Four generations of visitors to Branson, Missouri, have enjoyed great country music and hillbilly humor at The Baldknobbers Jamboree. This legendary original Branson show is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in the Ozarks town that has become known as the Live Music Capital of the World.

There are families who have been traveling to Branson to see the Baldknobbers for generations. Multiple generations are represented on stage as well as in the audience. Second-generation entertainers Tim and Brent Mabe recalled a recent guest who told them, “My grandmother used to bring me to see your show. Now I bring my family.”

Brent goes on to say, “People tell us all the time they remember Tim and me and all the cousins playing baseball in the parking lot with a crushed-up soda cup, while our dads were on stage in the theatre.

Tim Mabe adds, “And I remember we could earn a dollar for putting bumper stickers on cars.”

In a time when families often live many miles or several states apart, traditions take on even more importance. The Baldknobbers Jamboree is an experience families can share, whether traveling together to Branson or reuniting there with family.

One of the many reasons the Baldknobbers Jamboree has remained so successful and will continue to entertain future generations is the universal appeal of country music and hillbilly humor. Stories that everyone can relate to, whether told in song or with comedy, are timeless. Themes of love and happiness, troubles and sadness, and everyday life situations can be poignant in a song or funny in a comic’s tale.

The sad song brings a tear to a grandmother’s eye, while a comedian in outlandish, oversized overalls has a grandson laughing out loud. The Baldknobbers show is a fast-paced, energetic production starring 19 talented musicians, singers and comedians, some of the best and funniest on stage anywhere. Just one more reason for the Baldknobbers’ continued popularity!

It was 1959 when four Mabe brothers began entertaining visitors to Branson. They put on a music and comedy show in the evenings for an audience made up mostly of fishermen and their families. They had fifty folding chairs and the Mabe wives sold tickets. If they sold twelve tickets, there would be a show.

In 1959 the theater was on the Taneycomo lakefront; today the theater seats 1500 people and is a state-of-the-art facility on Highway 76, “The Strip.” Visitors to Branson still enjoy the Baldknobbers and fishing, as well as other shows and attractions, world-class hotels and resorts, more lake activities, 12 championship golf courses, shopping and much more.

Things have changed in 50 years, but in 2009, as the Baldknobbers Jamboree celebrates its 50th Anniversary, many things remain the same. The show continues to deliver excellent family entertainment to enthusiastic audiences. Come celebrate with the Baldknobbers Jamboree, the “show that started it all!”

Join the Mabe family and the entire cast of the Baldknobbers for the year-long 50th Anniversary celebration in 2009. The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show-“The Show That Started It All”-is located on the famed 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson, Missouri, with performances Monday through Saturday at 8 PM. For tickets call 800-998-8908 or www.Baldknobbers.com

A second introduction meeting of the Branson Wedding Association has been set for Friday, May 22, at 10 a.m. at Lodge of the Ozarks, 3431 W. Hwy. 76, in Club Vegas.

“We had a great turn out at the launch with more than 40 in attendance. Branson Mayor Rae Anne Presley showed her support of the new association and opened the meeting. Because of the strong support, we have been asked to hold a second meeting for those who were unable to attend the charter launch. All are invited to attend our second meeting, but no solicitation materials will be allowed at this time,” said Baltajy Smith, who, along with her husband, Dr. Dale Smith, has founded the new organization.

Individuals and businesses interested in making Branson a more nationally recognized destination for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries and providers of those services throughout the Ozarks are invited to learn more about the group, its goals and how to be involved. Information will be provided on how wedding related businesses working together can build Branson into an even bigger and better wedding and honeymoon destination.

Branson Wedding Association is a spin-off from meetings of the group sales and public relations departments of the Branson Chamber of Commerce.

Branson Wedding Association/Ozark Wedding Association’s website, bransonweddingassociation.com, explains the goals and membership guidelines and has ‘information to help make your romantic occasion an event to remember, no matter what your budget or style.”

“Those who represent facilities and other places where ceremonies and receptions can be held; vendors such as professional planners, florists, photographers, caterers, formal shops, musicians and transportation companies; lodging; vacation packages; recreation including shows, attractions, restaurants and special events are needed to make this association successful,” Kathy Baltajy Smith said.

For more information call 417-334-3013.

Thousands of people hit downtown Branson for the 36th annual Plumb Nellie Days.

The weather was perfect for the final day of the arts and crafts festival

Crafters from around the Midwest join in this Ozarks heritage event that celebrates the tradition of hand-crafted products.

“We have pottery, basket weaving, old-time ice cream and free entertainment,” Paula Gillispie with the Downtown Branson Main Street Association said. “So everyone comes out and enjoys the day.”

Over the three day event, organizers say some 8,000 people enjoyed the craft show.

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Want to become an audience member for the live taping of NBC’s newest reality series? Now you can, right here in Branson!

NBC is inviting you to the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson, Missouri, to participate in a primetime television event of a lifetime on Saturday, May 23rd. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the show tapes at 3:30 p.m. sharp.

Come join Reno Collier, along with a slew of famous celebrity faces, in a jam-packed showcase of awe-inspiring talent. Admission is free and all ages are welcome to attend.

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