Branson-Localnews

Kirby Vanburch Magic Show Early beginnings      Kirby Vanburch was a Branson staple for over 30 years. Originally coming here in 1993, and playing at the 5 star theater. He began his magic career at the age of 7 in Houston TX.        He brought many singers and dancers with him, to complete his show!  It was an eclectic theater with many acts all on a single stage. With Kirby being the Headliner, along with Philip Wellford at some point. He was known for making Huge things disappear like a helicopter or a corvette.  He played in Vegas for 10 years as well in a show called Wild Things. Before he arrived in Branson and began to build a name! He teamed up many times over his career, with comedians, Magicians, and changed venues a few times. From the Grand Palace to the old Yakov theater to his own venue off of 248 and Gretna road. (See Picture above) Above is the very well outfitted Kirby Vanburch theater off of 248 and Gretna, that stood until...

Branson is chock full of great things to do. Here's an incredible list of 5 things you can do, if you have an afternoon free in Branson, Mo. 1)Hollywood wax museum-they update this exhibit often, with new figures and exciting things to do once you get inside. Its adorned with a king kong at the top of the building, to catch your eye as you go by. They have been around for a while, creating the assurance that there is much to do here.  2)Titanic-they extened their initial five year contract for Branson, and have been hugely succesfull, worth checking out when your in town.  3)Ripley's believe it or not-planting a huge Optimus Prime out front has been great for this attraction. People are out and about all the time taking pictures in front of it, opening a great big door to see the rest of the show.  4)Shepperd of the Hills outdoor play is back. And in a big way, a cool local attraction, with local folks as the stars of the show. Worth checking into.  5)College...

They are here. Under a mountain of press, desire, and long waits. Chik-fil-a has finally opened. Over a hundred people, waiting in the snow,sleet and rain, in tents. For this magnificent chain restuarant to open.And to top it all off, they gave away a free sandwitch to every person that attended Woodland hills church today. Located next to Wendy's and Mcdonalds downtown Branson, you can hit Chik-fil-a right as you come onto historic Highway 76 off of Highway 65. Pro's and cons of this location, are ofcoarse all of the traffic generated from 76 and all of the traffic headed to the Landing. The downtown area is filling up fast with new projects, gas stations, boutique hotels, and a few new shops. Chik-fil-a will be a great new addition. 

Homeless in Branson-Where people who work in the area live, without a home! branosnisfun.com Extended stay is becoming more and more of a controversial issue in Branson these days. The concern stems from recent issues at several extended stay motels. And the concern for families that live and work in the area, that are living the extened stay life.       Families not able to afford deposits, and first and last in an apartment, sometimes become victims of the system. Branson has always needed a very strong workforce, in the housekeeping,restaurant and attraction venue. And some of the extended stay folks work in these industries. With the rise of crime in the area, and stemming from issues in the extened stay segment, Branson has to make some changes.       My suggestion would be to put a cap on hotels that are not extened stay, and holding them to that. Such as requiring the ones that are extened stay to get a special license, and be su...

     The Old thunderbird Theater Is being torn down, and a stip mall is going up. Home to many Branson entertainers, this majestic historic theater, is leaving the fold on Highway 76. Moe Bandy, Clay Cooper,Jim Owen, and Willie P Richardson, among many that played here. Under many names, this incredible theater will be no more. Gallagher also played here and smashed watermelons on people's heads, and called this theater a home for a brief time. More retail maybe what rules the day right now here in Branson, but the theater life will always be what Branson is about.