More than 5 million twinkling lights will illuminate the skies above the Tri-Lakes Area once again during the 2006 Branson Area Festival of Lights (BAFOL).

Through a partnership with the City of Branson, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that the drive-through will return to the Branson Hills Parkway area bigger and better than ever with a brand new Presenting Sponsor, Branson.Com.

After being on hiatus in 2005 due to construction in the Branson Hills Parkway area, the Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through will begin November 1 and run nightly through December 31, 2006 from 5:00 pm until midnight. The public has been ecstatic about the return of the Festival of Lights to its original location.

In addition to the Parkway, guests visiting the area during Ozark Mountain Christmas can see more than 285 lighted stars lining the famous stretch of Mo. Hwy. 76 from downtown Branson to the western edge of town.

Admission is $8 per family vehicle and $50 for each commercial bus or motor coach. Unlimited admission passes are $15 per family vehicle and can be purchased at the Parkway or at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Centers, which are located at the intersection of Hwy. 248 & Hwy. 65, and at the intersection of Hwy. 160 & Hwy. 65. BAFOL Passports are also available at Ozark Mountain Bank – Lobby locations.

In 2004, an estimated 41,000 family vehicles and 1,100 commercial vehicles toured the parkway generating approximately $250,000 in revenue. Income raised at the Parkway and contributions from area sponsors go to support the BAFOL displays, which take several months to set up and require ongoing maintenance. This year’s media sponsors include Hometown Radio and KHOZ.

“This community has put a lot of effort into enhancing the holiday experience for visitors. Branson offers spectacular Christmas shows, lodging, restaurants and countless shopping options, plus dozens of other ways to be entertained with friends and family,” said David Arney, president and CEO of Akers and Arney Insurance Associates and chairman of Branson Area Festival of Lights Committee.

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Premier ice carving will be spotlighted Saturday, January 12, 2007, at the Titanic Museum Attraction’s outdoor entertainment center by the ship’s bow, according to museum attraction co-owner Mary Kellogg Joslyn.

This free, community event – sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois – expects to draw many of the country’s most creative ice sculptors, who will compete for award recognition and $4,000 prize money.

“I’m hoping one of the artists will be inspired to carve Titanic in ice.” That would be wonderful,” says Kellogg-Joslyn. “This will be Titanic’s “January Surprise,” she adds. “We hope to stage special events like this regularly throughout the year to give our visitors something new and exciting to see when they come for the tour.”

The World’s Largest TITANIC Museum Attraction is Branson’s new landmark tourist destination. The 17,000 square foot, ship-shaped structure – built half scale to Titanic’s original size – towers more than 100 feet above its anchored position on Highway 76. A 90-minute, self-guided tour covers 20 galleries on two decks where more than 400 priceless artifacts that once belonged to Titanic’s passengers or crew are on display. None of the artifacts were retrieved from the ocean’s floor. A creative mix of music from the period is accompanied by dramatic lighting, ambient sound, photographs, video and hands-on devices that give visitors the sensation of being an original passenger on Titanic’s 1912 maiden voyage.

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Most Branson Missouri visitors think of a hotel or motel when they want to vacation. The idea of staying in a log cabin never crosses their mind. This is changing however as new Branson cabins are being built. These cabins are now a luxurious alternative to Branson hotels.

One of these newest log cabin developments is the Cabins at Grand Mountain, affiliated with Thousand Hills Resort. The newest phase of this luxury cabin development is nearing completion. Just because it’s a log cabin though, visitors should not expect to have to rough it. These cabins in Branson are fully furnished and outfitted as well or better than any luxury hotel. Inside, guests will find central heating & air conditioning, a full kitchen (including furnished pots, pans, dishes & more), a gas fireplace, a Jacuzzi tub, cable TV, a private deck and even high speed internet. In addition these cabins come with all the resort amenities including swimming pools and discounted rates for the award winning Thousand Hills Golf Course.

Don’t think that these Branson luxury cabins sacrifice any relaxation or romance either. From the genuine Colorado cut spruce logs to the quiet wooded area around the cabins any visitor will be able to enjoy the Ozark woods and a peaceful Branson vacation.

One of the most exciting elements of these new cabins is the fact that they are located just blocks from the center of Branson’s famed Country Music Boulevard, Highway 76. The cabin guests are always just minutes from any Branson attraction, restaurant, theater or shopping experience.

Guests to the cabins can reserve one bedroom cabins for a romantic honeymoon or anniversary all the way up to a four bedroom with loft cabin capable of comfortably sleeping sixteen friends or family members. Nightly rental and discounted weekly rates are available for anyone wanting to try Branson’s newest luxury cabins.

The Cabins at Grand Mountain is affiliated with Thousand Hills Resort — The premiere whole ownership Branson log cabin and condominium provider located in the heart of Branson offering visitor accommodations, meeting locations and an award winning golf course.

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Branson, Missouri just keeps growing. Already recognized by national publications and travel associations as a premier place to celebrate the Christmas holidays, America’s hometown entertainment capital is aglow with the spirit of the season, unveiling its biggest Christmas ever. The World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction, the trendy Branson Landing shopping-and-dining waterfront destination, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, the Music of Mannheim Steamroller and more will celebrate their first Christmas in Branson.

From the star-filled Christmas shows on the famous Branson Strip and surrounding area to a glittering array of dramatic, animated lighting displays such as the luminous 2-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through, Ozark Mountain Christmas transforms America’s live entertainment capital into a holiday oasis, November 1 through December 31.

Star performers, special effects and elaborate holiday production numbers are set to dazzle visitors and their families over this two-month period. From the famed “Mr. Christmas” Andy Williams to the debut of the multimedia extravaganza of The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller at The Grand Palace, a multitude of shows haul out the holly with the holiday’s finest talent. Music fills the air with Branson family shows from the Presleys to the Hughes Brothers and the sounds of laughter roll through the aisles from Jim Stafford’s show to Yakov’s. From the Lennon Sisters with the Gatlin Brothers to Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley with Paul Revere & the Raiders, Branson creates musical presents and one-of-a-kind holiday fun!

Silver Dollar City, an internationally-awarded theme park, decks its streets with millions of lights and a holiday light parade of wondrous floats and animated characters. This year, the acclaimed Dickens’ Christmas Carol presents an all-new scene in the special effects show said to be one of the best productions ever in the history of the park. Plus holiday food, music and rides, including roller coasters, are open after dark for the thrill of the lights from above.

Also, for the first time, the much-celebrated Titanic Museum Attraction will be decorated with hundreds of merry lights and holiday trim that recall Christmases past. Traditional bows of holly and mistletoe will line the elegant Grand Staircase and passageways and music of the season will fill the air.

Visitors can discover Branson’s “Winter WonderLanding” at the new Branson Landing waterfront featuring a promenade of new-to-Branson specialty shopping and dining, a dazzling Town Square water and fire spectacular that dances to the sound of the season and Santa Claus nestled in a special Christmas treehouse in the South Pole.

Throughout Branson, name-brand outlet, boutique and Ozarks crafts shopping, outdoor events and attractions — decked out in Christmas lights and elaborate holiday decorations –beckon to Yuletide visitors.

Plus A Veterans Homecoming
Branson’s Veterans Homecoming, Nov. 5-11, is one of America’s premier tributes to our nation’s heroes from all wars and conflicts and all branches of service.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The cool, crisp weather in late autumn and early winter is also an appealing time for outdoor activities in the Ozarks — fishing, hiking, camping and other pursuits are year-round opportunities for sporting enthusiasts. Situated between three pristine lakes, many of Branson’s water activities are available even during Ozark Mountain Christmas. The lakes never freeze, so they are ideal for fishing for bass, trout, crappie and other species, boating and many other types of water activities even in mid-winter. And the mild early winters allow visitors to enjoy the area’s ten championship golf courses!

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Just five days after they are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform at Branson’s Welk Resort Theatre on Saturday, March 18th and Sunday, March 19th at 8 p.m.

One of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed Southern Rock groups of the 1970’s, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s distinctive triple-lead guitar sound made their “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Free Bird,” into American anthems and staples of FM radio, along with “What’s Your Name,” and “Gimme Three Steps.”

Tickets for Up Close and Personal with Lynyrd Skynyrd at Branson’s Welk Resort Theatre will go on-sale Friday, February 10 at The Welk Resort Theatre Box Office. Prices, including all taxes, range from $69.50 to $39.50.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s unique brand of Southern rock appeals to fans of rock, blues and country music. They have sold more than 26 million albums, including 18 Gold, 13 Platinum and 7 Multi-Platinum albums plus three certified Gold videos. As America’s Rock Band,” they’re in their element when they’re performing live, “Live shows are really what this band is about,” says founding member and guitar legend Gary Rossington. “We love to play live, there’s nothing else like it.”

The group also frequents TV’s music video channels. They’ve been featured on several, “VH1-Behind The Scenes” segments and on “CMT Crossroads” with Montgomery Gentry. On February 24, Lynyrd Skynyrd will be featured in a CMT original 90-minute documentary on the roots and legacy of Southern rock entitled “American Revolutions: Southern Rock,” along with Charlie Daniels, Drive By Truckers, Hank Williams Jr. and The Allman Brothers Band.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the Twenty-First Induction Ceremony on Monday, March 13. The ceremony will be taped, edited and broadcast on VH1.

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Decorated with lights, wreaths and garland for the holidays, the 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle presents holiday cruises with stunning views of Christmas lights along the shoreline of Table Rock Lake, November 2 through New Year’s Eve. Guests can stroll the decks of Branson’s grandest lake attraction for views of the lake and hillsides in lights, and then take a seat in the dining theater for the holiday Showstoppers! show with Christmas music, from the upbeat “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to the nostalgic “White Christmas” and traditional favorites.

Recently showcased on The Late Show with David Letterman, nationally-acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver and his trio of live talking dogs star in the show. Named Branson’s best variety act three years in a row, Oliver performs with a talented cast of singers and dancers, an adagio dance team and a live band. Comedic magician Christopher Greenamyer is featured on noon and Sunday cruises.

All meals aboard the Showboat are freshly prepared onboard in the ship’s galley. For special occasions or small groups, the Showboat Branson Belle presents a premium dining experience in the Paddle Wheel Club Room, perched just above the turning paddlewheels.

Cruises sail through New Year’s Eve. All cruises run approximately two hours and 15 minutes, and begin at noon, 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The Showboat is located one-half mile south of Table Rock Dam on Mo. 165.

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Silver Dollar City Presents Nationally Acclaimed Holiday Festival, An Old Time Christmas

Festival Shines with Holiday Light Parade, 4 Million Lights, ‘A Dickens’ Christmas Carol’, November 4 through December 30

It’s Christmastime throughout the City when Silver Dollar City presents one of the nation’s most spectacular holiday festivals, profiled as one of the top Christmas celebrations in the country by USA Today and People Magazine, spotlighted in the Wall Street Journal, and named the “USA’s Best Holiday Light Show” two years in a row by America’s Best Online. An Old Time Christmas, November 4 through December 30, features a dazzling Holiday Light Parade, a dramatic five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, and one of the park’s biggest production shows ever, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol.

During An Old Time Christmas, the theme park is transformed into an evening wonderland with over four million lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. The colorful Holiday Light Parade, with musical floats covered in bright lights, winds through the streets of the City each evening. Lighting up the Square is the five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, with over 250,000 lights blazing with the musical movements of Christmas songs.

Silver Dollar City’s acclaimed production, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, presents an all-new scene set inside a snow globe. This original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens features elaborate sets and stunning visual effects, with flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, revolving scenery and pyrotechnic special effects. The production showcases a talented cast of 14 actors, accompanied by a live band.

A returning favorite feature of the festival is a dramatic presentation of the Living Nativity, presenting an inspiring look at the story of the birth of Christ.

The traditional lighting of the five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree takes place each evening at 5:30 p.m. on the Square. Silver Dollar City’s unique creation, the Special Effects Christmas Tree presents classics such as “Carol of the Bells” and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” in a spectacular light and sound show. Performances begin with the tree lighting ceremony and continue every 15 minutes until park closing.

The tastes of the season are in abundance throughout the park, from a Prime Rib Buffet at the Mill Restaurant to traditional favorites such as Turkey and Gravy with Cran-Apple Raisin Dressing. Festive holiday treats include old-fashioned Chocolate and Marshmallow S’Mores, Gingerbread Cookies, Apple Dumplings, Hot Wassail, Cappuccino and creamy Hot Chocolate.

Holiday shows include Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection performing in a Cajun-style holiday show, and the rollicking Christmas comedy “Frontier Fa-la-la-Follies” in the Silver Dollar Saloon. The Cumberland Quartet with Tracy Heaston returns in “A Christmas Homecoming.”

Especially for kids, Tinker, the 17-foot Talking Christmas Tree talks, sings and interacts with kids. Santa himself is available to hear requests, and kids can make ornaments, create Christmas cards and decorate Christmas cookies. Guests are invited to join in the singing of Christmas carols at the historic Wilderness Church and ride the Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train.

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