AHOY FOLKS..........Just a heads up to keep everyone up to date on our reunion plans for 2026.
At the recent reunion in Clearwater, FL.it was decided to hold the 2026 reunion in Branson, MO> Sept 13 to Sept 17.
I have been working with folks in Branson after we visited this summer to do some pre-working on plans for 2026.
We have made p[ans to use the AmericInn by Wyndham Branson & Conference Center at 275 Tanger Blvd in Branson. They have double queen rooms for $113.00 plus state and local taxes or king room for $123.00 per night plus the state and local taxes. They offer a buffet breakfast, and complimentary ice cream and cookies every evening. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at 417-334-8404 and state that you are with the USS MARS REUNION GROUP. The rates are also good for 2 days before and/or 2 days after the reunion.
We will have a hospitality room plenty good size for our use.. In reunions in the past we have added a $25.00 per person registration fee to cover the cost of refreshments in the hospitality room, but with the generosity of past reunions we as a group have funds available that there will be no charge for the beer, pop, water and snacks this year.
Our schedule has been set and Sunday the 13th will be registration day with dinner on your own.
Monday the 14th will be free time until we load buses at 4:00 sharp to go to the Dolly Parton Stampede Show and back to the hotel after the show and we will have our raffle in the hospitality room. Be sure to bring an item or 2 to add to the raffle. Cost for the Dolly Parton dinner and show and the bus ride is $126.00 per person.
Tuesday the 15th will be free time until we load the buses at 1:30 and go to College of the Ozarks Patriots Park for our Memorial Service to remember the shipmates and ladies that we have lost in the last year. Then we reboard the bus and go to the Silver Dollar City Showboat for a dinner cruise and show. Cost for this will be $119.00 per person.
Wednesday the 16th we will have our business meeting at 10:00 am, with a financial report and a plus /minus of how the reunion went so far and a discussion of where we want to go for our 2027 USS MARS REUNION. Please come with ideas and most importantly some one to host 2027. Then free time to explore Branson until 6:00 PM for our BBQ Buffet Banquet, cost $85.00 per person, with a return from 13 years ago The Silver Dollar City "HOMESTEAD PICKERS" to entertain us. Have your camera's ready for a surprise "act". If you know.....you know.
Thursday morning will be breakfast and good byes until next year.
We will have a registration form made up after Jan 1 for everyone to plan their reunion. Forms will be sent to Ed Biddle as in years past.
One more thing that has changed since 13 years ago.....There are NO direct air flights into Branson anymore. .If you are going to fly you will come into Springfield, MO airport. About 45 miles from Branson. There are no shuttle buses to Branson, but rental cars are available or Uber is available . Uber has 6 passenger vehicles available for about $100.00 one way.
Hope that this finds you all well and ready to return to Branson in September 2026. Wishing one and all a.....MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEARS.
BOB and Becky SCHORFHEIDE
2026 USS MARS REUNIONN HOSTS.
Plan of the Day.
Registration Form.
