Shepherd of the Hills Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Friday, Aug. 7, is the 50th anniversary of the outdoor drama at The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. The anniversary show is at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, but attendees are encouraged to be at the Homestead by 7:30 p.m. for the frog races. After the show, there’s cake and a fireworks display.The outdoor drama is based on Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright. The book was first published in 1907 and quickly became one of the best-selling books ever written by an American author. The book is the basis of four movies, and served as the spark for Branson's tourism industry more than 100 years ago. Based on actual events, the story details the lives of mountain people and their daily struggles taming the rugged Ozark hills, battling baldknobber vigilantes and raising their pioneer families.
Of course there's lots to do at the Homestead in addition to the outdor drama. Arrive earlier in the day to visit Inspiration Tower, ride the Vigilante Extreme ZipRider that launches you from the top of Inspiration Tower and then go to the Sons Of The Pioneers Dinner Show.