“Cowgirl Clad Company will be holding a Christmas Open House on Thursday, November 29th from 4p.m. until 7p.m. The store is located at 213 W. Pacific Street in Branson. There will be door prizes, complimentary gift wrapping, and more. Complimentary refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served and sale merchandise will be available.

Cowgirl Clad Company specializes in cowgirl boots from brands such as Lane, Old Gringo, and Corral, as well as dresses, jewelry, jeans, accessories, and more. Need some inspiration? Come join the cowgirls in the shop and they will help you find the perfect gifts for the ladies in your life! Come enjoy seasonal refreshments and appetizers while you browse and shop, plus get the chance to win some awesome door prizes.

From complete outfits to jewelry to cowgirl boots, the girls in the store can help you find the exact gift that will bring a smile to the face of that special cowgirl in your life. We can’t wait to see all of you! Come out and join us for a great evening!

Find us online at www.CowgirlClad.com“

Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass Christmas Concerts will perform at the Hughes Brothers Theatre in Branson, MO. Presenting the “best in Christmas and sacred brass music” during Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration, Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass perform November 6 through the 16. Show times are 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at 10am on Wednesdays and Fridays.
For more than twenty years, The King’s Brass have performed over one hundred concerts each season with three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, keyboards, and percussion. Playing a wide variety of music from Gabrieli to hymn classics, from Handel to jazz spirituals, from Christmas carols to patriotic marches, The King’s Brass uses all corners of the concert hall to lift hearts and spirits in praise. These Christian professionals from across the US have teamed together to perform their original arrangements and provide innovative worship for young and old alike. During their show, they present best loved classic hymns with a contemporary flair. As author Chuck Swindoll says, “Their performance is a delightful blend of tasteful variety, light-hearted fun, and musical excellence.”
Secular and sacred music critics alike applaud their concerts. Concert Director from Boca Raton Bibletown, Donald Hescott adds, “Truly, an unforgettable experience!” Tim Ostrander of the Moody Bible Institute says, “The King’s Brass always presents an exciting and innovative program that is technically superb. They are always on my ‘return’ list!” Tim Zimmerman says, “We’re thrilled to be returning to Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Being on the world famous Hwy 76 at the Hughes Brothers Theatre is an added benefit, especially as the Hughes Brothers Theatre has a reputation for bringing in quality acts and award-winning shows. We think our fans will enjoy the theatre setting and we feel right at home.” Lena Hughes, theatre co-owner and general manager, adds, “This is the type of show we really love to present to Branson visitors. Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass are unique and totally different from anything else currently being presented in Branson. We’re also pleased that our Hughes Brothers Christmas Show has added dates this year and will be running through December 30 and that we’ll also have a special New Year’s Eve Show on December 31.”
To purchase tickets to see Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass Christmas Concerts, the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, and it – Celebrates New Year’s Eve Show, call 417-334-0076 or 1-800-422-0076. For more information about all three shows go to HughesBrothersTheatre.com

Best Western Center Pointe Inn Reopens Third Building in Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri – October 18, 2012 – Myer Hotels, Branson’s award-winning hotel company, is pleased to announce that the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, located on Branson’s Highway 76 Country Boulevard next to the Titanic Museum, has completely reopened after the February 29 tornado damage.

Storm damage was moderate to one building and light to the other two buildings at the Best Western. In early June this hotel became one of the first tornado affected properties to reopen. The second phase of the hotel, including a comprehensive remodel of all interior corridor rooms in Building C, recently reopened.

“We are excited about the enhancements of the hotel,” said Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing for Myer Hotels. “We believe our new guestrooms are some of the most outstanding accommodations in Branson. We were also able to upgrade most our public amenity areas during this renovation. It’s like a new hotel…the guests are going to love it.”

“Local contractor, G. Oney and Associates, has done an excellent job helping us open as soon as possible. We are also thankful for the Fireman Fund Insurance Company for their responsive and cooperative approach,” said Gail Myer, Vice President of Operations. “We were able to keep our staff employed and they helped in the clean up and rebuilding process. We appreciate their hard work.”

The Best Western Center Pointe Inn has long been a favourite of Branson visitors due to its outstanding location right in the heart of Branson’s entertainment district. The hotel features 164 rooms, indoor pool, outdoor pool, two hot tubs, and many other amenities and is a Director’s Award-Winner from Best Western International. You can visit Myer Hotels at www.myerhotels.com .

Greetings!
The Starlite Theatre and Larry Black continue the fall concert series “Stars of Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion” this week with performances by Linda Davis and T. Graham Brown.
www.starlitetheatre.com
888-991-8445

LINDA DAVIS
The lovely Linda Davis has charted five major-label albums and more than fifteen singles. Her 1993 duet with Reba McEntire “Does He Love You” reached Number One and won both singers the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Other hits include “Some Things Are Meant To Be” and “A Love Story In The Making.”

T. GRAHAM BROWN
Country music legend T. Graham Brown has recorded thirteen albums and charted more than twenty hit singles, including eight Top Tens and three Number Ones: “Hell and High Water,” “Don’t Go To Strangers,” and “Darlene.” Other big hits include “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “I Wish I Could Hurt That Way Again,” “Last Resort” and “If You Could Only See Me Now.” T. Graham Brown returns to The Starlite Theatre October 19-20-21 with Linda Davis.

The Starlite Theatre is proud to bring these original artists to Branson’s premier live entertainment destination! Watch for upcoming emails about the return of “A Christmas Snow-Live!” starring Muse Watson (Mike Franks on NCIS), The Texas Tenors Christmas, Joey and Rory’s Farmhouse Christmas (as seen on RFD-TV) and The Bellamy Brothers Tropical Christmas. For tickets and information visit www.starlitetheatre.com or call the box office 866-991-8445.

The Track Family Fun Parks Announces Facility Upgrades for 2013

Branson, MO – October 18, 2012 – The Track Family Fun Parks has begun work on facility upgrades at both their Track 4 and Track 5 locations along Highway 76, which will be completed for the 2013 season.

Construction is underway to replace the Track 4 building (3345 W. 76 Country Blvd.), which was destroyed by the “Leap Year” tornado earlier this year. The new building, located across the parking lot from its previous location and close to the popular Heavy Metal High Rise go-kart track, will be approximately 4,300 square feet and will house a new ticketing area and all-new, state-of-the-art arcade.

“We are very excited about the new building at Track 4 and hope that the changes we are making will enhance our guest experience,” said Craig Wescott, President of The Track Family Fun Parks. “We expect that the new ticketing location will be more convenient for our guests, and we’re certain they are going to enjoy the all-new arcade.”

The Track also plans to build an addition onto Pizza World at the Track 4 facility. This added space will serve as both overflow seating for the restaurant, and as the meeting space for Track birthday parties and other group events. In addition, the Gator Golf mini golf course is getting a facelift.

The Track’s range of family-friendly offerings will expand in 2013 to include the area’s only batting cages. The Track 5 (3525 W. 76 Country Blvd.) facility will house four stations of batting cages that are each equipped to throw four different speeds for both baseball and softball.

“We expect that the batting cages will be a big hit with both locals and tourists alike,” said Wescott. “We hope that they will be a source of fun for people of all ages, and that they will be a great resource for local baseball and softball teams, as well as the hundreds of teams who come to the area annually to participate in the many tournaments hosted in Branson.”

Guests of The Track Family Fun Parks will enjoy all of these facility upgrades during the company’s thirty-third season in Branson. For more information about The Track Family Fun Parks, please visit their website at www.bransontracks.com or call (417) 334-1612.

Greetings!
The Starlite Theatre and Larry Black continue the fall concert series “Stars of Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion” this week with performances by Rhonda Vincent, Billy Dean, Linda Davis and T. Graham Brown.
www.starlitetheatre.com
888-991-8445

RHONDA VINCENT
The Wall Street journal has called Rhonda Vincent “the new Queen of Bluegrass,” and with good reason. RHonda is a six-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year (00-06) as well as IBMA Entertainer of the Year (01). She is also five-time SPBGMA Entertainer of the year (02-06). IN addition to recording her own hit albums she has appeared on recordings by Dolly Parton, Alan jackson, Tanya Tucker and Joe Diffie.

BILLY DEAN
Florida native Billy Dean has scored four gold albums and more than twenty hit singles including eleven Top Ten hits. He was the 1992 ACM Top New Male Vocalist. His big hits include “Only Here For A Little While,” “Somewhere In My Broken Heart,” “If There Hadn’t Been You,” “Buy Me A Rose” and “Let Them Be Little.” Billy appears with Rhonda Vincent at The Starlite Theatre October 16, 17 and 18.

LINDA DAVIS
The lovely Linda Davis has charted five major-label albums and more than fifteen singles. Her 1993 duet with Reba McEntire “Does He Love You” reached Number One and won both singers the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Other hits include “Some Things Are Meant To Be” and “A Love Story In The Making.”

T. GRAHAM BROWN
Country music legend T. Graham Brown has recorded thirteen albums and charted more than twenty hit singles, including eight Top Tens and three Number Ones: “Hell and High Water,” “Don’t Go To Strangers,” and “Darlene.” Other big hits include “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “I Wish I Could Hurt That Way Again,” “Last Resort” and “If You Could Only See Me Now.” T. Graham Brown returns to The Starlite Theatre October 19-20-21 with Linda Davis.

The Starlite Theatre is proud to bring these original artists to Branson’s premier live entertainment destination! Watch for upcoming emails about the return of “A Christmas Snow-Live!” starring Muse Watson (Mike Franks on NCIS), The Texas Tenors Christmas, Joey and Rory’s Farmhouse Christmas (as seen on RFD-TV) and The Bellamy Brothers Tropical Christmas. For tickets and information visit www.starlitetheatre.com or call the box office 866-991-8445.

By: Chelsea Kliethermes

College of the Ozarks will kick off its 2012 Homecoming celebration, themed “Focused on Opportunity,” Thursday, November 1. Events run through Sunday, November 4. Alumni and the public are invited to participate in and/or observe many activities, including a 5K run/walk, basketball games, student activity booths and the C of O Homecoming Parade.

“The concept behind ‘Focused on Opportunity’ is to remind alumni of the wonderful opportunities they had as students,” said Director of Alumni Affairs Angela Williamson. “Through the work program, classes, and all of the opportunities the college offers, students are better equipped to face the world outside the campus Gates of Opportunity.”

The C of O Lady Bobcats will take on Baker University, Fri. Nov. 2, at 7 p.m., in the Keeter Gymnasium. The C of O Men’s Basketball Team will play Graceland University, Saturday Nov. 3, at 3:15 p.m., in the Keeter Gymnasium. The public is invited to attend both of these games; tickets may be purchased at the box office.

Events on Saturday, Nov. 3, such as the 5K Run/Walk at 7 a.m. and the student activity booths open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., are open to the public. The 5K entry fee is $20, and applications are available at www.cofo.edu/alumni. For questions on the run/walk, please contact Assistant Professor of Physical Education Don Hoeck at (417) 690-2571.

Those who cannot attend the morning Homecoming events are welcome to come to the Homecoming Parade. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, and will take place along Opportunity Ave.

“We look forward to the homecoming activities each year,” said sophomore business major Nicole Dilg. “Not only does it allow us to spend time with friends, but is an opportunity to reminisce with C of O Alumni.”

For more information regarding the Homecoming 2012 events, please contact the College of the Ozarks Alumni Office at (417) 690-2208. To see a complete list of events for Alumni, visit www.cofo.edu/alumni

2012 Homecoming Schedule of Events
“Focused on Opportunity”

Thursday, November 1
6 p.m. Bobcats vs. University of Saint Mary, Keeter Gymnasium
8 p.m. Homecoming Queen Coronation, Jones Auditorium

Friday, November 2
7 p.m. Lady Bobcats vs. Baker University, Keeter Gymnasium

Saturday, November 3
7 a.m. 5K Run/Walk, Keeter Gymnasium
10 a.m. Student Activity Booths Open, Activities Field
1 p.m. Alumni Memorial Service, Williams memorial Chapel
2 p.m. C of O Parade, Opportunity Ave.
3:15 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Graceland University, Keeter Gymnasium

Sunday, November 6
11 a.m. Chapel Service, Williams Memorial Chapel

Branson, MO ~ Award-winning actor Muse Watson, also known as “Mike Franks” to his thousands of fans, will take the stage at the Starlite Theatre on November 5th to perform an all-inspiring rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, accompanied by the Jerry Ford Big Band Orchestra. As part of the citywide Veterans Day celebrations, the Starlite Theatre will host the USO-canteen-style show, produced by Brenda Meadows, an Army veteran who toured Vietnam in 1968 as an USO performer, and sponsored by Branson Veterans Task Force. Watson will join an all-star lineup in Vets for Vets that will feature many of Branson’s top performers, including Jeanna Kilbane, Army veteran Eddie Stovall and The Platters, award-winning pianist Dino , special guest Eddie Beesley, who lost his legs in 1965 while serving in Chu Lai, Vietnam and many more. Watson’s two brothers served in the Air Force.

This is Watson’s second-year to be in Branson during Veterans week. Last year, Watson spoke at the unveiling ceremony for The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at The Welk Theatre and dedicated an American flag to the Branson Veteran’s Task Force. Watson will again be riding alongside Branson Veteran’s Task Force Chairman Ernie Bradley in the 79th annual Veterans Day Parade.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Veterans’ week than with the men and women whose sacrifices make it possible for the rest of us to have the freedom to live our lives….. states Watson ——- ”

Vets for Vets producer Brenda Meadows remembers how important these shows were to men and women during active duty.

“Muse has two brothers who served in Vietnam, so he knows how important entertainment from “home” was to them”, states Meadows. “We are so excited about Muse joining us. He’s so talented vocally as well as has a great deal of heart and gratitude for those who served in the U.S. military. We have adopted him as an honorary vet!”

Vets for Vets is free to veterans and immediate family members.
@ The Starlite Theatre on November 5th, 5-7:15pm. For more information call 866-991-1982

Watson will open his second-year engagement at the Starlite Theatre, starring in A Christmas Snow LIVE November 1st through December 8th.

About Muse Watson: Equally comfortable on the theater stage as he is in front of the camera, Muse Watson first gained notice with several strong performances on stage that helped pave the way for a feature film and television career. His diverse roles in Sommersby, Something to Talk About, Assassins, & Rosewood brought him mainstream recognition but it was the villainous “Ben Willis” in the trendy thriller I Know What You Did Last Summer films and From Dusk Till Dawn 2 that propelled him in the limelight as a chameleonic actor. He made equally impressionable appearances in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Sundance Film-Festival award-winner Songcatcher, challenging himself by playing unique characters. He co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson in the recently released Meeting Evil and in the soon to be released horror film, Compound Fracture, that stars three of that genre’s most iconic characters, Watson (Ben Willis in I Know What You Did Last Summer), Tyler Mane (Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s Halloween), Derek Mears (Jason Vorhees in Friday the 13th).

Transitioning to the small screen, Watson delivered stellar performances in several made-for-television movies including Blind Vengeance and Justice in a Small Town; and the television series, American Gothic, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Matlock, The Lazarus Man, JAG, Walker Texas Ranger, Ghost Whisperer, CSI, and The Mentalist. Going on to land his most notorious TV roles as “Mike Franks” in the award winning drama NCIS and Charles Westmoreland in the Emmy & Golden Globes nominated & People’s Choice Awards – winner Prison Break. www.MuseWatson.com

About the Starlite Theatre: The 880-seat Starlite Theatre is conveniently located on Highway 76 near the Titanic and features Branson’s only five-story glass atrium with 19,560 feet of glass. Inside, Starlite’s state-of-the-art stage is the perfect venue for some of Branson’s most popular and interactive shows. For ticket information call the Starlite Theater at 866-991-1982 or visit www.StarliteTheatre.com

Branson, MO – October 9, 2012 – Thirty student leaders from across Stone and Taney Counties convened last week at Silver Dollar City for the second session of the new Legacy Youth Institute (LYI), a leadership and mentoring program designed to equip young leaders to pass on the area’s “Ozark Mountain Spirit” to future generations.

Each of the Legacy Youth Institute’s six sessions explores a different core value of Ozark Mountain Country—Faith, Family, Friends, Flag, and ensuring a preferred Future. In last week’s session, the focus was on Family. Jim Brawner, President of Team Barnabas, equipped students with tools to build their own healthy family relationships. Sue Head, Dean of Character Education at College of the Ozarks, challenged students to consider their current and future roles in shaping a culture of character in Ozark Mountain Country.

“I never realized until now that you could create your own culture,” said Galena High School student Parris Mayhood. “I always thought you just had to deal with what you had.” Encouraging students to believe in the power of their own influence in the community is one of the primary goals of the Legacy Youth Institute.

Students also heard from Silver Dollar City’s co-founder, Peter Herschend, whose story is characterized by a passion for and commitment to promoting a family-friendly culture of entertainment in Ozark Mountain Country. Over the years, Herschend has preserved the family-friendly culture of the area even as his company’s entertainment offerings have expanded. He has also actively encouraged others to commit to do the same. Today, hundreds of area businesses and organizations consistently provide a family-friendly experience for both local residents and the millions of tourists who visit the area each year.

“The legacy of the Herschend family, and other passionate community leaders, reflects an Ozark Mountain Country that works together to intentionally preserve the family-friendly values of our area,” said Jory Rolf, Executive Director of Ozark Mountain Legacy. “We hope that LYI students will realize that as future leaders of the community, they can choose to continue to preserve and influence our family-friendly culture.”

Legacy Youth Institute students were greatly encouraged by what they heard. “It’s cool how regular people can do really great things,” said Hurley High School student Jacob Ray. Fellow student Alie Lawrence said, “I’ve liked hearing about how people are so interested in the community. It makes me want to be the same way.” And, like so many students’ impressions of their experiences with LYI so far, Lawrence concludes, “Being a part of the Legacy Youth Institute has made me feel honored to be a part of this community.”

The next session of the Legacy Youth Institute, which will focus on the area’s commitment to “Champion Friends,” will be held on Wednesday, November 7. For more information about the Legacy Youth Institute, please contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

BARRY WILLIAMS, AKA THE REAL GREG BRADY MOVES TO RFD-TV WITH AN ALL NEW SHOW FOR 2013

Branson, MO. – Barry B. Williams Enterprises, Inc. and Haygoods Entertainment, Inc. unveiled plans today for the 2013 season. Barry Williams, aka the real Greg Brady, will be moving to RFD-TV and developing a brand new show in conjunction with the Haygoods.

Totally 70’s Music Explosion will star Barry Williams as he takes audiences on a nostalgic trip back in time with talented singers and dancers, a live band and a state-of-the-art multimedia presentation. The new show starts on March 16, 2013 and runs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2 pm.

“Barry is not only a TV sensation, he’s worked with many of the top musicians of the era and his experiences will tie this whole show together,” said Timothy Haygood, Director of Marketing for Haygoods Entertainment Inc. “I’m very excited as I believe this is what Branson needs right now to attract a new generation of people!”

The show will combine comedy along with the best songs of the ‘70’s, including folk, disco, singer-songwriter tunes, rock and even country music!

“We believe the timing is perfect to bring a 70’s show to Branson, and there isn’t a better person in the entire world to star in this show and to host it!” said Patrick Haygood, Producer. “We are going all out on this and to work with a superstar and icon of the 70’s is truly a thrilling experience!!”

“I am thrilled to be moving to RFD-TV and co-producing the show with the Haygoods,” said Barry Williams. “They know the Branson audience and together we will produce an exciting and high quality show. I am grateful to Yakov for bringing me to Branson and supporting my endeavors, but am looking forward to what the future holds.”

Barry will continue his current show, Lunch with the Brady Bunch, at 11 am, Wednesday through Saturday at the Yakov Theatre. Hosted by Barry Williams, the real Greg Brady, the show features the new Brady Bunch kids. Your last chance to see this show will be December 8, 2012.

Haygood Entertainment Inc. operates two theatres, fifteen shows and employs over 120 individuals in Branson. The Haygoods have performed for over twenty years and own and operate some of Branson’s premiere productions. The Haygoods consist of five brothers and one sister and are known throughout the Midwest for their unique brand of high energy entertainment.