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Branson-A public ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of America’s longest continuing war will be held June 25 by the local Harry S. Truman Chapter 135 of the Korean War Veterans Association. The hour-long program will begin at 10 a.m. at the Korean War Monument in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery on State Highway 76 East.

At 4 a.m. on June 25, 1950, seven North Korean reinforced infantry divisions and supporting troops stormed into the lightly defended Republic of Korea. In the next 37 months and two days, 54,246 Americans, 59,000 ROK troops, 3,100 troops from 20 other United Nations countries and an estimated 15 million troops from North Korea and China died.

Although a cease-fire was reached on July 27, 1953, no truce has ever been signed between the UN and Communist forces, said Joe Bryant, president of the Branson-Hollister KWVA chapter. The chapter has conducted an annual commemorative service each year since its organization in 1996.

The program this June will include presentation of the Colors by the Forsyth High School Marine Corps Jr. ROTC color guard; placement of a memorial wreath, National Anthem sung by recording artist Jana King Evans, and Korean dancers in native costume. The Rev. Young K. Yoon, senior pastor of the Springfield Korean Presbyterian Church will pronounce the invocation and benediction.

Navy veteran an recent College of the Ozarks graduate Luke Barnett of Forsyth will reflect upon the importance of our history to today’s generation. KWVA members, area leaders and members of the area’s Korean-American community will have brief remarks. The program will close with firing of three volleys and sound of Taps by the Truman Chapter honor guard.

For more information:

Joe Bryant, President
Harry S. Truman Chapter 135
P.O. Box 1397
Hollister, MO 65673
417-365-1389

Branson, MO. The Branson Exhibition Center has leased the former Roy Rogers Museum on Green Mountain Drive. Tony Doblin, President & COO, Exhibition Dynamix, has entered into a lease with HCW Development to open a new venture in Branson, The Branson Exhibition Center.

We are pleased and excited to announce the opening of The Branson Exhibition Center. This new exhibition center will be bringing museum quality exhibitions to the Ozarks. Located at the former Roy Rogers Theatre and Museum, President and COO Tony Doblin has always had the idea and belief that Branson is more than ready for exhibitions the caliber of which his company is planning to bring in. These interactive educational exhibitions will provide quality entertainment at affordable prices and will resonate with the demographic that Branson provides says Doblin. The first of these blockbuster exhibitions will be announced next week and will open on July 1st. Tickets will be available online soon. It’s important to note that Doblin’s company will only use contractors and team members from the Branson area and put revenues and charitable contributions back into the local economy. Doblin himself is relocating to Branson from Atlanta.

Prior to starting Exhibition Dynamix, Mr. Doblin was Vice President of Operations and Merchandising for Premier Exhibitions whose exhibits included “Bodies; The Exhibition”, “Titantic”, “Dialogue in Dark” and “Star Trek”. It was at that time Mr. Doblin became introduced to Branson and the idea of opening a business here was always in his sights.

Throughout his tenure at Premier Exhibitions, Mr. Doblin has successfully opened and operated more than 125 exhibitions throughout the United States and around the world.

A wide variety of exhibitions will be showcased in the Branson Exhibition Center, appealing to Branson locals and visitors of all ages. The unique structure of the new exhibition center will allow for many types of exhibits and will also allow video presentations as a part of the experience. The venue will also be open for special private events which can include the use of the 300- seat theatre. A cafe and gift shop area will be a part of the newly remodeled facility.

We are excited to work with Cornerstone Construction, Backstage Connections and Native Signs on the remodel of our new exhibition center. We will be announcing our inaugural exhibition at The Branson Exhibition Center next week.

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Branson, Missouri (May 27, 2010) – Branson Airport (BKG), the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States and the Branson JetCenter were honored to receive a visit from pilot, Michael Combs today. Combs started his journey April 8, 2010 in Salina, KS and is visiting all 50 states in 40 flight days, covering over 19,000 miles all in a Remos Light Sport Aircraft named “Hope One”.

After a few days of weather delays, Michael and wife Michele arrived at the Branson Airport around 3:30PM CST. Touted as the Flight for the Human Spirit, Michael says this journey “is a light for every man and woman. It is a beacon to children of all ages. It is encouragement for the depths of every soul to never, ever give up on their dreams.”

Combs had always dreamed of obtaining his pilots license, but after a serious illness that almost took his life in 2003, he was afraid he would never see that day arrive. After many years, he has now fulfilled that dream is over halfway through an amazing feat, the first flight of this magnitude to be attempted in a Light Sport Aircraft.

After a tour of the new Branson Airport and Branson JetCenter, Combs and his wife Michele were ready to be on their way, but the weather in Arkansas kept them in Branson overnight. The Hiltons of Branson and Branson Gray Line were kind enough to provide lodging and transportation, proving once again the famous Ozarks hospitality lives on.

To learn more about Michael Combs and this historic and inspirational flight, please visit www.flights.com and the Official Flight For The Human Spirit Fan Page on Facebook. For more information on Branson Airport please visit www.FlyBranson.com or call 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541)

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The Vagabond Stage Company & Vagabond Theatre Arts, with the cooperation of the Branson Parks and Recreation Department, are hosting “Masquerade:  A Fundraiser for Branson’s SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS” to celebrate their second season.  The event will cost only $50 a guest, and will be held at The Majestic – formerly the Majestic Steakhouse – on Saturday, June 5th.  The event will run from 7pm – 10pm, and then the night will continue with a live band from 10pm – 12am.  The evening will include a wine and cheese reception, Silent Auction, cabaret style dinner and dessert, cash bar, entertainment, a ticket to one of the two Shakespeare Under The Stars summer productions, and a performance by special guest Carrie Tillis.  Deadline for making reservations to attend is Wednesday, June 2nd.  Semi-formal dress or costume, mask required, for a lovely evening out.  (suite and tie/ascot, or jacket, for gentlemen is recommended, limited amount of masks available for purchase at door.  For more information on masquerade attire go to www.vagabondstagecompany.com).  People won’t want to miss this opportunity to socialize, network, enjoy themselves, and learn more about the people bringing Shakespeare to Branson.

WHO:  The Vagabond Stage Company, Vagabond Theatre Arts, and other artists – with special guest Carrie Tillis.  The night ends with band:  “65 South”

WHAT:  MASQUERADE:  A Fundraiser for SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS – $50.00 a plate.  ($10 admission after 9:30pm for those in area entertainment industry).  Semi-formal dress and mask for a lovely evening out.

WHEN:  Saturday, June 5th, 2010.  Wednesday, June 2nd deadline for reservations.

WHERE:  The Majestic – formerly the Majestic Steakhouse 2849 Gretna Rd, Branson, MO 65616

WHY:  To assist in the cultural, educational, and artistic development of the area.

Contact Information:  Vagabond Stage Company 1301 East Hwy 76 Mt. Branson, 65616  Michael J. DiPrizio, Artistic Director 417-527-0592

[email protected]

www.vagabondstagecompany.com

SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS Information Line:  870-426-4567