2006年VOA标准英语-Branson, Missouri -- a Middle America Entertain

By Zulima Palacio
Branson, Missouri
04 September 2006
 
watch Branson profile

The small middle-American town of Branson, Missouri is becoming a popular tourist destination.  It has fewer than 8,000 residents -- but attracts seven million visitors each year. Most are Americans, but there are visitors from other countries, too. VOA's Zulima Palacio explains why the town is so popular.

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There are nearly 50 stages providing performances for audiences  
  
Branson, in the Midwestern U.S. state of Missouri, is a jewel of fun and scenery in the heart of America.  It is known around the world for its big stars and family-centered shows -- 100 a day in 47 theaters. Branson's fare ranges from music and dance to magic and comedy, along with shopping and theme parks.  

 
Mayor Lou Schaefer
  
Branson mayor Lou Schaefer says,  "They get a variety of entertainment here in one area that you can't find anywhere, you can't go to Las Vegas and find the types of shows we have here, and we have some Las Vegas types of shows.  But it's not all Las Vegas. It's not all Orlando. It's not Nashville. It's not all the other entertainment community but is some of all of them."

That includes such veteran entertainers as Andy Williams, Wayne Newton and Dolly Parton -- who attract family-oriented visitors.  Most of the action stretches along a busy eight kilometer-long street featuring parks, theaters, restaurants and lodging¹. 

A multimillion-dollar commercial development called  "Branson Landing" has more than 41,000 square meters of retail² shops and restaurants with an impressive fountain show.

The Mabe family has been entertaining in Branson for nearly 50 years  
  
But the shows are the main draw. Branson's entertainment roots stretch back 47 years. The Mabe family used to entertain the locals with music and laughter.  Over the years they became known as the Baldknobbers.  The brothers who created the show are retired³ now, but their children and grandchildren have continued the family tradition.

Bret Mabe is the bass⁴ player and band director. "My dad and uncle started this show in 1959, before I was born.  When I was a baby, they would literally⁵ lay me in a guitar case, while my dad was out on the stage doing the show, I would sleep in a guitar case."

Twelve thousand shows later the Mabes have their own theater with a faithful audience.   Tim Mabe, also known as Droopy Drawers junior, inherited the comic character created by his father decades ago.

"I need some work on the teeth, don't I?  I have people come through all the time to tell me they know a dentist I need to go," he says jokingly. 

 
Branson, Missouri boasts a pleasant environment for living and recreation 
  
And after some laughing he shows us his real smile.

Branson is surrounded by the green and gentle Ozark Mountains. There are three lakes for fly-fishing and water sports -- and more development on the way.

Michael Ranking is the city's economic director. "Branson's history has been to spike⁶ in development and I think you're going to see more long term growth.  For the next three to five years several residential⁷ projects are on the books, a lot more retail, [and] there will be another theater or two."

It all adds up to a tourism industry that pumps one and a half billion dollars into the local economy each year.

1 lodging   

n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍

参考例句：

• The bill is inclusive of the food and lodging. 账单包括吃、住费用。
• Where can you find lodging for the night? 你今晚在哪里借宿?

2 retail   

v./n.零售；adv.以零售价格

参考例句：

• In this shop they retail tobacco and sweets.这家铺子零售香烟和糖果。
• These shoes retail at 10 yuan a pair.这些鞋子零卖10元一双。

3 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。

4 bass   

n.男低音(歌手)；低音乐器；低音大提琴

参考例句：

• He answered my question in a surprisingly deep bass.他用一种低得出奇的声音回答我的问题。
• The bass was to give a concert in the park.那位男低音歌唱家将在公园中举行音乐会。

5 literally   

adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实

参考例句：

• He translated the passage literally.他逐字逐句地翻译这段文字。
• Sometimes she would not sit down till she was literally faint.有时候，她不走到真正要昏厥了，决不肯坐下来。

6 spike   

n.长钉，钉鞋；v.以大钉钉牢，使...失效

参考例句：

• The spike pierced the receipts and held them in order.那个钉子穿过那些收据并使之按顺序排列。
• They'll do anything to spike the guns of the opposition.他们会使出各种手段来挫败对手。

7 residential   

adj.提供住宿的；居住的；住宅的

参考例句：

• The mayor inspected the residential section of the city.市长视察了该市的住宅区。
• The residential blocks were integrated with the rest of the college.住宿区与学院其他部分结合在了一起。