Magic for the Whole Family: Why Dolly Parton’s Stampede Is a Branson Must-See
Gary J. Groman, 40-year Branson Resident, Columnist, and Independent Journalist.
There is no shortage of things to do in Branson, Missouri. Still, for those looking for a show that really stands out and will entertain the whole family, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the one. It has been a favorite here for years, and with the new Butterfly Dreams segment on the bill these days, it has taken on an even more magical quality. If you are planning a trip to the Ozarks, this dinner show is hard to pass up. It is an unforgettable combination of top-notch stunts, good food, amazing production, and a performance to match. You will find the Stampede keeps you fully entertained from the moment you arrive.
The fun starts well before you are in the main arena. Walking up to the building, you can meet, “up close and personal,” some of the show’s equine stars in their stalls. Once inside, you can pick up a souvenir T-shirt, keychain, or one of many other souvenirs at the gift shop and have a cold drink at the “saloon” while you wait to enter the arena.
Along with the show. One of the highlights is its famous Four-Course Meal, which includes creamy vegetable soup, a hot, homemade biscuit, a tender whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked pulled pork, buttery corn on the cob, homestyle mashed potatoes, and a signature dessert.
When you enter the arena, you’ll appreciate how they have put the seating together; nobody’s head is going to be in your way. If you want to be right on the edge of the dirt, you can pay a little extra for the front row, and they will throw in a special boot as a keepsake. The arena has a cool feel, but the crowd doesn’t take long to warm it up, with plenty of stomping and noise. They put you on either the North or South side of the house to stir up a bit of good-natured rivalry for the evening.
The show “gits right along” from the barrel relay races and other interactive competitions to the trick riding, racing chickens who can do the electric slide, and much more. Then there’s the wonder and joy of “Butterfly Dreams,” a beautiful tale about butterflies and growing up in the Smoky Mountains, stunningly presented in Dolly Parton Stampede fashion. The show’s Grand finale ends with a spectacular, inspiring, patriotic red, white, and blue tribute celebrating America. What a great end to a great, all-around entertainment experience for the whole family.
