(Press Release)
The hottest ticket in Branson and a highlight of Hot Winter Fun is the 14th annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Jim Stafford Theatre.
The show is a virtual sampler of the wide variety of Branson shows and performers on one stage in one exciting evening. It features segments of several shows that are open during January and February and throughout the entire year in Branson.
Shows and entertainers scheduled to appear in the Big Show are 14 Karat Country, 50's At The Hop, A Tribute to John Denver, Bob Nelson Comedy Show, Branson Brothers, Branson Divas, Branson Hot Hits Experience, Circle B Chuckwagon, Clay Cooper's Country Music Express, Comedy Jamboree, From Patsy To Present, Grand Jubilee, Grand Old Gospel Hour, Island Fire, Isle of Dreams, Jim Stafford, Legends in Concert, Magic Up Close and Personal, Magnificent 7 Show, New's Country, Penny Gilley, Red, Hot and Blue and Tony Roi's Elvis Experience.
For tickets the Big Show call 417-335-8080.
Branson became an "overnight sensation" with the national tourism industry in the 1990s and, then, it happened again after a group of local tourism leaders created a wintertime seasonal promotion known as Hot Winter Fun. It was marketed in 1994 to close the brief seasonal gap between Christmas and spring and it provides year-round activities for Branson visitors.
"The fame might have come overnight, but the success of Branson as a tourism destination certainly was not," said Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Branson’s tourism industry was built up over many decades of hard work by local townspeople who were imaginative and practical and completely believed in this town. January and February were somewhat risky because Branson does have a winter season, but there are far more nice days in winter than ice days.
"People were coming here year-round to fish in local lakes. They were coming year-round to shop in Branson. They were coming year-round to play golf. And some folks that were coming to Branson were unaware that many of the attractions were closed for the season in the winter months.
"Every year since 1994, more businesses have opted to stay open to accommodate visitors during January and February. There are always plenty of fun things to do in Branson."
Tourists will find a calendar full of things to do such as taking in Branson shows, shopping after-Christmas sales, golfing, visiting indoor attractions and museums and fishing on the area’s three lakes.
In a national comparison, Branson is one of America’s most affordable vacation destinations and because many locations offer discounts during the winter months, Hot Winter Fun is a good time to visit and very economical.
"Escaping to Branson after the holidays is both relaxing and entertaining. The easy pace, combined with so many choices for fun, makes a visit to Branson during Hot Winter Fun the perfect escape," said Lynn Berry, public relations director for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Convention & Visitors Bureau.
"Hot Winter Fun has proven to be very successful. Over the past 14 years, visitor numbers have increased during these winter months. Many folks have discovered that they can find a great vacation here any time of the year," said Summers.
Evie Mohrfeld, travel writer for the Post-Dispatch of Rochester, Minn., echoed this sentiment. She wrote, "Visiting Branson… We realized how the area has become a year-round tourist attraction. It’s totally family-friendly with many new shows and attractions always popping up. It’s a safe haven, which is the reason so many choose to live in this Midwest area… Re-visits to Branson are a new experience any season and every year."
For tickets the Big Show call 417-335-8080
