Randall Murphree
AFA Journal editor
November-December 2007 – Any family looking for a Christmas getaway is sure to find something to fit their tastes in Branson, Missouri. Over the last decade, AFA has developed a deep appreciation for the folks at Silver Dollar City (SDC) just outside Branson, where Herschend Entertainment offers some fun-filled and unique ways to celebrate Christmas in a Christian atmosphere.
While the Ozark Mountains theme park is built for entertainment, it is run by committed Christian brothers Jack and Pete Herschend. “We make a point in our marketing and our message to say ‘Merry Christmas,’” Pete told AFA Journal. “During Christmas, we have three or four different presentations of the Nativity of our Lord. Some will be reading right out of Scripture.”
USA Today and People magazine have dubbed SDC’s “Old Time Christmas” production one of the nation’s top Christmas events. This year, the season kicks off November 3 with the lighting of the five-story Christmas tree on the SDC Square. More than four million lights will illuminate the park and 50 shops will offer unique Christmas shopping.
SDC’s exciting rides are always a main attraction, with one section of the park devoted to rides for younger children. For all the family, more than 40 shows are produced during the Christmas season, including “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” a full-fledged drama at the Opera House.
Downtown variety
In nearby downtown Branson, countless theaters focus on the holiday’s true meaning – the birth of Christ.
Each AFA and American Family Radio (AFR) staffer who has visited Branson has his own favorite show or event. Marvin Sanders, co-host of Today’s Issues on AFR, and wife Donna like the Showboat Branson Belle. “I was impressed with the quality of the show,” Sanders said. The two-hour cruise features a gourmet meal plus a Broadway-style show with orchestra, song and dance revue, and variety acts.
“The Roy Rogers Museum is great,” said Jeff Chamblee, AFR production director. “I knew of Roy Rogers, but was never a big fan. It was informative to discover what a great guy he was.” Chamblee and his wife Anita visited Branson with five of their children, ages 3 to 19, and he said there is no shortage of attractions that appeal to all ages.
AFR on-air personality J. J. Jasper agreed. He and wife Melanie took their 11-, 5-, 4- and 2-year olds to Branson. “We loved the Haygoods,” he said. “Everything was more than we expected.” The Haygoods are a family stage show featuring seven brothers and one sister who demonstrate a phenomenal array of musical talent.
The Butterfly Palace was one of Rick Robertson’s favorite stops, and John Riley’s family highly recommends “The Shepherd of the Hills” dramatic production. Robertson is AFR program director and Riley is music and promotions director. More than one staffer named the Bald Knobbers as a great variety show featuring various musical genres and comedy acts.
More than music
Branson has been stereotyped as a country music town, but the wide range of entertainment options is remarkable. A new Titanic Museum has interactive stations throughout, Celebration City is a theme park with thriller rides, and historic downtown Branson boasts mom-and-pop restaurants, Dick’s Five & Dime (a throwback to the 1950s) and countless specialty shops.
Doug Gabriel, one of the city’s most awarded vocalists, hosts a daily stage show, and guest stars in the Branson Brothers Show. Gabriel also founded and runs Branson Spotlight, an annual competition looking for new vocalists and giving them an opportunity to perform.
The Duttons are another of Branson’s true family entertainment acts. Dean and Sheila Dutton perform with six of their seven birth children, and quite a line-up of their 18 grandchildren. In their musical variety show, the whole troupe shows multiple talents, each one singing and playing various instruments. They were on NBC’s America’s Got Talent last season and stayed in the competition until near the season finale.
The remarkable Duttons exemplify the fact that every family has its own unique story. After their children were all grown, Dean and Sheila didn’t have time for empty nest syndrome because they began adopting children. They have now adopted seven children and they will be in their mid-70s when the youngest graduates high school.
But they don’t see themselves as special. That’s just the kind of family you’ll find on Branson stages, and your family is certain to feel at home.
For more information, visit www.silverdollarcity.com and www.branson.com. 
