Branson, Missouri Best of 2008

The year 2008 was an exciting one for the city of Branson, MO, and 2009 is shaping up to be even better. Branson saw many changes for the better in 2008 with the opening of several unique attractions that are sure to bring in more visitors.

The year 2008 was an exciting one for the city of Branson, MO, and 2009 is shaping up to be even better. Branson saw many changes for the better in 2008 with the opening of several unique attractions that are sure to bring in more visitors. Many of the annual events received a facelift and were bigger and better than ever before. Read on to get an overview of what happened in 2008 for this beautiful Ozark city, and what lays ahead in the rest of 2009.

New and Updated Shows in 2008

There were new shows added to Branson''s star studded lineup, as well as some updated productions that added new entertainment for visitors last year. In addition to changes in local shows, there were also some new theaters introduced within the city as well.

In the middle of the year, the Sight and Sound Theater opened its Christian Broadway style production of Noah the Musical. Complete with a forty foot ark replica and hundreds of cast members, it is one of the biggest show productions in Branson. Its opening was a success, and it closed out the year as one of Branson''s most popular shows. The new Oak Ridge Boys Theatre was opened in 2008 as well on the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, with their grand opening registering a success as well.

The Andy Williams Moon River Theatre added a new morning show called "The Entertainers," and Dick Clark''s American Bandstand Theatre added a new morning show featuring the Gatlin brothers. Area ''57 was opened up by Dick Clark''s American Bandstand complex, and played host to BransonFest 2008 as well as many other events throughout the year.

New and Updated Branson Attractions

Silver Dollar City, Branson''s leading theme park attraction started 2008 with a bang, vowing to have the most festival packed year yet. They succeeded in that goal with a year full of festivals and fun for all ages. Spring began with an Irish celebration, followed by the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival, the Kids Fest, Southern Gospel Picnic, National Harvest Festival, and a host of ultimate Christmas celebrations.

The Silver Dollar City Christmas celebration was the best ever as well, with a five story Christmas tree full of special effects, a huge sound and lights show, the addition of the new Frosty show for children, and a light display that was named as one of the best from USA Today and Good Morning America.

Celebration City, Branson''s biggest nighttime attraction, conducted one of the largest park expansions. The addition of Roaring Falls, a $2 million water ride has a five story 55 degree drop that is sure to thrill.

What is Ahead for 2009?

Barely a few months in, 2009 has already proven to be filled with success for the city of Branson. Ground was broken on the new airport, which will allow thousands of tourists and business associates direct access to this booming city. The Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to come to Branson this year, as well as a wide range of other shows and performances.

The American Theater has been undergoing a million dollar renovation and is set to re-open in early March. Among other things, the theater will now sport a new state of the art sound and lights system.

Many good things happened for the growing city of Branson in 2008, and many more exciting changes lay ahead for the rest of 2009. Branson continues to prove itself as a leading vacation destination year after year with its addition of new attractions, shows, and activities for people of any age.

Mark Ruda, the author of this article lives in Branson, Missouri. He has extensive knowledge of the tourism industry, thanks to his experience marketing Branson condo rentals. He is currently a marketing director for Thousand Hills Golf Resort, one of the best Branson hotels offering Branson vacation packages and tickets to Branson shows.