Branson eConnection Newsletter

Branson Lakes Area eConnection

July 2008

Fiddle Festival Returns To Downtown Branson

The 20th Annual Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival to be held on August 23, 2008 promises to be an exciting event, with new features including a Celebrity Pie Contest and, for the first time, free admission to all performances.

The music begins at 10 a.m. and will continue into the evening. The contestants and performers will be playing the various styles of traditional music that early settlers brought with them to the Ozarks.

This year, there will be performances all day long on the street corners in Historic Downtown Branson along with sidewalk sales and, of course, small town Main Street shopping. Just down the street, the Branson Landing Town Square will host the competition, returning the contest to its longtime home on the banks of Lake Taneycomo.

In addition to contestants from around the country, there will be guest appearances by some of Branson’s best performers, including some who competed as youngsters in earlier Branson fiddle contests.

The new Celebrity Pie Contest will bring out some of the finest cooks among Branson’s celebrities. Mayor Raeanne Presley and Dee Dee Lennon of the Lennon Sisters have already signed on. Downtown restaurant owners will judge the pies.

For the first time, this will be a free festival, thanks to the many generous sponsors.

The fiddle festival is an important tradition in Branson, said Steve Hartley, owner of Dick’s 5 & 10 in downtown Branson. “It honors the area’s heritage, and is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” Hartley said. “When people think of Branson, they think of these kinds of events, the down-homey type of thing,” Hartley said. “Many places have lost that.”

Mary Jane Rice, the receptionist at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, said she gets a lot of calls about the Fiddle Festival every year. “People call from all over, but mostly from out in the rural areas within about 100 miles of here,” Rice said. “A lot of folks just like to get out and play and meet up with people who have a common interest in playing the fiddle. And the competition for young people coming up is a big part of it.”

Marc Williams, one of the owners of Branson Landing, said he’s pleased that Branson Landing is one of the hosts of the Fiddle Festival. “This festival represents the Ozarks Americana that’s such an important part of our heritage,” Williams said.

Competition will be in five divisions: ages nine and younger, age 10 through 16, age 60 and older, an open category for any age and the new “Cross Tuning” category. Cross tuning refers to a way of tuning the fiddle that allows it to mimic the drone of the bagpipe, a style of playing once very popular at the old time dances. Fiddles were originally brought to the Ozarks by early settlers because they were easily portable yet were quite loud and suited for dance music.

More than $4,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. The Fiddle Festival is being presented through the cooperation of organizations including the Downtown Branson Main Street Association, the Historic Downtown Branson Business Owners, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Branson Landing and the City of Branson.

For information about entering, attending, or sponsorship of the event, please contact the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 417-334-1548 or www.downtownbranson.org.

Branson Landing's 1st Annual Liberty Light Up

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…America’s independence will be celebrated across the country and Branson is no exception…especially at The Branson Landing—Branson’s premiere shopping and dining entertainment destination located in Historic Downtown Branson on Lake Taneycomo.

The local community and visitors are invited to “Light Up” their Independence Day celebration a day early, beginning on Thursday, July 3rd with a host of family friendly activities and events planned throughout the day, ending with a special all-American musical tribute and state-of-the-art fireworks extravaganza! Beyond your standard July 4th fireworks celebration, the Landing’s first annual “Liberty Light Up” promises to light up the lives of young and old alike. From an outdoor “Red, White & Blue Town Square BBQ” sponsored by Famous Dave’s BBQ to some All-American family games and contests including, The Red, White & Blue Bubblegum Contest, The Boom Blaster, Hoola Hoop Contest, Uncle Sam Bean Bag Toss and more, the day’s activities will celebrate the American way of life! Plus, the celebration continues into the night with the kick off of the Landing’s Tribute to America Concert Series with a special musical performance by “Bucky and the Boys”, culminating into an amazing star-spangled fire in the sky display over Lake Taneycomo, produced especially for this extraordinary event by Premier Pyrotechnics, Inc.

“The local community has long loved Bucky Heard as the lead singer with the Horn Dawgs and his show-stopping performances at The Legends Theatre as one of the Blues Brothers – to his latest run with the one and only, Andy Williams. His amazing talent and fan base is duly noted by his being honored as the “Branson Singer of the Year in 2005” and, for being the voice that sings on the unforgettable “Listen to the
Music” Commercial, promoting Branson. And now… this much enjoyed artist will bring an unforgettable cast of talented musicians to our outdoor concert stage in front of the beautiful Branson Landing Fountains for a special salute to American music for both locals and visitors to enjoy,” stated Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing for the Branson Landing.

The evening’s FREE concert, beginning at 7:30 PM in front of the Fountains launches the start of the Landing’s Summer Lineup Concert Series, showcasing some of the best loved American music throughout July and August, as well as some dates in September. The Branson Landing Concert Series Lineup is as follows:

July 3rd: 7:30pm - Bucky & The Boys; July 5th: 7:00pm - SIX; July 12th: 8:00pm - Christie's Ex – A Billy Joel Tribute Band; July 26th: 8:00pm - Cruize Control – A JIimmy Buffet Tribute Band; Aug. 2nd: 8:00pm - Bad Habit; Aug. 9th: 8:00pm - Sequel Dose; Aug. 16th: 8:00pm - Julia Burton & The Northfork Band; Aug. 17th: 6:00pm - Last Place; Aug. 23rd: All Day - 20th Annual Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival; Aug. 30th: 8:00pm - Chain Reaction – A Journey Tribute Band; Aug. 31st: 8:00pm - Take It To The Limit – An Eeagles Tribute Band; Sept. 14th: 7:00pm - Jake Simpson – 2004 Star Search Winner; Sept. 21st: 6:00pm - The Springfield Symphony with Special Performances by Carrie April Tillis and Andy Williams!

Note: The above concert listings are confirmed as of 6/23/08. Please check the Branson Landing website for updates and additional concert listings. For additional information and a complete list of shopping, entertainment, dining and lodging options, visit the Branson Landing website at www.bransonlanding.com.

The Haygoods Announce the Purchase of Branson’s Americana Theatre and 2009 Television Premiere

Branson’s most dynamic musical family, The Haygoods, are excited to announce that they are raising the bar with their ground-breaking 2009 season. These top-notch entertainers are proud to unveil two new projects—the purchase of their own state-of-the-art Branson theatre and the creation of their very own TV show—that are sure to delight audiences in Branson, as well as fans all over the world.

The Americana Theatre (across from the Presley’s Jubilee at 2905 West Highway 76), will undergo a million-dollar renovation, emerging for its Grand Opening on March 7, 2009 with a new look, new features, and new name worthy to house the all-new interactive Haygood experience. Audiences will be wowed by this indescribable entertainment adventure, which combines the Haygoods’ own brand of musical magic with state-of-the-art effects, heart-pumping sound, and effervescent energy that cannot be contained. When pure musical talent meets cutting-edge performance, the result is sure to be an electrifying ride of song, rhythm, and sound that the Haygoods’ audiences won’t soon forget.

This award-winning, family musical entertainment group, consisting of seven spirited brothers and one vivacious sister, has performed over 10,000 shows for more than 4,000,000 people during their momentous Branson career. The Haygoods, whose powerhouse performances can be seen throughout 2008 at the Music City Centre, are poised to make the jump from Branson’s best kept secret to breakout stars with the debut of their much-awaited TV show in 2009.

Vibrant and innovative, The Haygoods unbelievable harmonic feats and captivating on-stage antics have delighted Branson audiences for 18 years and will next wow viewers of the CW network with The Haygood family show! The weekly show will be broadcast across the Midwest and will include a mixture of exuberant Haygood antics and the group’s stunning live performances. Branson guests will not only be treated to the Haygoods high-octane stage performances but also be a part of the filming of their live television show as well!! Happy to include audiences who have given the group so much in their new show, Haygoods member Dominic Haygood credits the support of the group’s fans and the Branson community for making the group’s newest endeavors possible.

The Haygoods are excited to put Branson on the map for a whole new audience with their all-new 2009 television show, bringing a new demographic to the town that is sure to benefit the Branson community. As Timothy Haygood explains, the group is excited to give back to Branson: "We are so proud to be investing in our community. We love Branson and can't wait for everyone to see the newly remodeled Americana theatre. It will be a great addition to the Branson strip!”

Sanctioned Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Returns To Legends in Concert, Branson

Legends in Concert announced today that the 2nd Annual Branson Elvis Tribute Artistïƒ’ Contest will take place on July 2nd, 2008 at 7:00pm at the Legends in Concert Theater. The Branson contest is one of only twenty four tribute competitions sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. around the world. The winner of this contest will travel to Memphis on August 13th and 14th to compete against a number of other Elvis tribute finalists for the coveted title of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of the year.

“Legends has featured remarkably talented Elvis tribute artists in our shows worldwide for 25 years and we are thrilled to once again host a preliminary round in Branson,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer of On Stage entertainment, producers of Legends in Concert. “The contest last year at our theater was a smashing success and this year’s promises to be even bigger and better, as we crown the tribute artist that best represents the legacy of Elvis Presley and send them proudly representing this venue to Memphis.”

The winner of this contest will receive the opportunity to perform live at the Legends in Concert 8pm show on July 3rd, 2008. They will receive $1,500.00 cash, hotel accommodations in Memphis, Tennessee, and the chance to compete for the coveted title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artistïƒ” of the Year.

Contest tickets are $20.00 for preferred seating and $15 for general. Tickets can be purchased at the Legends in Concert box office or by calling 800-374-SHOW.

Economy Buster Marketing

Everyone feeling the impact of skyrocketing fuel prices and increasing costs of food. Communities dependent upon tourism are particularly concerned, including the live entertainment capital of the world – Branson, Missouri.

One small family-owned entertainment business, is fighting back with "free gas" for the tourists and lots of marketing help from the community.

The Dutton family, one of the Top Ten Finalists in last year's America's Got Talent, owns the Dutton Family Theater, Inn and Deli complex in Branson.

According to family patriarch Dean Dutton, "We had to get pro-active, since our small business supports seven Dutton families, including our 19 grandchildren and our wonderful staff. We didn't want to just sit back and wait."

The Duttons first countered gas prices with $3.75 gasoline vouchers given with every adult ticket purchased. Additionally, every show awards one lucky patron a $50 gas certificate. All of this is above and beyond their participation in the Branson Chamber's Gas Buster $50 Rebate Program.

The Duttons have also involved the local community in their "Flag Tag" promotion. In combination with several area businesses, the Duttons are distributing bright yellow Dutton pennants for vehicle antennas. Each day the Flag Tag Prize Patrol selects one lucky vehicle with a Dutton Flag for a surprise gift. Thanks to such partnering businesses as First Community Bank, Country Mart Supermarkets, Golden Corral and Branson Meadows Cinema, daily prizes might be cash, gasoline, dinners for two, savings bonds, show tickets, even gold! The local Flag Tag promotion runs for three months with a monthly grand prize winner of a vacation trip for two, including airfare and accommodations, to a surprise resort destination.

Box office marketing manager Judith Dutton explained, "Rather than spending money on traditional advertising, we wanted to find a way to involve and reward members of the Branson community – and have some fun too! We know that everyone is feeling the pinch of fuel prices today, so the prizes were selected to either provide some relief, financially or socially, to the stress of their daily lives."

For more information about the Dutton Family Theater, Inn and Deli, along with details of their promotions and shows, visit the Dutton website at www.TheDuttons.com <http://www.theduttons.com/> .

Tour of Missouri Cycling Returns to Branson In September

Last year’s Tour of Missouri cycling event—scheduled to return to Branson on Sept. 10—had a positive impact on local business, and perhaps improved people’s health, said Craig Erickson, owner of Downhill Bikes.

Erickson, a member of the local organizing committee, was among those who attended Tuesday’s kick-off for the Branson leg of the event. Again, Branson hosts the individual time trials following the same route as last year. The 18-mile event starts at 11 a.m. in Branson Landing. The last rider is expected to arrive at the end point at Shepherd of the Hills Homestead about 2 p.m.

Overall, a “deceivingly tougher” Tour of Missouri will challenge the field of 120 world-class cyclists from 15 professional teams for the race that runs Sept. 8 through 14, race organizers say. The race starts in St. Joseph and ends in St. Louis.

Erickson, said since the race last year, local residents and out-of-town visitors are calling to ask if there are organized rides on the Tour course, and people are buying more bikes, he said.

“The Tour of Missouri raised an awareness in Branson,” Erickson said. In a recent city of Branson survey, 45 percent of respondents asked for more biking and hiking trails. The City of Branson has been diligently expanding the current trail network, and recently got some easements needed to continue the project, Erickson said.

In its second year, the event is expected to attract more visitors than last year. The event will receive national and international coverage that will highlight Missouri’s countryside and communities including Branson.

Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau—hosting the event with the City of Branson—said that local sculptor Tim Cherry will again provide the winner’s trophy, this year a piece called “Rabbit Flyer.”

The Presley Family Story: The First 74 Years

Branson’s First Family of Entertainment, the Presleys, reveal their behind-the-scenes journey to becoming nationally-recognized Branson icons in the new book, “The Presley Family Story: The First 74 Years” by Ron Marr.

Beginning with 10-year-old Lloyd Presley’s discovery of his brother’s guitar in 1934, “The Presley Family Story” spans 74 years of Ozarks musical history and is an inspiring testament of the American Dream.

“This community is forever indebted to the Presleys for their phenomenal contributions to Branson’s entertainment industry and for memorializing their legacy in this wonderful book,” said President and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Ross Summers.

Four generations of Presleys share their personal and often humorous tales of learning how to perform in front of an audience; building the family business from the ground up; and developing lasting relationships with their fellow cast members, and fans. “The Presley Family Story” is packed with 102 pages of never-before-shared family photos and personal interviews by award-winning author, Marr.

Lloyd’s oldest son Gary, co-producer and one of the original members of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, tells how his loveable hillbilly character, Herkimer, got his name in 1962. Lloyd’s younger son Steve, co-producer and drummer, reveals the show’s best early marketing hook. Gary’s wife Pat, and Steve’s wife Raeanne talk of the love they have for their families and their community, and about their less glamorous jobs in accounting, personnel management and wardrobe.

LloydÅfs wife Bessie Mae Presley, (1923-2007) and to whom the book is dedicated, told Marr shortly before her death Å\ that she tried to teach her children, by example, the value of hard work and perseverance.

Readers will cherish this book and delight in the way the author captures the warm and down-to-earth personality of each family member. Despite their tremendous success over the past 41 years, their friends and famous peers around the world know the Presleys as hard-working, humble people who enjoy fishing, golfing, and volunteering in their spare time.

Today, four generations of Presleys can be seen on stage each night in the same location where, in 1967, the family opened the first music theater on Branson’s now famous Strip. Lloyd, who turns 84 years old on August 30, 2008, never imagined that PresleysÅf Country Jubilee would someday become a landmark in a world-class entertainment destination, and his familyÅfs story Å\ an inspiration to countless others boldly pursuing their dreams.

“The Presley Family Story: The First 74 Years” is available at Presleys’ Country Jubilee in Branson, online at www.presleys.com <http://www.presleys.com/> , by calling (800) 335-4874, or at select bookstores.

Comfort Inn & Suites Finalist For Choice Hotels 2008 Inn of the Year

The Comfort Inn & Suites in Branson, Missouri was recently recognized as one of three finalists for Choice Hotels International 2008 Comfort Inn of the Year for the Comfort Inn brand. These finalists represent the “best of the best” among over 1,360 Comfort Inn’s worldwide due to their outstanding guest satisfaction and consistent brand performance.

“These hotels represent the strongest, most consistent performers in our global system,” said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., vice chairman and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels. “To receive this recognition is a great accomplishment and the owners, general managers and employees of these hotels should be proud. I know we certainly are.” The Comfort Inn & Suites was also recognized as a finalist for “Inn of the Year” in 2006.

The Comfort Inn & Suites has been also been awarded Choice Hotels Platinum Award for exemplifying exceptional service, facilities and hospitality. “Only five percent of properties in the Choice Hotels system reach this standard” stated Gail Myer, VP of Operations. Chris Myer, VP of Marketing noted, “These awards testify to the fact that our hotel team believes in our mission of ‘Friendly, Fantastic Service Always’ on a daily basis.”

The Comfort Inn & Suites is locally owned by Myer Hotels. In the lodging business for 40 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for 25 years and received numerous national awards. Myer Hotels also includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, and Comfort Inn West.

July and August Calendar of Events

Summer Day Camp at the YMCA

May 27, 2008 - August 2, 2008

Times: 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Location: YMCA

Phone: 417-862-7456

Admission: See below

Nurturing Counselors promote an atmosphere of fun and Friendship while they help children explore the world around them through themed activity weeks (Olympics Week, Camping Week, Sports week and much more). These weeks include activities such as swimming, weekly field trips (Silver Dollar City, Splash Country, Dixie Stampede, The Track, and much more), Open Gymnastics, Inflatable Fun, Big Screen Movies, Playing the Wii and Playstation, Character Development Projects, and more. The cost for Full Time Member is $65 per week per child. For Full Time Non-member is $75 per week per child. For Part Time (1-3 days) member is $40 per week per child. And for Part Time non-member is $50 per week per child. Financial Assistance is available with proof that your child gets free or reduced lunch. With this you will get a 50% scholarship. Summer Day Camp is for chilren 5-12 years. The registration deadline is May 16th or until full so don't delay

Laura Ingalls Wilder: Across the Prairie Museum Exhibit

June 3, 2008 - August 30, 2008

http://www.americanpresidentialmuseum.com

Location: American Presidents Museum is located in the Old Majestic Steakhouse Bldg at 2849 Gretna

Created by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, this panel exhibit will be combined with Pioneer Life, an exhibit and activity program taking visitors through a day in the life of a pioneer.

National Kids Fest

June 7, 2008 - August 10, 2008

Times: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

http://silverdollarcity.com

Location: Silver Dollar City

Phone: 800-475-9370

Admission: Call for more information

Kids' Fest presents an all-new show: The Magic of Peter Gossamer, Circus of the Century on Ice, a circus-themed show with a cool twist for summer - playful animals and clowns on ice. Also a Kid Concoctions creativity center where kids can make their own Gooey Gunk or Splongee Balls, or learn to make a volcano, from the acclaimed Kid Concoctions books and television show.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

July 2, 2008

Times: 7:00 pm

Location: Legends in Concert Theater

Phone: (417) 339-3003 ex. 221

Admission: $20 for preferred seating and $15 for general admission seating

Judges will look for the “best representation of the Elvis legacy” in talent, appearance, performance, stage presence, and overall tribute to Elvis in naming the "2008 Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year."

Branson Landing's 1st Annual Liberty Light Up

July 3, 2008

Location: Branson Landing

Activities all day, with a concert by Bucky & the Boys at 7:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at dark.

Summer Sale at Factory Merchants Branson

July 3, 2008 - July 7, 2008

Location: Factory Merchants Branson

Phone: (417) 335-4041

Join us for wonderful savings at the 4th of July summer sale! Stock up on savings at the annual sidewalk sale, just look for the red roofs.

11th Annual I LOVE AMERICA Celebration

July 4, 2008

Times: Gates open at 11:00

www.jamesriver.org

Location: 65 & Division


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