May 2008
Responding to the ever-increasing price of a gallon of gas, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB is once again offering visitors a Gas Buster discount card. Good at dozens of live shows, area attractions, lodging properties, retail shops and restaurants, the card is worth a total of $50 off purchases. Folks signing up for the 2008 Gas Buster discount card will also have a chance to win a Grand Prize Getaway to Branson!
"By offering the Gas Buster discount card, we are letting families know that we value their business. And Branson's entertainment families are willing to work together to defray the cost of a vacation, so that folks can afford to do all the things they would like to do here,” according to Righteous Brother"s Bill Medley, appearing at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre. “I hope this will help bring more people here. Families looking for shows, theme parks, golf, lakes recreation, along with shopping, dining and world-class entertainment will find it all in Branson.”
Between May 1 and Oct. 31, 2008, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB will give a Gas Buster discount card to anyone who presents a valid drivers’ license and a minimum of $40 in gas receipts incurred within 48 hours of their arrival at one of the Chamber’s two Welcome Centers, located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 65 and Missouri Highway 248, and at Hwy. 65 and Missouri Highway 160 in Branson. Gas Buster card holders are automatically entered to win the grand prize 4-day/3-night vacation for four to Branson, which will be awarded on October 31, 2008.
Branson star and famous Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff notes, “Most visitors to Branson drive their personal vehicle. With gas prices rising, who ya gonna call? Gas Busters! Branson’s “Gas Buster” card allows families to get more for their fuel dollar than just the gas needed to get to and from Branson.”
Gas Buster discount cards and the list of participating sponsors will only be issued from the two Chamber/CVB Welcome Centers. Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Mondays through Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The Gas Buster promotion runs from May 1 through Oct. 31, 2008. For more information, log on to www.explorebranson.com or call 800-214-3661.
Branson, Missouri, wants people to have fun with their economic stimulus check by vacationing in "The Live Music Show Capital of the World.” A new Branson promotion offers visitors two free show tickets just for bringing a copy of the stimulus check, or proof of direct deposit, to the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Since only a copy is required, the checks can still be cashed at Sears, Lowes, Kroger and other national stores to take advantage of these national stimulus plan promotions; thus check recipients have two ways to "cash in” for each tax rebate check.
Shows participating in this promotion include 50's at the Hop, Dick Clark"s American Bandstand Theatre, Yakov Smirnoff, The Happy Trails Theater featuring Roy Rogers, Jr., The Baldknobbers, Buck Trent, Kirby VanBurch, Grand Country, Jim Stafford, New Shanghai Circus, The Shepherd of the Hills, Magnificent Seven, The Duttons, Island Fire, Hamner Barber Variety Show and many more. For a complete list of shows offering two free tickets and the complete promotion guidelines, you may visit www.explorebranson.com/stimuluscheck.
While in Branson, you can enjoy more than 100 live shows offering a variety of Pop, Patriotic, Rock 'n' Roll, Gospel, Motown, Big Band, Irish and Country music, as well as Broadway-style productions, magic, comedy, and acrobatics. There are shows that feature the songs and dances of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, and shows that pay tribute to legendary performers such as Red Skelton, Elvis, the Eagles and even The Beatles. Your family will also enjoy the many wonderful attractions in Branson and its close proximity to three pristine lakes with lush, scenic mountain vistas all around. Add to that the newest shoppers’ paradise at Branson Landing, Celebration City’s brand-new $2 million “Roaring Falls” ride, and the elegant European-style Spa Chateau and you’ll find something fun for everyone.
For additional information about Branson, its shows and live entertainment, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features, or to order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 or visit our website at www.explorebranson.com.
The largest new ride in the Ozarks debuted with a big splash when Celebration City, Branson, Missouri’s Biggest Nighttime Attraction, opened Roaring Falls, a new multi-million dollar water adventure ride. Featuring a 5-story, 55-degree angle drop for an enormous splash finale, Roaring Falls did not disappoint guests looking for the spectacular splash when the park opened for the season April 18. Huge sheets of water shot more than 60 feet in the air as riders made the final plunge, soaking both riders and nearby viewers.
“It’s an incredible splash — one you really have to see to believe,” said Celebration City General Manager John Fitzgibbons. “With an Amazon theme, complete with misty fog and jungle sound effects, the adventure takes riders on a powerful river current carrying the boats to the top of a massive waterfall — the legendary Roaring Falls! The current then sends riders ‘over the edge’ for a final 50-foot plummet,” Fitzgibbons said, adding that Roaring Falls is the biggest expansion since the park opened in 2003.
Dubbed “The Wildest New Adventure in the Ozarks, by Day and by Night,” Roaring Falls is one of several 2008 additions to the amusement park. New for summer, JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show features world-famous Frisbee-catching dogs, and Extreme Parrots presents colorful, exotic birds that sing, fly and talk.
Celebration City features more than 30 rides and attractions, including the original 8-story classic wooden coaster, Ozark WildCat. The night’s finale is the spectacular $3 million nighttime special effects show, Ignite the Night, with pyrotechnics, water cannons, gigantic video projections, and special effects.
Celebration City is part of the Silver Dollar City Attractions in Branson, offering the largest variety of entertainment, rides and attractions in America’s Heartland. Celebration City is open 3-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with daily operations beginning May 23.
The Butterfly Palace in Branson has brought the world-wide phenomenon of Stamp Collecting and the enchantment of Butterflies together in its amazing premier exhibit entitled ‘STAMPede of the Butterflies.’
On display in a ‘garden of glass’ will be more than 1,000 stamps, featuring 1,000 different specimens of butterflies from over 200 countries. Each stamp portrays an intriguing slice of history as they astonishingly capture nature’s delicate beauty.
“The Butterfly Palace is excited about hosting this unique exhibit of butterfly stamps. Each of these stamps is a miniature work of art,’ says Dianna Herschend, curator and owner of the Butterfly Palace. In undertaking this project Herschend shares, “I wasn’t expecting the incredible variety of stamps and the stories that many of them have to tell. They are really quite fascinating!”
While you are there, don’t forget that at the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure, guests can walk among over 1,000 LIVE tropical species of butterflies from around the world!
The stamps will be on display until June 15th, 2008.
Make sure that you come out to the Taney County, MO. Airport on Saturday, May 10 to see the Welcome-2-Wings 2nd Annual Fly-In. Over 100 vintage and modern aircraft will be on display. Enjoy games and prizes for the kids and watch some fun pilot competitions.
The sponsoring group, Wings of the Ozarks, was incorporated in 2005 to serve the aviation needs of College of the Ozarks’ students and the people of southwest Missouri & northern Arkansas. A locally owned business, they offer flight training, aircraft rental, charter work and scenic tours & rides.
Free Admission! Bring the whole family!
The Taney County Airport is located at 469 Blue Sky Lane in Hollister. For more information please call 417-332-1545.
He’s blazed a trail in country music television and his weekly Branson TV show is offered to more than 45 million households nationwide. Now that trail has led him to a Branson theater home to be called The Gene Williams Theatre at the Branson Mall and home to a variety of live theater shows and the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show.”
The Gene Williams Theatre opened officially March 16 with the taping of the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show. His show will also be taped April 6, April 27, May 18, June 8, June 22, July 20, Aug. 10, Aug. 31, Sept. 21, Oct. 12 and Nov. 2. Admission for the studio audience is free and the doors open at 1 p.m. for the first taping at 2 p.m. Gene and his co-host Katie Lynn interview celebrity guest up close and personal. Katie Lynn and the weekly guests also perform with Williams’ band, the Country Junction Band.
Live theater shows will begin April 8 at 2 p.m. show with The Sweethearts of Branson Denny Yeary and Shelia Renee. Williams will be announcing a slate of celebrity guests for the 8 p.m. show with guest appearances by Johnny Lee - “Lookin’ for Love” on Sept. 2 and possibly Ed McMahon. A 10 a.m. and a 5 p.m. show are planned with celebrities to be announced.
The new box office phone number is 417-335-4400.
“I’ve taped my weekly Lucas Oil sponsored ‘Gene Williams Country Music Television Show’ in Branson for eight years at several different locations in Branson. It’s time to give it a permanent home in my own theater,” said Williams. “I’m looking forward to the entertainment we will be offering during the 2008 season and beyond.”
This is the second theater Williams has founded. In the 1970s and ‘80s, Williams started the Music Mountain Theater in Horseshoe Bend, Ark. There he featured headliners such as Roy Acuff, Mickey Gilley, Freddie Hart, Claude King, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Del Reeves, Hank Thompson, Buck Trent, Porter Wagoner, Tom T. Hall and Ernest Tubb.
Williams is the star, producer and creator of his weekly television show that is seen across the nation and into Canada and Puerto Rico. It is the longest running weekly television show in Branson and was listed as the most popular TV show in national ratings on WNGS Buffalo/Rochester, N.Y., and as a favorite TV show in the national magazine “Maxim.”
Williams’ TV guests have included Doug Kershaw, Ed McMahon, Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds, Johnny Cash’s band The Tennessee Three, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Fred Travalena, Charlie Louvin, Narvel Felts, Margo Smith, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ava Barber, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent, Johnny Lee, Gary P. Nunn, Todd Fritch, Ava Barber, Wanda Jackson and Razzy Bailey.
Williams’ career is filled with milestones. He has been presented the keys to his hometown, Dyess, Ark., and Horseshoe Bend, Ark. A historical marker in appreciation for his support to help preserve his hometown’s history was erected two years ago. A historical building there will be used for a museum recognizing the town’s significance and its former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams.
Recently he was recognized for his community commitment to the industry and presented an honorary doctorate degree in television and broadcast communications from St. Martins College. He has also been honored by the states of Arkansas and Missouri for his work in tourism, entertainment and community.
Nominated for induction into two halls of fame, the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Williams has worked with such greats as Johnny Cash, the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl and Jack Greene.
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 stars perform with the Country Junction Band.
David Letterman's Late Show Stupid Human/Pet Tricks
May 10, 2008
Times: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Branson Landing
Phone: 1-800-BRANSON
Tryouts for David Letterman’s Late Show Stupid Human/ Stupid Pet Tricks in Branson on Saturday, MAY 10. Auditions will be held from 10 am til 4 pm at Town Square in Branson Landing, Branson, MO 65616. For information go to explorebranson.com or call 1-800 BRANSON for more info
Branson Z Fest
May 9, 2008 - May 11, 2008 Add to Itinerary
http://www.dickclarksabbranson.com/area57/
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: 800-985-3144
David Letterman's Late Show Stupid Human/Pet Tricks
May 10, 2008
Times: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Branson Landing
Phone: 1-800-BRANSON
Tryouts for David Letterman’s Late Show Stupid Human/ Stupid Pet Tricks in Branson on Saturday, MAY 10. Auditions will be held from 10 am til 4 pm at Town Square in Branson Landing, Branson, MO 65616. For information go to explorebranson.com or call 1-800 BRANSON for more info…
Bluegrass & BBQ
May 10, 2008 - June 1, 2008
Times: Open daily from9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sat. & Sun., May 24 & 25 open 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
http://www.silverdollarcity.com
Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-475-9370
Admission: Call for more information
See 3-time Grammy Award-winning artists the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in a special concert on May 30! Plus, 6-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Rhonda Vincent comes home to Silver Dollar City May 11-13, 2007, IBMA Entertainers of the Year The Grascals return May 25-29, and 2006 Grammy Nominee Cherryholmes will perform May 26-28.
Factory Merchants Branson Teacher Appreciation Days
May 10, 2008 - May 11, 2008
http://www.BransonOutlets.com
Location: Factory Merchants Branson
Phone: (417) 335-4041
All school employees are invited to show their school ID in the Center Management Office (blg 10) for special discounts! Join us for refreshments. The first 25 to show their school ID will receive a free goodie bag! Just look for the red roofs!
Gift of Hope 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament
May 10, 2008
Times: 8:00 a.m.
http://www.giftofhopeinc.org
Location: Holiday Hills Golf Club in Branson
Phone: 417-546-4796 ext 2146
Admission: Call for more information
The charity golf event will help raise money to assist local children and families in need. The event kicks off with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. and will be followed by an awards ceremony and luncheon. Great prizes will be awarded including a 2008 Mustang GT donated by Tri-Lakes Ford-Mercury-Dodge-Jeep as a hole-in-one prize.
Since 1989, the Gift of Hope has been providing shelter, food, heat, school supplies and more to over 1,500 families in Taney County each year. The Gift of Hope continues to privide a wide range of assistance through its Share Program, School Days Program and BackPack Club.
For registration and information on the Gift of Hope's 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament, contact Julie Harrell. For more information on Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, visit www.holidayhills.com.
Mother and Daughter Tea/Exclusive Fashion Show and Tea with "Rose"
May 10, 2008
http://www.titanicbranson.com/
Location: The World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction
Phone: 417-334-9500
Reservation required.
Wings of the Ozarks Annual Fly-In
May 10, 2008
• Booths for rent for area businesses
• Games – Plinko, plane walk (cake walk), map matching game
• Contests/prizes
• Kids areas – videos, story time, airplane crafts, airplane race track
• Airplane rides
• Guest Speakers
• Food – Pancakes, BBQ
• Antique aircraft
Rock Ride Remember Motorcycle Rally
May 15, 2008 - May 18, 2008
http://www.dickclarksabbranson.com/area57/
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: 800-985-3144
Home School Day: Amazing Animals
May 16, 2008
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910 ext. 706
Admission: Registration required
Full day or half day classes availabile for ages 5-7 or 8-12.
Plumb Nellie Days, 35th Annual Hillbilly Festival & Craft Show
May 16, 2008 - May 18, 2008
http://www.downtownbranson.org/
Location: Downtown Branson
Phone: 888-322-2786
Admission: FREE
Crafters from around the Midwest join in this Ozarks heritage event that celebrates our tradition of fine hand-crafted products. Arts and Crafts are exhibited under tents.
Armed Forces Day
May 17, 2008
Times: 9:45 a.m.
http://www.bransonveterans.com
Location: Town Square at the Branson Landing, 2305 E. Kearney Springfield, MO 65803
Phone: (417) 337-8387, 417-864-7997
Admission: Adults: $5, Children (ages 6-12): $3, and children 5 & under are admitted free
Come and celebrate at the AIR & MILITARY MUSEUM of the OZARKS! Honor the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guards with us at. All current and past service people (with proof) will be admitted free. One dollar of all other admissions will go to a present service person’s family.
Refreshments, drawings, personalized dog tags, and more!
Free Outdoor Concert
May 19, 2008 - May 24, 2008
Location: Factory Merchants Branson
Factory Merchants Branson and Coca-Cola proudly present a free outdoor concert by the 399th Army Band from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. The 399th Army band will perform Wednesday, May 21, at 2:00pm in the lower courtyard of Factory Merchants Branson in support of Women Veterans Week (May 19-24). Please mark your calendars for this free, exciting, patriotic performance by our active duty personnel of Ft. Leonard Wood at Factory Merchants Branson, just look for the red roofs!
Women's Veteran Week
May 19, 2008 - May 25, 2008
http://www.bransonveterans.com
Phone: (417) 339-6823
Admission: Reservations for the special events are a must. Seating is limited.
We are encouraging our women veterans to plan their reunions this year here with us and also they are invited individually. A week of activities and shows are scheduled. There will be a Gala Banquet Dinner, May 19th at the Whitehouse Theatre. Connie Stevens, famed Hollywood actress, singer and businesswoman who performed with the Bob Hope USO shows is the Guest of Honor and feature Speaker for this evening's event. For more information contact Barbara Riggle.
Memorial Day Weekend – Arti-Gras Art Festival
May 23, 2008 - May 25, 2008
http://www.Area57Events.com
Location: Area 57
Phone: (417) 332-1960, (877) 588-1957
Sight & Sound Opening Day
May 24, 2008
Times: 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Location: Sight & Sound Theatre
Phone: (800) 377-1277
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
Home School Day: Amazing Animals
May 28, 2008
http://www.discoverycenter.org
Location: The Discovery Center
Phone: 417-862-9910 ext. 706
Admission: Registration required
Full day or half day classes availabile for ages 5-7 or 8-12.
Outdoor Music Event
May 30, 2008 - June 1, 2008
http://www.Area57Events.com
Location: Area 57
Phone: (417) 332-1960, (877) 588-1957
Wilderness Road Festival
May 30, 2008 - June 1, 2008
Location: Wildeye Ranch in Galena, MO
Phone: 417-357-6346
Enjoy Civil War reenactments, storytelling, music, craftsman as many people share the history of Missouri's Wilderness Road.
Annual Hydroplane Races
May 31, 2008 - June 1, 2008 Add to Itinerary
http://rockawaybeachchamber.com
Location: Rockaway Beach
Phone: 800-798-0178
AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night
May 31, 2008 Add to Itinerary
http://www.dickclarksabbranson.com/area57/
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: 800-985-3144
Missouri Republican State Convention
May 31, 2008 - June 2, 2008
Location: Chateau on the Lake, Branson
Phone: (573) 636-3146
Admission: mika@mogop.org
Every four years, thousands of Missouri Republicans gather at a State Convention to support our candidates and make decisions about our Party's future. The State Convention is truely a unique opportunity for Republicans to make their voices heard and to get involved.
Each year, we have numerous sponsors from around the state who support and sponsor our state convention. We especially welcome local support as a way to say "Welcome" to our convention attendees and let them know about your business or attractions while they are in the area. We have various levels of participation available. Sponsors will receive recognition in our convention program and throughout the weekend long events. If you or your company are interested, please contact Mika Schrimpf to discuss available opportunities.
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.
100 MPH Club Power Tour – Cruise In & Drive-in
June 7, 2008 - June 8, 2008
http://www.dickclarksabbranson.com/area57/
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: 800-985-3144
Annual Free Fishing Weekend
June 7, 2008 - June 8, 2008
http://rockawaybeachchamber.com
Location: Rockaway Beach
Phone: 800-798-0178
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.
36th Annual Rods 'n' Relics Weekend
June 14, 2008 - June 15, 2008
Location: Dick Clark American Bandstand in Branson, Missouri!! Area '57
Phone: 800-798-0178
Great games, prizes and grand prizes.
Flag Day
June 14, 2008
http://bransonveterans.com
Phone: 417-337-8387
Do you have a flag that is torn, tattered or worn out? You can turn it in for proper disposal at one of three locations in Branson: Frontier Flags (The Flag Store) 212 S. Commercial, the parking lot of the Veterans Memorial Museum, 1250 W. State Hwy 76, and the parking lot of Branson Mill Craft Village, along Gretna Rd. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the intersection of Gretna Rd, Hwy 76 and Hwy 165 we will be taking donation for the Avenue of Freedom. At 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Branson Mill Craft Village along Gretna Rd. we will show how to properly fold the flag and we will have a ceremony on how to properly dispose of the American Flag after it no longer serviceable. For more information contact Tom Goldsworthy.
9th Annual Route 66 Mopar Car Club
June 20, 2008 - June 22, 2008
http://www.dickclarksabbranson.com/area57/
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: 800-985-3144
Mopars in Branson Car Show
Annual Reeds Spring Music Weekend
June 20, 2008 - June 21, 2008 Add to Itinerary
Location: Downtown Reeds Spring
Phone: 417-272-0402
Concert at The Rock House, Friday night, Music at The Spring, Saturday (several groups will play), Concert & BBQ at The Rock House, Saturday night.
Ozark Mountain Outdoor Adventure Show
June 20, 2008 - June 22, 2008
http://www.tvcevents.com/
Phone: 417-334-1200
The first ever Ozark Mountain Outdoor Adventure Show will be a 3 day, fun filled event, for the entire family. Focusing on the outdoors, the show will encompass a wide range of outdoor activities from hunting to fishing, hiking to biking, climbing to driving; the show will cater to the super adventurous, to the novice looking for a more active lifestyle. Join us for seminars, techniques, event specials and discover what outdoor activities the Ozarks has to offer.
AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night
June 28, 2008
http://www.dickclarksabbranson.com/area57/
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: 800-985-3144
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