Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show in Branson, Missouri
The Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show in Branson is one of three such attractions located in the United States. (The others are in Myrtle Beach, SC and Pigeon Forge, Tenn.) Owned by country music star Dolly Parton, this attraction continues to be one of the most popular in Branson and is appropriate for visitors of all ages, especially those who enjoy horse shows and country music. Located in its own Southern-style building on Rt. 76 on the Branson Strip, Dixie Stampede is actually two different shows in one, combined with a scrumptious dinner that’s an important part of the show as well.
Each show begins with a fun opening act that starts 50 minutes prior to the main show. Located in the separate two-story Carriage Room, the pre-show includes an entertaining performance by a comedian who specializes in physical comedy such as juggling. The show is generally interactive and audience members often get to climb on stage and participate in the action. During the pre-show, guests may also purchase light snacks like popcorn and soft drinks. When the opening act ends, guests make their way to the main auditorium where they have pre-assigned seats for the dinner and show.
The arena for the main show measures some 35,000-square-feet and includes stadium-style seating at long wooden tables that accommodate large numbers of people. All seats face the floor of the arena and each provides a good view. The room is divided into halves with one half rooting for the North and the other for the South as the action unfolds. However, costumed wait staff begin by serving dinner, which includes only food that you can eat without benefit of knife, fork, or spoon. The menu includes a small whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked pork loin, creamy vegetable soup, a homemade biscuit, an herb-basted potato, buttered corn on the cob, and a dessert pastry. Unlimited Pepsi, tea, or coffee is also available throughout the evening. A vegetarian dinner is available upon request.
As dinner unfolds, so does the show, which includes an action-packed adventure with costumed actors, singers and dancers, live buffalo, a few ostriches, and a cast of some 32 horses that perform amazing stunts. In this fascinating North vs. South show, there’s always a winner and no one knows who it will be. Some of the 1,000 audience members in the arena also get to participate in the show.
During the Christmas season, Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show adds a holiday touch to their presentation with live camels that lead The Three Kings to Bethlehem and elves from the North and South Poles who compete with each other in a friendly match of wits and strength. And even Santa arrives on top of a sleigh full of presents!
Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show is open throughout the year with limited engagements in the winter months. Groups are heartily welcomed. People with severe allergies to horses or hay should take appropriate measures before entering the arena as those prone to allergic reactions could be affected by the environment.
Useful Links:
http://www.branson-missouri.com/dixie-stampede.asp
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