*The Dixie Stampede in Branson now offers not only a four-course meal, an exhibit of experienced horsemanship and a musical extravaganza, but also showcases the stunt riding talents of a Tin Town, MO native. Trick Rider Larry, who says he feels his life is a Cinderella story thanks to the Dixie Stampede, grew up in the small Polk County community northwest of Fair Grove and graduated from Pleasant Hope High School.

"I grew up on a dairy farm, a typical farm boy," he said. "My first work experience was doing farm work, so I was familiar with animals. Who would have thought I'd be riding horses for a living?"

Not only does Trick Rider Larry, along with 29 other riders, perform twice daily and sometimes three times, in dinner shows that include dancing, singing and equestrian games while guests enjoy a hearty meal that includes a whole roasted chicken, roast pork loin, cream of vegetable soup, potatoes, bread and dessert all eaten without the aid of dinnerware, he also displays his talent for handling animals when he mounts an ostrich and races a fellow performer around the Dixie Stampede's 35,000-square-foot indoor arena.

"I started out as a server in 1995 and worked my way up to production in 1997 and became a riding comedian in 1998," he said. "Riding ostriches is part of the comedian's job and today I'm still racing 6-foot-tall, 300-pound flightless birds around the arena at speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour."

After high school, TrickRider Larry attended College of the Ozarks where he earned a bachelor's degree in agri - business and animal science.

He became familiar with the Branson area and especially the Dixie Stampede. "Coming here to the Stampede seemed like the natural thing to do," he said. Natural, because the performers not only ride their horses but help care for them and groom them each day. "I had worked in the past doing farming, auto body and warehousing," Trick Rider Larry said.

I worked at "The Grand Palace" while goin' to College of The Ozarks and with Glen Campell when he had his theatre here. Then I came to work here full time as a trick rider. I love working here as part of the team. It's a dream come true for this guy."

The Dixie Stampede, owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, is located on 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson and features 32 horses, 30 riders and 36 costumed servers. The Dixie Stampede offers two shows in one - a one-of-a-kind Carriage Room pre-show and a full-scale arena spectacular. Known as "Branson's Most Fun Place to Eat," the musical extravaganza is centered around an elegant southern barbecue where horse-drawn carriages bring belles and their gentlemen to the party in an atmosphere of hospitality and charm. The show unfolds while guests enjoy a four-course meal. The audience is divided into two teams for a friendly North/South competition. Guests participate in several races and points are also awarded for spectator competitions.

The Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show, celebrating its sixth season in Branson in February, is a Dollywood company, originated in Pigeon Forge, TN., in 1988. The company opened its second location in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in 1992. Its third location opened in Branson in 1995. For more information on seeing Larry and the rest of the Dixie Stampede team, call 336-3000. For reservations, call (800) 520-5544.