Only in Branson

Only in Branson!

For six months in 1998, the Keith Halfpop family made plans to spend a week at Fairfield at the Meadows in Branson, Missouri. Decisions were made as to what shows and activities would be included during the week by family members living in three different Iowa towns.

Several meals were prepared in advance and frozen. Season passes were ordered for Silver Dollar City and White Water. Maps, a weekly calendar and itinerary, and an activity schedule were developed.

Then, just minutes before Keith and his wife Karen were set to leave; Karen received word that her father had suffered a severe heart attack. The trip was put off until the next morning to learn the prognosis.

By the next morning it was apparent that the heart attack was life threatening. Karen stayed home while Keith made the trip to Branson with six other adult family members and eight children.

All the family loved Fairfield at the Meadows. They thought the rooms were really neat, but were most impressed with the professional, friendly manner of the resort employees. One in particular won our hearts. While visiting with Kathy Hull, then a FairShare Plus Representative at Fairfield Branson, it was discovered that she sings in the Jim Owen Morning Show as well as the Mickey Gilley Show. Several family members took in her performance at the Jim Owen Show and were greatly impressed with her talent.

Kathy is originally from Boone, Iowa and just happened to be going home to visit her parents the very weekend the Halfpop family was returning to Iowa. When asked by Keith if she would be willing to stop by the hospital in Des Moines and sing a couple of songs for his stricken father-in-law, Kathy immediately said "Yes."

On Monday, Kathy stopped by the hospital to sing three songs, present an autographed picture and one of her tapes to the patient. She then told him that when he recovered she would present him with two front row seats when he came to Branson! Her performance brought both tears and a smile to his face, as he seemed to improve instantly.

Kathy will always be very special to the Halfpop family, and is now an honorary member of the family; while at the hospital, Keith and Karen presented her with an official "Halfpop Family Reunion" T-shirt and their heartfelt thanks. This "random act of kindness" is indicative of the type of person employed by Fairfield Branson. The helpfulness and friendliness of the employees there is apparent the moment you walk through the door, and it continues through the entire stay. Karen couldn't wait to return to Branson and Fairfield at the Meadows! In fact, she convinced Keith to take her back just three weeks after the missed family reunion!

At this time, Karen's father has made a near-complete recovery - a testimony of the strength of prayer and love from folks like Kathy!

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Last updated on March 27, 2001

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Branson Family Reunion Journals

As noted in the "Only in Branson" article above, our family had planned a family reunion in Branson for the summer of 1998. Due to her father's heart attack my wife, Karen, was unable to attend. To try to include her as a part of the trip, family members kept journals to present to her when we got home. Also, several Bransonites wrote her notes. These unedited notes are printed belowl These notes are very special to Karen and we thought that you might enjoy reading them, also.

First off I want to thank both you and Dad for the wonderful place to stay. The T-shirts are neat. A lot of people ask about them. The week is flying by so fast I can't believe it. I can see there's a lot more stuff I'd love to do. The shows are great, the food is excellent, the company is great, the attractions etc. etc. It's sure nice having the schedules to give you an idea of what to do. Silver Dollar City is pretty neat. I liked walking through the Old Homestead and church. The saloon show was cute. The shops are all pretty neat. White Water was pretty fun. Kaitlynn and Nathan really liked playing in the little kid part. Jim Stafford a most excellent show. Remember When was really cute, Van Burch was pretty neat, Wild Wild West was neat. Ride the Ducks was a nice ride. Tyson loved the miniature golf and go carting. The books Dad and you made up were a lifesaver. Factory outlets were pretty nice. It was a pretty good week. We all really wish that you could have been there with us.

Love, Kelly Age 37

I was a chicken at the Saloon Show. Then when we got back I was in a video and when we went to eat I won a hat for the best name tag. That was just one day! I went to White Water and almost went down every slide there. That was really fun. When we went to Silver Dollar City we went to a lot of shops. We went to two shows. They were a lot of fun. One was magic and the other was fun. We swam a lot, too. The place that we're staying at is the best place that I have ever stayed. We rode the Ducks. They were a lot of fun. I got to drive the Ducks.

The food you gave us was the best! I wish you were here. The cookout was nice too. I love Branson. It is the funnest vacation I have ever had. All the food was good but yours was better. We went shopping one time. We had to switch rooms because the ceiling was leaking. The way to Branson was long but fun. I just got a new Beanie Baby. It is one of the big ones. The Beanie Baby is a bear named Forest. I like him lots!

We all rode go-carts. They were fun but not as much fun for me because I could not reach the pedal. We rode bumper cars at the same place. It was fun. When we were swimming a family of ducks came in the pool. People were chasing the ducks so they left to the pond. It was funny. We got a picture of the ducks in the pool. When we went to the Golden Corral Grandpa gave the waitress a Halfpop T-shirt and we all wore ours and she wore hers. Then we got a picture.

Whitney Age 11

So far I've been to Silver Dollar City, White Water, dam, fish hatchery and Pirate's Cove. It's all been fun. Your food that you made is excellent. I loved it. I love the condominium we're staying in. I wish you were here. Well I got to go. Today I went go-cart riding and saw the Yakov show. Sorry it's not detailed that much but I'm pretty sick of writing. I've been writing stuff for school for nine months straight you know.

Love, Tyson Age 12

It's Saturday morning. I'm on my way to Branson. It's kind of a long drive here. We're in Branson now. I'm getting excited. Every pool we drive by I ask my mom, "Is that where we're staying?" I love the pool and the picnic tonight is good. Sunday we're going to go to Silver Dollar City. I love the rides. We watched the Saloon Show. Whitney was a chicken. I'm still trying to figure out how the guy who got shot drank his pop and had it squirt out the bullet holes all over us.

Monday I liked riding the Ducks. White Water was really fun. I loved the water slides and kids pool. Tuesday I liked all of the Kirby Van Burch Show except for the part where the one guy pulled the dove's head off. The macaroni and cheese is excellent. Wednesday we went to Silver Dollar City again. We looked through the shops and the church and old homestead. I love the critter corral. I saw the desk that Grandpa Keith wants. The pool here is fun. So is the whirlpool bathtub. Thursday Today we went on the go-carts and bumper cars. Spaghetti was yummy.

Friday I went to the Remember When Show. The show was good. My mom had to do the Hula-Hoop. She was good. Tonight I'm going to the Wild Wild West Show. I sure wish that you could have been here. Nathan and I found baby frogs. We played with them on the deck. I saw the biggest frog I've seen before in the pond by our pool. The ducks sure liked our swimming pool. I can't believe they got in it with us. I have to get your recipe for macaroni and cheese.

I missed you lots.

Love, Kaitlynn Age 6

How-Dee. We are having a wonderful time. Scott and I stopped at Osceola Cheese on the way through. We bought two excellent cheeses. After checking in and deciding who was staying where (This was the first challenge.) we ate at Fairfield and got groceries. We all exchanged beanie babies from McDonald's with each other and put Bryce on patrol for new ones. On Sunday we ate breakfast at Silver Dollar City. The first thing we did was Marvel Cave. It was really awesome. My first ride was the Lost River. We did a little shopping and riding. Then we had frozen pizza for lunch at home. Our hoe here for the week is exceptional. Ideal for our needs. Sunday afternoon most of us went to White Water. It felt wonderful, as it is 100 today.

Monday morning was spent at Silver Dollar City. We ate lunch at Lone Star and consumed large quantities of peanuts. Everyone was happy with their meals. On to the Ducks. Love those Quackers. The kids all got to steer the Duck on the lake. Some of us ate at McDonald's (more teeny beanies). Scott, Kelly, Keith & Dad went for Blimpies and came back with enough Chinese food to feed eight for $21. (This wins the best buy of the trip award! All right, all right, it was Scott's idea). Jim Stafford was worth every cent. Tuesday morning I loved the omelets, cinnamon rolls and service at the Golden Corral (nice people). We ate so much most of us skipped lunch. Keith A. warmed macaroni and lasagna for supper. We ate bread from St. Louis Bread Company. Everything was super tasty. Thank you, Karen. Head 'em up and move 'em out to the Kirby Van Burch's 8 PM show. It was very entertaining, amazing and fun. It doesn't hurt that he's a hunk! Wednesday morning we had to move to the second floor so they could check out a water spot on the ceiling in our condo. Oh well, a new perspective. We saw ducks in the hot tub. We ate cereal and toast at home. Some went to the train ride; some shopping and some went swimming in the pool. Then we went to Silver Dollar City. The saloon show was great. Anna was the chicken (she did good) and Dad was the pig. He did so well he wanted to join the show. They booted him off the stage. I guess they didn't see it his way. Some of us went to White Water. We played tag in the River Rapids. Scott, Keith and I went on the Stone Hill Winery tour and gave our guide a hard time. She did well to stay one jump ahead of Scott & Keith. We had supper at home. I made pork, mashed potatoes and gravy and creamed corn. Most everyone went miniature golfing. Scott says he won. We told him he could say whatever he wants!

Thursday morning we had breakfast at Golden Corral. Then we went to Silver Dollar City and later rode go-carts and bumper cars. We had spaghetti for supper, which was wonderful along with more yummy bread from St. Louis Bread Company. Kelly, Kim, Anna, Dad and I went to Tanger Mall for Dad's fix. We found a Big Dog store we liked. We stopped at Consumers for ice cream to go with our brownies. Plus a stop at McDonald's for beanies.

Friday morning we had breakfast at Surrey where the price is right. I like the mini muffins and bagels. Kim, Dad, Kelly, Kaitlynn and myself went to the Remember When Show. This ended up being one of my favorite shows. A real feel good show. Then some of us went shopping. We looked at all kinds of wire, cement and wooden garden (yard) stuff. Also gazing balls. They are really pretty neat. We ate all the leftovers for supper. Then some of us went to the Wild Wild West Show. It was flashy. Then we all packed up a bit and fell into bed with visions of Rhinestones still in our heads.

Saturday morning Keith, Kelly and kids and our family went to Golden Corral for breakfast. Scott wanted to go to Tanger Mall for shoes at Reebok. We found a nice pair for $30. Now he has happy feet again! We stopped on the way home and I bought a couple of cement statues; a shy little girl and a lovesick frog. I also bought some pretty colored rocks and a Pirate's Cove T-shirt for myself in Branson. So many shops so little time and money. We are about half way to Des Moines. See ya soon. I hope we get home to find your Dad much improved and on the mend. A super big thank you to both you and Dad for all the planning and thought put into this trip. We all had a rootin' tootin' good time.

Love, Kathy Age 38

First, I'd have to say I would not have seen near as much as I did without the planning that went into this adventure. The schedule kept everyone clicking! No wait, first I'd like to say that I can't believe you (Keith) didn't think that I would carry out my end of the bargain and send my synopsis of my week in Branson!

We spent a lot of time at Silver Dollar City. The passes were nice as you could go anytime. The first trip to the "City" is a quick "once over" to get acquainted with the layout. The second trip is more ride orientated to pacify the kids. The third trip you start to catch the shows and after that, you can start to check out the back corners of the place. No matter what, though, you never seem to see it all. We did, however, do the cave first thing. I think a lot of people miss this and they don't realize that the cave is what started it all. Back in the 60's, there wasn't much more than the cave and the "downtown square" part of the city.

We rode the Ducks on Monday and I broke down and bought the "Quack Shot" picture. It's very clear and everyone is in it. Jim Stafford, on Monday night, was very good. I forgot all the songs that he sang that I knew. These guys surround themselves with really good talent.

Tuesday, besides SDC, we hung out at White Water and tried to keep cool. Up until Thursday, the temps hovered around 100 degrees. I like the wave pool and it's good exercise, especially without a tube. Aqua socks are a nice touch here. Otherwise your feet get pretty chewed up by the concrete.

Tuesday night it was off to see Kirby Van Burch and his talented entertainers. Don't ask me how he does some of his illusions! I was getting of telling Anna, "
I don't know." We saw a small portion of the Chinese Acrobat show and it was impressive. The comedian, Fielding West, was good also. Kaityln on the other hand, didn't like him right after he pulled the head off his little white bird!

Wednesday was guys day out. Keith, Cole, Bryce, Tyson and I went on the Branson Scenic Railroad. We took the southern route down into Arkansas. I really enjoyed the ride but I'm a "train" kind of guy. They didn't take their newly repaired/repainted locomotive though. I did, however, get some pictures of it. After "riding the rails" Keith, Tyson and I went clear across town to tour the Table Rock Dam. We thought this would be an excellent place to check out on a hot day. We were not disappointed; it was a cool 55 degrees. An excellent tour, especially if you're mechanically minded. (I think it's a guy thing!) The size and smoothness of these types of generators has always amazed me. When we were there, all four units were generating. Since it's illegal to stop the flow of a river completely, they use their minimum flow of 13,000 cfm to generate power for the dam and the hatchery complex through the use of two small generators that run alternately. These generate at 480 volts versus the 13,200 volts the big boys generate.

Wednesday night we golfed 36 holes at Pirate's Cove, and, although Kelly disputes the scoring, I claim victory in our group. Silver Dollar City was on the agenda for Thursday morning and then on to go-carting and bumper cars. Keith, Kathy and I took in the Stone Hill Winery tour in the afternoon. We tasted all they had plus stayed after and checked out 2 or 3 more. Keith decided he needed money (didn't bring any/enough) as he found some wines and champagnes that were rather tasty. So we're going to stop back for a bottle or two and some glasses.

Thursday evening, the front finally pushed through and we got a brilliant light show and then a gully-washing downpour. The temperature dropped drastically. I finally pulled out a pair of pants. Friday, the kids and I went back to SDC for some last minute trinket shopping. People were buying sweatshirts left and right because of poor planning by dressing too light. Our family went to the Big Dog store in the afternoon and I did a little studying after that while everyone was trying to figure out what to do. Ended up we went to the Wild Wild West Show. Alex got his picture taken with all the beauties and with the guys.

On the way out of town on Saturday, we had to stop at Golden Corral for one last feeding. Marilyn wasn't working-she finally got a day off. I also picked up a pair of shoes at the Reebok outlet store before we split

All in all an excellent time was had by all and I must thank you both for the planning and the invite. Thanks a bunch!

Scott, Age 38

May 30: We checked in and then we went swimming.

May 31: We got up early in the morning went to Silver Dollar City and ate breakfast. After lunch we went to White Water then came home, ate supper and went swimming again. It was fun, but it would have been more fun if you were there.

June 1: First thing we went to Silver Dollar City. Then we rode the Ducks. On the Ducks they took our picture and each family bought one. That night we went to Jim Stafford. He was FUNNY!

June 2: We went to Silver Dollar City again. We didn't do anything that afternoon because it was too hot. At night we went to Kirby Van Burch. I thought it was awesome, but then again he was also CUTE!

June 3: This morning some people went on the train while other people went swimming. The people that went swimming went to Silver Dollar City again. That afternoon some of us went to White Water while the rest goofed off. That night we just went shopping and swimming.

June 4: We went to Silver Dollar City until 1:30. Then the rest of the time we went swimming and ate supper. Before that we went to Thunder Road and rode go-carts and bumper cars.

June 5: We got up early in the morning and ate breakfast at Surrey. Then some people went to Yakov while others went to Remember When. I didn't like Yakov. He was boring to me. Anyway! After that we had to stay inside because it was too cold to play outside. Anyway I went out in the hot tub but not for very long. That night Kathy, Scott, Kelly, Keith A., Whitney, Alex, Kaitlynn, Matt and Nathan went to the Wild Wild West Show. Also when I was in the hot tub a mother goose and its chicks were in the hot tub and the pool. I had fun but I wish you were here. I liked the T-shirts you gave us and I liked the food you made.

June 6: Got up early and had breakfast at Golden Corral.

Anna Braner, Age 11

Karen, we're having so much fun. We went to Silver Dollar City, White Water, Thunder Road, Jim Stafford and Kirby Van Burch Magical Mansion. One favorite thing we went too was the animal farm at Silver Dollar City. There was a pig there that would suck on your fingers when you put them in their pen. There are ducks that go in our pool. Other favorite things were Fire in the Hole and the saloon show. I went to it three times. Miss Tillie's pretty. We got to drive a Duck too. My favorite place to eat was Golden Corral. I also liked the dippin' dots at Silver Dollar City. Especially the mint chocolate ones. Mom and Dad got me a Scooby Dooby stuffed doggie. I love my Scooby. We saw a huge frog. He croaks loud. We're having so much fun.

Your Step-Grandson, Alex Braner Age 9

Dear Mommy, Branson was a little different because they had Splash Harbor and they have bigger and better water guns. One of the funniest things I've ever seen was when the ducks walked right in the pool when everybody was in the pool. The most fun thing that I did was when I rode the go-carts at Ridge Runner and Thunder Road. Those condos are the best and the biggest condos I've ever seen. When we went to Silver Dollar City the first time I rode Thunderation. We also went to White Water for the first time.

Matt Overland, Age 9

Dear Mommy, I liked the bumper cars. I liked the Wild Wild West Show because it was funny, and Matt kept staring at a girl there. I liked White Water kids play place. On Thunderation, the funniest thing was sitting backwards. I liked the macaroni and cheese because it's my favorite even though it didn't have hot dogs in it. We didn't get to go to the broken down house so I want to go there next time. And the broken down house was broken even more! The condos were a lot bigger. Silver Dollar City was a lot different because when I went there before I didn't ride Thunderation and this time we had lots of other people with us. I got to play with Matt, Alex, Tyson and Cole. We played keep-away with Tyson in the middle and that was really fun. Thank you Keith for taking us.

Nathan Overland, Age 7

Dear Dad & Karen,

We want to thank you both for enabling us to have such a wonderful vacation and family reunion. Karen, even though you were not able to be there with us in body, you were there in our minds and spirits. Our prayers went out to you, your father, and your family each and every day. We are so thankful that your dad is home and doing well. We also thank the good Lord for allowing him to be here on this earth with us for the days to come. Thanks again for everything. It would not have been possible without you two.

Kim Halfpop, Age 39

5/30: The drive to Branson did not take long at all. After we got there and got checked in we went swimming and ate hot dogs. 5/31: We went to Silver Dollar City today to have breakfast and then enjoy the city. We went on a lot of rides that got us wet but it felt so good because it was very hot. 6/01: We went to Silver Dollar City again. I could go there every day. There is so much to do. After Silver Dollar City we Rode the Ducks. We all got to drive. We saw a lot of interesting stuff including some old army vehicles. Then we went to Jim Stafford. He is so talented. 6/02: Silver Dollar City in the morning and this evening we saw Kirby Van Burch which is pretty awesome. 6/03: Everybody kind of did their own thing. I enjoyed miniature golfing at Pirate's Cove. It's the best course I've ever been on. 6/04: We went go-carting and swimming. 6/05: Went to Yakov's show. It was good but nothing compared to Jim Stafford. After that we went to Silver Dollar City and shopping.

6/06: On our way home! We had a great time and I will miss Branson. It's so much fun.

To Grandma Karen, Thank you for the T-shirt you made us. We wore them a lot. And, thank you for the wonderful macaroni, spaghetti and lasagna. It was all real good. It was a great vacation but would have been greater if you were there. We missed you and thought about you and your dad all the time. Thank you both for everything.

Cole Johnson. Age 13

Notes to Karen from Branson Folk

Karen, Wow! I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Gosh, missed seeing you. Hope to see ya next time you come back. Take care of yourself.

TK (Fairfield Branson)

Hey Mom, Missed ya this trip. Hope your Dad is doing better. I'm part of the family now as I have a T-shirt. I'm trying to get off work so I can enjoy the family vacation but its not working. The kids are getting so big. The weather here has been so hot. I'm sure I'll see ya the next time. Take care and I'll see ya soon.

XOXO, Marilyn Barden (Golden Corral)

It wasn't the same without you! I missed your smiling face. Your Dad is in my prayers and I hope everything is progressing well. Come see us real soon.

Nancy (Fairfield Activities Director)

Dear Karen, We sure missed you this week! But we understand the family duties you were attending to.) Get well quick Dad. We "tried" to keep Mr. H in line...you probably are fully aware of how difficult this is! Sure sounds like everyone had a very full week-Silver Dollar City, swimming, etc. Along with moves to units not having water leaks! I got Mr H talked into a morning show and I think he's hooked! I sure hope you enjoy this tape. I'll get the new one to you soon! Hope we get to catch up with you soon. Take care.

Kathy Hull, Fairfield Front Desk (Katie Lynn in the Jim Owen Show)

To: Karen; Keep your memories alive and always "Remember When." With love and great respect. You are a dear friend. God bless you. We sure did miss you!

Mike & Shari Radford of the Remember When Show

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