If Nashville is the soul of country music, Branson, Mo., is its heartbeat.
In 1983, Hee Haw's Roy Clark was the first to start the stampede into town of big-name performers. Now, drawn by 24 theaters in which their favorite stars and local acts perform, four million visitors a year go to Branson.
The town, which is tucked among the hollows and hills of southwestern Missouri 200 miles south of Kansas City, is gearing up for the holiday season with a variety of performances.
Some of the stars appearing in Branson with Christmas shows include: Louise and Irlene Mandrell, who will be appearing at the Grand Palace; the Osmond Brothers with special guests the Osmond Second Generation at the Osmond Family Theater; and Loretta Lynn at Lowes Theatre.
Tickets for Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas, featuring holiday crafts shops and eight miles of lights, are available through Branson Tix at a cost of $9.95 for adults and $5.95 for children, plus tax and convenience charge.
For daily schedules and ticket information for the above Christmas shows and others, contact Branson Tix at (800) 888-TIXS (8497).