I enter 2 or 3 online contests a week. In the a 2 or so years I have been doing this, I have won a few minor gifts, a couple of gift cards, a toaster oven, a bottle of wine. Sometime last March or so I entered a contest, the grand prize is a trip for 2 to Branson, Missouri. Airfare, ground transportation, 4 days 3 nights at a deluxe hotel. Today I checked the email address I used for such things and besides the load of spam and crap and I had one with the subject line “You Are A Winner!”. Hmm, I only get 2 or 3 of these a week. Only this one did not have the usual stuff that said I had to buy something to get something. It had an actual phone number (not a 1-800 number either) and it said call collect if I wanted. There was also the secret answer to the secret question.
I called and talked to a guy named Jim, he is the promotions manager for a New York advertising agency and I was informed that I had won one of 5 trips for 2 to Branson, Missouri. Or if I don’t want to visit Branson, I can have $1000 (less taxes) instead. He suggested taking the trip, they will only value it at $550 for tax purposes. Jim is sending out the claim form and other info tomorrow and I have to return it by the 11th of July to claim the prize. The trip, if I choose to take it, will have to be taken after Labor Day and before Thanksgiving. The hotel is the Grand Oaks and from the website, it looks like your typical tourist place. I will get tickets to a variety of shows, most meals and $200 spending money. Being basically single at this time means I don’t have anyone to go with me. If I do decide to go, I am sure I can find someone to drag along.
After Labor Day and before Thanksgiving, the only name acts that will be performing are Andy Williams with Ann-Margaret, Shoji Tabuchi and Yakov Smirnov. Tony Orlando & the Lennon Sisters start up in early November.
While Branson can be very scenic, a lot of things close down after Labor Day. Those four shows will be the high spot of your visit. If that appeals to you, bon voyage.
One other thing I forgot to mention. Branson is a little off the beaten path. You’ll probably fly into either Dallas or Memphis, connect to a commuter flight to Springfield, Mo., then take a bus for about 50 miles to Branson.
The only appeal Branson has is the tourist trade, but if you’ve never been there and wouldn’t mind a little R&R, then go. If I had never been, I’d probably take the trip. You’ll only get about $500 cash after taxes anyway.
You must be really bored if you are considering a trip to Branson. My Father has a houseboat nearby and he only goes there because my mother drags him there.
If you like country music you are all good. Have fun.
If you go to Branson, you could just avoid Branson itself and go do other things. There’s lakes, mountains and interesting stuff outside Branson proper that are worth the trip, if it’s free.
Silver Dollar City is actually a nice little amusement park, kind of along the lines of Dollywood (don’t laugh; Dollywood is actually very nice for a themepark).
Seriously, I was leaning towards “cash” after reading the OP. After reading the other replies, I’m definitely taking the cash.
*This is a prime example of why the “Oxford comma” should be standard practice - the sentences “Branson, Missouri or cash” and “Branson, Missouri, or cash” have two distinct meanings.
Branson, MO is the absolute pit of red state America. Everyone is obese, smokes two packs a day, and thinks Applebees is fine cusine. It might be the real home of the pig people.
During the high season there is a great performance by a group called the Shanghai Circus. That would take care of one evening. Other than that, you’ve pretty much gotta like 1960s lounge acts or covers for 1960s & 70s pop acts.
Be warned that there are a LOT of timeshare come-ons disguised as discount tour packages. It’s possible (probable?) the contest is giving away those, rather than actual strings-free show tickets & rooms. If so, definitely take the cash. It’s pretty country, but not pretty enough to sit through 3 days of timeshare golf resort sales presentations.
