The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau announced today the recipients of the 2004 community awards. The awards were presented at the Chamber’s annual Black Tie dinner and gala held February 25, 2005 at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO.

Corporate sponsors for the evening were Akers & Arney Insurance, Ozark Mountain Bank, ReserveBRANSON.com and Ozarks Family Vision Centre/Missouri Eye Institute. In addition to dinner and entertainment provided by The Thundering Red Rockets, the evening served as an opportunity to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the Branson/Lakes area. The awards presented at the 2005 event were:

The Mary Award, named in honor of Mary Herschend and Mary Trimble, the first recipients, was presented to Steve Weyher, operator of Golden Corral restaurant, for his outstanding service to the community and its residents. Steve has been a long-time supporter of the area’s events for veterans, and community marketing programs such as Hot Winter Fun. In 2004, Steve made a significant contribution to the “Branson’s Fun for Everyone” grassroots campaign by rallying local support for the program’s efforts to encourage visitors to Branson. Steve regularly donates his company’s services, and his personal time and energies when called upon by the community.

The Pioneer Award was presented to Jim Thomas, owner of the Lodge of the Ozarks complex, in appreciation for many years of service and dedication to the Branson community. A man of vision, Jim brought legendary entertainers such as Roy Clark to Branson for the first time, and later encouraged some of them to build their own theaters, prompting national recognition for the area. Jim was instrumental in developing Branson as a year round destination by being the first to extend his theater’s performance season. He encouraged the growth of the first convention and group tour business to Branson, and has continually upgraded his Lodge complex to provide visitors with a first-class entertainment, lodging, dining and meeting experience.

The Ambassador Award was presented to The Vacation Channel for its exemplary ambassadorship for the Branson/Lakes area. The company’s commitment to providing first-rate programming and high-quality production services has made an outstanding impression on millions of visitors to the area. The owners and staff provide professional, thoughtful customer service to their clients, and they have been recognized numerous times within their industry for their award-winning work.

The Beautification Award was given to the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks for its enhancement of the Branson/Lakes area. The state-of-the art, beautifully crafted facility and grounds provide a truly memorable sensory experience for visitors, residents and students. The new facility will provide C of O students with many wonderful learning experiences for generations to come.

The Community Spirit Award, created and sponsored by Myer Hotels, was presented to Bert Leman, owner of Artilla Cove Resort, for his outstanding efforts to promote the Indian Point and Branson/Lakes areas. He has served as the Indian Point Chamber president, as a Village Trustee, and member of the Indian Point Village Board of Public Works. His efforts to produce the Enchanted Forest Light Display at Indian Point have helped attract over 80,000 visitors to the area. Bert has been a hands-on participant on many Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce committees.

The event also included a special achievement award for Michael London, publisher of Branson’s Update Magazine, for his volunteer efforts to organize the grassroots “Branson’s Fun for Everyone” public relations campaign. Michael donated his time and resources to rally the community behind his comprehensive plan to tell visitors that Branson is a ‘fun’ place for all. Among other features, the campaign included community-wide special events and rallies, promotional materials for sponsors, a website, a trip give-away, a movie short, a theme song and the services of a PR firm that helped bring national media exposure to the Branson/Lakes Area.

Two special recognition awards were given to Branson/Lakes Area Chamber volunteers for their above and beyond service to their community and to the Chamber.

Greg Maycock, owner of Indian Point Resort, has demonstrated a tireless commitment to the area and the Chamber through his hands-on service. He has been instrumental in the development of the Chamber’s new website, the Vacation Guide and other publications, and even volunteered to help manage the marketing programs of the Chamber when the Marketing Vice President’s position was vacant. He also serves on the Chamber Board of Directors.

Lucy Epperson has a long-standing record of exemplary volunteer service as an ambassador for the Chamber. She regularly works as a welcome center volunteer and rarely misses a ribbon cutting. Lucy is a delightful role model for other community servants and a gracious and welcoming host to visitors.

The evening also included a video presentation of the “Branson Promise,” produced by The Vacation Channel and featuring dozens of area residents who donated their time in bringing to life the written statement describing the spirit of the area.

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Operation Homecoming USA has named an Advisory Council for the planning and execution of “Welcome Home… America’s Tribute To Vietnam Veterans.” The weeklong event to be held this June has the specific mission of providing Vietnam Veterans the national homecoming they never received.

General Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is serving as Liaison to the Advisory Council of Operation Homecoming USA for the Department of Defense. An Air Force command pilot with more than 4,100 flying hours, Gen. Myers is past Commander in Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Space Command. He became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs in 2001. The individual members of the Advisory Council include:

H. Ross Perot, Navy veteran, founder of Electronic Data Systems, noted philanthropist and activist for veterans’ causes. Mr. Perot sits on the Board of Directors of Operation Homecoming USA.

James H. Amos, Jr., Marine Corps veteran of two combat tours in Vietnam, Chairman Emeritus of MBE-UPS Stores, and a national leader in the franchising industry. Amos also serves as Chairman of the Board for Operation Homecoming USA.

Gerard Arpey, Chairman, President and CEO of AMR, leads a global organization that includes American Airlines, the largest airline in the world, serving more than 250 cities in 41 countries and territories.

Brigadier General Robert F. McDermott, USAF, Retired, a World War II combat pilot now recognized as the “Father of Modern Military Education,” is Chairman Emeritus, USAA. He grew the company assets from $206 million to $31 billion during his service at USAA.

Rear Admiral Patrick D. Moneymaker, USN Retired. A decorated Navy Top Gun flier who logged a career total of over 3,000 flight hours, Admiral Moneymaker is former commander of the Blue Angels and served as Commander of Naval Space Command since 1997.

General Hugh Shelton, US Army, Retired. A former Commander of MacDill Air Force Base and Commander-in-Chief of United States Special Operations, General Shelton also served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Kenneth D. Walker, President and CEO of Meineke Car Care Centers. His leadership has made Meineke one of America’s most successful franchise corporations.

Welcome Home…America’s Tribute To Vietnam Veterans will be held June 13-19, 2005 in Branson, Missouri. The weeklong celebration will include demonstrations and displays, golf and fishing tournaments, the Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall Experience, a Homecoming Parade honoring Vietnam Veterans, and an outdoor Grand Finale Celebration which will include more than 15 aircraft from the Vietnam era.

Confirmed performers for the Saturday Grand Finale Celebration include the Beach Boys, the Fifth Dimension, Creedance Clearwater Revisited, the Doobie Brothers, the Supremes with Mary Wilson, the Four Tops, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Tony Orlando, Les Brown’s Band of Renown with Les Brown, Jr., Ann-Margret, Adrian Cronauer (the original “Good Morning Vietnam!” DJ), and many other celebrities will be making special guest appearances as well as noted Branson entertainers. The Grand Finale Celebration will be held on a scenic 100-acre mountaintop at Saddlebrooke, 10 miles north of Branson on Highway 65.

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Powder Keg Blasts Riders 0-53 mph in 2.8 Seconds

The Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Missouri is presenting an all-new super launch coaster for Spring 2005 that shoots riders into a thrill zone within seconds of climbing aboard, launching them from 0 to 53 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds. Constructed within the forests of the Ozark Mountains and winding down a hillside, Powder Keg is a family thrill ride unlike any other in the history of the park. It combines launching speed with spiraling turns, negative gravitational or “G” forces, and “floater” hills to create a thrill ride of great magnitude. In addition, it’s packaged in an environmentally sound design.

“An air launch system like this is amazing – there is great launching speed yet virtually no impact on the environment,” said Stan Checketts, founder and CEO of Powder Keg manufacturer S&S Power of Logan, Utah. S&S is the world’s leading manufacturer of compressed-air rides and the largest ride manufacturer in the United States.

Checketts said Powder Keg is one of only three like it in the world that uses clean compressed air technology for incredibly fast and energy-efficient acceleration. “Unlike traditional mechanical or hydraulic systems, this technique runs cleanly, and the ride runs smoothly while soaring through the trees at speeds up to 64 miles per hour.”

A $10 million project, Powder Keg takes riders from the initial big blast up a lift to a 110-foot drop, into spiraling and dragonfly banked turns, through a wave of floater hills with negative G forces, giving riders the experience of weightlessness above the trees. As required by Silver Dollar City policy, only those trees that had to be removed were, with three additional trees planted elsewhere for every one removed.

In keeping with Silver Dollar City’s internationally-awarded commitment to bringing the colorful history of regions to life, Powder Keg salutes the miners who worked in the great Marvel Cave, which is located below the theme park. In the late 1880s, tons of nitrogen-rich bat guano were hauled out of the cave’s massive sinkhole using an archaic pulley system. The guano was taken by stagecoach and railroads to powder mills across the state and the country where it was used to make valuable black powder.

“The Powder Keg ride begins in a powder mill amid barrels of nitro-explosives that rock and tip,” said Brad Thomas, general manager of Silver Dollar City. “As the nitro ‘explodes,’ the cars blast out of the building with special effects of fire and smoke shooting through the roof!” While the ride offers thrills, it has been designed to accommodate families. Anyone over 42 inches in height can ride, which is roughly a five or six-year-old, said Thomas, who cites guest surveys that resoundingly requested a family thrill ride as the reason for choosing Powder Keg.

A trip on Powder Keg lasts nearly three minutes and spirals around six acres on 3,500 feet of track. The ride carries more than 1,000 people per hour with 16 passengers per train. Silver Dollar City’s Corporate Development team and the Maintenance & Construction Division are handling theming and construction.

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Showstoppers! Presented On New Stage, New Comedy Act, New Talking Dog Join Cast

Branson’s grandest lake attraction, the 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new show Showstoppers! featuring the most memorable musical performances in entertainment history. A new stage and lights have been added to showcase the show, a new comedy act joins the cast for noon cruises, and nationally acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver introduces a new talking dog “Elvis” to his cast of colorful canines.

Showstoppers!, which debuts March 12, presents a talented cast of singers and dancers, with award-winning musical hits from Broadway to the big screen, from the “Lion King” to “Old Time Rock ‘N’ Roll.” The cast performs the top show-stopping hits of all time on the new stage with moving screens, projections and special effects. All Showstoppers! shows present the Showboat Branson Belle Quartet and emcee, and an adagio dance team presenting a unique blend of acrobatics and dance, all accompanied by a live band.

Featured comedian and ventriloquist Todd Oliver, named Branson’s best variety act three years in a row, presents Elvis, the talking basset hound, who “ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog who talks,” Oliver says. Elvis joins Oliver’s famous talking dog Irving, who has been showcased with Oliver on national television shows and specials including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Irving’s pal Lucy, the first female talking dog.

Also new on noon and Sunday cruises is comedic magician Chris Linn, who blends off-beat visual magical effects with comedy and audience participation to create a unique and hilarious performance. Linn has performed in a dozen countries around the world and on numerous television shows and specials.

Popular with groups or for special occasions, the Showboat Branson Belle presents a premium dining experience in the Paddle Wheel Club Room, where guests who select this option dine in secluded elegance with spectacular views of the lake and shoreline above the gently turning paddlewheels. Paddle Wheel guests may select from an array of entrées including a Captain’s special-cut rib-eye steak, pan-seared salmon, Chicken Wellington with a mushroom duxelle sauce, and a choice of desserts. After the meal, diners are escorted to viewing boxes in the main theater area for the show.

Each cruise on scenic Table Rock Lake features outstanding views from the decks, a three-course gourmet meal prepared onboard in the Showboat’s galley, and
a spectacular show in the dining theater. The noon menu features a full-course meal with beef with espagnole sauce and grilled chicken, and the dinner menu features beef medallions and Chicken Wellington. Both menus feature a grand finale of Flaming Peach Melba Baked Alaska.

The cruises include time for guests to tour the Showboat’s four decks as it cruises scenic Table Rock Lake, noted for its 800 miles of pristine shoreline surrounded by wooded hills.

The Showboat Branson Belle, Silver Dollar City and White Water, all Authentic Silver Dollar City Attractions, were the first properties in Missouri to achieve the prestigious honor of being designated as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries by Audubon International, for preserving wildlife habitats and conserving natural resources.

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Along Branson’s 76 Country Boulevard, one of the hottest entertainment strips in the country, there is an oasis of waterfront recreation, White Water. Called Branson’s Beach Within Reach, White Water opens for the 2005 season May 21, with rides ranging from fast-paced to truly relaxing, and Cool Cabanas for poolside comfort.

Rides include speed slides, a 500,000-gallon wave pool and a gently moving “river” for floating or swimming. Adventure areas within the park offer play for families, with separate areas designed for kids and toddlers.

Cool Cabanas are available for semi-private gatherings for up to 8 people. The rental Cabanas have a covered area with a television, ceiling fan and locker; and an open area with a table, chairs and an umbrella.

Safety is of paramount importance at White Water. The lifeguard staff has been recognized with numerous national awards, including Platinum and Silver National Aquatic Safety Awards for consistently exceeding aquatic safety standards. Free life jackets, free tubes and a full staff of certified lifeguards are on hand.

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TVC Productions, The Vacation Channel’s video production company, is excited to announce its recent honors at the 26th Annual ADDY Awards Show hosted by the Springfield, Missouri Ad Club. The event, which celebrates excellence in advertising, was held February 5th at the Clarion Ballroom in Springfield. Competing against advertising agencies and production companies from throughout the Springfield / Branson area, TVC Productions won the prestigious Judge’s Choice Award, a Gold ADDY Award and five Silver ADDY Awards for advertisements they created during the last year.

A Public Service Announcement produced for Springfield’s branch of the American Diabetes Foundation took the much-coveted Judge’s Choice Award, in which the judges honor their favorite entry of the competition. “The Red Ball” also won a Gold ADDY in the Public Service Announcement category and a Silver ADDY in the Animation category.

Also in the Public Service category, TVC Productions was honored with a Silver ADDY for an animated commercial produced for the Branson Health Department warning about the West Nile Virus.

In the Local Television Advertising category for 60 second commercials, TVC Productions won a Silver ADDY for a commercial titled “Letter from Scrooge” produced for Silver Dollar City.

A second Silver Dollar City commercial for the “Festival of American Music & Craftsmanship” was also honored with a Silver ADDY in the animation category.

And finally, in the Sales Promotion Audio/ Visual Sales Presentation category, TVC Productions won a Silver ADDY for an extended-length video, “Room for One More,” produced for Saddlebrooke.

TVC Productions was additionally awarded 19 Honorable Mentions for various commercials and campaigns created throughout 2004.

TVC Productions is proud to offer state-of-the-art digital video production throughout the country and congratulates its staff on their accomplishments. 

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Branson’s grandest lake attraction, the 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new show Showstoppers! featuring the most memorable musical performances in entertainment history. A new stage and lights have been added to showcase the show, a new comedy act joins the cast for noon cruises, and nationally acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver introduces a new talking dog “Elvis” to his cast of colorful canines.

Showstoppers!, which debuts March 12, presents a talented cast of singers and dancers, with award-winning musical hits from Broadway to the big screen, from the “Lion King” to “Old Time Rock ‘N’ Roll.” The cast performs the top show-stopping hits of all time on the new stage with moving screens, projections and special effects. All Showstoppers! shows present the Showboat Branson Belle Quartet and emcee, and an adagio dance team presenting a unique blend of acrobatics and dance, all accompanied by a live band.

Featured comedian and ventriloquist Todd Oliver, named Branson’s best variety act three years in a row, presents Elvis, the talking basset hound, who “ain’t nothing’ but a hound dog who talks,” Oliver says. Elvis joins Oliver’s famous talking dog Irving, who has been showcased with Oliver on national television shows and specials including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Irving’s pal Lucy, the first female talking dog.

Also new on noon and Sunday cruises is comedic magician Chris Linn, who blends off-beat visual magical effects with comedy and audience participation to create a unique and hilarious performance. Linn has performed in a dozen countries around the world and on numerous television shows and specials.

Popular with groups or for special occasions, the Showboat Branson Belle presents a premium dining experience in the Paddle Wheel Club Room, where guests who select this option dine in secluded elegance with spectacular views of the lake and shoreline above the gently turning paddle wheels. Paddle Wheel guests may select from an array of entrées including a Captain’s special-cut rib-eye steak, pan-seared salmon, Chicken Wellington with a mushroom duxelle sauce, and a choice of desserts. After the meal, diners are escorted to viewing boxes in the main theater area for the show.

Each cruise on scenic Table Rock Lake features outstanding views from the decks, a three-course gourmet meal prepared onboard in the Showboat’s galley, and a spectacular show in the dining theater. The noon menu features a full-course meal with beef with espagnole sauce and grilled chicken, and the dinner menu features beef medallions and Chicken Wellington. Both menus feature a grand finale of Flaming Peach Melba Baked Alaska.

The cruises include time for guests to tour the Showboat’s four decks as it cruises scenic Table Rock Lake, noted for its 800 miles of pristine shoreline surrounded by wooded hills.

The Showboat Branson Belle, Silver Dollar City and White Water, all Authentic Silver Dollar City Attractions, were the first properties in Missouri to achieve the prestigious honor of being designated as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries by Audubon International, for preserving wildlife habitats and conserving natural resources.

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One of the newest trends in travel is “edu-tainment”, a blend of educational and entertainment activities that appeal to curiosity-seekers of all ages. In Branson, you’ll find just the right mix of museums, attractions, historical sites, live shows, lake and outdoor recreation, golf, and shopping to satisfy your desire to be entertained and informed. Plus, you can even sign up to win a free trip for a family of four to Washington D.C., during Branson’s Hot Winter Fun Museum Crawl.

All you have to do to enter is visit any one of Branson’s participating area museums now through March 31. The trip includes airfare for four and three night’s accommodations in Washington D.C. All names will be entered into a random drawing held during BransonFest April 5-9, 2005. You don’t have to be present to win. The winner will be notified by phone.

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau has organized the 11th annual Hot Winter Fun marketing cooperative to help visitors learn about activities available during January, February and March.

The following is a list of area museums and attractions participating in the Hot Winter Fun Museum Crawl. Each paid admission qualifies you to sign up for the Washington D.C. trip give-away.

Veteran’s Memorial Museum – A powerful and emotional experience for everyone, Veteran’s Memorial Museum features 10 great halls that tell the stories of the great conflicts of the 20th century. The centerpiece is the world’s largest war memorial bronze sculpture with 50 life-sized soldiers storming a beach. Don’t miss this powerful experience during your visit.

American Presidential Museum – Explore the history of our nation’s leaders. Several displays recently returned from Democracy Plaza in New York City during NBC’s election coverage, and were featured on the Today Show in the two weeks prior to the 2004 election. Democracy Plaza was on display from Oct. 20 – Nov. 5th, 2004. See a replica of Air Force One under President Richard Nixon, the Oval office and an infamous Florida voting booth from 2000. The museum opens in late January.

Ralph Foster Museum – Fondly called “The Smithsonian of the Ozarks” by Ozark residents, the Ralph Foster Museum is located on the campus of College of the Ozarks. Visit all three floors to fully discover the history and culture of the Ozarks. The museum features the original truck used by the Beverly Hillbillies during their popular 1960s television show.

Kewpie dolls designed by Rose O’Neill (a native of the Ozarks), a restored one-room schoolhouse, and the Discovery Room, a special room for children are highlights of the museum. The museum opens in late January.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum – Explore the unique and unusual! Do you know why The Ripley’s building looks the way it does? Most people think California has had the worst earthquake in history, when actually Missouri holds the record. In 1812 an earthquake measuring more than 8.0 on the Richter scale occurred at New Madrid, Missouri. This earthquake made the Mississippi River run backwards for three days. Stop by and see why Ripley’s is “The Most Photographed Building In Branson”!

Stone Hill Winery – During the free tours, you can get an entertaining look at the history of wine making and the sherry-making process. Watch as cream sherry is produced. Experience yesteryear’s winemaking heritage at Missouri’s #1 winery.

IMAX – Explore the history of the Ozarks with a movie! Exclusively at the Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex visitors can take a powerful journey through the rich history and heritage of the region with the giant-screen IMAX adventure, “Legacy and Legend”. Experience life through the eyes of the McFarlain family in this beautifully told story.

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Experience the best of Branson’s world-famous Ozarks hospitality during Hot Winter Fun in January, February and March. You can shop, enjoy a variety of dining options, tour a museum, play golf, reel in a record-sized trout on Lake Taneycomo, and choose from among more than 50 show times each week, all during Hot Winter Fun!

Visit one of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Centers located just off Highway 65 at the intersection of Highway 160 and at the intersection of Hwy. 65 and Highway 248 to pick up a free guide to all the exciting things going on in the Branson area during Hot Winter Fun.

Here are some of the special events and activities happening in the Branson/Lakes area during Hot Winter Fun:

Hot Winter Fun Museum Crawl – Win a vacation for four to Washington DC! Catch up on the history of the past or discover the hidden wonders of the present and register for a chance to win a 3-day, 2-night trip including airfare and lodging for a family of four. The winner will be drawn during BransonFest April 5-9, 2005 and need not be present to win. Going on now through March 31.

On Friday evenings in February, some museums will feature special surprises as guests visit the museums. Visitors can enjoy refreshments, special pricing and visit with special celebrity guests as they tour museums like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! or the American Presidential Museum.

Shopping Extravaganza – From the outlet malls to individual specialty stores, Branson is a perfect shopping destination, especially during this relaxed time of year. You can shop till you drop at places like Tanger Outlet Center. They’re open in January, February and March from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Golfing in Branson – Branson boasts 10 championship golf courses and 363 days a year in which to improve your game. You can play golf in Branson every day of the year except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Hot Winter Fun is a great time to get some one-on-one instruction from one of the area’s pros. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum – On Friday evenings in February guests can enjoy refreshments and visit with special celebrity guests as they tour the museum.

Tri-Lakes Community Theatre – What do Branson area residents do in their spare time? Some of them perform in the Tri-Lakes Community Theatre. Productions star both professional Branson music industry folks and traditional community theater enthusiasts alike.

Three plays are presented each year during January and February. This year, come see: “Big River,” Feb. 4th-6th; “Bus Stop,” Feb. 18th-20th and Feb. 25th-27th.

9th Annual Tri-Lakes Building & Home Show – Visit with area building and remodeling experts. Hosted by the Vacation Channel at Chateau on the Lake. Friday, February 11, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, February 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, February 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Hot Winter Fun Big Show – See many of the entertainers of Hot Winter Fun on one stage, for one night only, on Monday, Feb. 14th at 7 p.m. at the Jim Stafford Theatre.

NAIA Hoops Fest 2005 – Don’t miss the excitement of the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament, as College of the Ozarks and Branson welcome 32 teams from across the country, March 9th-15th, 2005. For details and ticket information, call (417) 334-6411.

IMAX Film Festival – Don’t miss the 12th Annual Film Festival in March and April. Complete dates and movies will be announced in early 2005.

Branson Business Expo – Sponsored by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB. March 24th at Lodge of the Ozarks. Luncheon and keynote Speaker at 12 noon. Expo begins at 2 p.m. Special Business After Hours begins at 5:30 p.m.

BransonFest – Held April 5th – 9th at the Welk Resort Theatre, BransonFest has been named a “Top-100” event in North America for the second year in a row by the American Bus Association! Don’t miss the fun and excitement of Branson’s premiere festival for food, fun and entertainment.

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The Branson/Lakes Area offers a multitude of wintertime experiences for anglers, golfers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With three pristine lakes: Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals; 100,000-acres of parks, forests and conservation areas; 10 championship golf courses; mild winter climate and a variety of lodging, dining and live entertainment options, the Branson/Lakes Area offers a diverse vacation experience in January, February and March.

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau has organized the 11th annual Hot Winter Fun marketing cooperative to help visitors learn about activities available during the winter.

GOLF
Golfers can play 363 days a year in Branson and choose from among 10 championship courses. These courses offer both scenic and challenging design with sweeping mountain vistas and scenic hillside terrain. Some of the holes have actually been chiseled right out of the rocks. Pointe Royale Golf Resort and Thousand Hills Golf Resort are two of the courses open during Hot Winter Fun. Golf pros are standing by to offer private instructions during Hot Winter Fun.

FISHING
The winter months offer some of the best trout fishing of the year on Lake Taneycomo. Several area outfitters, marinas and fishing guides provide the supplies, equipment and know-how to make a wintertime fishing trip one to remember. Anglers can enjoy many peaceful 55-degree days of catfish, bass and crappie fishing on Table Rock Lake between January and March.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & GEOCACHING
Outdoor adventurers can enjoy the GPS sport of geocaching in the Branson/Lakes Area. Log on to www.geocaching.com for the coordinates to dozens of cache locations in the area. In addition to all the terrain and wildlife you’ll see while geocaching, you can take advantage of more than 220-acres of Branson city parks, 2,000 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails and 3,000 miles of canoe/kayak accessible rivers, streams and creeks.

From November through March, bald eagles nest on the soaring bluffs overlooking Table Rock Lake. Turkey vultures, unique to the Table Rock Lake area, are often photographed by visitors as well.

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