Amy Bertrand, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, April 02, 2012
Branson, known as the live music capital of the world, is turning 100 this year, and is celebrating in lots of ways that might just make a trip there even more fun.
Last weekend, the city held grand opening of the Branson Centennial Museum, at the corner of Business 65 and Main Street in the heart of Branson. The museum will include exhibits that rotate on a six- to eight-week basis, depending on content. Some of the initial exhibits planned include "Early Branson, prior to 1912 incorporation," "The White River," "The Roots of Tourism" and "School Days."
Other events include:
Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks 2012 Charity Gala, Commemorating RMS Titanic's 100 Year Anniversary - Dining, dancing and music by the Irish Tenors plus guest appearance by Tim Lightoller, a Titanic story teller from Scotland whose grandfather served as 2nd Officer aboard the ship. 5:30 April 10 at Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center. More info: 417-335-2089
A Night to Remember at Titanic - In memory of the ship's 2,208 passengers and crew, the museum attraction will host a special commemorative candlelight ceremony featuring choral groups and the lighting of the Titanic Eternam Flame. Distress fire rockets will be launched, bringing a solemn end to a once-in-a-lifetime event, not to return for 100 years. Noon April 14 at Titanic Museum Attraction. 1-800-381-7670, titanicbranson.com
Branson's Birthday Spectacular - The Show of the Century - Entertainment from Branson legends Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, The Presley's, The Baldknobbers, Foggy River Boys, Shoji Tabuchi, The Lennon Sisters and more. 4 p.m. April 15 at RFD-TV The Theatre. 1-417-332-2282
The 52nd Annual Plumb Nellie Days - Activities that were attractions during the first few years of Plumb Nellie Days will highlight the historical event, such as a Reuben Branson Look-Alike Contest. The city was named after Reuben Branson who was postmaster and store owner in the 1880s. May 17-19 in downtown Branson. 1-866-523-3661 or 1-417-334-1548 or downtownbranson.org.
Branson's 100th Fest and Street Dance - Event will be July 7. More info to come. 1-417-334-4084
