Branson Centennial Celebration Begins April 1, 2012

Excitement reigns over the city of Branson, Missouri this weekend as the 100th anniversary of Branson’s incorporation as an official city takes place. The festivities begin on Sunday afternoon with the grand opening of the Branson Centennial Museum, located at the corner of Business 65 and Main Street in the very heart of Historic Downtown Branson. The event will welcome notables, citizens and visitors tomorrow to hear snippets of speech as recited by its for-bearers, and have the opportunity to sign a copy of the original 1912 petition to incorporate as a city, while enjoying an afternoon of street musicians, walking tours and story tellers.

Centennial Activities begin at 10am!

The new Branson Centennial Museum will officially open it’s doors at 10am for the public to view the amazing historic items on display.  At 11am, local radio station KRZK 106.3FM will begin live broadcasting from the museum with announcer Greg Pyron. At 1:30pm special guest speakers and area dignitaries will arrive in high style to be greeted by Centennial Chairwoman Ann McDowell along with museum curators Jim and Jean Babcock.

The celebration begins at 2pm with Mayor Raeanne Presley and invited speakers arriving at the Museum entrance in horse drawn carriage. Ceremonial events, including a blessing of the crowd by original member of the Jordanaires and Foggy River Boys, Bob Hubbard, the National Anthem performed by internationally acclaimed tenor George Dyer, and a Color Guard presentation by local Veterans will set the tone for an earnest but uplifting celebration for the citizens of Branson.

Celebrity Ventriloquist Jim Barber will serve a Emcee, and featured Speakers in addition to Mayor Presley include Branson Centennial Museum supporter Leon Combs and Katie Steele Danner, Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism.  Following the formal ceremonies, citizens are invited to sign a mock version of the petition, enjoy comedy entertainment and follow a Dixieland band into Downtown Branson for more music, fun and festivities until 5pm.

The intersection of Business Highway 65 and Main Street in Branson will be slowed to traffic during the ceremony between 1:15pm and 2:30pm.  Visitors attending the festivities are encouraged to utilize both available city and street parking, and to come early to get the best viewing spots in front of the Museum.  Seating will not be provided for this short ceremony.

The Branson Centennial Museum is the fruition of a labor of love, culminated through the work of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (BLACC), the City of Branson, the Downtown Branson Mainstreet Association (DBMA) and the White River Valley Historical Society (WRVHS) intertwined over the course of many years.

Through the gracious donation of space from Mr. Jim D. Morris, philanthropist and local merchant, the Museum will reside at 101 Veterans Blvd in a building formerly housing Morris Oil Company.  With its prime visibility, visitors and locals alike will find the museum attractive and engaging.  Exhibits will remain fresh and interesting, with rotations expected on a six-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.” Curators Jim and Jean Babcock, along with many volunteers, have been working very hard for several months in preparation for this important event in Branson’s history.

This is the first of several public events taking place to celebrate Branson’s Centennial Celebration.  For more information on upcoming events, please visit Branson100.org and also be a friend on Facebook.