Branson Stars & Flags 2009 Book Award Winners Come to Branson

October 26th, 2009 by Press Release

Branson Stars and Flags will present awards to 10 of the 22 winning entries in the Branson Stars & Flags Book Awards at the Branson Veterans Week Opening Show on Thursday, November 5, 2:00pm, at the Mansion Theatre. The awards will be presented by last year’s winners; Eddie Beesley, a Marine who lost both his legs in Vietnam, and Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys.

All books are based on a military-related theme. Many of the authors are active-duty military, veterans or a military family member. Readers of nonfiction and fiction, as well as music, video and photography lovers will be able to find something special to take home from Branson. After the awards presentation, authors will sign books at Veterans Village and the various reunions throughout the week.

Award winners attending Veterans Week activities are listed below. The complete list of winners is available at www.bransonstarsandflags.com.

Grand Prize:    Tom Ruck for” Sacred Ground”
Historical Fiction Vietnam: Gold Medal to Lynn Salsi for “Firefight on Vietnam Brown Water”
Fiction – Thriller/Adventure:  Silver Medal to T.H.E. Hill for “Voices Under Berlin”
Non-fiction:    Gold Medal to Del Staecker for “The Lady Gangster;” Silver Medal to Gail Chatfield for “By Dammit, We’re Marines”
Inspirational:    Silver Medal to Deborah Tainsh for “Heart of a Hawk”
Poetry:    Gold Medal to Erwin Thompson (WWII vet) for “Worth Remembering: the Poetry of Our Heritage”
Photography:    Gold Medal to Tom Ruck for” Sacred Ground;” Silver Medal to Jim Staley for “Come In, Swanee Leader”
Audio/Video: Gold Medal to Jeff Senour for original song “Way Back Home;” Silver Medal to Denzil Batson for video “Korea: We Called It War”

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson News, Featured Articles, Press Release |

Andy Williams Grand Marshall for 3rd Branson Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade

October 24th, 2009 by Press Release

“Mr. Christmas” Andy Williams will usher in Ozark Mountain Christmas as the grand marshal for the Third Branson Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade on the world famous Highway 76 at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 7.

Branson celebrities, marching bands and floats will follow the 1.4 mile-long parade route beginning at White Water and ending at the Grand Village with a few pauses for stars to perform on stage in front of the Titanic Museum.

“When Ronald Reagan was president he declared that Andy Williams’ voice a national treasure. Here in Branson, we agree that he is not only our national treasure, but also our ‘Mr. Christmas’ in recognition of his traditional Christmas television specials, holiday albums and his annual Christmas show at the beautiful Moon River Theatre,” said Gary Bartlett of Midwest Concerts and Events and parade organizer.

Williams will be returning to Branson to launch his Christmas show and serve as grand marshal for the parade from a national tour promoting his autobiography, “Moon River and Me” and a concert in London.

In addition to Williams, celebrity performances include Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, the Lennon Sisters, the Osmonds, Tony Orlando, the Spirit of Christmas Dancers, the cast of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol’ from Silver Dollar City and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Debby Boone and Jimmy Osmond are hosts for the television special and extensive media coverage. The Saturday parade, which officially ushers in the holiday season for the entertainment town, has been labeled the “Macy’s of the Midwest” and will be featured on local and national television broadcasts. The television special will be broadcast Thanksgiving Day and rebroadcast Christmas Day to an estimated 102 million plus households across the nation. In the Springfield/Branson area the parade special will be televised on KSFX Ozarks FOX and The Vacation Channel. National broadcasts are on RFD TV and Retro Television Network (RTN). RFD TV is carried on several satellite and cable providers including over 625 independent cable operators to 42 million households and RTN is seen in 17 of the top 25 markets to more than 60 million households on nearly 100 stations in cities such as Pittsburg, Atlanta, Seattle, Orlando, St. Louis and Boston, according to Nielsen ratings.

In Branson KOMC‐FM will present an uninterrupted live broadcast 10:30 a.m. to noon. Eric Marshall will be the host of the radio broadcast.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Featured Articles, Press Release |

Branson’s Liverpool Legends guest on ‘Gene Williams TV Show’

October 19th, 2009 by Press Release

They were hand-picked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison of the Beatles, to recreate the famous band and this week the Liverpool Legends are the guests on the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show” to be telecast Oct. 24 and 25.

“The Liverpool Legends return to my show for a chat and announcement that the band will be finishing this season in Branson at the Starlite Theatre and moving to the Manson in 2010. The band has toured the world, playing in historic venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Cavern Club in Liverpool, recording at the famed Abbey Road Studios in London and performing with Denny Laine (co-founder of Wings with Paul McCartney), Pete Best (the original Beatles drummer) and the Boston Pops. They appeared on The Travel Channel’s “Beatlemania Britain” and headlined International Beatles Week in Liverpool where 100,000 Beatles fans jammed Victoria Street to hear them in concert,” said Williams, the star and creator of the “Gene Williams Country TV Show.”

The show is co-hosted by Katie Lynn who 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 10 years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. She is finishing her fifth CD release titled Me and Jesus Laughing. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800- 785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Featured Articles, Press Release |

Mike Walker guests on ‘Gene Williams TV Show’

September 28th, 2009 by Press Release

Branson impressionist Mike Walker is the next guest on the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show.” The show is scheduled to be telecast Oct. 3 and 4.

“My friend Mike Walker has mastered over 150 different voices including presidents, actors, cartoon characters, and singers ranging from Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, and Michael Bolton. Mike has even mastered me! He is the only artist to perform on the Graceland estate. He’s a wonderful talent and a great guest. I am happy to have him return as my guest and taking time out from his busy schedule performing at the God and Country Theatre,” said Williams, the star and creator of the “Gene Williams Country TV Show” which was taped live in Branson, Mo., for the past eight years and recently was moved to be taped live in the NBC affiliate KY3 Studios in Springfield, Mo., and will continue to feature the shows and stars from Branson and country music.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800- 785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Press Release |

Grape Stomp at Hollister Grape and Fall Festival

September 24th, 2009 by Press Release

The 11th Annual Hollister Grape and Fall Festival, presented by the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hollister, will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 10 am to 6 pm on Downing Street in Historic Downtown Hollister.

The Grape and Fall Festival features great food, crafts, children’s activities, live music and entertainment from some of Branson’s best performers, a wine tasting garden, and the signature event—the world famous Grape Stomp competition sponsored by Branson Ridge Winery, where teams compete for the honor of winning the Ugly Monkey Trophy.  The annual event is one of the most popular in the region, and attendance has exceeded 5,000 people in previous years.  This year promises to be the most exciting and well-attended Grape and Fall Festival ever.

The Grape Stomp competition is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Hollister.  Stomping teams wear costumes and choreograph their two-minute routine, while toga-clad local elected officials, like Taney County Presiding Commissioner Chuck Pennell and Hollister Mayor David Tate judge their efforts.  This year, five teams will be competing for the honor.  Our local dignitaries are above reproach, but during the Grape Stomp competition, the teams are encouraged to win the judge’s favor with baked goods, pies, and other treats.

The Grape and Fall Festival is a celebration of Hollister’s 100 year history.  In the early days, Hollister was an important stop on the railroad, and autumn was the time of year when people brought agricultural products and other goods to Hollister for transportation to larger markets.  2010 is Hollister’s Centennial, and there are plenty of events being planned to usher in this important milestone in Hollister’s History.

Schedule of Events

8:00 am Bike Ride
Registration for the bike ride begins at 7:30 am, and the riders will leave from Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park in Downtown Hollister at 8:00.  This 12 mile fun-ride will go through Hollister to Branson Creek and back.

10:00 am – 6:00 pm Festival
Food, crafts, and live music from some of the area’s best groups on Historic Downing Street in Downtown Hollister.  Kids activities and fun for everyone.

2:00 pm Grape Stomp Competition
Teams compete for the Ugly Monkey Trophy by winning the judges’ favor in this hilarious and entertaining event.  Contestants are up to their knees in grapes.

For more information on the Hollister Grape & Fall Festival call 417.334.3050 or contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800- 785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Featured Articles, Hollister, Press Release |

Branson Stars and Fireworks for 2009 Branson Landing 2009 Concert Finale

September 24th, 2009 by Press Release

Branson Landing announced its final Concert Series event for the 2009 Season– kicking off at 8:00 PM on Friday, September 25th. The local community and visitors are invited to join us in Branson Landing’s Town Square for an evening full of Stars, Great Music and Fireworks!

The evening’s events will include an entertainment lineup showcasing some of the amazing STARS located right here in Branson, MO, featuring Clay Cooper & Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express with Special Guest Star performances by Collin Raye, Barbara Fairchild, Roy Rogers, Jr., The World Famous Platters and the Liverpool Legends.

“Throughout the event, the night skies will “Light Up” with entertainment provided by some of Branson’s Star Power plus an extraordinary Fireworks Spectacular, produced and presented by the American Pyro-technics Association[APA],” stated Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing. “We’re thrilled that the APA convention has selected Branson Landing as one of the locations to showcase their fireworks displays and look forward to welcoming all of their members while in Branson during their 61st annual convention.  And, we’re extremely proud to showcase some of the amazing talent and STARS we have right here in Branson, on our stage that evening – right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains,” said Scholten.

According to APA Executive Director Julie L. Heckman, “We are delighted to bring our annual convention to Branson… We look forward to our time in Branson and we hope to delight the community with amazing, memorable fireworks that leave a lasting impression for all!”

Heckman continued, “Please join us and see what the premier trade association of the fireworks industry, APA, has to offer.” She said it would be an unforgettable fireworks display including a “close proximity” rooftop display and more, all choreographed to a lively “gaming” theme with a grand finale on the waterfront – fired from a barge on Lake Taneycomo, featuring a tribute to “Beatles Love” – followed by an unforgettable LIVE performance from the Liverpool Legends.

“All of the entertainment and fireworks displays will be near the Landing’s signature Fountains and this one-of-a-kind choreographed show is sure to WOW both young and young-at-heart, as it builds to an awe-inspiring Gateway Fireworks Signature Grand Finale on the waterfront. – not soon to be forgotten,” said Scholten.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800- 785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Press Release |

Gene Williams inducted into George D. Hay Music Hall of Fame

September 24th, 2009 by Press Release

Gene Williams, Loretta Lynn, Mike Snider and the late Dottie Rhodes were inducted Sept. 20 into the George D. Hay Music Hall of Fame, named for the man who created the Grand Ole Opry.

They join the ranks of past inductees such as Ferlin Husky, Jan Howard, George Jones, Skeeter Davis, Bill Carlisle, Kitty Wells, Bill Anderson, Jean Shepard, Jim Owen, Conway Twitty, Bill Monroe, Barbara Fairchild, Jeannie Seely, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, June Carter Cash, Charley Pride, Leroy Van Dyke, Jim Ed Brown, Hank Williams Sr., Brenda Lee and Ray Price.
Since 1998, the George D. Hay Music Hall of Fame and Foundation has been honoring the memory of George D. Hay, who credited a hoe down in the town as the inspiration for his creation of the Grand Ole Opry. Both the hall of fame and foundation have the support and encouragement of Hay’s daughter, Margaret Hay-Van Damm.

“The (George D. Hay Music) Hall of Fame induction, by foundation selection, is a means of recognizing rare individuals who have played an outstanding and enduring role in the world of country music. Your musical history and career set you apart as one such individual,” said Bob Ross, president and 2009 awards chair of the hall and the foundation. “Gene is a man who strives to keep alive the spirit of country music for all music fans.” Williams received a standing ovation from the crowd attending the induction ceremony.

Katie Lynn, Williams’ co-host, sang the tribute for Williams, backed by the Rhodes Show Band including Craig Morris, pianist and harmony singer with Ronnie McDowell, Pam Tillis and Donny and Marie Osmond and currently tours with Loretta Lynn.

Williams expressed his appreciation to his fans and reminisced about his country music career. He said “I am honored to be included with country icon Loretta Lynn, Dottie Rhodes, entertainer and wife of Hall of Fame member Dusty Rhodes, and Mike Snider, an extraordinarily talented musician in country music.” Williams thanked the late Slim Rhodes, brother-in-law of Dottie Rhodes, for encouraging him in 1963 to start on TV in Jonesboro, Ark. Slim Rhodes’ nieces and Dottie Rhodes’ two daughters, Donna Rhodes-Morris and Sandra Rhodes, attended and performed at the event.

The Gene Williams Country Music TV Show was featured in the June 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens as a nostalgia experience in a live television show.  For the past eight years the show has been taped in Branson, Mo., live before a studio audience. Guests have included Mickey Gilley, who is his current announcer, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Johnny Lee, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, Johnny Cash’s band The Tennessee Three, the Blackwood Brothers, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent, Wanda Jackson and many more.

Williams’ television career led to his making two movies, Country Music Jamboree and Sound of Country Music that starred more than 39 Grand Ole Opry stars. He has worked with such greats as Johnny Cash, the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, Charlie Walker, Del Reeves, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl and Jack Greene.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800- 785-1550or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Posted in Branson Entertainment, Branson News, Press Release |

Nine Table Rock Lake Corps Parks Close for Season

September 23rd, 2009 by Press Release

The Army Corps of Engineers at Table Rock Lake closed nine of its parks Sept. 15 for the 2009 recreation season.  These parks include Cricket Creek, Aunts Creek, Baxter, Big M, Campbell Point, Long Creek, Moonshine Beach, Viola and Viney Creek.  The boat launch ramp at these parks will continue to be open and area use fees will still apply.

Camping is still available through Oct. 31 at Cape Fair, Eagle Rock, Indian Point and Old Highway 86 parks. To make a reservation for one of these recreation areas you can call the National Recreation Reservation Service toll free at 877-444-6777, or you can log onto www.recreation.gov and make your reservation via the internet.

For more information about Table Rock Lake, visit the website at www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/tablerock or contact the Chief Recreation Ranger Jeff Farquhar at (417) 334-4101 extension 3013.

Posted in Branson Outdoors, Outdoors, Press Release |

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