualifying events nationwide for the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3. A $25,000 prize will be given to the winner of the event, and Branson is sure to see many professional athletes arriving on qualifying day. The event consists of several grueling activities, starting with a 1.2 mile swim on Table Rock Lake, followed by 56 miles of bicycling through the rough Ozark mountains and finally a two-loop 13. 1 mile run.

The final event will take place in Clearwater, Florida, but this qualifying round is sure to attract a large crowd. Spectators are welcome to watch the last leg of the triathalon-type event, so you may grab your spot along the road as the runners drive their legs to the finish. The competition is limited to 2,000 athletes, and each one will be as eager as the next to compete globally!

As long as you’re in Branson, you’re welcome to view our large selection of area lodging, whether you’re planning on staying near Table Rock or closer to the 76 strip. For extra entertainment, you can check out the shows, tours, and cruises available in our activities.

Silver Dollar City welcomes visitors to the National Harvest Festival starting on September 11. The event continues through October 30 and features all types of fun arts and craft opportunities for both the young and the old. No matter what your interests, this great festival has an outlet for you and your family.

If you love making recipes and trying different kinds of food, you’ll want to sign up with a Master Craftsman at the Silver Dollar City’s Culinary and Craft School, featuring a fully-equipped kitchen and plenty of new tricks for your own cooking. Use the tips you learn to satisfy your own food craving once you get back home!

For those that are more into shopping, you can enter the $5,000 Heirloom Shopping Spree for a chance to not only gain financially, but also receive special VIP access to places around the park to get the best bang for your buck. In addition, the package also includes two nights lodging on the Chateau at the Lake and a four person admission to both Silver Dollar City and the Showboat Branson Belle.

There are plenty of other activities you can try while you’re at the Branson theme park, including Missouri’s Largest Barn Dance, which is prepared to be even bigger this year. Also, the Headin’ West production will astound audiences. After you’ve completely satisfied your Silver Dollar City craving, you can find many other shows and activities in Branson while you stay in their lodging.

Branson, Missouri is known for its great outlet malls that give customers great value on wonderful products. This summer, take advantage of the lower prices of the outlet malls as well as the sales tax free weekend taking place in Branson, MO from August 6th to the 8th. It’s the perfect way to get ready for school or work with new clothing at better prices.

Tanger Outlet Malls, The Factory Shops at Branson Meadows, and Factory Merchants Branson are three of the outlet malls you may want to visit during the sales tax free weekend. Tanger Outlet Malls has great stores like Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Pac Sun for guests to shop at while The Factory Shops at Branson Meadows offers stores like Ozark Quilts and More, Bon Worth, and Vanity Fair Factory Outlet. The Factory Merchants Branson offers other great shopping as well. Each place has its own attractions to offer guests to make each shopping experience special.

While you’re shopping in Branson, MO for fantastic clothing or other merchandise with reduced prices and better savings during the sales tax free weekend, make sure you don’t forget to check out some of the Branson shows that made the area famous. Between shows and shopping, you’re going to have a great time in Branson.

If you watch late night television, you’re probably familiar with the popular Late Show with David Letterman. On June 26th, David Letterman’s show will be holding auditions for stupid pet or human tricks. Anyone who has an interesting trick that they or their pet can do is welcome to come and try out at the Branson Landing on that Saturday.

Audition times are limited from between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. At 7:00 pm, the last audition will be held. Make sure that you arrive early or you may not be able to try out during the audition times. Anyone who wishes to try out and is under the age of 18 must bring an adult with them to sign a consent form. All pets who are being brought for the auditions must be kept under control at all times. It is recommended that food and water are brought for pets while they wait for their audition.

The lucky participants who are selected for the show will get to be on the David Letterman show. David Letterman will have the participant’s trip to New York paid for and will also being paying the participant for being on his show. In addition, the winner also get to perform his or her trick for millions of people on television!

While you’re in Branson to try out for The Late Show with David Letterman, make sure that you spend some time enjoying some of Branson’s entertainment. BransonShows.com is a great place to order tickets for Branson activities when you visit.

In a city like Branson, MO where unique talents and crafts are cherished, the 26th Annual Spring Woodcarving Rendezvous Seminar is a fantastic event to participate in. This event will be taking place at the Compton Ridge Campground from June 6th to June 11th and welcomes everyone from the most advanced carvers to beginners. If you’ve never tried woodcarving before, this seminar is your chance to learn how to start and get to see some talented wood carvers in action.

The woodcarving event features both wood carving and wood burning techniques for everyone to study. The classes will be taking place from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with some after hours carving activities going on for those who would like to stay longer. The classes will be in an air conditioned building that will be locked at night in order to keep your woodcarving tools safe and secure for you.

On June 6th, the traditional Rendezvous Pig Roast is planned for those who would like to participate. This kicks off the seminar in style and allows woodcarvers from past years to meet up with old friends and make new friends. Door prizes are just a part of the excitement that you can expect at this part of the event. It will be five days of fun with people who share a common interest.

After the woodcarving classes, take a break and relax at some of the wonderful Branson area shows. Go to bransonshows.com to find out show prices and book your reservations.

From June 5th to August 8th, the National KidsFest takes over Silver Dollar City making this theme park an exciting vacation destination for families. For young children and the young at heart, this event makes Silver Dollar City more kid-friendly than usual. Special guests and new rides make this year’s KidsFest more thrilling than ever before.

Riverblast is the newest ride at Silver Dollar City for you to explore during KidsFest. This river rafting experience gives you a chance to ride a raft armed with water guns to shoot at people lined up along the river. Of course, guests along the river have water guns set up for them to use too, so be prepared for an extreme water war. This new ride is great for kids of all ages and helps make this year’s KidFest a blast.

While Riverblast certainly make Silver Dollar City more exciting for KidsFest, it’s the special guests that kids often look forward to the most. This year, exciting children’s entertainers and characters like Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato from Veggie Tales, Dora and Diego, Shaggy and Scooby Doo, The Jetsons, and Spongebob and Patrick are a few of the guests you can expect to see. Each guest is well-loved by children everywhere, and kids can meet them right at Silver Dollar City.

Go on down to Silver Dollar City for the time of your life at the National KidsFest event. While you’re in town for the festival, don’t forget to see some of the legendary Branson Shows that made the city of Branson famous.

Branson, MO is having the Salute to Tourism event to show visitors to Branson how much they appreciate their business. The event takes place from May 10th to May 14th at the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB Welcome Center. It’s a fun event where everyone has a chance to meet and talk to some of their favorite Branson stars.

Some of the legendary performers who will be coming to the event to show their appreciation include The Thomas Brothers, Titanic’s adorable King Charles spaniels, The Texas Tenors, The Hughes Brothers, and The Platters. These stars appreciate those who come to their shows, so come say your hellos to them. Refreshments will be provided on three of the four days, so you can even come hungy.

Don’t hesitate to come and enjoy this event. Those who live in Branson are welcome to stop by. Each day has a new performer, so you can come every day and meet someone new. While you’re enjoying this event, make sure you go and see some of the Branson shows that make these performers stars.

Bluegrass and Barbecue will bring talented musicians from all over the world and visitors eager to watch them perform this May in Silver Dollar City. The festival begins May 13th and continues until the 31st in a 3-week long celebration of bluegrass music and delicious barbecue. With music shows, contests, and a House of Barbecue, you won’t have a spare minute between each exciting event at this festival.

Bluegrass performers who will be at the event this year include famous bands and musicians like Bobby Osborne and Rocky Top X-press, Men of the Week, and The Grascals as well as rising stars like Redhead Express, Sweet Potato Pie, and Southern Raised. Their high energy performances will have you tapping your toes and clapping your hands. You may discover some new personal favorites while you’re visiting Silver Dollar City for this festival.

The House of Barbecue is the other main attraction of this event. The Red Gold Heritage Hall has been converted into an incredible center of barbecue magic. Memphis dry rubs, Texas-style barbecue, and more await you inside the doors of the hall. Try one or try them all throughout the day. Some delicious sides orders are available as well. Try the fresh roasted corn or dinner rolls with your barbecue.