Branson is slowly dying!!! (Ozark, Eureka: crime, loan, weddings)

[Bluff_Dweller]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

I have to wonder how much of the downturn is Branson and how much is the national economy. I vote for the latter.

I would have to vote with Curmudgeon that it is the national economy. IMO

I would also vebture a guess that the percentage of downturn is less for Branson than some other cities in Missouri.

[imbored198824]

Originally Posted by Bluff_Dweller

I would have to vote with Curmudgeon that it is the national economy. IMO

I would also vebture a guess that the percentage of downturn is less for Branson than some other cities in Missouri.

I believe a part of it is the national economy, but not the majority. Look at pigeon forge, myrtle beach, and orlando. Their tourism numbers are all UP. Branson's tourism numbers are way down. I believe lots of the older people that used to visit are slowly dying off and that does hurt branson a ton. A girl I work with just got back from pigeon forge, and she said there were a lot more things for families to do there. Plus they have three lanes going EACH way on their strip. Thats right.....6 lanes!!!

[DinsdalePirahna]

they need to put in a Sex Pistols Dinner Theater (featuring the Vicious Burger), a Nelly Hip Hop Experience, maybe a Molly Hatchet deep fry diner.

the 45-60 set is not going to travel to the middle of the country to see their parents' entertainment.

[Bluff_Dweller]

Originally Posted by imbored198824

I believe a part of it is the national economy, but not the majority. Look at pigeon forge, myrtle beach, and orlando. Their tourism numbers are all UP. Branson's tourism numbers are way down. I believe lots of the older people that used to visit are slowly dying off and that does hurt branson a ton. A girl I work with just got back from pigeon forge, and she said there were a lot more things for families to do there. Plus they have three lanes going EACH way on their strip. Thats right.....6 lanes!!!

I think it's great the places you named are doing well. I have never been to them and never had the desire to see them. I suspect their numbers are down even though they have more population to draw from than Branson. The high gas prices are killing everyone. IMO

[katie45]

Have a friend who loves Branson so much she ended up moving there when she retired; but like most have posted - it's the seniors who are supporting Branson, not the younger set. The biggest complaint she does have is the traffic, other than that she's not disappointed in her decision to relocate to that area.

Seems like the headliners are geared for the older generation, almost as though Lawrence Welk himself were lining up the shows.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by imbored198824

I believe a part of it is the national economy, but not the majority. Look at pigeon forge, myrtle beach, and orlando. Their tourism numbers are all UP. Branson's tourism numbers are way down. I believe lots of the older people that used to visit are slowly dying off and that does hurt branson a ton. A girl I work with just got back from pigeon forge, and she said there were a lot more things for families to do there. Plus they have three lanes going EACH way on their strip. Thats right.....6 lanes!!!

I happen to disagree with you somewhat. I have a daughter who lives in Orlando, yes, the tourists are still flocking in, but not the way they did say, 5 or 6 years ago. She works at the airport so has a good idea about what is happening, plus you can't begin to compare Orlando or even Pigeon Forge with Branson. They draw a totally different crowd. So does Myrtle Beach...Branson is a unique place with entertainment unique as well. Everyone has his/her ideas about what is in and out, everyone likes something diffrerent. Maybe your friend has done Branson a couple of times and is just tired of it...I do think adding gambling would help, but that is a personal thing...If your friend lives in Branson, like apparently you do, of course whe would find other places more interesting and more for the kids. We all enjoy getting away and think the grass is greener on the other side. As for 6 lanes, I doubt that has a lot to do with how popular a place is..
Nita

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by DinsdalePirahna

they need to put in a Sex Pistols Dinner Theater (featuring the Vicious Burger), a Nelly Hip Hop Experience, maybe a Molly Hatchet deep fry diner.

the 45-60 set is not going to travel to the middle of the country to see their parents' entertainment.

You don't get a vote. You've already been thrown out of Missouri and for obvious good reason. For every old fart who dies there are 10 coming up behind them and what you propose wouldn't fit-in with this region regardless.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

You don't get a vote. You've already been thrown out of Missouri and for obvious good reason. For every old fart who dies there are 10 coming up behind them and what you propose wouldn't fit-in with this region regardless.

I left on my own.... for obvious good reason.

Then put in something that the bubba/hoopie crowd would like, Maybe a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute show (although I think their is only one original member left), a Marshall Tucker revue, Maybe an Outlaws show....

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

You don't get a vote. You've already been thrown out of Missouri and for obvious good reason. For every old fart who dies there are 10 coming up behind them and what you propose wouldn't fit-in with this region regardless.

You're missing the point though. Of course, new people are getting old each day. But the new 60-year-olds didn't grow up listening to Andy Williams! Getting old doesn't magically make you like things from a generation or two before you.

Perhaps the drop in visitors is a blip or is due the economy. It'll probably take years to know for sure. But one thing is certain: Yakov Smirnoff doesn't have the same kitschy appeal he once did and DP is right that the boomers are looking for something different.

Branson is under no requirement to tailor their entertainment to the boomers, but it's certainly hard to argue from a business perspective.

[Curmudgeon]

I realize that the succeeding generations will want their own music and I feel sure that to some degree, Branson can and will accomodae those desires without losing focus on what made Branson what it is, to include shows and traditional, period music.

And yes, DP, I know you left under your own power. Just ribbin' ya. But in a way you're still here.