Yes, believe it or not, Pat and I made a trip to Branon last week. I like to go up there during the holiday season for the, well—season. The Christmas shows, especially out at Silver Dollar City, are well and expensively made, lush and enjoyable to watch. Yes, and even if we do watch them year after year. But what the hey, Christmas never gets old to me.

We made the long drive with Chuck and Eula Tilly and Dr. Tim and Lesli Costner. While there we stayed in one of those 3-bedroom co-ops that are so prevalent up there. We made a point of seeing some shows while we were in town. Rambled over to Pierce Arrow the first night. It was pretty good, but for old timers like Pat and I, the show seemed a little skinny. By that I mean it needed some more vocal artists, or maybe I dozed off in the middle and missed them. Their comedian was OK and made me laugh a little bit as he made me realize that his wife and my wife had something in common.

We ambled over to Presley’s for another show (the next day). I felt I needed to touch back and see how this giant family of singers had been and, in fact, were doing. Pat and I remembered that we had first wandered into their barn in 1976 (53 years) ago while we were vacationing with the Dale Kimbrell family. Yes, it was a camping trip and we all decided to pile into one little pickup camper (mine) drive over to this place (Banson) from Eureka Springs and of course I didn’t know where we were really going. I stopped in front of this metal barn that said the Presley Family had this big loud western show.

We went in and found ourselves royally entertained. You can be sure we have been back and watched this talented and famous family perform over the years. But this past week was the first time we had been to see them for a while. I think they are still good and during the intermission I went down for a visit. To my surprise none of them had any memory of me or my family but that’s OK. I remembered them. I will say this, if in Branson be sure and do the Presley’s if you are getting old like me and like things like they used to be and ought to be.

Another group I would like to see again are the Baldknobbers, another old and somewhat original group of Ozark Entertainers—but alas, I will catch them next time. But this past Saturday night we drove down to Table Rock Lake and cast about for the Branson Belle. This famous old River Boat has been hauling tourists out and about the lake for a good old-fashioned ride on an old “Mississippi Style” three-storied river boat. The impressive boat is owned by Silver Dollar City and is powered by electric motors with power generated onboard. Biden should be happy about that.

The Belle cruise gives time for a walk about on the beautiful ship and lets you enjoy the pristine and clear waters of Table Rock. After a bit you go to your assigned table in the beautiful grand ballroom and dining area. This big threestoried hall has spaces for hundreds of hungry tourists. We were served some pretty good and tender roast beef and two pieces of welltended chicken. Mash potatoes and gravy were present along with your drink of choice, green beans and freshly baked rolls. It was good and before you could say, “what’s next?” They had served most of us black coffee and some kind of smooth sweet cake.

The big Branson Belle show came on armed with several musicians and a great comedian. The show was just perfect, and I didn’t get the names of all the performers but if you wish to know I’ll fax you a map of how to get there and see this for yourself. I think Belle was the best part of my Branson Trip, but for now and at my age, I’m just glad to get back to Allen. My hometown. And yes, I saw some of Jane Cassell’s grandkids and their kids, too, wandering around. Good to see Jake and family up there.

Have a good week and be sure and go to church this Sunday.

Wayne Bullard, DPh cwaynebullard@gmail.com