AIM Around the World invites you to join us on Thursday, August 26^th – 4-8pm – for “Seeds of Hope from Branson” Fund Raiser at the McDonald’s located at 2214 W. Hwy 76 in Branson (next to Ride the Ducks)! McDonalds is hosting a “fund raiser” evening for this ministry as they prepare to take a team of young people on mission to Uganda, East Africa December 2010 through January 2011.

Jory and Tess Rolf of Branson, Founders and Directors of AIM Around the World, will be leading the team of young people, gathered from across America, to share Christ’s Hope and Love with the Children of Uganda!

“The opportunities to serve and bless others in this country are overwhelming! We will have the opportunity to work in several orphanages and villages – sharing Seeds of Hope: bringing clothing and funds to help them in sustainability projects, and training leaders on how to disciple their young people to become Uganda’s future leaders!” Tess Rolf shared.

“Our Missionary hosts in Uganda have shared with us the great need for discipleship among the leaders and children in this country! Discipleship will be one of our primary focuses. We will be training the leaders to be better equipped to disciple the children in their care and to help them grow in their faith as they become “Student’s of the Word” and Uganda’s future Christian leaders! We are really blessed to have this opportunity!”

This team will also have the opportunity to lead VBS type programs in several Ugandan villages, training Ugandan young people how to share their faith through creative evangelism ministry and will help to build a “food store” for a Children’s Village during their four-week stay in the country.

AIM is very grateful to McDonald’s of Branson for sponsoring this evening! McDonald’s of Branson (2214 W. Hwy 76) will donate 20% of all sales generated between 4-8pm on Thursday, August 26^th. Members from AIM will be at McDonald’s to answer questions and share more about the ministry. AIM is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. All gifts and donations are tax-deductible.

To make a donation (personal or business) to AIM Around the World’s mission to Uganda, please contact AIM at:

417-334-8001. AIM’s website is: www.aimaroundtheworld.org.

Please join AIM as we sow “Seeds of Hope from Branson” to help Uganda reap a lifetime of harvest!

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jack Burke, [email protected], 1-800-451-8273

Hubbard to Host CAM’s Gospel Sing-Off

Branson, Mo…CAM’s 2^nd Annual Gospel Sing-Off fundraiser, scheduled for 3 PM Sunday, September 5^th at Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson, will again be hosted by local Branson celebrity and minister, Bob Hubbard, who has spent his life in the worlds of music and ministry.  As CAM chairman Jack Burke said, “There wasn’t any question about wanting Bob to be our emcee again.  Everyone loved him last year, and when a technical problem arose Bob jumped in and filled the time with great stories that had everyone laughing.”

A retired ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bob also served three years as pastor at Aldrich Christian Church in Aldrich, Missouri and fourteen years as pastor of Ozark Mountain Christian Church in Rockaway Beach.

Bob is the lead singer for the Foggy River Boys Quartet.  Branson’s fourth music show, the Foggy River Boys maintained their own theater and show in Branson for two decades.

Bob was also the original lead singer for the Jordanaires Quartet, which appeared for several years on the Grand Ole Opry over radio station WSM in Nashville in the late 40s and early 50s.  The Jordanaires were the most recorded group in the music industry. At last count in 2006 the Jordanaires were on 2.5 billion recordings. They have recorded as the back-up vocal group with almost every country music star who has recorded in Nashville, including Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson and Patsy Cline.

In 1998 the Jordanaires were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee and in 2003 the Country Music Association inducted the Jordanaires into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

CAM’s Gospel Sing-Off is 2010’s major fundraiser to support the CAM Food Pantries in Branson and Forsyth, which provided services to over 14,000 individuals in 2009. 12 highly talented finalists will compete before a panel of five celebrity judges for $3,000 in cash prizes from Branson Tourism Center.

The public is invited to come and support Christian Action Ministries while enjoying some of the best in gospel music. Tickets for the event are available through Sight & Sound Theatres reservations at 1-800-377-1277, at the Sight & Sound Theatres lobby box office, or through the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550.  Reserved seat tickets are a $12 donation for adults, $6 for children 12 and under.

The finalist lineup, selected from nearly 50 entries, includes: a quartet assembled by Branson songwriter Lynda Lynn, the Peterson Family Band, ,Jericho, a quartet from DeSoto, Missouri,  Connected, a duet from Branson West, The New Joy Quartet from Ash Grove, Missouri,  Psalmody, a trio of Branson women,  Todd Braschler, an ordained minister from Wichita, Kansas,  Sarah Clemmens, a soloist from Chouteau, Oklahoma,  One for All, a trio from Harrison, Arkansas,  Matt’s Family Jam from Branson, Shelley Luginslad, a singer from Branson West, and Zach Svoboda, a young man who recently moved here from Iowa.

Branson’s George Dyer, currently performing at the Dutton Theater, will set a high mark for the contestants as he opens the show with a guest performance, before moving on to the judging panel.  Last year’s winners, Sons of the Silver Dollar, will be on hand with a closing performance and announcement of this year’s winners.

Judges for the event will include George Dyer, Barbara Fairchild, Ronnie Page, Ben Dutton, and John Bartley.

Tony Orlando and The Welk Resort are honored to present the Lost Heroes Art Quilt for display in the theatre lobby November 5-14, 2010.  Julie Feingold, the artist who created the quilt to honor the memory of the American men and women who have lost their lives since 9/11, will be at the Welk Resort on November 10 & 11 to sign the Lost Heroes Art Quilt Companion Book.  100% of the sales of the book will go to Snowball Express, the charitable organization that helps the children of our fallen heroes to heal by taking them all on a holiday trip each year.  Julie will be signing from 6:30PM – 8:00PM on Nov. 10 and 12:30PM – 2:00PM on Nov. 11 in the Welk Theatre lobby.

Welk Theatre is located at 1984 State Hwy 165 in Branson, MO.

Branson Missouri’s FIRST and ONLY Internet Radio Network, “Branson World Radio” will be webcasting LIVE from Historic Downtown Branson, MO. for the 22nd Annual Fiddle Festival from the Downtown area, AND from Branson Landing. Come and experience the heritage of the Ozarks with Horse and Pony Rides, Crafters, Demonstrations, Food Vendors, a Farmer’s Market, make and take crafts, a child’s area featuring inflatable and even a Square Dance on Saturday Night! Join us in Branson, or listen on line on Saturday, August 28th from Noon to 10:00PM (CST). Our webcast will be “simulcast” on air radio stations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky & Tennessee. See you there, or on line!

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

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

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.

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Saturday, October 23rd at Port of Kimberling Marina is where serious anglers & families can both have some fun all the while helping fight childhood cancer.  Join KTTS, Central Pro-Am & K.A.S.T. (Kids Are Special Too) for a day of entertainment & fun in the outdoors.

First, for serious anglers:  Central Pro-Am & KTTS will host a Buddy Bass tournament; cost per boat/team is $170.00, and an optional $20 for entry into Big Bass.  70% goes as a payout & 30% goes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Anglers begin fishing at 7am, with check in at 3:00pm that afternoon.  Each angler will receive the official “Fishin’ for a Cure” t-shirt & be entered into the running for the **Draw Prize (TBD)

Second, for families:  K.A.S.T. & KTTS will host a flurry of fun for the the families…Pan Fishing (fishing from the banks of the lake) where kids can win rods/reels, and more.  We’ll host fun & games all around the marina, from casting contests, tasty treats and more.  The family fun begins around 10am and continues through 1:00pm.

Please contact Central Pro-Am Association at 417-335-5075 for official entry form or for more information.