wasn’t a popular item at the Brown Candy Factory located in Silver Dollar City. However, the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries were (and still are) a huge hit with visitors and regulars alike. The record number of strawberries dipped in a single day: 932. The Brown Candy Factory has also dipped the following in chocolate: potato chips, rice crispy treats, marshmallows and dried cranberries. More info: www.silverdollarcity.com

That’s what the sign reads at the exit doors to uncovered parking lots at Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson, Missouri. In the spring, employees collect umbrellas and put them by the doors.

The Springfield-Branson Airport has recently gained flights to Atlanta, but now it looks like it may lose two daily flights to Salt Lake City, Utah. There has been no official announcement of the change to date, but the Delta Airlines Website shows that the flights are not there as of December 1, 2005. More to come.

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The current owner of the vacant motel, which was one of Branson`s nicest hotels more than 40 years ago, has received permission to demolish the hotel. In its place, you may someday be looking at The Towers at Branson Landing, featuring towering condos on the lakefront.

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Coming soon to the Branson, Missouri Tanger Outlet Mall: Skechers!

Enhance your fruitcake knowledge September 14, 2005 at The Tri-Lakes Women`s Connection`s A Taste of Autumn Brunch, 8:30 a.m., at the College of the Ozarks Student Center Cafeteria. The College has a fruitcake and jelly production kitchen, and one of its representatives will be speaking at the brunch to tell you all about famous fruitcakes and other goodies. You can also take a free tour of the kitchen. Reservations are required, and the cost is $9. Call 417. 239.2856 for more fruity info.

The Missouri Cajun Marketplace, located 3.3 miles south of Highway 76 at 14981 Highway 13 just north of Kimberling City in Branson West, offers homemade Boudin, dine in, take out, cookbooks, gifts, music, catering, groceries and spices, Mardi Gras supplies, and frozen meat and entrees.

Veteran members: Lawrence "Rooster" Lockard, a Platter since 1958; Eddie Stovall, a Platter since 1974; and Willie Nash, a Platter since 1999. Newest members: Yolanda Fletcher was asked to join the group after the other members of the group heard her sing at the Spring Branson Fest this year. Her Branson ties prior to that: singing at last year`s Branson Idol competition. Freddy "Doc" Holliday joined the group last year following the death of Damon Freeman in a car accident. Where to see The World Famous Platters: The Starlite Theatre, 3115 W Highway 76, Branson, Missouri, 10 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Come on and shake it when you join the conga line with The World Famous Platters performing at the Starlite Theatre!

You`re a true Branson veteran if you remember Mutton Hollow. It was a Branson theme park on the site of what is now Celebration City. It`s also where The World Famous Platters first performed when they came to Branson in 1996 (at that time they were the only black entertainers, except for some appearances by Charley Pride at the Grand Palace). Following that, the Platters moved to Roy Clark`s Celebrity Theatre. Now catch them at The Starlite Theatre.