What's happening in Vegas"¦Myrtle Beach, San Francisco, Raleigh, Savannah, Albany, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City"¦is a weekly television show featuring Branson, Mo., courtesy of Gene Williams and his Lucas Oil sponsored "Gene Williams Country Television Show."

A winner of three 2007 National Telly Awards, the Gene Williams Show features celebrity guest stars such as Mickey Gilley, Ed McMahon, the Oak Ridge Boys and Roy Clark. Celebrities perform with Williams' band, the Country Junction Band, and are interviewed up-close-and-personal by the legendary Williams and his co-host Katie Lynn.

"We were all waiting to see what Gene would do with his show after last year when he took his show to Puerto Rico. Top that he did, by adding more than a dozen prime markets to make his show broadcast to more than 36 million households weekly," said Denny Yeary, Branson celebrity who serves as Williams' live theater announcer and soloist. "This opens a new market for Branson, the live entertainment capital of the world, where the show has been taped live with a studio audience for the past six years."

The new stations that carry the show are:

• Raleigh, N.C., WRAZ/FOX Channel 50 Sundays at 9:30 p.m.
• Savannah, Ga., WSAV/NBC Channel 3 Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
• Albany, N.Y. WTEN/ABC Channel 10 Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
• Green Bay, Wisc., WBAY/ABC Channel 2 Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
• Myrtle Beach, S.C. WBTW/CBS on Channel 13 Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
• Pueblo/Colorado Springs, Colo., KXRM/FOX Channel 21 9:30 a.m. Sundays
• Cadillac/Flynt, Mich., WPBN/NBC Channel 7 Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
• Toldeo, Ohio, WNWO/NBC Channel 24 Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
• Las Vegas Channel 6 on RTN's KEGS at 9:30 a.m. Sundays.
• Salt Lake City Channel 3 on RTN's KDBU at 9:30 a.m. Sundays.
• San Francisco Channel 4 MY's KRON 10:30 p.m. Sundays.
• Pittsburgh Channel 59 WBGN/IND Saturdays at 11:30 p.m.
• Provo, Utah, KCBU/RTN Channel 3 Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

"It's exciting to think we have added new viewers who will become Branson fans in these new markets. They will enjoy our country music, our comedy and our band. In the Country Junction Band we have some of the best pickers in Branson and in country music. We also have some of the best guest stars," said Williams whose celebrity line-up is impressive.

In addition to Gilley, McMahon, the Oak Ridge Boys and Clark, Williams has welcomed Johnny Cash's band The Tennessee Three, Doug Kershaw, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, Jimmy Osmond, the Osmonds, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams and Bob Anderson. Charlie Louvin, Narvel Felts, Margo Smith, Jim Owen, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Mary Lou Turner, Ava Barber, Little Jimmy Dickens, Jean Shepard, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner, Buck Trent, Wanda Jackson, Johnny Lee, Fred Travalena and Razzy Bailey have also guest starred on his stage.

The Gene Williams Show is taped live at the Branson Hall of Fame Theatre at the Branson Mall on the world famous Hwy. 76. Admissions for the studio audience is free and the doors open at 1 p.m. for the first taping at 2 p.m. Three shows are taped approximately every third Sunday. Tapings scheduled to date are set for Oct. 28, Nov. 18, Dec. 2 and 16, and in 2008, Jan. 20, Feb. 10 and March 2.

Williams is credited with having the largest syndicated country music television show not affiliated with Nashville (where his show is telecast) and with breaking ground for country television. The Gene Williams Show began in 1963 in Arkansas and is now the longest running television show taped in Branson. In 2006 Williams' television show was listed as the most popular TV show in national ratings on WNGS Buffalo/Rochester, N.Y. It was also listed as a favorite TV show in the March, 2006, issue of the national magazine, "Maxim."

Williams began his career in the country music field as a DJ in Memphis on KWAM in 1957 and was named 1961 Grand Ole Opry DJ of the Year. Two movies he made about country music featured more than 39 Grand Ole Opry stars including Ray Price, Carl Smith, Jordanaires, Kitty Wells, Little Jimmy Dickens, Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers and the late Marty Robbins, Webb Pierce, Ernest Tubb, June Carter, Bill Monroe, Duke of Paducah and Faron Young.

Williams is an inductee to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and has been honored by the Missouri Senate and the State of Arkansas for his contributions to the tourism industry. He holds a record in Arkansas of having nine days proclaimed Gene Williams Day by six governors including three times by former President Bill Clinton.

In July, he was presented the key to his hometown, Dyess, Ark., in appreciation for his support to help preserve the town's history. He is helping save a historical building that will be used for a museum recognizing the town's historical significance and its former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams. Recently he was nominated for induction into the inaugural group for the Hall of Fame Museum as an individual who has had a significant impact on Branson's entertainment history. Last year he was honored with a historical marker in his hometown and presented an honorary doctorate degree from St. Martins College and Seminary, Milwaukee, Wis., in television and broadcast communications in recognition of his community commitment to the industry.
Williams' co-host Katie Lynn has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the “Mickey Gilley Show.” She has worked with Gilley for more than seven years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent. She and the guest star perform each week with Williams' band, the Country Junction Band.

The show can also be seen in Aberdeen, Miss., Ada, Okla., Albany, N.Y., Alexandria, La., Amory, Miss., Baldwin, Miss., Booneville, Miss., Branson, Mo., Bruce, Miss., Buffalo, N.Y., Burlington, Vt., Calhoun City, Miss., Casper, Wyo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cheyenne, Wyo., Coffeyville, Miss., Columbia, S.C., Cornith, Miss., Denison, Texas, Denver, Colo., Ecru, Miss., Eldorado, Ark., Eugene, Ore., Eupora, Miss., Eureka Springs, Ark., Fayetteville, Ark., Fort Smith, Ark., Green Bay, Wis., Guntown, Miss., Harrison, Ark., Holly Springs, Miss., Houlka, Miss., Houston, Miss., Idaho Falls, Idaho, Jonesboro, Ark., Lexington, Ky., Little Rock, Ark., Marianna, Fla., Marquette, Mich., Memphis, Tenn., Montgomery, Ala., Mt. Vernon, Ill., Myrtle, Miss., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Nashville, Tenn., Nettleton, Miss., New Albany, Miss., Niagara Falls, N.Y., Okolona, Miss., Oxford, Miss., Panama City, Fla, Pittsburgh, Plattsburg, Vt., Pontotoc, Miss., Pullman, Wa.., Raleigh, N.C., Ripley, Miss., Roanoke, Va., Rochester, N.Y., Roseberg, Ore., Satillo, Miss., San Francisco, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Savannah, Ga., Shannon, Miss., Sherman, Miss., Sherman, Texas, Smithville, Miss., Spokane, Wash., Springfield, Mo., St. Louis, Syracuse, N.Y., Tupelo, Miss, Vardaman, Miss., Verona, Miss., Water Valley, Miss., and Waterloo, Iowa.

Teleconferences with Int'l Space Station at NASA's Request

International Space Station and Branson, Missouri — (Monday, October 15, 2007) — Yakov Smirnoff took his comedy where no comedian has gone before"¦or at least where very few earthbound stars ever get to go. On Monday, October 15 at 2:30 PM Yakov teleconferenced with Astronaut Clayton Anderson, a flight engineer on the International Space Station. "It was really interesting. I had a very pleasant conversation for 45 minutes with the man from outer space. Sometimes people go too far when they talk to me, but I was flattered anyway," said Yakov.

Anderson, who is part of Expedition 15, used his video camera to show Yakov around the International Space Station. "I learned how they use their space — no pun intended — efficiently by mounting their stationary bike on the ceiling. I mentioned to Clay that I might want to try that at home tonight, he suggested that I check with my insurance agent first," said Yakov. "Along with learning about the astronauts' space adventures, we also discussed how the world has changed so dramatically that now Clay is on a space station with two Russian cosmonauts. They like to eat American freeze-dried barbecue ribs and he likes to eat Russian hydrated Borscht."

"I also found out that to us on earth the Space Station looks like a shooting star," said Yakov. "I asked Clay to give me a call the next time it was going over Branson so I could make a wish. He was concerned that it was a long distance call and didn't want to spend the taxpayers' money. He told me just log on to NASA's website; that way I can plan my wish in advance. What A Country!" The website is www.spaceflight.nasa.gov; the next possible sighting from Yakov's home in Branson, Missouri is on Thursday, Oct 18 at 7:37 PM.

This is not the first time that NASA has requested Yakov's support in honoring our astronauts. In 1999 Yakov was the featured speaker in Washington D.C. at the 42nd Annual Goddard Memorial Banquet honoring Senator John Glenn. Yakov said, "I'm honored to create laughter for these real-life heroes!" Astronaut Anderson is a member of Expedition 15 which is doing maintenance on the international space station. Expedition 15 launched on April 7, 2007; Anderson arrived in early June and will be heading home within 2 to 3 weeks on the Discovery shuttle.

The teleconference was facilitated in Reeds Spring, Missouri by the Reeds Spring TCRC which is an extension of the University of Missouri. Yakov says, "When I walked in to that room and on the monitor I saw the space station and realized that I was in a small town in the Ozarks and about to teleconference in real-time with outer space, the first thought from my mind was "˜beam me up Scottie! This whole experience was out of this world."

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2007 Branson Area Festival of Lights. Beginning on November 1 and all aglow through December 31, this year's drive-through will be located at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane, close to the new Sight & Sound Theatre.

Experience the magic of an Ozark Mountain Christmas with the Branson Area Festival of Lights 2007 as all of Branson sparkles for the holidays. From fabulous Christmas shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenic beauty, Branson is a special gift for everyone in your family at this festive time of year.

The centerpiece, Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through, will delight children of all ages. Your journey begins with a magical 1-mile drive along a path aglow with over 120 displays. Conveniently located off of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway at Expressway Lane, this one-of-a-kind family experience promises to be memorable.

Also in the Branson/Lakes Area you can enjoy extraordinary Christmas lighting displays at Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas celebration, the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd. and the Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills.
Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through is open daily November 1 through December 31, 2007 from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 pm through 12:00 am on Friday and Saturday.

Admission fees for 2007 are $50 for full-size motorcoaches, $25 for mini-coaches (12-28 seats), church vans and limos while family vehicles are $10. Prepaid vouchers for motorcoaches are available by contacting Lenni Niemeyer at 417-334-4084, ext. 305. For a complete list of shows, attractions and events in Branson at this most wonderful time of the year, visit the website at www.explorebranson.com or call the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 214-3661.

Thirty-two years is a long time to be in one place! Please join Gerken & Associates Realtors in celebration of the completion of our office renovation as we honor our past and move towards our future.

When: October 17th, 2007
Where: 1157 West Highway 76 (next to Mazzio’s Pizza)
Time: 4 pm to 6 pm
Ribbon Cutting: 4 pm

Hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and good times provided. Please RSVP Carol at [email protected] or 417.334.1892.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Branson Veterans Task Force will hold its monthly City Wide Meeting Sept 26, 3:30 PM at the Citizens Union State Bank, Community Room, 4675 Gretna Rd. If you missed our Press Conference on Sept 20 be sure to attend this City Wide for information on our November Event.

OZARK TV will be scheduling times to shoot Holiday messages from Branson to our friends and neighbors at the Lake of the Ozarks! Please call Randy @ 417-33-OZARK to schedule your business Holiday greeting. We only have eight spots available for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comedian and Grammy Award Winner Bill Cosby
to Perform in Branson, MO October 13
Branson, MO — He is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, Bill Cosby has the ability to touch people’s lives. His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of our existence, seeking to provide an insight into our roles as parents, children, family members, and men and women. Without resorting to gimmickry or lowbrow humor, Bill Cosby’s comedy has a point of reference and respect for the trappings and traditions of the great American humorists.
THE MANSION ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA CENTER is pleased to announce the performance of well-known comedian and five-time Grammy Winner Bill Cosby, October 13 in Branson.
For more than five decades he has graced us through virtually every entertainment outlet. Cosby’s initial immediate success began with Bill Cosby Is A Very Funny Fellow, Right? and continued with many other comedy albums. He also has released a number of jazz recordings, including hello, friend: to ennis with love (released in 1997).
"THE MANSION continues to search and acquire major stars for our customers to enjoy — we are pledged to that goal and the public has told us by ticket sales that we are succeeding." Says Larry Wilhite.
Currently, Celebrate AMERICA and The Promise are performed daily at The Mansion and a third show, Country Tonite, will soon be joining the production list. For more information on daily shows at THE MANSION, or to book tickets for Bill Cosby or other big name artists appearing in 2007, log on to our Web site, www.TheMansionTheatre.com.

MEDIA ALERT TODAY JULY 11, 2007

PRODUCTION CREW IN BRANSON TO FILM FOR IMAX DOCUMENTARY

Immediate Release–Branson, Missouri is one of the many locations that a production crew from California will film for an IMAX Documentary. Wednesday morning July 11 at 10:30am, the film crew will be behind the Grand Palace Theatre to film the American Highrise Monument, the image that has fast become the most widely viewed ‘American Themed art in history’. The American Highrise is a quarter of an acre in size and was unveiled on September 11, 2002 to mark the first anniversary of 9/11.

“The documentary will be released in September 2008 and will feature our National monuments and iconic America in an IMAX format as well as true stories of personal triumph and the opportunities that our great country provides. It is a groundbreaking approach to illustrate what truly binds us as a nation.”–Ron Clark, Production Coordinator.

“Proud American” an ambitious documentary has been in production since January of this year. Film locations include Colorado, Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, Kansas, Missouri, California, and Hawaii. While in Branson, the film production will also feature Famous Russian Comedian Yakov Smirnoff along with Presidential Inaugural Artist Richard Daniel Clark.

Film Credits include: Fred Ashman–Director, Mark Eberle–Director of Photography, Aili Kato–Producer, Laura Routsong–Associate Producer, and Ron Clark–Production Coordinator.

Please see www.proudamericanfilm.com for more information.

+++++++++++++++++

Contact:

Ron Clark, Production Coordinator

“Proud American Movie”

858-560-8383 x211 office

858-539-5229 cell

Branson's funniest country comics join Jim Stafford on stage at his theatre in Branson, Missouri for two BIG shows of hilarious fun and musical surprises. Jim Stafford says, "It's a historical, hysterical event!" On Sunday, July 1 at 3 PM audiences will enjoy Buck Trent, Paul Harris, Joey Riley, Terry Sanders, Perry Edenburn, Matt Gumm, Red Neckers, Wayne Milness, and of course"¦Jim Stafford, along with special surprise celebrity guests. On Sunday, September 16 at 3 PM audiences will get the giggles with Jim, along with special guests Stub Meadows, Bob Leftridge, Hargus Marcell, Todd Oliver, Tom Mullica, Jim Barber, Goofer, Mike Nichols, Wayne Milness and more surprise musical guests! Both shows are celebrating country comics and being videotaped for RFD-TV specials! Get your tickets for the best seats today"¦call 417-335-8080 or visit www.JimStafford.com We're talkin' Side-Splittin' Comedy, Blazin' Country Music & Special Celebrity Performances!

Branson, MO. – The world will turn its attention to Branson this summer when the Emmy award-winning daytime drama As The World Turns comes to town. The CBS daytime drama will tape on location in Branson on June 6th, 7th and 8th. The episodes will air in July.

In the story, young lovers Gwen and Will Munson (Emmy award-winner Jennifer Landon and Jesse Lee Soffer) and their friend Maddie Coleman (Alexandra Chando) will travel to "The Live Music Show Capital of the World" to further Gwen's musical career. Gwen's rival Jade Taylor (Elena Goode) will follow them to Branson to stir up trouble for the trio. In addition to Landon, Soffer, Chando and Goode, 21 production and crew members will travel to Branson to film at various locations. Additional personnel will be hired from the Branson area to assist with the shoot.

"We are very excited about this opportunity," said Christopher Goutman upon making the announcement. "Branson will play a really big part in the story. We want this to be big for both As The World Turns and for Branson."

The cast members will be available for media interviews and autographs on Saturday, June 9 from 10 am until 2 pm at the Grand Country Square.

As The World Turns celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 2, 2006. The show received 12 Daytime Emmy Award nominations in 2006, including Outstanding Daytime Drama Series. Christopher Goutman is Executive Producer and Jean Passanante is Headwriter. A Procter & Gamble Production, As The World Turns is taped in Brooklyn, NY. The show can be seen weekdays on the CBS Television Network. (Check local listings).