Branson, MO – Team members from all five Myer Hotels, Branson’s award-winning hotel company, recently participated in a food drive in support of Christian Action Ministries (CAM). Christian Action Ministries has served over 4,900 families already this year, more than 12,000 individuals. CAM Executive Director Joan Westfall accepted the donation and expressed appreciation for the continued support of Myer Hotels and all of the employees. “Heather Albaugh, Executive Housekeeper at Best Western Center Pointe Inn challenged the other 4 housekeeping teams within Myer Hotels—all teams responded with a tremendous effort.” stated Jeff Keen, Assistant General Manager of the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills.

A total of 425 packaged food items were collected through the month of October with the Best Western Music Capital Inn placing first with 204 pieces collected. The Best Western Center Pointe Inn came in right behind in second place.

“We had fun contending to see which property could donate the most canned foods, and enjoyed helping CAM provide groceries to thousands of our neighbors here in the Branson area. We were blessed to be a part of this good effort and thank everyone who joined in the food drive,” expressed Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing for Myer Hotels. In addition, Myer Hotels has challenged all other hotels in greater Branson to match or exceed their total.

About Myer Hotels

In the lodging business for over 40 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for over 25 years and received numerous national awards. Myer Hotels includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows and Comfort Inn West. The properties emphasize excellent locations, countless amenities and exceptional customer service while focusing on great value in the upper mid-scale area. For more information about these hotels please visit www.myerhotels.com.

Blue Eye, Missouri.  Vicky Vaughan, accomplished entertainer and singer, will be performing on Friday, November 20, 2009, at Morningside — The Home of the New Jim Bakker Show.  Her one hour concert begins at 7:00pm and will be a night to remember as she captivates her audience with her humor and her music which covers many generations from the oldies to contemporary to Christmas and even some written by her and her very talented family.

Vicky Vaughan is an internationally known recording artist and published author.  She has performed throughout the United States sharing her heart and talents through music, spoken word, teaching, and humor.  She is versatile in her style bringing to life both secular and Christian music.

The Morningside Concert Series is free and open to the public.  Morningside is located on Hwy 86 & 13 near Blue Eye, MO.  Morningside will also be live streaming the concert on the web via www.JimBakkerShow.com.  For information about Morningside call 417-779-9000.  For more information about Vicky Vaughan go to her website at www.Vickyv.com.

CHRISTMAS RUN FOR CAM

5K (3.1 mile) Run/Walk or 1 Mile

Saturday, December 12, at 9:00 a.m.

A benefit for Christian Action Ministries (CAM) A non-denominational local organization dedicated to providing caring assistance in Christ’s name to people in crises. CAM provides emergency assistance with food, clothing, prescriptions, rent, and utilities. In 2008, a total of 4376 families were given assistance by CAM.
Bins will be available for optional donations of food and toys.

Race Date & Time:  5k and 1 Mile events will start at 9:00 a.m.  Registration is from 8:00 to 8:50 a.m.

Location:  Dewey Short Visitors Center, located next to Table Rock Dam, Hwy. 165, Branson, MO.

Race Course:  Lakeshore Trail (asphalt surfaced trail.)  Scenic, gently winding, out & back course.

Information:  Becky Lowrance, Race Director 417-294-4775 or Becky@sweetmagnoliatours.com

Entry Fee:  $25 for adults and $10 for kids 18 and under.

Entry fee includes high-quality long-sleeved T-shirt with custom event logo
Awards for 5k:  1st Overall Male & Female; 1st Masters Male & Female
Age group awards 3 deep for M&F 1-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75+_

The nation’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree provided by the National Park Service will again stop in Branson on its way to be lit in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C.  See the tree at 3 p.m. on Nov. 23 in front of the Sight & Sound Theatre.

Mayor Raeanne Presley will greet the tree, and there will be entertainment by Yakov Smirnoff, the cast of the Circle B Supper Show, New South, Doug Gabriel, the Haygoods and the Highway 76 Trombones. Also, actors and animals from Sight & Sound’s “Miracle of Christmas” will be on hand, according to producer Bill Lennon.

Each year, a tree is provided from a national forest for the honor. This is an 85-foot blue spruce from Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near Alpine. Arizona. The tree will be decorated with 10,000 handmade ornaments.

“Meals on Wheels Benefit” - All You Can Eat Pankcake Breakfast

When: 7 - 11 a.m. Saturday October 31
Where: Branson Community (Senior) Center, 201 Compton Drive, Branson
Phone:  335-4801
What: ALL you can eat pancake breakfast with lots of trimmings, costumes, games, fun
Cost: $6.00 adults and $4.00 children 8 and under

Our seniors deserve our support for the under funded Meals on Wheels Program that feeds and helps so many in our community.

Sponsored by The Branson Senior Center
Co-sponsored by The Royal Order of Moose

They were hand-picked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison of the Beatles, to recreate the famous band and this week the Liverpool Legends are the guests on the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” to be telecast Oct. 24 and 25.

“The Liverpool Legends return to my show for a chat and announcement that the band will be finishing this season in Branson at the Starlite Theatre and moving to the Manson in 2010. The band has toured the world, playing in historic venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Cavern Club in Liverpool, recording at the famed Abbey Road Studios in London and performing with Denny Laine (co-founder of Wings with Paul McCartney), Pete Best (the original Beatles drummer) and the Boston Pops. They appeared on The Travel Channel’s “Beatlemania Britain” and headlined International Beatles Week in Liverpool where 100,000 Beatles fans jammed Victoria Street to hear them in concert,” said Williams, the star and creator of the “Gene Williams Country TV Show.”

The show is co-hosted by Katie Lynn who has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the “Mickey Gilley Show.” She has worked with Gilley for more than 10 years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. She is finishing her fifth CD release titled Me and Jesus Laughing. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent.

The 3rd Annual Festival of Hope for MDA at the Starlite Theatre is a one performance special benefit event on Sunday October 11 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The events include Hors D’oeuvres, raffle, live auction and entertainment provided by The Baldknobbers, Clay Cooper, Country Tonite, Barbara Fairchild, The Lennon Sisters, The Liverpool Legends, Deana Martin, Bill Medley, The Platters, Ambrus Presley, The Rankin Brothers, Collin Raye, Spirit of the Dance and Kirby Van Burch.

The Hors D’oeuvres will be provided by: American Grill, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Avanzare, Bleu Olive, The Candlestick Inn, Diamond Ridge Market, Famous Dave’s, Flame, Stone Hill Winery, Touch, & Treehouse.

Branson impressionist Mike Walker is the next guest on the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” to be telecast Oct. 3 and 4.

“My friend Mike Walker has mastered over 150 different voices including presidents, actors, cartoon characters, and singers ranging from Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, and Michael Bolton. Mike has even mastered me! He is the only artist to perform on the Graceland estate. He’s a wonderful talent and a great guest. I am happy to have him return as my guest and taking time out from his busy schedule performing at the God and Country Theatre,” said Williams, the star and creator of the “Gene Williams Country TV Show” which was taped live in Branson, Mo., for the past eight years and recently was moved to be taped live in the NBC affiliate KY3 Studios in Springfield, Mo., and will continue to feature the shows and stars from Branson and country music.

BRANSON, MO – September 22, 2009 - Branson Landing is tremendously excited to announce their Concert Series Grand Finale Event for the 2009 Season – kicking off at 8:00 PM on Friday, September 25th. The local community and visitors are invited to join us in Branson Landing’s Town Square for an evening full of Stars, Great Music and Fireworks!

The evening’s events will include an entertainment lineup showcasing some of the amazing STARS located right here in Branson, MO, featuring Clay Cooper & Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express with Special Guest Star performances by Collin Raye, Barbara Fairchild, Roy Rogers, Jr., The World Famous Platters and the Liverpool Legends.

“Throughout the event, the night skies will “Light Up” with entertainment provided by some of Branson’s Star Power plus an extraordinary Fireworks Spectacular, produced and presented by the American Pyrotechnics Association,” stated Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing. “We’re thrilled that the APA convention has selected Branson Landing as one of the locations to showcase their fireworks displays and look forward to welcoming all of their members while in Branson during their 61st annual convention. And, we’re extremely
proud to showcase some of the amazing talent and STARS we have right here in Branson, on our stage that evening – right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains,” said Scholten.

According to APA Executive Director Julie L. Heckman, “We are delighted to bring our annual convention to Branson, where we have felt so welcome with that beloved Midwest Missouri spirit. Missouri is a fireworks-friendly state, joining only a handful of other states nationwide that allow the full array of consumer fireworks, stringently regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, for sale and use by the
general public. We look forward to our time in Branson and we hope to delight the community with amazing, memorable fireworks that leave a lasting impression for all! Please join us and see what the premier trade association of the fireworks industry, APA, has to offer,” said Heckman.

This unforgettable fireworks display will include a “close proximity” rooftop display and more, all choreographed to a lively “gaming” theme with a grand finale on the waterfront – fired from a barge on Lake Taneycomo, featuring a tribute to “Beatles Love” – followed by an unforgettable LIVE performance from the Liverpool Legends.

“All of the entertainment and fireworks displays will be near the Landing’s signature Fountains and this one-of-a-kind choreographed show is sure to WOW both young and young-at-heart, as it builds to an awe-inspiring Gateway Fireworks Signature Grand Finale on the waterfront – not soon to be forgotten,” concluded Scholten. Mark your calendars and be sure to be at Branson Landing for this Grand Finale Evening full of Stars, Music and Fireworks – Friday, September 25th.

For additional information on the September 25th Concert and Guest Stars performing, please visit the Branson Landing website at www.bransonlanding.com.

The Branson Arts Council announces the second annual TOUR OF KITCHENS to take place Sunday, October 4, 2009, from Noon to 6P.M. In conjunction with the kitchens tour the BAC is again featuring COOK’S CHOICE cookbook.

The TOUR OF KITCHENS includes the homes of Rodger and Becky Smith which features beautiful art and artifacts, Ann and Shelby Wright whose home is decorated in an English manner style. Bill and Gail Lennon’s home is very eclectic and the Tuscan home is Earl and Nancy Apprill’s. There will also be a condo at Branson Landing(all of which are in the immediate Branson area). Signage have again been contributed by Loann Barter,Realtor.

The three-ring COOK’S CHOICE cookbook features a unique hard cover design by local cartoonist John Logan and includes recipes from local chefs, restaurants and entertainers as well as a unique, self-contained cookbook stand. The COOK’S CHOICE is designed to become a collectors item and will be available for sale during the tour for only $20.

Several of the homes will offer refreshments and new this year will be a chef doing demonstrations at the Apprill home.

TOUR OF KITCHENS tickets are available at Touch of Class, phone 417-334-0303, or by calling the Branson Arts Council office 417-336-4255. The ticket you will receive includes a brief description of each kitchen and written directions so that you can tour at your leisure from Noon to 6 P.M. on Sunday, October 4, 2009. The price of the tour is only $20.00
and Visa and MasterCard are accepted. The proceeds from the fund raiser are used for children’s, adult and public programming of the Branson Arts Council.