Branson, Missouri

Branson is a city in Taney County, Missouri, United States. It was named for Rueben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s. ^* The population was 6,050 at the 2000 census. Today it is sometimes referred to as a "family-friendly Las Vegas" because of the numerous of shows and attractions, as well as the flashy building decorations and neon lights.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,050 people, 2,701 households, and 1,661 families residing in the city. The population density was 144.4/km² (374.0/mi²). There were 3,366 housing units at an average density of 80.3/km² (208.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.50% White, 0.84% African American, 0.86% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.47% from other races, and 1.59% from two or more races. 4.26% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 2,701 households out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.5% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.76. In the city the population was spread out with 20.3% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males. The median income for a household in the city was $31,997, and the median income for a family was $43,145. Males had a median income of $31,769 versus $21,223 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,461. 12.1% of the population and 9.7% of families were below the poverty line. 15.6% of those under the age of 18 and 17.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

"Family-friendly Las Vegas"

Originally envisioned as a center for lumber shipment, the city began to develop tourism in the 1930s. Today, Branson is a major regional destination in the United States with a well-known reputation for live music theaters, primarily in the genres of Country and Bluegrass. The city hosts three major amusement parks, as well as a diversified armada of live theaters which house everything from comedy and magic shows to variety music and dancing. Built along a portion of Highway 76 nicknamed "The Strip" because of its Las-Vegas-style road-side neon signs, Branson has built its reputation as the family-friendly version of its Nevada counterpart.

Entertainment and vacation destination

Author, painter, and pastor Harold Bell Wright began visiting the area in 1898 and used it for the setting in his book The Shepherd of the Hills. Following publication in 1907 of The Shepherd of the Hills, locals began to see the first tourists longing to experience the scenic Ozarks as Wright had. In the late 1950s the first two country music shows, The Baldknobbers and Presleys' Country Jubilee, appeared along Branson's main thoroughfare, Highway 76.

In addition to over 100 live shows in nearly 50 theaters, modern-day Branson tourist attractions include museums, three pristine lakes, 10 championship golf courses, an IMAX Theater, a zoo, year-round festivals and events, nearby mountains, and wilderness areas.

Silver Dollar City, Celebration City, Mickey Gilley, Dixie Stampede, White Water Branson, Showboat Branson Belle, Branson's American Star, Yakov Smirnoff, Stone Hill Winery, Ride The Ducks, The Tracks, Splash Country, and Marvel Cave are top attractions.

Famous celebrities in Branson have included Roy Clark, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens, Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, and Boxcar Willie.

The singer Andy Williams has lived in Branson since the early 1990's and owns the Moon River Theatre where he continues to perform.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas (another popular tourist destination featuring the Great Passion Play and the Christ of the Ozarks statue) is located nearby.

References in popular culture

Comedian Dennis Miller once described Branson as "Las Vegas for people without teeth".

In one episode of The Simpsons, Bart Simpson describes Branson as "Las Vegas... if it were run by Ned Flanders". In another episode, when the Simpsons family tried to find their grandfather in Branson, much of the episode is spent in Branson, where many of its attractions are rolled into one ridiculing showcase in the climax. In addition, a booklet about the city that Bart reads earlier in the episode is titled "So You Settled for Branson?".

In an episode of the sitcom Becker, the character Bob refers to Branson as being "like Dollywood, but without the class..."

The city receives a much kinder portrayal, however, in Donald Westlake's novel Baby, Would I Lie?

In the show King of the Hill, the family travels to Branson and meets Yakov Smirnoff.

The Aqua Teen Hunger Force took a trip to Branson immediately before the episode "_2004."

External links and references

Branson Chamber of Commerce
City of Branson
Branson Restaurants Information guide and reviews for area restaurants
Branson Tourism Center Branson Shows, Lodging & Packages
Branson Exhaustive Resource on Entertainment, Shows and Lodging
Branson Local News and Perspective
Branson Events Calendar Complete list of Special Events
Branson Critic Volunteer Writers for news and reviews of Branson Shows
Branson News & Nightlife Guide