BRANSON, MO, JUNE 28, 2010 – America’s independence will be celebrated a day early on Saturday, July 3rd at Branson Landing—Branson’s premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination located in Historic Downtown Branson on Lake Taneycomo.

Everyone is invited to “Light Up” their Independence Day weekend celebration on Saturday evening, July 3rd with a fantastic outdoor concert extravaganza, featuring “A Tribute to Journey” starring the ever talented and unforgettable band, Chain-Reaction. Back by popular demand, Chain-Reaction takes the stage at 8PM and promises to delight audiences of all ages as their famous melodies take listeners on a spectacular journey back to the ‘80’s with performances of timeless Journey hits like “Separate Ways,” “Don’t Stop Believin,” “Faithfully,” “Open Arms” and so many more.

“After the concert, the night skies will “Light Up” with an extraordinary fireworks event produced by Gateway Fireworks Displays from St. Louis,” stated Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing. “We’re very proud that Branson Landing’s Liberty Light Up fireworks display was named a “Top Pick of the American Pyrotechnic Association” last year and this year’s show promises to be even bigger!”

The “Liberty Light Up” display will be held near the Landing’s signature Fountains and this one-of-a-kind, up close, choreographed spectacle promises to amaze all ages, as it builds to an awe inspiring Gateway Fireworks Signature Grand Finale – not soon to be forgotten,” concluded Scholten.

Branson Landing’s Liberty Light Up celebration not only honors America’s independence, but serves as the official kick-off to Branson Landing’s Summer Concert Series—featuring LIVE performances in front of the $7.5 million Water & Fire Spectacular Fountain Show in Branson Landing’s Town Square.

For more information on the 2010 Summer Concert Series and Special Events, visit www.bransonlanding.com.

Branson Landing’s 2010 Summer Concert Series
JULY 3 8:00 PM CHAIN REACTION—A TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY IN CONCERT
JULY 10 8:00 PM THE 4 JAX IN CONCERT WITH JAKE SIMPSON
JULY 16 8:00 PM NONSTOP CLASSIC ROCK BAND IN CONCERT
JULY 24 8:00 PM TOP TIER BAND IN CONCERT
AUGUST 6 8:00 PM THE MARK CHAPMAN BAND IN CONCERT
AUGUST 14 8:00 PM MIDNIGHT IN CONCERT
AUGUST 20 8:00 PM BIG SMITH IN CONCERT
AUGUST 21-22 ALL DAY 22ND ANNUAL DOWNTOWN BRANSON FIDDLE FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 4 8:00 PM M-DOCK IN CONCERT
SEPTEMBER 5 12:00 PM BEYOND THE WALLS IN CONCERT
SEPTEMBER 5 8:00 PM THE SOULED OUT BAND IN CONCERT
SEPTEMBER 17 8:00 PM CHAIN REACTION – A TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY IN CONCERT
OCTOBER 9 7:00 PM CRUIZE CONTROL IN CONCERT

Note: Concerts and Special Events are subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.

For a complete list of shopping and dining options, as well as the entertainment and event schedule, visit www.bransonlanding.com or www.bransonlandingshops.com.

By popular demand! Due to the wild success of their community VIP showing of The Brett Family Show 2010, The Brett Family has opened extended summer area appreciation from now until July 16 for the following counties: Taney, Ozark, Stone, Christian, Barry, Douglas, Greene, Webster, Wright, and Lawrence (Missouri). As well as: Boone, Jasper, Searcy, Marion, Baxter, Carroll, and Madison (Arkansas). If you live in any of these counties, tickets will be only $5 (plus tax) to any regular showing of The Brett Family Show 2010. Call 417-336-3100 to reserve your tickets today!

Branson, MO, June 21, 2010 – Summer is here and many families will be visiting the areas shopping, dining and entertainment destination – Branson Landing – to shop for new school clothes, backpacks and all the necessities that help make the first day back to school, an enjoyable one. Unfortunately, for many local families the thought of getting their children ready for that much-anticipated day is fought with anxiety and financial crisis. As an on-going support mechanism for the community, Branson Landing has launched
the fourth seasonal school shoe drive campaign “School Shoes for Kids” in partnership this year, with Branson Visitor TV and Presleys’ Country Jubilee – Branson’s Original Show on the Strip.

“Here at Branson Landing, we’ve been very fortunate to have the local community as well as our visiting guests, embrace the various charitable events we’ve scheduled throughout the year. In particular, the “School Shoes for Kids” Campaign continues to be one of our biggest community successes and it is veryrewarding to see both the retailers at the Landing and our visitors and guests, working together to provide the
gift of a new pair of school shoes to our local children in need,” stated Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing
for Branson Landing.

“Last year, we had seven retail shoe stores serving as drop-off locations and we were able to collect over 800 new pairs of shoes…all of which were distributed to children living in Stone and Taney County. This year’s campaign promises to be even bigger with seven locations at Branson Landing participating and the new partnership with Presleys’ Country Jubilee, with a goal of collecting over 1000 pairs of new shoes for our area school children,” concluded Scholten.

In a continuing effort to share this philanthropic program with the Branson entertainment industry, participating Branson Landing retailers will provide donors with two FREE child’s admission tickets to see, Presleys’ Country Jubilee. “We were delighted when Tammy Scholten from the Branson Landing approached us with the opportunity to participate in the program this year,” commented Steve Presley, from the Presleys’ Country Jubilee Theatre. “Community programs that benefit our youth are very important to our family. We believe in supporting the Branson area and are proud to sponsor the program with free tickets to see the Presleys’ Country Jubilee,” concluded Presley.

Participation in the “School Shoes for Kids” program is very easy. Shoppers can simply purchase a new pair of shoes for school aged children—now through September 6th and drop them off at any of these Branson Landing business locations: Bass Pro Shops Famous Footwear
Justice—Just for Girls New Balance – Branson
Payless Shoes Tradehome Shoes
Branson Landing Management Office

New shoe donations will be accepted at any of the participating retailers’ drop off bins during normal operating hours now through September 6, 2010. All of the shoes collected during this campaign will be disbursed among two local charities, (Gift of Hope and Love, INC.) during their annual School Readiness Fairs, as well as other assistance programs provided by the local school systems.

For additional information, visit www.bransonlanding.com or www.bransonlandingshops.com.

Area residents considering home ownership are invited to attend a free class this Saturday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m. at the Taneyhills Community Library in downtown Branson. The 90 minute course will take attendees through a step-by-step timeline of the home purchase process. Topics covered include negotiation techniques, buying foreclosures, financing options, tax credits, and definitions of commonly used real estate terminology.

This course if offered as part of a consumer education campaign aimed at encouraging home buyers to make informed decisions in purchasing real estate. The class will be taught by real estate broker and home buyer advocate Cole Currier and mortgage lending expert Mike Linneman.

Classroom space is limited. Those interested in attending the class are asked to call 417-336-1300 ext 703 to reserve a seat.

Beginning Saturday, the Presley family will be seen weekly in more than 40 million homes. Their half-hour music and variety series premiers at 6:30 p.m. “Presleys Country Jubilee” stars three generations of the family, and the producers have added guest appearances by other Branson performers.

The show airs during the six-hour Saturday night schedule of continuous music and entertainment that earns high Nielsen ratings. It follows “Reno’s Old Time Music Festival” and precedes “The Marty Stuart Show.” The channel is carried by systems including DISH Network, DIRECTV, Comcast, Mediacom, Time Warner and more than 600 rural cable systems.

Source: BLACC/CVB

Branson home buyers now have a new option when seeking the help of a real estate agent. Buyers Only is the first real estate brokerage in the area to offer exclusive buyer’s agency – an option that is gaining popularity as savvy home buyers seek personalized home buying service. The exclusive buyer’s agency concept is new to most people in the Branson area, but Cole Currier, broker at Buyers Only, says the concept is simple.

“Exclusive Buyer’s Agency is a relationship where the agent works in the best interest of the buyer only, rather than also representing the interests of sellers,” says Currier. This guidance may be a refreshing change for consumers looking for sound advice in uncertain economic times. The consensus among advocates for exclusive buyers agency is that buyers who don’t have their own agents often overpay. “It’s a listing agent’s job to get the highest possible sales price for their seller. Because we work only for the buyer, our objective is just the opposite.”

Buyers Only is a member of the National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents (NAEBA), an organization dedicated to advancing the mission of these specialized real estate agents. NAEBA’s members fight to protect the interests of home buyers through legislative change. Dual agency – where the same agent represents both the buyer and seller – have recently come under fire by the organization. Their assertion is that it’s impossible for one agent to work for the best interest of both parties. The practice of dual agency is legal in Missouri, and is commonly practiced by traditional real estate agents. As a result of their efforts, the Department of Housing and Urban Development recently endorsed the use of exclusive buyers agents.

Buyers Only has launched a new website to resource buyers with tools to guide them in the home buying process. www.BransonHouseHunter.com features frequent real estate market updates, tips for home buyers, and advanced tools to search for Branson homes for sale. You can contact a buyers agent by visiting their website, or by calling 417-336-1300.

16th Annual HOT WINTER FUN BIG SHOW
*HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED*

Due to the forecast, the Hot Winter Fun Big Show has been rescheduled for:
Wednesday, February 17th
Showtime: 7pm
at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre.

As the weather starts to heat up so does the stage at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater with Branson’s 16th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show! Branson, dubbed the “live music show capital of the world”, is the perfect place to escape the winter blues during January and February and Branson’s Hot Winter Fun Big Show is the perfect event to sample a wide variety of shows and performers jam-packed into one exciting show.

The Hot Winter Fun Big Show provides the audience an opportunity to see portions of several shows that are open during the winter months of January, February and March. The Big Show will be emceed by popular Branson entertainer, Bob Leftridge of the Baldknobbers Jamboree. Shows on stage include Jim Stafford, Legends In Concert, Hughes Brothers Show, Pierce Arrow, Kirby Van Burch, Cassandre’- the Voice of an Angel, Circle B Supper Show, Grand Jubilee, Keith “Red” Allen, Ricky Boen & Texas Mud, Tony Roi, Smoke On The Mountain, Absolutely…Patsy!!, Buckets N Boards, Comedy Jamboree, Red, Hot, & Blue, Rock N Roll is Here to Stay, Rock U Mentally, Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue, and more.

“The Big Show has become a tradition for many visitors who plan their trip to Branson around the event. It’s also something local residents enjoy because they get to see some of the new shows opening for the season and some of their long time favorites debuting new songs and acts,” says Jeannie Horton, President of The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (The Branson Show League) and General Manager for Legends In Concert.

“Marketing the months of January, February, and March as Hot Winter Fun started in 1994 as a way to let our guests know they could enjoy the Branson experience year ‘round,” says Cindy Merry, marketing chair for The Branson Show League. “The Hot Winter Fun Big Show was created to raise funds to market Branson. Last year the funds were used to help run a $300,000 television campaign in Dallas that featured over 50 Branson stars inviting visitors Branson. We hope to be able to recreate a similar program in 2010.”

The Branson Show League sponsors the annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show. All of the entertainers donate their performances and many volunteers and local businesses help produce and market the show.

For tickets call 417-339-3003 or 417-335-STAR today. Tickets are $30 plus tax and service charge for adults, $ 9.95 plus tax and service charge for children ages 4 through 12. All purchased tickets will be honored and seating will remain the same, so don’t get rid those tickets!

We look forward to seeing you for all of the Hot Winter fun and excitement next Wednesday!

Branson, MO – It’s almost here. The 14th Annual Branson Tri-lakes Building & Home Show is the area’s “Don’t Miss” trade show event of the year for homeowners and families. The show is being held at the Branson Convention Center on February 26-28, 2010.

This year’s line-up of exhibitors is stacking up to be one of the best ever and includes companies that provide: home building, custom cabinets, tree service, professional services, plumbing, windows, doors, flooring, landscaping, energy, home décor, recreation, health care, and much, much more. Exhibitors at the Home Show are some of the best in their respective fields.

This show offers the perfect venue for connecting buyers and sellers who wish to exchange ideas and learn about the latest goods and services available to homeowners in the Branson area. Not only is the Branson Tri-lakes Building & Home Show the place to be if you are interested in anything home related, this event is a great outing for the family. Raffles, prizes, and kids’ activities abound, and the Branson Conventions Center is a great place to spend the day.

The Branson Convention Center – www.bransonconventioncenter.com — is located at 200 Sycamore Street, directly across from the Branson Landing. Show hours are: Fri. (26th) – 2pm-8pm | Sat. (27th), 9am-5pm | Sun. (28th), 11am-5pm.

The Branson Tri-lakes Building & Home Show is a production of The Vacation Channel. Tickets are $4.00 at the door and are currently available online at a pre-purchase price of only $3.00, which covers the entire weekend. Visit www.tvcevents.com to purchase tickets, get directions, and view the entire exhibitor line-up.

For questions, contact show manager, Jim Slagter, of The Vacation Channel at (417) 239-1042.

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A special fund-raiser for one student’s favorite cause will be held on Feb. 4 at the Branson High School gymnasium during the break between the girls’ junior varsity and varsity Branson vs. Nixa basketball conference games.

The junior varsity game begins at 5 p.m. After that game, it’s time for “Ballin’ for Barnabas,” a game that’s sure to be entertaining pitting administrators from Branson and Nixa against the Kansas Wheelhawks, a wheelchair team which last year ranked #18 in the NWBA’s Top 20 Championship Division Wheelchair Basketball teams.

Funds raised will benefit Camp Baranbas, a southwest Missouri Christian summer camp for campers with special needs, said junior Alec Zimmer, who organized the event as a class project.

Zimmer said he has a special feeling for Camp Barnabas because for the past three summers, he’s volunteered at the camp.
“I wanted to lead something like this,” Zimmer said.

To raise the funds, students will accept donations, sell Coldstone Creamery ice cream at the concession stand and sell T-shirts that say “Ballin’ for Barnabus” and “That’s How We Roll.”

Also at half-time, Paul Teas, owner of Camp Baranbus, will be recognized. [Editors Note: Teas was the key note speaker at Sixth Annual Branson Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held on Thursday, May 3, 2007.]

Tickets will be for sale at the door. For more information, call Branson High School at 417-334-6541.

The Branson board of education is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy among its seven-member organization.  Mike Booth, who was just four months short of completing his 12th year of service to the district, resigned his seat at the board’s December 10 meeting.  He resigned after accepting an appointment to the Branson City Council.  Applicants are being solicited from those who would like to fulfill the requirements of Booth’s unexpired term which ends April 2010.

As per policy, applicants who wish to fill the remainder of Booth’s term must submit a letter of application and resume’ to the district office.  All applications must be postmarked by December 26.  Applications may be mailed to:  Branson Board of Education; 400 Cedar Ridge Drive; Branson, MO  65616.

The board will meet later in December to review the applications.  A selection of applicants will be scheduled for interviews with the board prior to its January meeting.