Beginning Saturday, August 2, 2008, and continuing on the 1st Saturday of each month, businesses and galleries in Downtown Branson will host an Art Stroll from 4pm until 9pm. Visit the participating stores, pick up a map and enjoy an evening stroll viewing the art of local and area artists. Participating stores will display a poster.

Star Search Winner Jake Simpson will be appearing with The Groove Dokterz (Andy Williams Band) Live at Andy Williams Moon River Grill on Friday July 18th and Saturday July 19th!

“Where the Stars Come Out At Night!”
Great Food, Great Music and Great Fun!

Come Join us for Food, Drinks and Live Entertainment!
Moon River Grill is located at:
2600 W. Hwy 76 Branson Missouri!
Call: 417-337-9539 for more information

Branson’s FIRST Internet Radio Network is celebrating it’s 10th season with the ‘BWR Welcome Wagon’. We’ll be webcasting from some of Branson’s most popular places and events to highlight why more than 8 MILLION PEOPLE visited Branson in 2007!

We’ll have some great Country music from the Classics through Today’s Hits, along with all of your favorite Branson stars, and gifts for eveyone who stops by! PLUS, some of Branson’s BEST entertainers just might come by to say hello!

Upcoming dates include:
July 19th – Imaginary Theatre with Justin Flom
August 2nd – Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex
August 9th – Gene Williams Theatre – Branson Mall
August 23rd – 20th Annual Branson Fiddle Festival
and select dates at Branson Landing.

Visit the BWR website at www.bransonworldradio.com, and listen to the webcast for Welcome Wagon dates and locations. Sponsorships for the above webcasts are available, and if you’d like to host a Welcome Wagon webcast, contact us at [email protected]

Young entertainers have been preparing since January across the Midwest and July 14-18 they will be competing for up to $7,600 in cash and prizes and the title of Performer of the Year at the American Kids Inc. 2008 National Finals at the Baldknobber’s Theater.

“Before American Idol, Star Search and America’s Got Talent, American Kids Inc. has been showcasing the nation’s talented young performers for 26 years,” said Dr. Dale Smith, founder of the non-profit group based in Branson known as the nation’s only little league of entertainers.

Some 213 acts and more than 100 kids will compete in the annual talent contest judged by an impressive slate of national and celebrity judges.

Competition begins at 9 a.m. Monday-Thursday with an awards ceremony on Friday morning. The event will culminate in the AllStar Show at 2 p.m. Friday, July 18, where 25 of the top acts will be showcased. One winner will be selected as Performer of the Year and win a $1,000 cash prize and a recording session from Rockabilly Recording Company of Branson. Tickets to the show are $10 and available at the door.

AllStar judges include Tyree Mc Lyn, casting producer for “America’s Got Talent,” Rickey Schultz, founder and president of Zebra Records, John Beasley, musician and producer who has worked with shows such as “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “Singing Bee.”

Among the preliminary judges are Jason Pritchett, 2007 finalist “America’s Got Talent,” Barbara Fairchild, Grammy nominated singer and performer, and Louise Harrison, sister of Beatles George Harrison and developer of Liverpool Legends. More celebrity judges are Gary S. Paxton, Grammy winner, and Jason Yeager, 2008 American Idol finalist.

In addition, many American Kids national finalists will be showcased on various Branson stages throughout the week. Monday-Thursday, many will be featured on Center Stage at the Branson Mall. On Tuesday, some will be featured in a pre-show at the Hamner Barber Variety Show at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday finalists will present pre-shows at Justin Flom’s Imaginary Theatre at 7:20 p.m. On Thursday they will be in the pre-show at the Baldknobber’s Jamboree 8 p.m. show.

At the national competition, also recognized are member of the year for community service, college scholarship recipients and a penny drive for a children’s health charity is completed.

“We have many members performing in Branson, on Broadway and on tour, with Disney and in Nashville: Bryan White, Kristin Chenoweth and Blake Shelton are alumnus. Fame and fortune are not promised, but personal development is. We promise exposure, growth, character development and opportunity. Because of the experience gained from being on stage, our members are better prepared for whatever they choose to do in life,” said Smith.

For more information call the national office manager Brenda Hoffstatter at 1-800-377-8117 OR 417-337-8964 or go to the website at www.americankids.com.

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BRANSON, MO. — Six time Emmy award winner and Grammy nominee John Tesh will be in concert at the Branson Convention Center Friday, July 18, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are range from $25 to $80 and are available at Tesh.com, Ticketmaster in Springfield 877-BRANSON (272-6766), or www.Ticketmaster.com

For “An Evening With John Tesh” Tesh brings his all star cast of singers, choreographer and dancer Breeze Lee, an exciting and captivating dance troupe, and outstanding musicians. Adding to the multi-talented troupe of young dancers combining the beauty of hip hop, ballet, lyrical dance and movement is the powerful and uplifting original music of Tesh who has written, composed and arranged most of the shows orchestrations.

Executive Producers Tesh and Connie Sellecca produced this celebration of music and dance “to inspire kids and adults to find their passion.”

Now a successful daily radio talk show host as well as a national recording artist, Tesh has won six Emmys, two Grammy nominations, sold seven million albums, has three gold records and done six PBS specials.

“This is going to be a great event and an amazing evening of entertainment,” said Branson’s Midwest Concerts CEO and President Gary Bartlett.

Bartlett has set this concert to provide funds for Branson’s Christmas Assistance Program. “We are really proud to promote something that’s important to the good people of Branson, they take great pride in looking after the needs of children threatened by circumstance. These people are changing lives. In addition to being a great showman, John and his family have a personal passion for helping people in America and the world. We’re honored to have him here to make this night shine.”

The 10-year old Branson’s Christmas Assistance Program serves parents and children who have special needs especially during the holiday season. In addition to gifts, children are given backpacks, school supplies, two outfits, shoes, underwear, socks, jackets as well as dental and medical assistance for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. In some cases, fuel money, rent and utility assistance are provided. Although the program is called Christmas Assistance, the program is operated year-round and is supported in part by local sponsors that include Wal-Mart, VFW, The Rotary and individuals. Annually more than 500 children and more than 200 families are helped.

“We are looking forward to having John Tesh perform in Branson. It is truly wonderful that the evening will be benefiting the Christmas Assistance Program for children in the Branson School District,” said Ross Summers, President/ CEO, Branson/ Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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Branson United Methodist Church’s 1st Annual Summer Kickoff is an opportunity Branson UMC to be radically hospitable to the Tri-Lakes area Saturday, June 21st, 10AM-1PM. This event is tied in with our Angel Food ministry distribution that is on the same day. We are offering a free carnival with inflatables and carnival rides, as well as food.

We are also having Rock City Skate Park come and be a part of the event– they bring a full skate park with them and they will do some giveaways and contests. Skaters need to bring their own skateboards and helmets, though!

Finally, we are inviting kids to bring their parents through the children’s area and get a taste of our new Sunday morning program called Power XPress, where kids get to learn about God through Drama, Cooking, Computers, Games, Story-telling and more.

Everyone is invited to come and see what we are about here at Branson UMC – serving God, through the congregation and into the community and the world.

Address: 1208 W 76 Country Blvd

Stick Horse Rodeo & Family Fun Day Celebrates Program Milestones

BRANSON, MO – Experience Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as it comes to life at the “Whoadeo” on, Saturday, June 7^th from 10AM to 1PM at Dixie Stampede in Branson. The free event is designed to celebrate the joy of reading among families, while children enjoy riding stick horses in “rodeo style” events.

What’s a “Whoadeo”?

The “Whoadeo” event will showcase 5 competitions in Dixie Stampede’s main arena including: Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Trail or Obstacle Course, Bucking Horse and Jumping. Children and adults will compete on a “stick horse” as they race around barrels, jump over obstacles or manage to not get “bucked” off their horse. Prizes will be awarded for top times and creative “bucking”.

The Imagination Library ‘Whoadeo’ is a fun event for all ages. “We just want families to connect reading with fun,” Dolly said. “There’s nothing better for a child’s mind than reading, so we hope that with each book, the child will dream more, learn more, care more and be more.”

Also featured during the “Whoadeo” at Dixie Stampede will be kids’ games, face painting, animal exhibitions, as well as giveaways from companies and public agencies that serve families.

Imagination Library is proud to celebrate another year of exciting growth. At the close of 2007, 732 communities in 43 states, the District of Columbia, 6 Canadian provinces, and 1 Canadian territory participated in the program. Currently 420,000 children receive a book each and every month. Since its inception, over 14 million books have been distributed nationwide.

Proceeds from Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show performance on Saturday, June 7^th will be donated to support the growth of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

About Imagination Library

The Imagination Library is a completely free program of the Dollywood Foundation, providing a new book every month from the day a child is born until the youngster reaches age 5. The program serves all pre-school children of Taney and Stone counties, including newborns, whose parent completes an official registration form and returns it to Dixie Stampede. Once the registration is complete, the child will begin receiving a book a month by mail. More information about the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library may be found at www.ImaginationLibrary.com.

Dixie Stampede’s sponsorship provides full funding for the Imagination Library in Stone and Taney counties in Missouri and assists in the program’s national expansion. Registrations continue through participation with pre-schools, the Parents As Teachers organization, as well as area healthcare and retail establishments.

About Dixie Stampede

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is a unique dinner and show experience set in an 85,000-square-foot facility featuring 32 magnificent horses, dozens of cast members, ostrich races, illusions, music and more, all showcased in a friendly rivalry between the North and the South. With seating to accommodate over 1,000 guests, the show is highlighted by a four-course feast. Pre-show entertainment features the comedy and juggling of Guinness record sport juggler, Albert Lucas, in the facility’s Carriage Room.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Branson Air Passengers Cleared for Landing

(Branson, MO – 5/19/08) Branson Tourism Center (BTC), the market leading provider of discount vacation packages to the popular tourist destination Branson, Missouri, announces the launch of its newest division, Branson Travel Agency.

This full-service travel company will integrate its Airline Ticketing and Car Rental programs with BTC’s impressive catalog of discounted show tickets, superior lodging options, world-class attractions admissions, and complete vacation services. Strong customer-focused business practices have enabled the company to sell more than 1 million Branson show tickets in just four years of operation.

“With the creation of Branson Travel Agency, visitors to our market can now book inbound flights to several airport cities, including St. Louis, Kansas City, Tulsa, Little Rock, or Springfield, MO.” stated Branson Travel Agency owner, Lianne Milton. “We are excited to begin operations, especially in light of the projected May 2009 opening of the new Branson Airport. Combining the cost-effective air and car rental options to our existing packages will prove to be a major convenience for our customers. In fact, we have taken this step in response to our customer’s requests.”

The $140 million Branson Airport, located eight miles south of Branson’s center, will accommodate all commercial and general aviation aircraft, with the exception of wide-body classes, such as 747’s. The 58,000 sq. ft. Terminal building will have a capacity of handling more than 1 million annual enplanements. Additional airport amenities will include auto rental, ground transportation and enhanced general aviation facilities serving private and corporate clients.

“We are happy to have Robert McCracken, a nineteen year travel industry veteran, direct the operations of Branson Travel Agency” shared Milton. ‘We’ve chosen to use Sabre, the airline industry’s benchmark reservation system. Sabre’s GDS and Web Fares program will allow our Branson-bound customers to receive the best prices available from the six major airlines and a host of independent carriers.”

Branson Travel Agency’s reservation center is currently open. For detailed information regarding individual and group air fare and car rental quotes, please contact:

Branson Travel Agency
220 Branson Hills Parkway, Suite H
Branson, MO 65616
Phone at (800) 251-6179 Toll Free or (417) 332 -1990
Visit: www.BransonTravelAgency.com

About Branson Tourism Center: Branson Tourism Center and Branson Travel Agency offer commanding individual and group discount pricing for entertainment, lodging, attractions, vacation packages, car rental and air fares for Branson, Missouri- one of America’s most popular destination markets. Among its broad list of professional industry affiliations is membership in the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

About Branson, Missouri: Branson, nestled in the exquisite natural beauty of the Ozark Mountain region of southwest Missouri, is decidedly one of America’s top vacation destinations. Playing host to more than seven million visitors annually, Branson offers close to 100 live shows, 200 lodging facilities, 400 restaurants, and many attractions of various descriptions.

Since the early 1900s the Branson Fire Department has provided fire and life safety services and now the community it serves has an opportunity to give back on May 17-18 in the Jubilee parking lot 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

The Branson Fire Department and Auxiliary are hosting a fund-raiser with all the proceeds going to several funds to help firefighters in their time of need. Funds include Branson Firefighters Association, Branson Firefighters Auxiliary, Branson Fire Rescue Honor Guard, E.F.F.O.R.T. (Every Firefighter Offering Relief Together) and C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team).

Classic and non-classic fire trucks from across Missouri will be on display such as Branson Fire Department’s 1937 Dodge Pumper 3 M Series. Prizes will be given to antique fire truck owners for Best of Show (voted on by the public), furthest traveled, oldest working and more.

Among the events are local vendors and prize drawings and refreshments sponsored by the Branson Fire Department and Auxiliary. Lunch will be served beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday is Johnsonville brats and Sunday is Big Daddy’s Bar-B-Que. Donation drawing items include a one night stay at La Quinta, a 32-inch flat screen HDTV, one free haircut at City Styles, a Stihl leaf blower, Bass Pro Merchandise worth $150- barbecue smoker package, rod and reel and more. Anyone wishing to donate items may contact Chris Ely at 417-598-9420 or Brandi Ely at 417-230-8118.

Junior Firefighter Challenge for ages 8-12 will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with a new challenge starting on the hour and one heap every hour.

Local performers will provide entertainment noon-5 p.m. on Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. To date members of American/Arkansas Kids Inc., American Kids alumae Brandi Ely and Wendy Keith, and performers from the Gene Williams Theatre are on the schedule.

Branson Fire Department is dedicated to teamwork, communication and professional career development to provide prompt and reliable fire and life safety services to the residents and visitors of Branson. It was organized in the early 1900s and was volunteer until 1993. The first piece of motorized apparatus was obtained in 1927 and a rural fire service was established in the mid-1950s. In late 1996 Station #2 opened, in 1999 Station #3 opened and Station #4 is being proposed to open soon.

In addition to fire protection the Branson Fire Department provides public education, maintains a benevolent fund to help visitors and residents in times of need and operates volunteer programs. Other programs include Storm Ready for weather emergencies, continuing education and training programs and the Honor Guard that participates in 10 to 14 events per year, both fire, and non-fire related.

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Every Saturday night between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, we clear the dining room floor at Playtime Pizza and Dance, Dance, Dance!

Line Dance – Patterned Partner Dancing
Country Two-Step and the Waltz
For beginners and the more experienced dancers.

The evening is hosted by Bob & Sandy Hughes. They will help you learn all the latest steps.

Come join us at Playtime Pizza. The only cost is the price of our buffet.

Come have dinner — “Let your hair down” “Kick your heels up” and Let’s have a little Fun!!!