July 16, 2009

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New Roads Making Branson Travel Easier

Getting to the Branson/Lakes Area, and getting around once you're here, is becoming easier thanks to several highway projects in Missouri and Arkansas.

On July 16, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department opened the new four-lane U.S. Highway 65 from the Missouri state line to Harrison, Ark. Drivers from the south will enjoy continuous divided highway from Harrison to Branson. The new highway also connects with the new U.S. 412/62 interchange north of Harrison, which improves access from Eureka Springs and Northwest Arkansas.

U.S. 65, especially the section between Harrison and Branson, is a major thoroughfare to the Branson/Lakes Area from the south. Even though the new highway is open, portions are still being paved and drivers are advised to expect some delays until the road is completed.

The Missouri Department of Transportation also is planning to improve the stretch of Missouri Highway 13 between Branson West and Kimberling City. Highway 13 serves as a major route to Table Rock Lake, Branson West and Kimberling City. The first priority is widening a section of the highway between Branson West and Kimberling City to four lanes. MoDOT identified this stretch of highway as a priority for rural Missouri and plans to begin construction on the $20-million project in 2011.

And getting around Branson is about to get easier, too. In September, the new Fall Creek Road extension is scheduled to open. The new three-lane road begins at the Highway 76 Strip near Dixie Stampede and goes north, giving drivers an easy cut-through to Roark Valley Road (the Blue Route).

And drivers aren't the only ones finding it easier to get to Branson ... 2009 has already seen more than $250 million in air-travel improvements, including the opening of the new Springfield-Branson Midfield Terminal and the opening of the new Branson Airport.

New Shows Add to Family Fun in Branson This Summer

A pirate and a princess, a circus, a cowboy, and a 50-year tradition of live music shows await guests in the happiest (and most affordable) family destination of Branson, Missouri.

Peter Pan and his loveable nemesis Captain Hook, Princess of Magic Bambi VanBurch, Yakov’s Moscow Circus and entertainer Neal McCoy are all NEW in town for the summer. With special prices for families, Branson now has even more live entertainment for all generations to enjoy! From kids to grandparents, there’s plenty for everybody to see and do in this wonderful Ozark Mountain town.

Cathy Rigby stars in the title role of J. M. Barrie’s classic children’s story Peter Pan and lights up the stage at The Mansion Theatre with her high-flying talent. With sets and special effects from the Broadway play itself, Peter, Wendy, the Lost Boys and Tinker Bell are in town to charm visitors of all ages through the 2009 holiday season. “I am so happy to be in Branson! I’ve brought along six family members of all ages because there is truly something fun here for everyone,” said Cathy Rigby.

At the nearby Music City Centre, Princess of Magic Bambi VanBurch has her own new afternoon show, while continuing to perform with her husband Kirby VanBurch in their popular magical show each evening. Awarded the Female Magician of the Decade by the International Magicians Society, Bambi’s show provides a unique feminine perspective on the world of magic. The many magical treats audiences are enjoying include mysterious floating objects, mind-reading, Origami Illusions, disappearing acts, and there’s even a kangaroo!

Yakov’s Moscow Circus is a new show presented by the famous Russian Comedian, Yakov Smirnoff. It features a revolving line-up of physical performance artists (both human and animal) such as the Human Slinky, Fire Eatin’ Lady, Adagio Stars, Clowns, Mishka Bears, and more. Yakov says, “Only in Branson can you find these international talents. We have Japanese fiddler, Chinese Acrobats, Russian Comedian, Moscow Circus…and the Baldknobbers.”

Also appearing at Yakov’s Theatre is triple-platinum recording artist and two-time entertainer of the year, Neal McCoy. Known for his fast-moving shows and fun music, Neal McCoy says, “I like to entertain and have a great time with the folks. Here in Branson, people know how to have a good time! So that’s what we’re planning on doing and you gotta love that.”

Along with over 100 shows, a multitude of family attractions and three lakes, Branson’s exciting summer entertainment scene includes: Silver Dollar City’s National KidsFest through August 9 featuring the first appearance of JEERK in the U.S. and the magic of Peter Gossamer. Moonlight Madness runs July 27 through August 9, when the park will stay open ’til 10 p.m. Southern Gospel Picnic with hundreds of performances from top Gospel stars will open on August 27.

Titanic Branson's "Jack Dawson" in Regis & Kelly Look-A-Like Contest

Winner to be Announced Friday On Regis & Kelly Live

Nineteen year-old Missourian, Frank Roberts, is currently wowing Titanic Museum Attraction visitors with his amazing resemblance to Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jack Dawson, from the movie Titanic. Frank is among the final contenders in the Regis & Kelly Celebrity Look-A-Like Contest.

Finalists in "Live's" celebrity contest include look-alikes of Sean Connery, Robert de Nero, Liz Taylor, Bette Midler, Matthew McConaughey and more. "Of course, we have our fingers crossed that our Leonardo DiCaprio, a.k.a. Frank Roberts, will win. He is amazing, as everyone who has visited Titanic Branson this month can attest," says owner Mary Kellogg. "Frank will be with us throughout the month, so we invite you to stop by and say hello to our newest star."

The World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction has been in operation for three years and has welcomed aboard more than 1.6 million guests. The 17,000-square-foot ship-shaped structure – built half-scale to the original Titanic – towers more than 100 feet above its anchored position on Highway 76. A 90-minute self-guided or optional audio tour covers 20 galleries on two decks displaying more than 4,000 priceless artifacts that once belonged to Titanic passengers or crew.

Chateau On The Lake Features Sunday Champagne Brunch

Looking for a relaxing way to spend your Sunday? Consider experiencing Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa’s “Sunday Champagne Brunch.” While the wide range of delicious offerings is enough reason to go, the incredible view overlooking pristine Table Rock Lake and the ambiance of the picturesque Chateau Grille make it a truly enjoyable experience.

The Champagne Brunch features carved-to-order roasts; an incredible raw bar with chilled shrimp, snow crab legs, and oysters on the half shell; an array of additional entrées that change weekly; made-to-order omelets; a variety of scrumptious salads, soups, breakfast selections, fruits and cheeses, and side dishes; and an impressive dessert buffet. All are created by the resort’s Executive Chef Doug Knopp and his culinary team.

The “Champagne Sunday Brunch” is every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and the cost is $30.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 4-12, and free for children 3 and under with a paid adult. Reservations are recommended, and may be made by calling (417) 334-1161 or (888) 333-5253.

“The brunch is a great way to enjoy a Sunday,” said Stephen Marshall, vice president and general manager of Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa.

Owned and managed by Springfield-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa boasts an impressive mountaintop and lakefront setting, a vast array of recreational options, award-winning service, and a location convenient to the diverse entertainment offerings of popular Branson. For more information or reservations to the resort, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com

Hiltons of Branson Offering "Moon River Package," One-Time-Only Charity Package

Charity Package Includes Round of Golf With Andy Williams At Payne Stewart Golf Club

The Hiltons of Branson announced an exciting new vacation package that combines the very best in accommodations and entertainment. The Moon River Package offers guests spectacular accommodations at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, and tickets to one of Branson’s hottest shows at the Moon River Theatre featuring either Andy Williams, or the Bill Medley/Paul Rivere and the Raiders Show. Also included is breakfast at Trofi, the Mediterranean style restaurant conveniently located in the Hilton Branson Convention Center hotel. Prices for this package begin at $179.00 plus all applicable taxes. The package also includes a great discount on golf at Branson’s newest championship course, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, for just $63 per round.

For a limited time, a very special Andy Williams Charity Golf Package is also being offered. The one-time-only package gives Andy Williams fans a chance to play 18 holes with the venerable entertainer. This package includes:

One round of golf with Andy Williams at the Payne Stewart Golf Club
Two nights deluxe accommodations in the Presidential Suite of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel
Tickets to the Moon River Theatre to see either the Andy Williams Show or the Bill Medley/Paul Rivere and the Raiders Show
Dinner at the Moon River Grill prior to the show
Limousine service during your stay in Branson
Price for the one-time-only package is $12,000, with proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Club.

"This is a great opportunity to come and personally experience the very best of what Branson has to offer,” said Bill Derbins, General Manager, Hiltons of Branson. "Not only do you get to play a round of golf with an entertainment giant on this beautiful new golf course, you’ll be helping a very worthwhile charity at the same time."

To get more information on the Andy Williams Charity Golf Package call Bill Tirone, Director of Sales and Marketing, Hiltons of Branson, at 417-243-3410. Only one of these packages will be sold! For more information on the Moon River package call 417-336-5400 or check the Hotel Specials section of www.promenadebransonlanding.hilton.com or www.bransonconventioncenter.hilton.com.

AirTran Airways Completes Installation of Wi-Fi on Every Flight, Including Those To Branson

AirTran Airways announced that it has completed installation of Gogo Inflight Internet on all 136 of its aircraft. This milestone makes AirTran the first major airline to equip its entire fleet with Wi-Fi. AirTran Airways operates two flights per day to Branson Airport, both from Atlanta.

Wi-Fi enables business travelers to connect to the Internet and corporate e-mail and network systems (virtual private networks), staying productive in the air. It offers unlimited entertainment options to leisure travelers, including surfing the net, instant messaging, updating Facebook pages, Twitter accounts or anything else you can do online on the ground.

"When you get onboard an AirTran Airways jet, you know exactly what you're going to get — an assigned seat on a full-sized, new Boeing jet with Business Class, a friendly crew, complimentary XM Satellite Radio and now Wi-Fi," said Bob Fornaro, chairman, president and CEO of AirTran Airways. "It's that consistent, low-cost, high-quality experience that sets us apart from our competitors."

For more information about AirTran Airways flights to and from Branson Airport, go to www.flybranson.com. While at the site, take a look at some of the latest airfare deals to and from Branson — ncluding Atlanta ($79 one way), where you can make connections to more than 50 plus destinations, Dallas-Ft. Worth ($64 one way) and Minneapolis ($79 one way).

Branson/Lakes Area Calendar of Events

May 29 - August 9
Branson Landing’s 3rd Annual School Shoes for Kids
Please join us this year in our community outreach program "School Shoes for Kids," providing school children in need with brand new tennis shoes to start the new school year! It’s easy to sponsor a child simply purchase a NEW pair of children’s tennis shoes and drop them off at one of the Branson Landing Sponsor locations. This year, Branson Landing has partnered with OnMedia and PETER PAN and for each pair of shoes donated, the donor will receive one FREE 2009 Child’s Admission Ticket to see the amazing Cathy Rigby in PETER PAN at The Mansion Theatre - as our way of saying Thank You!With your donation, together we can make a real difference for the children of Stone and Taney County School Systems. See below for a list of the 2009 Branson Landing "School Shoes for Kids" Sponsors and the drop-off locations at Branson Landing.Bass Pro ShopsFamous FootwearJourneysJustice Just for GirlsNew Balance BransonPaylessTradehome Shoes"School Shoes for Kids"... brought to you by OnMedia, Branson Landing, The Mansion Entertainment and Media Center and sponsors.

June 6 - August 9
National Kids’ Fest
Get ready for the All-NEW Fun Family Ride coming to Silver Dollar City next spring. We can’t tell you what it is just quite yet, we’re trying to keep the secret as long as we can! But we’ll be spilling the beans soon enough, so continue to watch the website for updates.

July 13 - July 17
American Kids National Finals
The nation’s only little league of entertainers hosts its annual membership competition. Competition 9 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday. Top 25 All Star Show is Friday at 2 p.m. $1,500 top prize. Wednesday performance workshops, limited space open to public; call 417-337-8964 for time and location.

July 14 - July 17
Branson Gospel Music Convention
11am-4pm and ticketed nightly concerts from 6pm - 11:30pm.
YMR Music Productions is pleased to announce the First Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention. This event will be held July 14-17, 2009 at the new Branson Convention Center, 200 Sycamore Street, in the heart of Branson, MO. The venue will feature 240 exhibit booths for artists and a 1650 seat auditorium for showcase and main event concerts. The theme of the first event will be celebrating the legends and legacy of southern gospel music. The Blackwood Quartet, The Stamps, The Florida Boys, and The Chuck Wagon Gang - all names that have helped make southern gospel music what it is today - will be appearing on stage. In addition, some of the best known names both from a national and regional level will be participating as well. There are free concerts daily from 11am-4pm and ticketed nightly concerts from 6pm - 11:30pm. Tickets are $20 for reserved seats, $15 for general admission, with 4-night, child, and group discounts available. Tickets are available at www.bransongmc.com or by visiting a Christian Book Outlet location in Branson. The full concert line-ups are available on the website as well.

July 15 - July 19
10th Annual Clown Jam
An entertaining and educational experience for anyone who would like to learn how to become a clown or magician. Clown Jam is very proud to host Kid Jam which is 3 day event designed for children 10-15. They are taught makeup, skits, balloons and magic. For graduation, they perform on the evening show. Each registration includes two banquets and two shows. Registration is open to the public. There is an additional public show on Wednesday the 15th that is $10 adults and $5 for kids.

National Day of Atomic Remembrance
Thursday, July 16
President George W. Bush declared July 16th as a National day for all military groups and veteans associated with the nuclear programs.

Forsyth Fun Day
Saturday, July 18
Includes cardboard boat races, rubber ducky derby, and bbq cook off.

July 18 - July 19
Ozark Shooters Sports Complex - Branson Gun Show
9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 to 3:00 on Sunday.

Lost Highway In Concert At Branson Landing
Friday, July 24, 8 pm.
Join us on Friday, July 24th at 8 PM for this rockin’ concert! Lost Highway is an amazing cover band playing the greatest hits of the 80’s, 90’s & Now! Head to Town Square in front of the Branson Landing Fountains to see this great group perform Live In Concert!Don’t miss this FRIDAY night concert with Lost Highway ? starting at 8 PM in front of the Branson Landing Fountains!

The Carney & Quinn Trio Featuring Mike Williamson
Saturday, July 25, 12 noon - 2 p.m.
Summer Music Series Presented by Coca-Cola

Korean War Armistice Day
Sunday, July 26
This memorial ceremony salutes those veterans who returned and the ones who didn’t from the "Forgotten War" The Harry S. Truman Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association host this ceremony at the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery located on East Highway 76.

July 30 - August 3
The Back-To-School & Fall Preview Sale
Find the best deals for all your back-to-school needs during this sidewalk sale. Just look for the "red roofs".

Firefall In Concert At Branson Landing
Saturday, August 1, 8 p.m.
FIREFALL consists of a group of exceptional musicians and singers, with a repertoire of radio recognizable songs few bands can match. Their many hits - "You Are The Woman", "Just Remember I Love You", "Strange Way", "Cinderella", "Mexico", "Living Aint Livin", "So Long", "Goodbye, I Love You", "Sweet and Sour" and others ? are faithfully recreated with a freshness rare in live performances of such classics.From 1976 through the early 1980s, the Boulder, Colorado-based rock band, FIREFALL, saturated the national radio waves and toured the world over, selling millions of records and earning two platinum and three gold albums for their efforts. They have shared the stages with the top bands of the day ? Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, The Band, Lynard Skynard, Marshall Tucker Band, Chicago, The Beach Boys, Loggins & Messina, America, Bob Seger, Heart and many, many others. FIREFALL transcends and embraces many industry labels ? rock, soft rock, country rock, easy listening, unplugged, Americana and contemporary country. FIREFALL is as vital and valid as ever, standing out as one of the few remaining torchbearers for harmony ? laden rock; a welcome blast from the past ? focused firmly on the future. Join us for this very special Saturday night concert with FIREFALL on August 1st - starting at 8 PM in front of the Branson Landing Fountains!

August 6 - August 8
Super Summer Cruise
The Super Summer Cruise is the premier car event in Branson, Missouri, held annually during the second weekend in August. It features the Show’n’Shine with over 500 cars and trucks on display at The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead. The event concludes with the Midnight Cruise, a three mile parade of vehicles down Highway 76 and The Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Don’t miss this fantastic weekend of fun!

August 7 - August 9
Missouri State Sales Tax Free Weekend
Just in time for back-to-school, pay no Missouri state sales tax on all clothing, shoes and other qualified items.

4 Jax In Concert At Branson Landing
Friday, August 7, 8 p.m.
Join us for an unforgettable concert on Friday, August 7th at 8:00 PM with the 4 Jax, a Missouri based band ? featuring 2 time CBS Star Search Winner? and Stevie Wonder duet performer (on the Oprah Show) ? JAKE SIMPSON! You will find that Jake Simpson on Vocals and Keys - is backed by some of the finest musicians out of the Midwest - (Justin Ward on Guitar, Bart Kelley on Drums and Donnie Inman on Bass) and having played together since their college days, the 4 Jax are one of the tightest and most dynamic shows you’ll find anywhere - playing all of those 80’s Covers we love! This is one concert you don’t want to miss ? so? join us on Friday, August 7th for an unforgettable evening with the 4 Jax and Jake Simpson. Concert begins at 8pm on Friday evening ? right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains! Don’t miss this chance to catch a Star.

Ozarks Teen Challenge Annual Graduation Banquet
Friday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.
Ozarks Teen Challenge will be holding its second graduation since its program for juvenile boys struggling with life-controlling issues opened in September 2007. Five students will be honored for completing the 15-month program and taking the next step in rebuilding relationships with God and their families. This year’s graduates to date are Andrew Hampson, A.J. Sheffield, David Wadsworth, Cory Jobe and Michael Ott. Dinner will be catered by Light for the Lost, a national men’s ministry of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, and the event is open to the public.

Robot Workshop
Friday, August 14, 6 - 8 pm for age 6+
We want parent and child duo to enjoy an evening of fun and learning while putting together the 6 in 1 solar kit robot that you can take home.

August 15 - September 26
New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition
Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Noon - 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 1-4 p.m. Evenings & Sundays for groups by appointment.
The White River Valley Historical Society (WRVHS), in cooperation with the Missouri Humanities Council, will explore aspects of America’s roots music as it hosts the local showing of New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition. Free events, times, dates and locations include: Opening Night Concert with BIG SMITH and Blues by Pokey LaFarge. Sunday, Aug. 16, 4 p.m. Shadowrock Park, Forsyth. Gospel Gathering with some of the Ozarks’ best gospel groups. Sunday, Aug. 23, 2 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Branson. Music at the Cabin: Celtic, British and American Ballads from Nancy Walker and Mike Micham. Judy Domeny and The Stringfield Band. Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m., The Log Cabin at Shadowrock Park, Forsyth. Pickin’ Party: Old Time Jam Session & Potluck. Friday, Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m., The Taney Center, Forsyth. WRVHS Quarterly Meeting & 3rd Annual Ice Cream Social. Native American Music: Sunday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m., The Taney Center, Forsyth. Weekly free “brown bag” lunchtime events at the Museum include: “Get Downtown” free lunchtime concerts, Each Thursday, noon, WRVHS Museum. Kids Konnection each Tuesday, noon, Museum. Lunch & Learn music programming for adults, each Wednesday, noon, Museum. Karaoke 4 Kids, each Saturday, 1-4 p.m., Museum. New Harmonies events culminate in the only ticketed event of the series, the Second Annual Shadowrock Jubilee featuring a variety of bands - The Best of Roots Music. Tickets will cost $8 in advance at the museum and $10 at the gate. The Jubilee will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, at 4 p.m., in Shadowrock Park, Forsyth. Information about the “new Harmonies exhibit, activities and events can be obtained by calling the White River Valley Historical Society and Museum. New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. More information about New Harmonies and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions can be found at www.museumonmainstreet.org.

August 17 - August 20
Military Reunion Planners Conference
Ask for Debbie Chesnokov or Lennie Neimeyer.

The Mark Chapman Band In Concert At Branson Landing
Friday, August 21, 8 p.m.
Don’t miss this Friday Night Concert by The Mark Chapman Band on Friday, August 21st at 8:00 PM - right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains! The Mark Chapman Band (MCB) is a regional favorite based out of Springfield, MO - labeled by the Media as a Modern Country, Alt-Rock and Red Dirt Band and? they are coming to the Branson Landing!Mark your calendars for The Mark Chapman Band performing right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains on Friday, August 21st. Concert begins at 8pm ? so join us for an unforgettable evening of music ? you’ll hear it all, from Country, to Rock and Pop!

6th Annual Moonlight Bike Ride to benefit Discovery Center
Saturday, August 22, 8:00 - 11:00 pm
Sponsored by Sunshine Bike Shop, Great Southern Bank & CoxHealth Plans. From 8:00 - 9:15 pm enjoy astronomy exhibits and party in the parking lot. Ride through the streets of downtown and then enjoy Pancakes from Village Inn after the ride. 1st 100 riders to pre-register will get a bike headlight courtesy of Sunshine Bike Shop For more information check the website at www.discoverycenter.org.

August 27 - August 30
"Battle at the Beach" Battle of the Bands Contest and Music Festival
ALL Bands, Solo Artists and Genres of music, original or Cover songs are invited. Amateur artists only please! First Place Prize: 8 hrs of Studio Recording Time (Paradise NKR Recording), Record label, Booking Agent, Photo Shoot (other prizes TBA). Family-friendly music ONLY please. No profanity or lewd acts allowed in lyrics or stage performance! Special guest judges. Preliminary rounds for the final 12 bands will be judged by the audience on Thursday and Friday. Final elimination round on Saturday, so come hungry and ready to play. Final four bands will battle on Sunday. Preliminary and final round sets to be no more than 15 min or 2-4 songs of original or cover song/music. Final round sets will be no more than 30 minutes so come hungry and ready to play Entry Fees: $75.00 per band or solo performer. Bring your amps, mikes and cords. Back up music is available (CD or Live) for solo performers. If extra equipment is needed there will be an extra charge of $25.00 (amps, cords, mikes etc.)Rooms and lodging are available in Rockaway Beach as well as the surrounding area. For information by phone please call Cruiser: 417-464-8735

August 27 - September 7
Southern Gospel Picnic
Closed Aug. 24-26
See hundreds of performances from the top names in southern gospel music! The heavens will resound with the sweet sounds of your favorite southern gospel groups on stages throughout the park by day.

Big Smith In Concert At Branson Landing
Friday, August 28, 8 p.m.
Mark your calendars because you don’t want to miss Big Smith’s Concert at Branson Landing as they kick off the Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival Weekend! Straight out of Springfield, MO, this band composed of five cousins is bound together by blood and harmony, both of which make up this great American band. Big Smith has earned a devoted following playing raucous acoustic music that has captured the spirit of their native Ozarks. Equipped only with an acoustic guitar, mandolin, bass fiddle and washboard they continue to demonstrate to unsuspecting audiences that joy and liberation can be found in an unlikely combination including the energy of bluegrass, the sound of gospel harmonies and the raw mojo of indigenous, authentic Ozarks culture.Don’t miss this special FRIDAY night concert with local favorites, BIG SMITH, starting at 8 PM in front of the Branson Landing Fountains!

August 28 - August 30
The 21st Annual Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival & Mid-American Fiddlers Championship
When “Big Smith” concert: 8:00 pm, Friday, August 28th Fiddle Prelims: 10:00 am – 7:00pm, Saturday, August 29th Gospel Celebration: 10:00 am, Sunday, August 30th Fiddle Finals: 12 noon – 5:00 pm, Sunday, August 30th Where The Concert and Contest will be held “On the Banks of Lake Taneycomo” at The Branson Landing. The Historic Downtown area will host fiddling seminars and other activities in the Ozarks Music & Culture Tent; additionally, there will be street performances, sidewalk sales, a Farmers Market and more throughout the Downtown area. Facts Over $5,000 in cash prizes! There are six divisions: Pee Wee (9 and younger), Junior (10 through 16), Senior (60 and older), Cross Tuning, Seconding (Guitar/Bass accompaniment) and Open. Additionally, all division winners (except the Cross Tuning and Seconding) will compete Sunday afternoon for a Grand Prize title. There is no charge to enter the contest. All events will be free to the public. There will be special guest appearances by Branson musicians and entertainers throughout the contest! To enter or for more information call (417) 334-1548.

Eddie Gumucio & The Electrics in Concert
Saturday, August 29, 12 noon - 2 p.m.
Summer Music Series Presented by Coca-Cola

1st Annual Guns and Hoses Fishing Tournament
Saturday, August 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lilleys' Landing Resort & Marina is hosting the 1st Annual Guns and Hoses Fishing Tournament on August 29th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds go to the Branson Fire and Police auxiliary funds to help support our community. The entry fee is $75 and prizes will be awarded for 1st through 3rd places and big fish. To register your two-man team email Megan@lilleyslanding.com for an entry form.