On September 3, 2002 in Branson, Mo – "The Osage Valley Vigilantes," a Cass County Old West Gunfighter/Re-enactment group participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Roy Rogers-Dale Evans "Happy Trails Theater and Museum in Branson." Of the 30 members of The Osage Valley Vigilantes only 6 members, Alan & Cathy Hilsabeck, Rick & Marcia Poe of Belton, David Chastain of Drexal and Tom Johnson of Garden City, were able to attend and participate in the ceremony.

Three generations of Roy Rogers descendents participated in the groundbreaking ceremony including Kansas City residents Mindy & John Peterson . Mindy is Roy and Dale's grandaughter, who, along with her sisters Julie and Candy, are "The Rogers’ Legacy," a western singing group. John, her husband, is an assistant minister at the Metro Christian Church in Grandview.

Joining the Rogers family were Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer, project developers Rick Huffman and Mark Williams of HCW Development Company; city, county and area Chamber of Commerce officials; and special guests, including "The Osage Valley Vigilantes."

Music made famous by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans will be performed at the grand opening of The Happy Trails Theater and Museum by Roy "Dusty" Rogers Jr and The High Riders along with other singing members of the Rogers family. The Osage Valley Vigilantes will also be performing at the grand opening. The theater and museum are scheduled to open in the Spring of 2003.

"The Osage Valley Vigilantes" will also be performing locally at Harrisonville’s Second Annual "Living History Festival" on October 4^th and 5^th. The Mission Statement of The Osage Valley Vigilantes is – "Have good Christian Fun while teaching history of the Old West {1865 to 1900} by acting out scenes from history of people from this area – the ‘Original Old West’, as well as, to ‘Teach Gun Safety Education to Children’ whenever and wherever possible."

The 26,000 square-foot museum and 326-seat theater will be built on approximately four acres of land on the northeast corner of Green Mountain Drive and State Highway 376 across from Silver Dollar City’s new theme park, Celebration City (formerly Branson USA).

The Roy Rogers - Dale Evans Museum is expected to draw more than 150,000 visitors annually in Branson. The museum Gift Shop will offer authentic collectibles autographed by Roy and Dale along with mementos and memorabilia that’s not available anywhere else in the world. The 326-seat theater will feature live entertainment.

 Roy "Dusty" Rogers Jr. announced on July 14, 2002 that The Roy Rogers - Dale Evans Museum would relocate from its current Victorville, California location to Branson, Missouri. The landmark has been located in Victorville for 26 years where the "King of the Cowboys" Roy Rogers and "Queen of the West" Dale Evans lived. For over three years, the Rogers family has contemplated moving the museum to a location that is more accessible to the general public and long-time fans of the famous couple. Dusty Rogers said the museum’s Board of Directors and his family believe Branson’s family-friendly entertainment and attractions provide an ideal environment in which to preserve and continue the Rogers’ legacy.

"We know Mom and Dad have a big fan base in the Midwest because people there still promote love of country, faith in God and true family values. The same virtues characteristic of my parents"

The Victorville facility will remain open and operating until early next year when construction of the Branson facility is completed.

Roy Rogers was the singing cowboy who yodeled his way to fame when he began making Western films for Republic Pictures in 1937. He married his co-star, Dale Evans, in 1947. They became famous through their feature films, radio shows, worldwide live appearances and a popular television series. Roy and Dale became icons of Western culture and symbols of traditional family values.

The museum will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day. Adult, senior, child (ages 6 - 12) pricing will be established along with museum & theater combo tickets.

The theater show season will be April - mid-December. Shows will be Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Show length will be 60 minutes. The multi-purpose facility; projection system and movie screen will accommodate showing Roy Rogers - Dale Evans movies.