Friday, April 30, 2010

News anchor conquers fear of heights on new zipline adventure near Branson MO

by Paul Adler, KY3 News
Published: Apr 29, 2010 at 7:42 AM CDT

See the video here: http://www.ky3.com/news/local/92405309.html

WALNUT SHADE, Mo. -- A new attraction opens this weekend just north of Branson. It takes you zipping above the tree lines. For some, that sounds like a blast. For KY3 News anchor Maria Neider, it's just downright scary. Here's her experience on the zipline ride.

"Go ahead and step into the harness," guide Robert Cameron instructed.

When you suffer from acrophobia, strapping in for this ride will cause the sweat to break out. Neider has it -- bad.

"Are you nervous?" she was asked.

"Paul, of course, I'm nervous. That's crazy," she replied.

Neider has a severe anxiety about heights.

"Are you going to laugh at Maria?" a reprter asked General Manager Emma Hamilton.

"No, I won't laugh. I've been there too. I totally understand," said Hamilton.

"This is the tether; this connects to the actual zipline and the trolley," said Cameron.

Neider and I planned to test out the new ziplines. Ziplines are wires that you ride. They're some 50, 60, 70 feet in the air, above the trees.

"The helmet is for if something were to fall from above. It's not necessarily because we think you're going to fall," said Hamilton.

"I need that reassurance. That's a good thing," said Neider.

Before we went up, we signed waivers, got some instructions and climbed to the first tower. Neider's knuckles turned white as she got ready.

"We're going to connect you right up here, so move forward," said Hamilton.

"It's my lifeline," said Neider.

As we move closer, Neider looked like she was walking the plank on a pirate ship.

"You'll love it!" said Hamilton.

At the word "Go," I was off and flying. Neider was left standing on the platform with the clock ticking.

"Are you ready?" Hamilton asked.

"Yeah, I'm as ready as I'm going to get, if I can release my white knuckle grip," said Neider.

She finally jumped.

"Oh my god! Whoooooooo! Oh my god!" she said.

"It was totally frightening, letting go. I don't know how you can let go so fast. Oh, it was fun."

"So, you were able to face your fears today?" she was asked.

"I did it. Yes, I did. I do have a fear of heights still, but it was fun. I felt totally secure," said Neider.

The tours range in cost from $40 to $100. It opens Saturday, although the first couple of weeks are sold out, so call ahead or check the Branson Zipline Canopy Tours Web site before you go.

http://www.bransonzipline.com/

Friday, April 2, 2010

Branson's 3rd Annual "Springtastic Show Spree"

Branson, MO – (Monday, March 22, 2010) – Branson, Missouri’s Springtastic Show Spree is the week for show lovers to converge on this small Midwestern town, known as the “live music show capital of the world”. During this one extraordinary week visitors enjoy ten of the top shows in Branson, Missouri for just one hundred and twenty-five dollars.

Sponsored by The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers (The Branson Show League), the Springtastic Show Spree gives visitors the chance to sample a variety of Branson’s eclectic shows. “Shows, shows, and more shows, for just a fraction of their normal cost.” says popular ventriloquist Jim Barber of the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Theater. The 3rd annual Springtastic Show Spree begins April 12 and runs through April 18, 2010.

Springtastic Show Spree passes are for sale only on-line at the official website of The Branson Show League, ShowsInBranson.com, and are limited to purchase by individuals. Jim Stafford, famous comedian and nationally known recording star, believes this is “hands down the greatest show ticket value you will see all year in Branson.”

The Springtastic Show Spree pass allows fans to see ten of their favorite shows in Branson on a first come, first served basis during the week of April 12. Shows include productions such as Moe Bandy, Pierce Arrow, Hughes Brothers Show, Clay Cooper Country Music Express, Legends in Concert, Baldknobbers Jamboree, New Shanghai Circus, The Haygoods, Magnificent Variety Show, Grand Jubilee, Mike Walker & Friends, Brule’, Penny Gilley, Kirby VanBurch, Country Tonight featuring Marty Haggard, and many more. For a complete list visit ShowsInBranson.com and click on Springtastic Show Spree.

Much to the approval of the estimated eight plus million visitors who converge each year on this Ozark Mountain town of little more than 6,000 residents, Branson's stars can be spotted each morning, afternoon and well into the evening in almost every type of live theatrical performance imaginable. Pop, gospel, blues, rock 'n' roll, western, acrobats, magic, Cajun, swing, big band, Motown, and Broadway have become as important to Branson visitors as its country and comedy roots. “The ten shows visitors will see during the Springtastic Show Spree amount to less than 10% of the possible live shows you can currently enjoy in Branson,” “says Jason Hughes from the Hughes Brothers Show. “This special preview week will whet your appetite to come back again and again to enjoy the variety of ALL of the shows the town has to offer.” Dawn Easton owner of God and Country Theatre adds, “If you see your first ten shows during the Springtastic Show Spree, you’ll have to come back more than ten times just to see all the shows in Branson once.”

The limited amount of Springtastic Show passes are available only through April 8 or when the passes sell out, whichever comes first. “If you are a live show fan, a music lover of any sort, the Springtastic Show Spree is the ticket for you.” says the Buck Trent, 2-time CMA Instrumentalist of the Year and star of his own country music show. To find out more about the 3rd Annual Springtastic Show Spree in Branson, Missouri visit http://www.showsinbranson.com/.

About The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers
The League works to increase the success and well-being of the theatrical industry in the “Live Show Capital of the World”, Branson, Missouri. With over 100 live shows featuring music, comedy, magic, dancing, acrobats, theatrical plays, and more, the diversity and variety of choices of live shows make Branson a unique and fun-filled family vacation destination. The League strives to increase interest in Branson shows and show attendance, increase profitability for the Branson show community, and to promote communications between shows, as well as throughout the Branson community. In 2010, Branson is Celebrating 50 Years of Family Fun!