February
28

The Branson Veterans Task Force

Posted In: City News by Arlen Lipper


Arlen Lipper
bvtf1@suddenlink.net
Branson Veterans Task Force
417-337-8387
www.BransonVeterans.com
PO Box 128
Branson, MO   65616

The Branson Veterans Task Force is excited to announce their new slate of Officers and Board Members for the year 2008.

They are as follows:

Ron Foreman, Chairman of the Board. Ron served in the United States Marine Corps as Captain and also as a Naval Aviator.

Ernie Bradley, Vice Chairman. Ernie served as an NCO for the 4th Infantry Division of the Army. After his retirement, Ernie served as a Service Advocate for Disabled Veterans.

Tom Goldsworthy past Chairman of the Board, Retired Military

Greg Schnapp, Treasurer, Retired Military

Dawn Easton, Secretary, Co-owner of God & Country Theatre & Gardens

Board Members:

Cy Bortner Silver Dollar City
Carroll French Retired Military
Barbara Linderer Retired
Susan Martin Executive Director of Homes of Hope
Sean Murray Business Consultant
Barbara Riggle Retired Military
June Tillis Veterans Memorial Musuem
Steve Weyher General Manager Golden Corraly

The Task Force commended Tom Goldsworthy for his outstanding leadership and service as Chairman of the Board for the past two years.

The Branson Veterans Task Force cordially invites the public to attend the Installation of Officers Banquet on Wednesday, March 19, at the Settle Inn 6:30 pm. This will be an opportunity to meet the members of the Task Force and see how they will continue to serve Veterans throughout the year. For reservations please contact the Task Force at 417-337-8387

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

February
22

Leap Year Frog Leap

Posted In: City News by BroadcastBranson.com


“Year of the Frog” will be held at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery on Friday February 29th at 7 p.m. “Year of the Frog” is a national awareness program created to teach about all amphibians and their positive effect on our environment.

This is a free event with lots of hands on activities, including being able to touch live amphibians!

For more information please call (417) 334-4865 ext 0.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

February
13

Branson, MO (Wednesday, February 13, 2008) – Jim Stafford announced today that he will be hosting a special show at his theatre in Branson entitled, “Carin’ for Karen” scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7:00 p.m. The show will feature a line-up of performers that will come together in Branson for the first time to raise funds for cancer treatment for Karen Bull, an active member of the theatre industry in Branson for almost 20 years. Tickets can be purchased by calling 417-335-8080.

“Carin’ for Karen” will feature favorite Branson performers including The Haygoods, Todd Oliver, Janice Copeland & the Branson Divas, Matt Gumm & Trent Wideman from the Clay Cooper Show, Gail Lennon, 14 Karat Country, Red
Hot and Blue and Christopher James from the Showboat Branson Belle. Also headlining this special event will be Justin David and the Justin David Band. This is Justin David’s first appearance in Branson since being named a finalist on the Nashville Star Television show last year. Promising a rousing finale for Karen’s special night will be The Thundering Red Rockets, a favorite Branson band featuring Mike Cathcart, Chris Cathcart, Tom Gass and Danny Macias – all members of the musical Lennon family.

“We’ve organized this benefit show very quickly as Karen has been put in a place where her needs are immediate,” says Ann Stafford. Karen was recently diagnosed with an inoperable cancer but is undergoing alternative treatment. Karen would like to encourage her friends that she feels very positive, appreciates their prayers, and is looking forward to visiting with her many friends at this special night of entertainment. Tickets are $22 and all proceeds will go to help offset Karen’s expenses.

Karen has lived in Branson since 1993 when she moved from Houston, Texas to join the Jim Stafford Theatre as lighting director. She was an integral part of the development of the Jim Stafford Show for 10 years. She still serves the Stafford creative team when Jim tours and performs on the road, working last year on international cruises and in Las Vegas the previous year. She has designed lights for many Branson shows and is currently with the Showboat Branson Belle.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

February
11

Presidents’ Day Sale at Factory Merchants Mall

Posted In: City News by BroadcastBranson.com


Enjoy additional savings on top of already low outlet prices.

February 15th – 18th.

Factory Merchants is located at 1000 Pat Nash Drive.

For more information please call (417) 335-6686.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

February
11
Ken
ken@area57events.com
Area 57
417-332-1960 x 3053
www.area57events.com
1600 West Highway 76
Branson, MO   65616

Forget everything you THOUGHT you knew about the Branson Motorcycle Rally! The Rally is now named the Branson Rock Ride Remember Motorcycle Rally and its permanent home is at Area ’57 , located on Highway 76 inside of the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater Complex in the heart of Branson, Mo. Area ’57 is an ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ outdoor venue built specifically for motorcycle rallies and car shows. This year, the Rally will be begin on Thursday May 15 and continue through Sunday May 18 at Area 57.

“We took over the B.M.R in the winter of 2006 and knew it needed a permanent home so it could keep growing and improving,” said Ken Childers, Rally Coordinator at Area ’57. “Rock” stands for the increased amount of live rock and roll music on-site; “Ride” brings attention to some of America’s finest highways for riders across Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas; and “Remember” reminds us to honor our nation’s veterans to whom we owe so much,” says Childers. In 2007, the Rally officially became a not-for-profit event to benefit Veterans organizations as well as other local charities.

“Opening night we’ll have blues bands and drive-in movie flicks on our 20′ by 30′ outdoor screen. Friday we’ll take you straight through the music of the fifties, sixties and seventies with nationally known acts and Saturday the evening will rock again with the likes of the Curtis Moore Band, Southern Rock All-Stars and Big Mike Griffin.”

Childers says, “Riders can shop and learn about the newest and latest accessories as we feature both lifestyle and motorcycle specific vendors ALL in one place in the middle of our event grounds.” The Rally is producing an area Ride Guide for pre-registered rally attendees. The Ride Guide is your handbook to the full experience of what Ozarks roads have to offer.

With its Veterans theme, Rally organizers wanted to create a bike build-off that incorporated a branch of service or illustrated a specific military conflict on each bike. Those themes are going into five very original bikes, by five exciting new builders. “We’re giving someone the chance to win some outrageous money and it’s unique that the overall prize winner will be decided by the people,” says Childers. “Each of our build-off bikes will for sale to the highest bidder via online auction so you can actually have the chance to OWN the bike you voted for!”

Get pre-registered online for the Rally to get a t-shirt, rocker, pin, goodie bag, and admission to all three days of music and activities on grounds. Exciting new features include a 2-wheel scavenger hunt to replace tired old poker runs, a multi-class bike show and much, much more. The Rock Ride Remember Rally promises “plenty of food, beer, music, vendors, babes and lots and lots of hills, curves and exciting rides!” says Childers.

The Branson Rock Ride Remember Motorcycle Rally Coordinator is Ken Childers. For more information and details about the event, Ken can be reached at 417-332-1960 ext. 3053 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

February
11
logo Kim
kheminger@bransoncvb.com
Branson Chamber
417-334-4084
explorebranson.com
PO Box 1897
Branson, MO   65615

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced the election of Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, to their Board of Directors at their annual convention in Virginia Beach, Va. He will serve on the Board of Directors for a term of three years. The board is instrumental in providing leadership and direction for the members of ABA and for the motorcoach, tour, and travel industry.

“I am honored to represent Branson. It is truly reflective of the great relationship that the Branson business community has with the motorcoach industry in my being asked to serve on the ABA board of directors,” said Summers.

Each board member is an active participant in ABA’s legislative and regulatory efforts, in particular, monitoring and attending local and state legislative sessions of concern to motorcoach and transportation issues. Board members regularly correspond with local, state and national lawmakers on transportation, travel and tourism policy issues.

For more information or to order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

February
7
logo Ken
kchilders@dickclarksabbranson.com
Dick Clark's Club 57
417-332-1960 x 3053
www.ab57.com
1600 West Highway 76
Branson, MO   65616

A Valentine’s Night @ Club 57 on Thursday February 14th Featuring Gail Lennon and the Lennon Brothers

Dinner and show is for $89.00 for 2-Featuring a Fresh Green Salad w/nuts and fruit, Succulent Prime Rib w/AuJus & Horseradish Sauce, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Buttered Dill Potatoes and Vegetable Medley, and a Decadent Ghiradelli Chocolate Mousse for dessert

Dinner served at 6pm accompanied by romantic piano music
Lennon Brothers & Gail at 7pm
Followed by Gail Lennon & The Buzz Boys at 9:30
The Ramada Inn (right next door) is offering Valentine Specials as well that includes a hot breakfast the next day

Call 417-332-1960 today as seats are limited!

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

February
4

What’s New in Branson 2008

Posted In: City News by Lynn Berry


Lynn Berry
lberry@bransoncvb.com
Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB
(417) 334-4084
http://www.explorebranson.com
P.O. Box 1897
Branson, MO   65616

Contact: February 4, 2008
Lynn Berry
Director of Public Relations
417-334-4094
[email protected]

Sight & Sound Theatre opens in May; Silver Dollar City Launches Biggest Festival Year Ever

Live Shows

Sight & Sound Theatre, opening May 24, presents NOAH — The Musical. This “Christian Broadway” production is an amazing bible-based show with more than 50 live animals and 50 animatronics animals and a 4-story reproduction of the Ark.

Andy Williams and Ann-Margret perform together at the Moon River Theatre June 6 through July 26. The new Andy Williams Variety Show opens September 5 through October 27. The variety show will be patterned after his Emmy-Award winning television shows and will have up to 6 different specialty acts performing with Andy.

There is a new morning show at Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. “The Entertainers” perform everything from dueling banjos to Phantom of the Opera, Motown to bluegrass, all by local musicians who are “stars” in their own right, from other shows in Branson.

The Oak Ridge Boys will open in their new theatre on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Country Tonite will move to the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre. Dalena Ditto’s Country Variety Show will perform at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre, April through December.

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre welcomes Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers to their stage in a morning show. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand complex opens up Area ’57 with special events, such as BransonFest 2008, April 8-12, and more planned throughout the year.

Justin Flom and the Imaginary Theatre will feature Branson Divas and the Emmy award-winning comedian Bob Nelson.

Bobby Vinton will be performing at The Mansion this November and Tom Mullica as Red Skelton is appearing at The Mansion.

At the Welk Resort Theatre, The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue will debut in March and run through December. Matt and Mark Rankin, along with their cast of outstanding musicians and performers, will present timeless, classic hits covering six decades of music. The Welk Stars Reunion is set for Sept. 3-7 and The Tillis Family Reunion, starring Mel Tillis & Pam Tillis, will return from Sept. 16 through October 25. Tony Orlando’s annual Veterans Salute is Nov. 11 and he will join The Lennon Sisters for an all-new Christmas Celebration, November 1 through December 6,

Yakov Smirnoff welcomes country star Joe Diffie to Yakov’s theatre in September. Shows will feature his friends and family members, as well as comedian Paul Harris.

Attractions

The internationally-awarded 1880s-style theme park Silver Dollar City launches its biggest festival year ever, with new original stage productions, performing groups, and festival showcases. New to open the Spring season: an Irish Celebration with World-Fest’s all new Irish production show, Feet of Fire, featuring authentic fire dancing. Then it’s Bluegrass & BBQ, celebrating Americana at its best with hundreds of award-winning bluegrass performances and fresh-off-the-grill foods. Summer brings family adventures at the park’s biggest Kids Fest ever, presenting a nationally-recognized slate of entertainment with The Magic of Peter Gossamer, a Kid Concoctions interactive world of play, a VeggieTales live stage show produced exclusively for Silver Dollar City, and even an Ice Circus with skating performers from around the world. Fall’s Southern Gospel Picnic features the top traditional and contemporary entertainers in the genre; and the National Harvest Festival brings the largest gathering in America’s Heartland of demonstrating craftsmen, harvest-time foods and musical performances, plus special events: A Salute to the American Cowboy and an all-new Tribute to the American Farmer. An Old Time Christmas, nationally recognized by media from USA Today to Good Morning America and Southern Living as one of the best holiday light shows in America, dazzles with the 5-story, Special Effects Christmas tree and all-encompassing sound and light show on the Square and the all-new Frosty, an interactive show for kids.

Debuting in September, Silver Dollar City, long known as “Home of American Craftsmanship,” celebrates its roots with a very special project to highlight the theme park’s most authentic focus: the interactive art of demonstration. The new Silver Dollar City Culinary & Craft School is designed to pass along knowledge of America’s heritage through fine crafts, handiwork and culinary arts. Interactive classes will be held within the stylishly decorated and themed timberframe structure, set on a hillside within the City, with experts from top chefs to renowned craftsmen teaching culinary classes and craft seminars. Along with the seminars from national experts, Silver Dollar City Master Craftsmen will feature heirloom displays, multiple demonstrations and hands-on activities for take-home skills.

The Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame & Museum, located in the Branson Mall, honors those instrumental in Branson’s entertainment success and showcases historical items for public viewing daily.

Butterflies at Branson is a community-wide art exhibit that will be decorating the Branson area from March 29 until October 10. Area artists, including Yakov Smirnoff, will turn a huge fiberglass butterfly into a work of art to benefit a local charity.

Celebration City, Branson’s Biggest Nighttime Attraction, presents the biggest park expansion to date, and the largest new ride in the Ozarks for 2008. Roaring Falls, a $2 million water adventure ride, takes riders on a water-filled journey through fast-moving rapids and features a 5-story, 55-degree angle drop for an enormous splash finale. Celebration City is a 20th-century themed family amusement park featuring more than 30 rides and attractions including Ozark WildCat, a wooden roller coaster eight stories high. Celebration City hosts “Ignite the Night” a spectacular multi-million dollar nighttime special effects show presenting a stunning finale to the day’s fun along with a boardwalk full of games, uniquely themed shopping and family-style dining.

There is new fun on the water at Gage’s Branson Landing Marina & Shoppes. Branson Landing Cruises offers daily excursions aboard the luxurious 100-foot yacht Landing Princess or the authentic paddlewheel riverboat Lake Queen in the midst of spectacular Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo waterfront.

Tall Timber lumberjack show is moving to Hwy 76 West in 2008, located two blocks west of Silver Dollar City, across the street from Uncle Ike’s trail rides.

White River Fish House at Bass Pro Shops in Branson Landing sits on Lake Taneycomo. You can feast on local favorites like catfish and trout or enjoy a delicious hand-cut juicy steak, grilled to perfection. Come hungry for your next adventure at White River Fish House.

Developments

The new Branson Convention Center offers convention and conference goers 220,000 square feet of flexible space in a stunning, state-of-the-art setting. A curving, exposed timber pedestrian concourse gives visitors a pleasant view of the Lake Taneycomo waterfront as they travel between the center’s meeting and exhibit facilities and the adjacent Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is located within walking distance of Historic Downtown Branson and the sprawling new Branson Landing shopping, dining and entertainment district. The new Hilton offers guests a chance to experience the pampered luxury of a metropolitan hotel in the heart of small town America. The 12-story hotel has 293 rooms, including 194 traditional rooms and suites, and 99 condotel units that will also be available for nightly rental.

There are two more championship golf courses in Branson — the Murder Rock course at Branson Creek and the Payne Stewart Tribute course at Branson Hills.

The Branson/Lakes Area community is looking forward to the first flight landing at the new Branson Regional Airport in May of 2009.

For more information or to order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 or visit www.explorebranson.com.

Media kits and videos are available by contacting the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-214-3661.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

February
1

French Hen Cafe and Coffee House Grand Opening

Posted In: City News by BroadcastBranson.com


The French Hen Cafe and Coffee House will be holding their grand opening Friday February 8th, 2008. The opening will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The French Hen Cafe and Coffee house offers a gourmet market and gift boutique as well as serving breakfast and lunch.

Come in on February 8th and enjoy gourmet coffee, door prizes, food, live music, and more.

The French Hen Cafe and Coffee House is located at 1015 Highway 248 Suite D. For more information please call (417) 336-4436.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.

February
1
logo Linda Ward
prpro@suddenlink.net
Hot Winter Fun Big Show
417-335-8080
www.HotWinterFun.org
3440 W 76
Branson, MO   65616

The hottest ticket in Branson and a highlight of Hot Winter Fun is the 14th annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Jim Stafford Theatre.

The show is a virtual sampler of the wide variety of Branson shows and performers on one stage in one exciting evening. It features segments of several shows that are open during January and February and throughout the entire year in Branson.

Shows and entertainers scheduled to appear in the Big Show are 14 Karat Country, 50’s At The Hop, A Tribute to John Denver, Bob Nelson Comedy Show, Branson Brothers, Branson Divas, Branson Hot Hits Experience, Circle B Chuckwagon, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Comedy Jamboree, From Patsy To Present, Grand Jubilee, Grand Old Gospel Hour, Island Fire, Isle of Dreams, Jim Stafford, Legends in Concert, Magic Up Close and Personal, Magnificent 7 Show, New’s Country, Penny Gilley, Red, Hot and Blue and Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience.

For tickets the Big Show call 417-335-8080.

Branson became an “overnight sensation” with the national tourism industry in the 1990s and, then, it happened again after a group of local tourism leaders created a wintertime seasonal promotion known as Hot Winter Fun. It was marketed in 1994 to close the brief seasonal gap between Christmas and spring and it provides year-round activities for Branson visitors.

“The fame might have come overnight, but the success of Branson as a tourism destination certainly was not,” said Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Branson’s tourism industry was built up over many decades of hard work by local townspeople who were imaginative and practical and completely believed in this town. January and February were somewhat risky because Branson does have a winter season, but there are far more nice days in winter than ice days.

“People were coming here year-round to fish in local lakes. They were coming year-round to shop in Branson. They were coming year-round to play golf. And some folks that were coming to Branson were unaware that many of the attractions were closed for the season in the winter months.

“Every year since 1994, more businesses have opted to stay open to accommodate visitors during January and February. There are always plenty of fun things to do in Branson.”

Tourists will find a calendar full of things to do such as taking in Branson shows, shopping after-Christmas sales, golfing, visiting indoor attractions and museums and fishing on the area’s three lakes.

In a national comparison, Branson is one of America’s most affordable vacation destinations and because many locations offer discounts during the winter months, Hot Winter Fun is a good time to visit and very economical.

“Escaping to Branson after the holidays is both relaxing and entertaining. The easy pace, combined with so many choices for fun, makes a visit to Branson during Hot Winter Fun the perfect escape,” said Lynn Berry, public relations director for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Hot Winter Fun has proven to be very successful. Over the past 14 years, visitor numbers have increased during these winter months. Many folks have discovered that they can find a great vacation here any time of the year,” said Summers.

Evie Mohrfeld, travel writer for the Post-Dispatch of Rochester, Minn., echoed this sentiment. She wrote, “Visiting Branson? We realized how the area has become a year-round tourist attraction. It’s totally family-friendly with many new shows and attractions always popping up. It’s a safe haven, which is the reason so many choose to live in this Midwest area. Re-visits to Branson are a new experience any season and every year.”

For tickets the Big Show call 417-335-8080. For more information check out the website at www.HotWinterFun.org.

Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.