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Rockaway Beach Stung by Casino Defeat

ROCKAWAY BEACH, Missouri – As reported by the Associated Press: "It was Casino Night in this little southwest Missouri town, but this year's edition of the annual civic fund-raiser was tinged with bitter irony.

"Four nights earlier, residents had seen their dream of a glittering casino on the waterfront die.

"…'We're all mad,' said retiree Beverly Petrovic, seated at a folding table where a hand of blackjack was dealt on a green felt game board. 'The whole town is mad.'

"…Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. had pledged to build the $100 million casino complex.

"…Opponents, led by businessman Peter Herschend of nearby Branson, raised about $1.4 million for a campaign that questioned supporters' claims of the jobs and revenue a casino would yield for Rockaway Beach.

"…But the anger in Rockaway Beach is concentrated at Herschend, co-founder of Branson's Silver Dollar City theme park and other attractions that have helped mold that town's family-friendly image.

"A boycott of just about anything Branson-related was declared Thursday in Rockaway Beach. Racks of brochures for Branson's live shows and for Silver Dollar City and its affiliates - Celebration City, White Water and Dixie Stampede - were pulled from storefronts…"

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