Monster show to celebrate city's Centennial
If you were to ask someone who is familiar with Branson what they know about this little Ozarks town, many will talk about the theaters and shows.

Some will talk about the theme parks...

and then there are those who will talk about the lakes.

Ironic as it may seem, every one of those memories didn't exist before the 1950's.

Before Table Rock Dam was built in 1959, the Tri-Lakes we know of today were just a part of the mighty White River. Marvel Cave, the foundation of Silver Dollar City opened in 1960, while the outdoor drama at the Shepherd of the Hills also debuted in 1960.

Known as "Branson's first show", The Baldknobbers, and "Branson's first show on the strip", The Presleys, began entertaining audiences in 1959 and 1960.

But Branson's roots go far beyond the familiar vacation opportunities.

Its beginning goes all the way back to 1912. And on April 1st of this year, Branson will celebrate its Centennial.

Along with the opening of a historical museum and an annual arts and crafts festival, one of the planned events include what's being called Branson's Birthday Spectacular - The Show of the Century. Scheduled for Sunday, April 15th with a 4:00PM performance time, this special show will take place at RFD-TV the Theatre.

Entertainers lined up include Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, The Presley's, The Baldknobbers, Foggy River Boys, Shoji Tabuchi, and The Lennon Sisters.

Carrie April Tillis is the mistress of ceremonies, where not a single moment of Branson's entertainment spectrum will be missed. Recognition to each variety of song, verse and historical memory will be on the stage during this two and one half hour spectacular.

Produced by Bill Lennon and supported by a specially formed Branson All-Star Orchestra, additional confirmed entertainers include gospel group New South, The Haygoods, Roy Rogers, Jr. and the High Riders, and Grammy-award winning Hawaiian guitarist George Kahumoku, Jr., who will represent the World Fest at Silver Dollar City. A special pre-show welcome from noted comedian/ventriloquist Jim Barber will kick off the performance, and more Branson entertainers are being added.

Along with being a commemorative show marking the City's Centennial, the show is serving a dual purpose. Proceeds from the show will be donated to victims of the recent tornado that swept through Branson on Leap Day, and to support the Branson Centennial Museum.

Tickets are on sale now.