For Immediate release

From: Angela Walker

Historic Downtown Branson

417-334-1548

Heartofbranson.com

DON’T MISS IT!

THE 22^ND ANNUAL BRANSON FIDDLE FESTIVAL AUG. 27-29

The 22^nd Annual Fiddle Festival and Mid-American Championship will once again attract thousands of fiddle enthusiasts from across the country to Branson, the Live Music Show Capital of America, all weekend Aug. 27-29.

Come and have an authentic Ozark Mountain heritage experience. Enjoy a FREE Big Smith concert on Friday night to “kick off” the Fiddle contest, which begins on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The concert and the fiddle contest both take place at Branson Landing.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 28, the Festival begins in the Historic District with Entertainment, Horse and Pony Rides, Crafters, Demonstrations, Seminars, Food Vendors, a Farmer’s Market, Make-and-Take Crafts, a Children’s Area featuring inflatables, a first time ever “Orange Blossom Special” Contest at 6:00pm followed by a open Square dance at 7:00pm. This is a FREE event for families of all ages.

Right after the Sunday Gospel Jam at the Branson Landing, the fiddle finals begin. Finalist will be vying for $5000 in cash prizes and the All-Around winner of this contest will win a “bye” into the Nationals. The festival continues in the Historic District 9-4 on Sunday. There is a FREE Trolley service to tranport guests to and from both areas.

The event has many sponsors, but a special “Thank You” to our presenting sponsor: IMAX entertainment complex, located on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson, and to the many businesses that support this growing cultural event.

For more information on this event, please visit www.heartofbranson.com

Area Appreciation Aug 15-31st for residents of Stone & Taney Counties.

3 New Shows – All 100% Live with a Band

Superstars of Country – Live in Concert, Shania Twain, Conway Twitty, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks. Shows at 2:00 & 8:00 Tues-Sun.

The Rat Pack – Live & Swingin’, Dean, Sammy and Frank. Shows at 5:00 Tues-Sun

The Wanda Kay Show – A Tribute to the Nashville Songwirter, has had some of her songs go to #1 in Europe. Shows at 10:00 am Tues-Sat.

All Shows $5.00 plus tax. Everyone is welcome and bring a guest.

Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association has hired Ramona Mormann, CMP, as Executive Director.

Mormann comes to BLALA with 5 years experience as executive director of MO Hotel & Lodging Association, a position she will retain. Prior to that, she has held various sales positions in hotels around Missouri.

Mormann specializes in membership development and growing associations. Her work focuses on recruiting hotel members and associate members to support the organization. Her duties include all administrative responsibilities.

“Ramona’s sales and association experience, knowledge of the state tourism industry and her enthusiasm for tourism, will serve her well at Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association,” said Lee Thomas, President of BLALA.

In addition, Mormann sits on the board of MO Travel Council, State Council for the CenStates Chapter of Tour and Travel Research Association and is a member of Missouri Society of Association Executives.

Editors Note: The Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association exists to serve and unite representatives of the lodging industry for the promotion and protection of their common interests. BLALA’s mission is to establish member properties as the preferred lodging properties of choice in the Branson / Lakes Area through communication, education, legislative action and the highest standards of professionalism; and to foster effective working relationships between lodging and associate members.

The first day of school for the Branson School system is August 19. Orientations and open houses for students and parents start on August 17 with the exact date and time dependent on the grade as follows:

Grades 1-4
Tuesday, August 17 from 12 noon until 6:00 pm (Primary; EE; EW)
Updated registration forms must be returned at this time. For those families that have already returned completed registration forms, they may proceed directly to the classroom assignment table.  Opportunities to tour the building and meet the teacher are available.

Grades 5-6
Wednesday, August 18 from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m.
Students will meet with their classroom teacher and tour the building.  Class schedules have already been picked up.

Grades 7-8
Tuesday, August 17 at 6:00 p.m.
An Open House for Junior High parents will provide them with an opportunity to meet teachers and follow a mini-schedule of classes assigned to their students.  Class schedules have already been picked up.

High School
Class schedules have already been picked up.  The High School staff will host an Open House for grades 9-12 on Thursday, August 26 from 6:30 until 8 p.m.  An informational meeting for parents of students new to the district and parents of freshmen will precede the Open House at 6 p.m. in the Auditorium.

Specific questions regarding orientation and registration may be directed to the respective buildings.

Primary – 336-1887
Elementary East – 334-5137
Elementary West – 334-5135
Intermediate – 332-3201
Junior High – 334-3087
High School – 334-6511

Golfer Memorialized with 9th Annual Tournament

Branson, MO (August 12, 2010)-  Registration is now open for a golf tournament benefiting ALS patients at Skaggs Regional Medical Center and CoxHealth.  This is the ninth year for the Julian Golf Tournament, memorializing Jeff Julian, a PGA golfer who lost his three year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.  ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord and affects muscle function.

“This tournament has helped hundreds of patients at Skaggs Regional Medical Center,” says Rodney Arnold, Executive Vice President of Skaggs Foundation.  “It’s through the funds raised during this annual event that we’ve been able to provide equipment such as a hydro-lift arm for pool therapy, a balance system, and much more.”

Registrations are being accepted for the four-person scramble held at Ledge Stone Country Club in Branson, Monday, September 20 at 10 a.m.  Team registration is $1,250 and includes a local pro golfer per team, lunch, a swag bag and post tournament happy hour.  Register by calling Bill Hasler at 417-335-7869.  More information regarding the tournament is available at www.thejulian.org.

Founded in 2002, Skaggs Foundation was established to help support Skaggs Regional Medical Center by encouraging and engaging community members in philanthropy.  As today’s healthcare costs continue to climb and our population ages, there are many ways community members can make a huge difference in the lives of those we serve.  Learn more about Skaggs Foundation at www.skaggs.net/skaggsfoundation.

Todd Oliver & Friends Bring New Show to Jim Stafford Theatre

Talking Dogs, Real Dummies, & The Smiling Eyes perform with Todd Oliver in Branson, MO

(Tuesday, August 10, 2010 ~ Branson, MO) Nationally known comedian Todd Oliver will appear at the Jim Stafford Theatre in Branson, Missouri in his own show, Todd Oliver & Friends, in 2011. Todd Oliver & Friends shows begin on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, and will run through December 30, 2011.  Todd Oliver, known for his amazing talking dogs and hilarious comedy, says, “Along with my canine friends – Irving, Lucy, and Elvis – I’ll be joined by a ‘real’ cast of characters like Pops, Miss Lilly, Joey, and my outstanding Smiling Eyes Band. We’ve got a lot of audience participation segments, original music, and outrageous comedy.”  Irving the talking dog adds, “We’re gonna turn everyday K-9 experiences into a howling good time!”  While Todd Oliver has developed his show over the course of several years, this is the first time that his full show will be available to Branson audiences. Shows are at 12 noon and include a lunch served prior to the show. There will also be some 6:00pm shows in December with dinner served prior to the show.

Jim Stafford, theater owner and comic-genius, says, “I’m thrilled about having Todd Oliver at my theater. Todd’s got a fall-down funny, hip comedy style and a totally different show that audiences of all ages love. Not only have Todd and I been great friends throughout the years, we’ve talked about what great fun it would be to perform in the same theater.  Now that this place is going to the dogs, I’m just happy Irving isn’t a Chihuahua.”  Todd adds, “At least they can talk and have had their shots. On an important note, these dogs are family pets, some of whom have been adopted, and they wag their tails while they work like a dog.”

Another unique aspect to Todd Oliver & Friends is that a picnic lunch is included in the show ticket and is served prior to the show. Lunch includes your choice of sandwich, hotdog, or PB&J (for kids), and beverage choices, as well as seasonal side items like potato salad, chips, baked beans, cookies, cupcakes, strawberry soup, and more.  Table seating for lunch is provided. Stafford adds, “Doggie bags are optional.”

Todd Oliver’s national appearances on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”, “The Today Show”, “Late Show with David Letterman”, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, “The Howie Mandel Show”, “Walker Texas Ranger”, “CNN Entertainment News”, and others along with his consistent touring schedule around the world at major clubs, corporate meetings and conventions have kept his unique show current with today’s audiences. David Letterman proclaimed Todd one of the “Top 5 Ventriloquists in the World.”

As a featured performer on Branson’s Showboat Branson Belle since 1998, Todd has performed with his three live, one-of-a kind talking dogs as part of the Showstoppers! Show.  “We have enjoyed a 13-year relationship with Todd as a highly-talented performer and a good friend of the Silver Dollar City family,” said Jim Moeskau, General Manager of The Showboat Branson Belle. “We think it’s exciting for Branson that Todd and his repertoire of talent will be showcased in his own show at the Jim Stafford Theatre in 2011.  This move for Todd is another great example of how Branson introduces and then nurtures talented performers who become favorites with our 8 million visitors.”   Irving the talking dog adds, “Leaving the Showboat Branson Belle is a big step for this little dog, it’s a good thing I’m going with Todd as he needs all the help he can get. Just look at the whole talking thing…I’ll admit that Todd talks for me, if he’ll admit I think for him.”

Tickets for Todd Oliver & Friends for the 2011 season go on sale this week.  For tickets and more information call 417-335-8080 or visitwww.ToddOliver.com.

To kick off the football season join the Big Cedar Culinary team in the Ultimate Tailgater Workshop on September 11, 2010. We’ll show you how to take traditional tailgate food to the next level. You’ll receive tips and party planning ideas to make the most out of your tailgating activities.

We’ll start in the morning for a breakfast workshop and move throughout the day exploring main courses, sides and of course some thirst quenching cocktails. We’ll also have some classic and maybe even some new tailgating games to play.

$99/Per Person and space is limited so sign up today to kick off the tailgating season in style. We encourage you to show up sporting your favorite team gear. This event is open to Big Cedar Lodge guests and the General Public. For more information or to sign up for the Ultimate Tailgating workshop call: 1-800-BC LODGE.

Press Release: Branson MOPS AM

Contact:
Kim Connell
[email protected]
417-334–6818
Branson MOPS AM Registration Event

Branson MOPS AM(Mothers of Preschoolers) is holding their registration event for the 2010-2011 MOPS year on Tuesday, August 24 from 9:15 am to 11:15 am at the Branson Rec Plex pavilion located behind the swimming pool. There will supervision and activities for the kids so moms can fill out their paperwork with free hands. There will also be drinks and snacks provided. Stay for the whole time and enjoy fun and fellowship with other moms or just drop in and fill out paperwork.
MOPS is a not for profit organization that exists to encourage, equip and develop mothers of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader at home and in the community. Branson MOPS AM meets at the First Baptist Church in Branson on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (September through May). For more information visit www.bransonmops.org.

Eire and Brimstone: Rock & Roll … With a Celtic Soul!

On Saturday, August 14, Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub at Branson Landing will host Branson’s liveliest rock band: Eire & Brimstone!

Eire & Brimstone is made up of several local entertainers, each with some connection to Ireland, Scotland and Wales. None of the band are immigrants, but you don’t have to dig very deep to see the bandmembers’ love of all things Celtic.

“I’m really enjoying getting back to my roots. This band is really pushing me to connect to my Irish heritage.” Says fiddler Bonnie Riley. One may recognize Bonnie from the several professional shows in Branson in which she is featured.

“My Grandfather was quintessential Irish Chicago cop.” Says Dan Richards. Dan also has family ties to Wales. One might remember Dan playing lead guitar for the rowdy Dirty Old Towne band.

“I have red hair—they can’t kick me out!” exclaims Michael Horn, lead vocalist and songwriter for Eire & Brimstone. Michael’s family tree stretches from Ireland across the Irish sea to Scotland.

Eire and Brimstone’s music is a mix of original tunes with Celtic flair, covers of tunes from famous Celtic bands, and traditional pub tunes that you might hear at an Irish pub sessiun. Eire and Brimstone shows usually include some bandmembers wearing kilts. All in attendance are encouraged to raise their glasses for frequent toasts.

Join in the Celtic frivolity at Waxy O’Shea’s on August 14, 2010, playing from 9PM to 1AM.

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