Over 100 members of Branson’s entertainment and tourism industry crowded into the spacious lobby of the newly named Oak Ridge Boys Theatre (originally built for Glen Campbell in 1994) to hear about the super-group’s 2008 Branson season. The theatre’s owner, Gene Bicknell, has directed a significant sound, lighting and remodeling upgrade to the newly-acquired 2150 seat venue which will house The Oak Ridge Boys, Country Tonite and the Dalena Ditto Country Variety Show.

In answering questions form the audience, Joe Bonsall, the Oak’s tenor vocalist, shared that the legendary quartet would be appearing at the theatre for 21 shows in April through October and will be premiering their new Christmas show in November.

Personal Manager Jim Halsey said to Branson Tourism Center, “We are looking forward to a great season in this building. The Oak Ridge Boys love Branson and it’s apparent that Branson loves the Oak Ridge Boys!”

Their long list of hits includes the pop chart-topper “Elvira,” as well as “American Made,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God For Kids,” “Dream On,” “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes,” “Fancy Free,” “Gonna’ Take A Lot Of River” and many others. They have earned ten Gold, three Platinum and one Double-Platinum albums, one Double-Platinum single, as well as many more #1 singles on the national music charts. Throw in coveted Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards and Dove Awards and you have true must-see show this year in Branson.

For Oak Ridge Boys’ tickets Contact Branson Tourism Center toll free at 1 (800) 785-1550.

Branson, MO – (Tuesday, March 11, 2008) – There is too much fun to be contained at Branson’s White House Theatre as summer rolls into high gear! “Don’t be surprised if Doris Day, J-Lo, Judy Garland, or even Cher comes to your table to wait on you,” says Magnificent Seven Variety Show headliner Tamra Holden. “And the Secret Service took two people out of the lobby last night, and I haven’t seen them since.”

The Magnificent Seven Variety Show has always touted an impressive four course meal, but never has it been delivered by such an array of musical talent. They are all here; June Carter, Janis Joplin, Marilyn Monroe, Karen Carpenter, Paula Abdul (hopefully on a sane day), and even Madonna, sweeping in with a flourish, a smile, and an enormous sense of fun to serve you one of the finest meals in town. New for this year, dinner consists of succulent Prime Rib and Grilled Chicken Breast, paired with mashed red skinned potatoes and steamed vegetables. The dessert parade, featuring Champagne Cake drizzled in caramel and chocolate, is a show stopper that delights old and young alike!

In order to get in to the best variety show in Branson, you will have to make it past several cagey Secret Service agent that will be conducting random metal detector scans, retinal scans, background checks, and a few other checks that we have not been given clearance to mention here. If you are lucky enough to avoid the agents, you may get yourself photographed in the middle of a presidential press conference with such notables as John McCain, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Ronald Regan, JFK, and even George Washington! For the staunch Republican supporters, George Bush, Jr. has made himself available for a short time. Says Joe Tinoco, also the show’s headliner, “Everywhere you turn, it’s crazy! I saw Janice Joplin talking to Doris Day while Jennifer Lopez poured coffee. It’s insane! The coffee is really good, though.”

Now through the end of July, kids at the Magnificent Seven Variety Show will enjoy drink specials with “crazy” cups at concessions, a colorful “Uncle Sam” ice cream dessert just for them, and an interactive Magnificent Seven Variety Show that will leave them shouting, stomping, and ready for more! “If you have to choose one place to take the entire family for a great time, AND you want to avoid the traffic, this is your show,” says Tamra. “It is hands down fun from the moment you walk in the door!”

You can also catch the Dixieland Breakfast Show this summer featuring Three Time “Piano Player of the Year” Tracy Heaston and the hottest horns in Branson as they take you back to the Jazz Band era, revisiting Dixieland classics, popular favorites, a Patriotic Salute, swinging Gospel, Broadway hits, and much more. Serving up a hearty country breakfast, they will put a smile on your face and have you “hand slappin” and “toe tappin” to the very best in American music and comedy!

Contact: Renee’ Johnson – Marketing Director – 417-239-3016 [email protected]

Branson’s White House Theatre, located in the heart of Branson, Missouri, offers the finest in family entertainment and dining. Open year round and proud to be Deaf Friendly, the Magnificent Seven Variety Show delivers a blockbuster wave of entertainment Monday through Saturday, with over 20 extraordinary entertainers, 50 outstanding production numbers, 300 costume changes, and Seven Amazing Decades of Music served up with one Incredible Dinner! The Dixieland Breakfast Show features a fabulous country breakfast followed by a generous helping of the hottest horns in Branson. Sit back and enjoy a Dixieland variety show starring award-winning pianist Tracy Heaston that will put a smile on your face and have you hand-clappin’ and toe-tappin’ to the very best in American music and comedy!

Presleys’ Country Jubilee will be hosting Free Area Appreciation Shows for all residents of Taney and Stone County Monday March 24th through Saturday March 29th.

The show will begin at 8 p.m. You must show ID that you are a Taney or Stone County resident and tickets may be picked up at the box office the day of the show you are attending.

For more information, please call (417) 334-4874.

The American Automobile Association’s Media Site for Retail Gasoline Prices reports that Missouri is currently offering the nation’s lowest gasoline prices. The Missouri average price is $3.045 per gallon of regular gasoline compared to the national average of $3.26 per gallon.

Michael J. Right, Vice President, Public Affairs for the Missouri AAA (which covers Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, southern Illinois, and eastern Kansas) tells the Branson Tourism Center that the Show-Me State will continue to sit at or near the top of nation’s ‘best prices’ list because of the state’s excellent distribution system, lower than average fuel taxes and an aggressive competitive stance taken by Missouri retailers.

In addition, Lianne Milton, owner of the Branson Tourism Center, a full-service agency specializing in discounted vacation travel planning to the Branson area says, “To thank our customers for their support, we’re addressing their worries about rising gas prices by providing a 20-cents-per-gallon discount on gasoline and diesel fuel.”

All customers who purchase show and attractions tickets or lodging through the Branson Tourism Center, and who travel to Branson from 100 miles away or more, are eligible to receive a gasoline discount coupon for up to 20 gallons of gas at the Branson 1st Stop Travel-Plex, conveniently located adjacent to the Tourism Center.

Visit BransonTourismCenter.com for information about the program.

April 11th & 12th, 2008 have been designated as Spring Clean-Up days for Taney County residents. Collection times will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

With proof of residency (photo ID with an address or electric bill, etc) items that will be accepted at no charge are : furniture, appliances, automotive batteries, and nearly anything metal.

Drop off locations will be found at Taney County Transfer Station, 274 Buchanan Rd as well as the Taney County Recycling Center located on Hwy 160.

At the Buchanan address tires will be accepted with a charge of $1.00 (per tire).

This Clean-Up is for residents only and businesses/dealers will be charged a fee. No commercial trash will be accepted at these locations. For more information please call 417-546-7268.

Sponsored by the Branson Christian Business Men’s Committee, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. The date for this event is May 1st, 2008.
The host for this years breakfast is Mayor Raeanne Presley and the guest speaker will be Jordan Lorence, Senior Counsel of the Alliance Defense Fund.

This event will be held at the Tri-Lakes Center (2527 Hwy 248) from 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Seating is limited. For reservations or more information please call 417-334-1772.

Tickets are $25.00 per person or $175.00 for a table of eight.

(Branson, MO) The Downtown Branson Main Street Association (DBMA) has hired a lifetime resident of Branson as its executive director.

Dawn Erickson will take on the DBMA responsibilities beginning March 17. Erickson’s background includes editorial management of Tri-Lakes Newspapers in the 1980s when downtown businesses first formed an organization. She became the first director of communications for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and managed publications, public relations and media relations during most of the 1990s.

Subsequent years as a free-lance writer emphasizing tourism and economic development promotion have included film projects as well as many magazine and travel guide projects. With an associate, Erickson helped to produce comprehensive plans and various marketing studies for small government and educational entities in southwest Missouri.

She has twice served as interim director of economic development for Taney County under the direction of the Taney County Industrial Development Authority.

“I am so pleased to become part of the downtown business community,” Erickson said. “Branson’s downtown has always been vital and strong, and it has reinvented itself to stay that way. One of my favorite success stories is how the downtown organization positioned itself as a key tourism attraction as well as the heart of the community when so much media attention was focused on the West 76 ‘Strip.’ The strategy was remarkably successful, and I am aware of how much hard work it takes to support that momentum.”

Erickson said she is looking forward to calling on merchants, service providers and other members of the downtown community to gather their thoughts on community issues, needs and priorities. “I’m a believer in regular communication and lots of research. I will be asking a lot of questions. And I hope the downtown business operators will pick up the phone or call me inside their shops and offices whenever they want to share an idea or express a concern.”

“Erickson’s skills and long history in the Branson area will be valuable to the downtown community,” said DBMA President Jeff Justus. “With a new director in place, we are looking forward to strengthening relationships within the downtown area, and with the city and lakes area community as well.”

(Branson, MO) – After receiving over 200 entries, Branson Bank awarded first and second place prizes from the 5th Annual Hometown Radio Health Fair, presented by Skaggs.

Janis Beth of Forsyth was presented with the first place prize by Cynthia Carson, Marketing Director of Branson Bank, at the Bank’s Hwy 248 location in Branson. Janis received an athletic bag filled with workout goodies (valued over $75) and a $50 savings bond from the bank.

Brenda White of Branson and owner of All About Storage received her second place prize, a jar of Branson Bank cookies and a $50 savings bond, from Becky Blair, Advertising & Public Relations Coordinator.

The Branson Veterans Task Force is excited to announce their new slate of Officers and Board Members for the year 2008.

They are as follows:

Ron Foreman, Chairman of the Board. Ron served in the United States Marine Corps as Captain and also as a Naval Aviator.

Ernie Bradley, Vice Chairman. Ernie served as an NCO for the 4th Infantry Division of the Army. After his retirement, Ernie served as a Service Advocate for Disabled Veterans.

Tom Goldsworthy past Chairman of the Board, Retired Military

Greg Schnapp, Treasurer, Retired Military

Dawn Easton, Secretary, Co-owner of God & Country Theatre & Gardens

Board Members:

The Task Force commended Tom Goldsworthy for his outstanding leadership and service as Chairman of the Board for the past two years.

The Branson Veterans Task Force cordially invites the public to attend the Installation of Officers Banquet on Wednesday, March 19, at the Settle Inn 6:30 pm. This will be an opportunity to meet the members of the Task Force and see how they will continue to serve Veterans throughout the year. For reservations please contact the Task Force at 417-337-8387

“Year of the Frog” will be held at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery on Friday February 29th at 7 p.m. “Year of the Frog” is a national awareness program created to teach about all amphibians and their positive effect on our environment.

This is a free event with lots of hands on activities, including being able to touch live amphibians!

For more information please call (417) 334-4865 ext 0.