Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours Reveals

Freefall Xpress Is The Final Step on Blue Streak Fast Line

(Monday, July 25, 2010 ~ Branson, MO) On the outer edge of Branson, Missouri, just north of the shows and theaters, sits Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve. Branson’s newest attraction is the home of many unique eco-adventures including the Blue Streak Fast Line with the Freefall Xpress. This thrilling experience begins with a nearly quarter-mile zip that reaches heights of over 150 feet before landing onto a 100-foot tower.  “Then many of our guests are surprised to find that from there, it’s a freefall from the top of the tower to the ground,” says Emma Hamilton General Manager. “The landing feels like you’ve jumped only 8-inches in the air.”

At Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours the only experience that has the Freefall Xpress as a method of dismounting from the 100’ platform is the Blue Streak Fast Line. The other experiences are guided, low-impact canopy tours where guests traverse multiple ziplines, sky bridges, and platforms soaring through the trees and above the forest fauna.   Some guests choose to combine a canopy tour with the Blue Streak Fast Line in order to experience the Freefall Xpress.

A unique rewind mechanism is incorporated in the fan that powers the Freefall Xpress, providing subtle tensile strength as the fall begins. The fan is driven by the descending person’s mass. There is no external power source. The PowerFan© allows a person to fall 70-feet before gently slowing over the next 30-feet to a complete stop. Emma says, “On the Freefall Xpress stepping off the platform into thin air is an exhilarating experience. Taking the step is the challenge; once you’ve done it you’ll want to do it again with your eyes open.”

Aside from being used to train paramilitary troops, power fans have been used commercially in areas such as Europe, though Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours has the first and only PowerFan© used for a 100-foot freefall in North America!  “Taking the Blue Streak Fast Line goes beyond just an amazing zip experience,” says Emma. “With the Freefall Xpress our visitors are the first to experience this cutting edge adventure.”

Visitors to Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve are also enjoying some unique nocturnal adventures – the Prospector In The Dark and the Ozarks Xplorer In the Dark. These evening and nighttime canopy tours have limited availability but they do allow adventurers to see the Ozark Mountains in a whole new way.  As always the popular Flying Prospector Canopy Tour, Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour, and Blue Streak Fast Line with the Freefall Xpress are operating daily.  Reservations are recommended as tours are often sold out several days in advance.

All experiences at Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours are conducted by certified guides. Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours courses meet and exceed Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards.  Emma adds “With us, you can relax and safely enjoy your authentic eco-adventure in the Ozark Mountains!”

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve is located 7 miles north of Branson on US Hwy 65.  For more information visit BransonZipline.com and BransonZiplineBlog.com or call 417-561-2500.

About Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve offers visitors of all ages authentic eco-adventures in the Ozark Mountains.  The range of thrilling options includes a variety of guided canopy tours (inclusive guided treks across numerous ziplines, sky bridges, and platforms. Guided excursions include information about topographical, ecological and historical features.). Canopy tours include the 3-hour Ozarks Xplorer, 2-hour Flying Prospector, 2-1/2 hour Xplorer In The Dark, and the 1-1/2 hour Prospector In The Dark.  The Blue Streak Fast Line with Freefall Express is a thrilling zip from the top of the property to the base with a 100-ft freefall.  Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Station is a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT).  The course as well as the guides certification and training meet and exceed ACCT standards.

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Sing-Off Finalists Selected

Branson, Mo…A preliminary judging committee has selected the 12 finalists for CAM’s Gospel Sing-Off on Sunday September 5^th at Sight & Sound Theatres.  The finalists were selected from nearly 50 very talented entries that arrived from as far east as West Virginia, north from Iowa, south from Texas, and west from Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as from throughout the state of Missouri.  The 12 finalists will perform before a panel of celebrity judges as they compete for prize money that has been donated by the Branson Tourism Center.

The finalists selected are:

1. A trio consisting of Gregg Busch from College of the Ozarks, Branson songwriter Lynda Lynn and her husband Bud Lynn.
2. The Peterson family, the locally popular bluegrass group consisting of Dr. Jon Peterson and his family.
3. Jericho, a quartet from DeSoto, Missouri that took 2^nd place last year.
4. Connected, a duet of Steve Anthony and Darlene Jones from Branson West.
5. The New Joy Quartet from Ash Grove, Missouri.
6. Psalmody, a trio of Branson women (Darla Ramos, LeAnne Kelly & Teri Barry) that were among last year’s finalists.
7. Todd Braschler, an ordained minister from Wichita, Kansas
8. Of One Accord, a quartet from Frisco, Texas.
9. One for All, a trio from Harrison, Arkansas that also competed last year.
10. Matt’s Family Jam, a quintet made up of Branson’s Rolf family.
11. Shelley Luginslad, a singer from Branson West.
12. Zach Svoboda, a young man who recently moved here from Iowa.

In case any of the finalists are unable to perform, the committee named three runner-ups to the final twelve: Sarah Clemmens of Chouteau, Oklahoma, Bethany Schroeder of Ava, Missouri,  and the quartet Proclaim! Of Kimberling City (one of last year’s finalists).

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.  Aside from the competition and guest performances, the Sing-Off will feature Bob Hubbard of the Foggy River Boys as the host emcee.

According to Christian Action Ministries’ board chair Jack Burke, “Selecting the final twelve was extremely difficult for the committee due to the high level of talent amongst the entries. We really wished we could have allowed all of them to perform.  As the best of the best compete for the prize purse, we anticipate a truly exciting and motivating show this year and urge everyone to come out and support CAM.”  Burke also added that they are still accepting business sponsors for the event, offering ad space and mentions in the event program in exchange for donations.

The Sing-Off will be CAM’s major fundraiser for the year in support of the food pantry for Taney County, which provided services to over 14,000 individuals in 2009, 36% of whom were children.  CAM has recently expanded to operate a food pantry in Forsyth, as well as Branson.

The Sing-Off will be held at Branson’s beautiful Sight & Sound Theatres, home to the show “Noah-the Musical”. 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.

For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157.

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Pancakes N’ Platters!

FREE breakfast with The World Famous Platters at The Starlite Theatre!

Beginning Tuesday, July 20th, enjoy a FREE serving of pancakes and FREE coffee with each paid ticket to The Platters Show!

Call now for tickets!  Limited quantity!  417-337-9333

Tuesday through Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m. at The Starlite Theatre located at 3115 W. Hwy. 76 (across the street from King Kong!)

Trey Wilson and Lucas Case announce the formation of Wilson & Case Company, LLC. Wilson & Case Company will provide the following services to artists in the Christian and main stream markets: Artist Management, Artist Development, Public Relations, Marketing Strategy, Social Media, Radio Promotion, Television, Tour Support, and Large Venue Booking.

“Artists from around the country will be exclusively or inclusively signed to work with our company,” states Lucas Case, co-owner of Wilson & Case Company. “Depending on the artists needs, we will maintain the current image and style, or develop a new image for them.”

It is our desire to advance and preserve all styles of Christian music, while maintaining a level of professionalism and class that is second to none.

Trey Wilson, co-owner of Wilson & Case Company says, “We are excited about this new venture that God has placed on our hearts, and we look forward to serving the people of North America with our talents and expertise.”

Wilson & Case Company will base their headquarters in Branson, Missouri, and will also have an office in Nashville, Tennessee. “Mobility will be necessary as we continue to search for new talent to work with and maintain the relationships being built,” says Wilson.

For more information on the Wilson & Case Company please visit their website at www.wilsonandcasecompany.com or their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/wilsonandcaseco. You can also follow them on twitter at www.twitter.com/wilsonandcase . To reach them by phone please call 615-509-3200.

Christian Action Ministries’ 2nd Annual Gospel Sing-Off fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday September 5th from 3 PM to 6 PM at Sight & Sound Theatres.  As the primary annual fundraiser for the operation of CAM’s food pantries in Branson and Forsyth, community sponsors are critical to the overall success of the event.

“We’ve already been pleased with two key sponsors – Sight & Sound  Theatres and Branson Tourism Center,” said Jack Burke, chairman of the CAM Board of Directors.  “Sight and Sound provides us the free use of their wonderful theatre, and Branson Tourism Center has again made a major contribution for the event.  These two donors enable us to have a state-of-the-art venue with 2,200 seats and provide a sizeable purse for the top three winners.”

Burke went to say, “However, in order to make this a financial success and help us meet the dramatically increased demand, we need local businesses and organizations to help sponsor the Sing-Off.  Currently we are seeking one more key sponsor for the program printing and numerous additional sponsors who will receive advertising space in the program, complimentary tickets to the Sing-Off, and a charitable tax deduction.”

In 2009, 5,881 families came to CAM for assistance, amounting to 14,817 individuals.  Since CAM provides 3 days of emergency food equaling nine nutritious meals per person, that equates to 133,353 meals provided to Taney County residents last year.  The requests for help in 2009 were up 34% over 2008 and the demand over the first few months of 2010 were already up 46% over last year.

Pat Davis, Director of CAM, explained further, “Since the first of the year, we have made a concerted effort to provide nine full and nutritional meals for each individual, based on the basic food groups of the government’s food pyramid.  This means that, aside from local food donations, we are continually purchasing food to maintain a proper balance in our inventory.  Plus, we have also taken over the operations of food pantry in Forsyth, formerly known as My Neighbor’s Pantry, which means we are now serving approximately 800 families per month.  These factors have significantly increased our need for financial donations to augment the food donations we receive.  The success of the Sing-Off is critical to our operations.”

Burke pointed out that Pat Davis assumed the role of director this year on a 100% voluntary basis in order to help CAM reduce operating costs in order to meet the growing need, “Pat has been a true blessing to our community!”

Donations for the various sponsorships range from $2,000 to $250.  A $2,000 “Gold” sponsorship includes a full-page ad in the event program and 10 complimentary tickets.  “Silver” sponsorships are $1,000 and include a half-page ad and six tickets.  “Bronze” sponsorships, valued at $500, receive a quarter page ad and four tickets.  For $250, sponsors are included in an alpha listing of “Honorable Mentions” and two tickets for the show.  In order to allow time for program layout and printing, sponsorships need to be finalized by the end of July.

According to Burke, volunteers will be contacting potential sponsors by phone and CAM has been advertising for sponsors through broadcast e-mails from the Branson Chamber.  Sponsorship forms can be accessed by calling CAM at 334-1157 or by visiting the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org.

The Sing-Off will feature twelve gospel-singing finalists, pre-selected by committee from all entries received.  The twelve will then compete for the $3,000 prize purse before a panel of celebrity judges.  Branson entertainer and renowned tenor George Dyer will open the show, and last year’s winners, Sons of the Silver Dollar, will be on hand for a closing performance and announcement for this year’s winners.

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.

For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157.

About CAM

CAM is celebrating its 25th year of service to the community.  Christian Action Ministries was founded by 11 churches that came together to help better meet the needs of  Taney County residents with a central location for  food distribution.  A non-denominational organization, CAM is dedicated to providing caring assistance, in Christ’s name, to people experiencing temporary crisis.

Branson, Mo … Christian Action Ministries, which operates the CAM Food Pantries in Branson and Forsyth, is seeking contemporary, traditional and southern gospel singing groups that are interested in competing for the 12 finalist positions in CAM’s 2nd Annual Gospel Sing-Off to be held on September 5th.  Deadline for entries has  been extended until July 16th in order to accommodate entries from a multi-state area, as well as local artists.  The 12 finalists, to be selected by a preliminary judging panel, will perform at the beautiful Sight & Sound Theatres venue in Branson.  Entry forms are available at www.christianactionministries.org and there is no entry fee for the contestants.

Bob Hubbard of the Foggy River Boys and The Jordanaires will again emcee the event.  World-renowned tenor and Branson performer George Dyer will open the show and then join the celebrity judging panel, which also includes Ben Dutton of The Dutton Family, and Ronnie Page.  Last year’s winners, Sons of the Silver Dollar, will wrap things up with an appearance at the end of the show and announcement of this year’s winners.

The Sing-Off will be held Sunday September 5th from 3 PM to 6 PM at Branson’s Sight & Sound Theatres,  home to the show “Noah – The Musical”.  First place will winner will receive $1,500, second place $1,000 and third place $500.

CAM’S Gospel Sing-Off is 2010’s major fundraiser to support the CAM Food Pantry, which provided services to 5,881 families in 2009, accounting for assistance to 14,817 individuals in Taney County.  This marked an increase of 34% over 2008, and 2010 numbers are ranging even higher.

CAM is also looking for area businesses to help sponsor the event with an advertising presence in the show’s program.  According to CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke, the goal for sponsorships is $30,000 and participation ranges from $2,000 , which includes a full-page ad, through $250 for an honorable mention.  Burke reinforced that a successful fundraising is critical to the continuing operation of the CAM Food Pantries.

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.

For more information,  contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157