Factory Merchants Mall will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny this Saturday (March 22nd, 2008) at 10:30 a.m. in the upper courtyard.

The Easter Egg hunt will include thousands of eggs and is open for children 10 and under. There will be a special area set aside for toddlers.

Prizes will be given for the Best Decorated Easter Basket or Bag.

This event is free! For more information please call 417-335-3386. The Factory Merchants Mall is located at 1000 Pat Nash Drive

Forget everything you THOUGHT you knew about the Branson Motorcycle Rally! The Rally is now named the Branson Rock Ride Remember Motorcycle Rally and its permanent home is at Area ’57 , located on Highway 76 inside of the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater Complex in the heart of Branson, Mo. Area ’57 is an ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ outdoor venue built specifically for motorcycle rallies and car shows. This year, the Rally will be begin on Thursday May 15 and continue through Sunday May 18 at Area 57.

“We took over the B.M.R in the winter of 2006 and knew it needed a permanent home so it could keep growing and improving,” said Ken Childers, Rally Coordinator at Area ’57. “Rock” stands for the increased amount of live rock and roll music on-site; “Ride” brings attention to some of America’s finest highways for riders across Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas; and “Remember” reminds us to honor our nation’s veterans to whom we owe so much,” says Childers. In 2007, the Rally officially became a not-for-profit event to benefit Veterans organizations as well as other local charities.

“Opening night we’ll have blues bands and drive-in movie flicks on our 20′ by 30′ outdoor screen. Friday we’ll take you straight through the music of the fifties, sixties and seventies with nationally known acts and Saturday the evening will rock again with the likes of the Curtis Moore Band, Southern Rock All-Stars and Big Mike Griffin.”

Childers says, “Riders can shop and learn about the newest and latest accessories as we feature both lifestyle and motorcycle specific vendors ALL in one place in the middle of our event grounds.” The Rally is producing an area Ride Guide for pre-registered rally attendees. The Ride Guide is your handbook to the full experience of what Ozarks roads have to offer.

With its Veterans theme, Rally organizers wanted to create a bike build-off that incorporated a branch of service or illustrated a specific military conflict on each bike. Those themes are going into five very original bikes, by five exciting new builders. “We’re giving someone the chance to win some outrageous money and it’s unique that the overall prize winner will be decided by the people,” says Childers. “Each of our build-off bikes will for sale to the highest bidder via online auction so you can actually have the chance to OWN the bike you voted for!”

Get pre-registered online for the Rally to get a t-shirt, rocker, pin, goodie bag, and admission to all three days of music and activities on grounds. Exciting new features include a 2-wheel scavenger hunt to replace tired old poker runs, a multi-class bike show and much, much more. The Rock Ride Remember Rally promises “plenty of food, beer, music, vendors, babes and lots and lots of hills, curves and exciting rides!” says Childers.

The Branson Rock Ride Remember Motorcycle Rally Coordinator is Ken Childers. For more information and details about the event, Ken can be reached at 417-332-1960 ext. 3053 or via e-mail at [email protected].

The hottest ticket in Branson and a highlight of Hot Winter Fun is the 14th annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Jim Stafford Theatre.

The show is a virtual sampler of the wide variety of Branson shows and performers on one stage in one exciting evening. It features segments of several shows that are open during January and February and throughout the entire year in Branson.

Shows and entertainers scheduled to appear in the Big Show are 14 Karat Country, 50’s At The Hop, A Tribute to John Denver, Bob Nelson Comedy Show, Branson Brothers, Branson Divas, Branson Hot Hits Experience, Circle B Chuckwagon, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Comedy Jamboree, From Patsy To Present, Grand Jubilee, Grand Old Gospel Hour, Island Fire, Isle of Dreams, Jim Stafford, Legends in Concert, Magic Up Close and Personal, Magnificent 7 Show, New’s Country, Penny Gilley, Red, Hot and Blue and Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience.

For tickets the Big Show call 417-335-8080.

Branson became an “overnight sensation” with the national tourism industry in the 1990s and, then, it happened again after a group of local tourism leaders created a wintertime seasonal promotion known as Hot Winter Fun. It was marketed in 1994 to close the brief seasonal gap between Christmas and spring and it provides year-round activities for Branson visitors.

“The fame might have come overnight, but the success of Branson as a tourism destination certainly was not,” said Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Branson’s tourism industry was built up over many decades of hard work by local townspeople who were imaginative and practical and completely believed in this town. January and February were somewhat risky because Branson does have a winter season, but there are far more nice days in winter than ice days.

“People were coming here year-round to fish in local lakes. They were coming year-round to shop in Branson. They were coming year-round to play golf. And some folks that were coming to Branson were unaware that many of the attractions were closed for the season in the winter months.

“Every year since 1994, more businesses have opted to stay open to accommodate visitors during January and February. There are always plenty of fun things to do in Branson.”

Tourists will find a calendar full of things to do such as taking in Branson shows, shopping after-Christmas sales, golfing, visiting indoor attractions and museums and fishing on the area’s three lakes.

In a national comparison, Branson is one of America’s most affordable vacation destinations and because many locations offer discounts during the winter months, Hot Winter Fun is a good time to visit and very economical.

“Escaping to Branson after the holidays is both relaxing and entertaining. The easy pace, combined with so many choices for fun, makes a visit to Branson during Hot Winter Fun the perfect escape,” said Lynn Berry, public relations director for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Hot Winter Fun has proven to be very successful. Over the past 14 years, visitor numbers have increased during these winter months. Many folks have discovered that they can find a great vacation here any time of the year,” said Summers.

Evie Mohrfeld, travel writer for the Post-Dispatch of Rochester, Minn., echoed this sentiment. She wrote, “Visiting Branson? We realized how the area has become a year-round tourist attraction. It’s totally family-friendly with many new shows and attractions always popping up. It’s a safe haven, which is the reason so many choose to live in this Midwest area. Re-visits to Branson are a new experience any season and every year.”

For tickets the Big Show call 417-335-8080. For more information check out the website at www.HotWinterFun.org.

Sunday, February 3, between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Come enjoy the Super Bowl on our giant screen TV. $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for kids gets you our full buffet, additional party foods, a $5.00 game card and lots of prizes during this 5-hour event. For more information, please call Bill at 417-332-1112.

Auditions will be held for two AK Kids Shows: Silver Dollar City Kids Fest and Raising America. This event will be held at Playtime Pizza. Saturday, January 26. Registration begins at 1:30 PM on the upper level, Suite I. Auditions begin at 2:00 PM. on the main stage.

Bring a 1-minute fast and a 1-minute slow song track in CD format. Bring a 1-page resume with headshot. Be prepared to learn a dance routine.

For more information, please call Darla Hicks 417-619-1775 or Deanna Blackerby 417-546-0391.

Branson.com is excited to announce that they have released a new section of their site: Branson.com/Gadgets. The free gadgets allow Branson-related websites to display show schedules, Branson area events, and Branson weather.

All of these gadgets automatically stay up-to-date through the Branson.com internal sytems. This allows a Branson website to just copy and paste a gadget into their site and no longer need to worry about their website staying current.

With so many hours spent by countless businesses attempting to keep current with Branson show schedules, events and weather, this will take the burden off of a website’s need to update constantly and allow them to focus on other areas of their site.

To get Branson.com Gadgets for your site, go to www.Branson.com/Gadgets.

For more information or questions please call: 417-334-2360

BRANSON, Mo. — Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa and Convention Center will host one of the Midwest's largest New Year's Eve celebrations beginning at 7:00 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31, 2007 and featuring a colossal fireworks display over Table Rock Lake to culminate an evening of fine gourmet dining, live music, and champagne toasts.

The New Year's Eve celebration starts in the Chateau's 32,000-square foot Great Hall with a festive hors d'oeuvres reception and cash bar at 7:00 p.m., followed by a plated dinner of Filet Mignon and fresh Atlantic Shrimp, and topped off with one of the Chateau's signature hand-made specialty desserts, all presented by Executive Chef Anthony J. Burke, CEC and his team of culinary experts.

For a more intimate dining experience, the Chateau Grille will serve a special five-course New Year's Eve holiday meal along with their regular menu selections. Reservations are strongly advised.

At 9:00 p.m., the popular Gary Myer's Band will take the stage in the Great Hall and rock the night away with dance favorites from the 70s and 80s, with a little R & B added to the mix. Guests in the quaint Library Lounge will be treated to an evening of top-notch live jazz music, a roaring fire, an award-winning wine, beer and cocktail menu, and complimentary party favors — all with no cover charge.

To signal to guests in the Great Hall that it's time to bid adieu to 2007, the party hats and horns, champagne, and a giant balloon droop will roll out just before midnight.

In keeping with the Chateau's signature grand style, the resort will present a spectacular fireworks display just after midnight for hotel guests and thousands of spectators whose tradition is to watch from boats on Table Rock Lake, or at one the popular viewing locations along Highways 165 & 265.

No New Year's celebration would be complete at the Chateau without their famous New Year's Day Champagne Brunch featuring dozens of traditional breakfast items, along with carved meats, shellfish, cheeses, salads, and decadent desserts. The Chateau's Dixieland Band serenade during brunch is sure to inspire a few New Year's resolutions. Brunch runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Chateau Grille. Reservations are suggested, but not required.

To make this New Year's Eve celebration safe and enjoyable, the Chateau is offering several overnight packages starting at just $399 per couple (including tax and service charges), which includes admission to the Great Hall Party, two drink tickets, gourmet dinner for two, fireworks display, and one night in a double room.

The Chateau will extend a complimentary 6:00 p.m. checkout time to guests departing on New Year's Day. Area residents can take advantage of the Spa Chateau's local discount on a variety of new Spa treatments starting in 2008. For complete details on the Chateau's New Year's Eve Spectacular, please visit www.chateauonthelake.com, call toll free (888) 333-LAKE or call the resort directly at (417) 334-1161.

Chateau on the Lake, known for its superb mountain top location and world-class hospitality, is Southwest Missouri's only AAA four-diamond resort. Chateau offers a wealth of recreational amenities for guests including the new $6 million Spa Chateau, heated indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, 24-hour fitness center, nature trail, two lighted tennis courts, and a full-service marina.

Other offerings include The Crawdaddies Kids Club with castle playground, a movie theatre, full-service concierge, two shops, and five restaurants and lounges including lake-view dining at the award-winning Chateau Grille. A stunning 10-story sky-lit atrium lobby complete with running streams brimming with Koi fish, lush foliage, exotic flowers and towering trees adds a touch of drama to every arrival.

Chateau on the Lake is a member of the Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons family of award-winning hotels. John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites, including: Embassy Suites Hotels, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott brands. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, please visit the company's website at www.jqhhotels.com.

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The Branson Veterans Task Force is looking for donations or gifts to make baskets for the awards program at Whiteman Air Force Base. Each year Branson area businesses have participated in this event and it is very much appreciated by those serving to protect our freedom.

In January 2006 the 442nd Fighter Wing dedicated a A-10 Thunderbolt II jet that was named “Thunderbolt of Branson”. What a honor for Branson.

The 2008 awards program has been moved from February and will take place in January. You can drop off your donations at the Task Force office, 158 Pointe Royale Dr. or call 417-337-8387 and make arrangements to have your donations or gifts picked up. If you have any question please call 337-8387.

Ring in the new year at The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Happy Trails Theater and Attraction in Branson. Not only will there be plenty of great food, wonderful entertainment and loads of fun, but you can wear your jeans and cowboy boots! No tuxedo is required for this event, so make plans now to attend this cowboy-style party, Monday December 31 at 8 pm. Tickets are just $60 per person, and include appetizers, admission to the Museum Attraction, and a ticket to the Show. Call 417.339.1900, extension 225 for reservations.

NASHVILLE (November, 28, 2007) — Award-winning vocal group The Standards announced today the latest addition to the Branson Christmas concert lineup: A Night To Remember Tour, Christmas with The Standards!

Dates: December 11 — 14, 16 & 17, 2007
Where: Welk Resort Theatre – Branson, MO
Show Time: 8:00PM
Tickets/Box Office Phone: 417-337-7469 (337-SHOW)
Address: 1984 State Highway 165 – Branson, MO 65616

A Night To Remember is a holiday music concert series that features non-stop classic Christmas music made new by the vocal group’s critically acclaimed a cappella style. In addition to exciting new music, concert goers will experience an original heart-warming story set in artimation on large screens of how a very special child discovers the joy of Christmas for A Night To Remember.

The show features a dynamic Christmas music concert by the vocal group, dance, story, and a very special performance from giant toys that come to life on stage for a truly amazing fun-filled event for the entire family.

The Standards are five brothers from Nashville, TN and look forward to sharing this special event with everyone. "We are excited to bring our holiday music to one of the most fun places to visit during the holidays,” said Nic Williams of The Standards. “We understand that the holidays are a special time for friends and family, so, it was important to us that we create an entertaining live show that would allow people the opportunity to create memories through music and story, continued Williams."

The Music
A Night To Remember is a 2-CD set of classic and original Christmas music made new by the vocal groups critically acclaimed a cappella style. The collection features holiday favorites such as: White Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and much more.

The Story
An original heart-warming story performed by The Standards and storybook characters set in artimation on large screens, bringing the characters to life to tell the story of how a very special homeless child discovers the joy of Christmas for A Night To Remember.

One Week Engagement — get your tickets early for best seating! Call 417-337-7469, go on-line to sullivanshows.com or come to the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office. Tickets are also available at select Branson ticket outlets and through ticketmaster.