Tall Timbers Lumberjack Show

Heath Hawkins

Fifteen years ago you might have been able to argue that there was not a lot of variety in Branson. There were only a few shows in a few theaters. At that time all the shows were country variety shows. Branson has changed since those days. Soon magicians starting opening theatres and shows that feature music from specific decades were next. Today you can see almost every type of show imaginable. There is one show in town that still promises a unique experience. The Tall Timber Lumberjack Dinner Show may be the truly original attraction you and your family are looking for.

Most people have seen the lumberjack programs on television. I knowI have occasionally watched what looks like the lumberjack Olympics on ESPN. The men and women on the program compete in events where they chop logs, climb huge trees, balance on logs in a river, and races with powerful chainsaws. This is the type of event you will see at the Tall Timber Lumberjack Dinner Show.

My wife and I were not sure exactly where we were going, so we left a little early to find the theatre. I hesitate to call it a theatre, because it is more of an outside arena. The Tall Timbers show is actually located behind Silver Dollar City. Once you pass the SDC parking lots you will see signs that point the way. You will find that you end up in the woods. Though not located on the strip, it was actually very easy to find and well worth the trip into the countryside.

When we arrived we found exactly what we were looking for. The buildings were all made of solid logs and the whole thing resembled a logging camp. As we got closer we started to smell the aroma of fresh cut wood. You enter through the gift shop to pick up your tickets and place your dinner order. You will have a choice between rib-eye steak or grilled chicken breast.

After deciding that we wanted the steak for dinner, we were escorted to our seat. The seats are fancy metal bleachers with a table for your plate. They were actually very comfortable. Almost immediately the waiters started serving drinks, and we began to take in the scene.

We realized that we were situated on the side of a mountain. Our seats offered a beautiful view of Table Rock Lake in the background and the amazing Ozark countryside surrounded us. The stage below was set for the various contests that would take place during the show.

Dinner started right on schedule with a bowl of warm lumberjack soup and an herb roll. Dinner continued throughout the show. The steaks and chicken were hot of the grill and served along side a warm cowboy potato salad and cool, crisp cold slaw. The steak was perfect. My wife is always concerned about pink in the middle and I like mine medium. We were both very happy with how it was prepared. It was seasoned just right and very juicy. I am getting hungry all over again just thinking about it. Near the end of the show, a delicious strawberry short cake was served. Pond cake with yummy vanilla pudding and fresh strawberries, topped with a dollop of cool whip. This really finished off the evening. We were stuffed! It is a good thing the seats were roomy.

I find it hard to accurately describe the show because it was truly a unique experience for me. Flap Jack, the host and judge for the evening contests fills you in on everything that you see as the contest happens. You get a bit of lumberjack history throughout the show.

There are two lumberjack camps and the audience is divided into teams. You are either on the side of the Lone Pine Camp or the Tall Timber Camp. This competition builds excitement as you cheer for your team all night. Each camp has two professional lumberjacks from around the country that try their best to win for their team.

The contest starts with a jack from each team standing on a log. When Flap Jack gives the signal, they start chopping at the log only inches from their toes. The first to chop their log in half was the winner. From there the competitions just got more intense. There were contest using eight foot saws that required two men to operate, ax throwing competitions, chainsaw log cutting contest, tree climbing and my favorite, the log rolling contests. One jack from each camp climbed on a huge log. They would run the log trying to get their opponent to fall off first. Since this is a water event, both ended up wet. It was too much fun.

There was even audience involvement. Eight lucky audience members get to be part of the contest. They get a change to try their luck at ax throwing and log rolling.

I was part of the Lone Pine Camp, and we lost the evening competitions. In spit of that my wife and I had a great time. The lumberjacks were outstanding athletes and very funny to boot. The interaction between the two camps will keep you laughing, even if your side looses.

This is probably the only show in town that offers FREE souvenirs. On your way out you are invited to pick up one of the pieces of wood that was a casualty of the competitions. You can even meet the lumberjack for a photo and have them sign your log. The gift shop also offers some interesting items. Of course they have the traditional shirts and hats. However, they also have one of a kind log carvings and log furniture, as well as many other rustic items relating to the lumberjack camp.

The only worries I have about this show stem form the heat and sun. We were seated on the top row of the bleachers, so we avoided much of the direct sun. Those who were seated a little lower were not as lucky. Spring and Fall would be ideal for seeing this show. If you vacation is in the summer months, I would suggest that you take along sunglasses and sunscreen.

There are several dinner shows in Branson. All of them offer something different. At one show you even have to eat with your hands. The Tall Timber Lumberjack Show stands out as one of the best and most unique dinner shows in town. There were small children in the audience and they seemed to be enjoying themselves as much at the grandparents. This show is for everyone. We saw the show in mid May (2005) and my wife is still telling people about it. We would go back in a heartbeat. The food was great and the show was so much fun.

The Tall Timber Lumberjack Dinner and Show is performed at their outdoor theatre near Silver Dollar City. The theatre is located just off Indian Point Road. The dinner and show starts at 5:30 p.m. all season long. Adult tickets for the show are only $32 plus tax, children are $22 and kids 5 and under are FREE. For more information visit www.talltimbershows.com or to reserve tickets call the theatre at (417) 338-2957. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Critic Online sent you.

What do you think? Your opinion is your opinion. Let me know at hhawkins@waynesville.k12.mo.us.

Editors Note: The show is over just a little after 7:00. If you hurry you will have time to make an 8:00 p.m. show back in Branson. I would suggest something on the west end of town. If you would like a recommendation, check out the Hammer & Barber Variety Show on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.