We're going to Branson, MO!

Not Paris - Not London - Not Las Vegas.

The Town of Branson is tucked in the Southwest corner of the free state of Missouri (pronounced Missourah).

It is in the heart of the Ozark Mountains and it is not ashamed of its country and hillbilly backgrounds.

It's reminiscent of the Las Vegas Strip in that it surrounds both sides of Highway 76 with neon lights, country and western shows and eating and amusement centers. The comparison stops right there!

We saw 10 shows in three days and we never heard a curse word or anything inappropriate. No gambling in Branson. The showgirls were beautiful and talented, but there was no nudity. It was pure family entertainment. You could take your mother or your favorite grandchild to any show.

The favorite theme was patriotism.

In every show, at one point, they asked the veterans to stand up. My wife, Lorraine, got so carried away with the theme, she stood up proudly when they asked for veterans. Every show ended with the Stars and Stripes being unfurled and saluted. It was refreshing.

Another theme was children. Every entertainer talked about his children and even shared home movies of his kids and family. When paying about $20-$24 a seat, I do not want to see home movies. Otherwise, the shows were first-class and very professional.

The country homespun humor was mixed with great special effects to provide an interesting production.

We saw the Japanese fiddler, Shoji Tabuchi (see picture). He performed in his own theater of over 2,000 seats. The opulence was everywhere, even in the men's and women's toilets. They were bedecked with gorgeous flowers and a pool table in the men's room was different.

(To be continued ...)