The only thing bigger than the 2,800 scoops of ice cream given away during the recent Free Cone Day by Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop of Branson were the notes sung by local members of Missouri Kids, a division of American Kids, the nation’s only little league of entertainers.

Young performers took the outdoor “stage” between Ben & Jerry’s and Shorty Small’s on the deck of the marina at Branson Landing and entertained the crowds of people either waiting in line for or enjoying their free scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. In the process more than $250 were raised to help the nonprofit purchase a portable sound system for performances at various locations such as retirement homes and other community events.

“Basically, Free Cone Day is our birthday party, but we like to share the presents. The celebration is more than just a chance to get a free scoop. It is also an opportunity to involve the community at large to demonstrate the company’s commitment to giving back,” said Brandon Karn, owner of the Branson Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop. In addition to Missouri Kids, the non-profit Tri-Lakes Humane Society also participated and raised approximately $250 also.

Missouri Kids will again be performing at the Ben & Jerry’s location for Missouri Kids Show Daze on June 11 and July 14 and 16 will feature local young entertainers in 20 minute shows 1-3 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from ice cream sales during the two-hour periods will be donated to American Kids Inc. Plans are in the works for more performances by invitation of Shorty Small’s and Ben & Jerry’s.

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A member of the Branson Chamber of Commerce, the 27 year-old American Kids Inc. is the nation’s only ‘little league’ of entertainers celebrating what’s right about America promoting drug-free lifestyles, patriotism and community service. The group’s founder, Dr. Dale Smith, holds a doctorate in administration-education and masters in music education. Young people, ages 3 to high school seniors join American Kids just like adults join a civic club. In the program, they find a peer group all involved in making a difference in the world by using the performing arts as the vehicle. Competition is held on a local to state to national level. Shows range from fairs, festivals and theme parks on a national and international scale to the touring cast of Raising America, a patriotic musical. Members enjoy exposure, growth, character development and opportunity. Because of the experience gained from being on stage, members are better prepared for whatever they choose to do in life. Many members are performing on Broadway and on tour, with Disney and in Branson and Nashville: Kristin Chenoweth, Bryan White, Jarrod Neimann and Blake Shelton are alumni. The group is affiliated with Ed McMahon, Barbara Fairchild, Randy Earhart and Taco Mayo, and Golden Corral.

The first Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop in Branson, Mo., isn’t just any scoop shop. It’s floating over the cool waters of Lake Taneycomo on the Marina at Branson Landing. With 30 fabulous Ben & Jerry’s flavors to choose from, that makes it the largest ice cream float in the world. 7 North Boardwalk, Suite C, Branson, MO 65616 417-339-CONE (2663)

Schools out for summer…… and the Kids are Free!!

All Summer long…parents get a break too at Andy Williams Moon River Grill.

During the months of June, July and August… KIDS EAT FREE with the purchase of an adult entree!

Choose menu items made from scratch that feature some of Andy’s mother’s recipes. Our Reputation is built on quality “home made” food and excellent service presented in a beautiful setting.

Enjoy fine dining at affordable prices in a relaxing and elegant ambiance at Andy Williams Moon River Grill.

A benefit show featuring Branson celebrities and a pig roast and casino night are two separate upcoming fund raisers sponsored by Branson Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 913. Proceeds will go to help various veterans’ projects sponsored by the chapter.

The Sixth Annual Branson Vietnam Veterans Benefit Show begins at 7 p.m. at the Hamner Barber Theater, 3044 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, June 1. Proceeds will be used to assist military personnel and their families from Southwest Missouri.

Tom Brett of the Brett Family is the founder of the show. Brett and his family in concert with Dave Hamner and Jim Barber donate their time and theater annually to the cause.

The entertainment line-up includes many Branson entertainers. In addition to the Brett Family, Hamner and Barber, slated for appearances to date are #1 Hits of the 60s, Clay Cooper, Barbara Fairchild, Allen Edwards, Wade Landry and Doug Gabriel. The cast of Country Tonite will perform and a video from their recent trip to visit troops in Iraq will be shown. Tom Mulica returns as emcee. Ambrus Presley will present the national anthem. Pastor Don Brezavar of Branson’s Church of the Harvest will bring the invocation and the Branson VVA will provide the color guard. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. For advanced reservations call 417-334-4363.

The Third Annual Pig Roast and Casino Night is set for May 30 at the Branson Hollister Lions Club, 1015 E. Highway 76. The pig roast is 5:30-6:30 p.m. followed by the casino night 6:30-10 p.m. “Funny money” and two different auctions, a funny money auction and a silent auction, are among the happenings. Cost for the dinner and casino night is $20 per person and includes “funny money.” To purchase advance tickets call 417-334-0733. A limited number of tickets may also be purchased at the door.

The Branson VVA supports local veterans in need with specific projects, transient vets when necessary and the current returning vets. Program includes annual sponsorship of one Iraq/Afghanistan veteran, an outreach called Breakfast with Buds and creating care packages to send to troops.

Corporate sponsors for Branson VVA include Branson’s Wal-Mart on Highway 76, Hollister Cycle, Ron’s Trailers, Lakeland Pharmacy, Mount Pleasant Winery, Motorcycle Boulevard, Main Street Jewelry, Spirits Shop, Stone County Cycle, Branson Wal-Mart Super Center, Shenanigan’s RV Park, Ozarks Kirkwood Travel and Gary’s Coiffures.
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Branson area members of Missouri Kids will be featured on Wednesday Night Specials, a new free venue of The Grand Old Gospel Hour, on May 20 at 6 p.m. at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater under the direction of Pastor Sam Stauffer and Colt Straub, Grand Old Gospel Hour music director and music minister.

Missouri Kids is a division of American Kids Inc., the nation’s only little league of entertainers. A newly formed group of Branson area kids will be performing a segment of their gospel show.

The members of the group include Becci Roffitt, Kelsey Pettit, Micaela Miller, Brianna Miles, Krystal Wright, Kiana Ellis, Molly Schulze, Savannah Jewsbury, Quenton Ellis, Christina Oneida and Toni Bianchi.

Many different styles of gospel music are part of Wednesday Night Specials. The free gospel show with inspirational testimonies lasts about 70 minutes allowing audience members to fit the show in between afternoon and evening shows. Weekly performances run through December.

For more information go to gospelhour.org or call 417-337-8888. For more information about American Kids call 417-337-8964.

Blankets of Love Ministries proudly presents the second tri-annual “Standing Tall “Concert benefitting the Greene County Family Violence Center.

Date— July 11th & 12th, 2009
Venue—City Park Galena Missouri
Time—Festivities begin at 3pm with gospel concerts beginning at 5pm on both days.

Come enjoy the musical talents of; Southern Raised, The Cerces, New Anointing, Christ like Records, & the dramatic talents of S.W.A.T., (more groups to be added)
Admission is free however monetary donations are encouraged. All proceeds go directly to the Family Violence Shelter.  Please join us in lifting up the name of Jesus and making a difference in these precious ladies lives.  Together wee can save lives, and change futures one women and child at a time.

For Further information please contact Blankets of Love Ministries’ President /Founder      SueMitchell @
www.myspace.com/blanketsofloveministries or Phone (417) 631-9290
[email protected]  or

Together we can make a difference!