Branson Christmas Tour is annual event
by Carmen South
Contributing writer
A group which calls itself the "Peabody Churches" recently returned from its third annual Branson Christmas Tour.
Instrumental in the organization of the group was Delbert Mellott, bus driver for Kincaid Bus Tours of Wichita. Mellot and his wife Pat, Richard and Vickie Mellott, and Esther Brooks have planned and organized three very successful trips to Branson, Mo., with the finances and records being kept by Pauline McPheeters.
More than 75% of the group has made two out of the three trips and more than half have been on all three. All seats tentatively are reserved for next year's tour, and a waiting list already has been started.
The majority of the group attend Peabody churches. However, there is a group of four women from Marion who have been on all three trips. There also are friends from the surrounding area who join in, as does Ruthie Orpin, a Peabody native who now lives in Denton, Texas.
This year, the group left Peabody at 4 a.m. the morning of Dec. 13. Each day was started with a short inspirational message by Pastor Jim Pohlman.
The group was entertained on the way to Branson by stories, games, singing, and frequent rest and food stops.
After arriving in Branson and getting settled, the first evening began with a dinner show on the Branson Belle. The group then attended the Jim Stafford Show.
Friday morning was spent shopping or touring in Branson. Everyone hooked up for lunch at Pizzazz followed by an afternoon show "At the Hop." An added attraction for the local group was the appearance of Esther Brooks, Janice Woodruff, and Ruthie Orpin, fully dressed for the occasion in 1950s poodle skirts and saddle oxfords.
That evening the group enjoyed dinner at a seafood buffet, a tour of the Branson Christmas lights, and the "Baldknobbers Show."
Saturday morning found them attending one last musical production, the "Brett Family Show."
The bus traveled through Missouri, with a stop at the Bass Pro Shop in Springfield for lunch and a little more shopping. The group arrived home about 9:30 Saturday evening.
A great time of fun and fellowship was enjoyed by all.
