Eleven families celebrated September 26, 2007, with Branson Tourism Center. One lucky family received a free vacation to Branson, a $100.00 pre-paid BP gas card and they are featured on BransonTourismCenter.com. In addition, on the day that the one-millionth ticket was purchased, 10 of their customers received a $100 gift card, courtesy of Branson Tourism Center.

The full-service Branson vacation company is celebrating a major milestone–a staggering one million theater and attraction tickets sold in just four years–and the customer who purchased the millionth ticket won a refund of their entire vacation arranged through Branson Tourism Center.

Branson Tourism Center owner Lianne Milton said the millionth-ticket promotion is one way her company can thank the clients that have helped it grow so quickly. “We want to thank all our customers for helping us reach our goal of selling a million tickets over the past four years,” Milton stated. “Branson Tourism Center has achieved this level of performance in such a short period because of our satisfied repeat customers and the referrals our customers continue to send our way. The vacation refund and prepaid gas card is our way we can express our appreciation to our customers.”

Branson Tourism Center sold its millionth ticket September 26, 2007, to the Spitznagle family from Mulberry, Indiana. All three ladies were on vacation to celebrate their birthday, and chose Branson as the destination to celebrate. Up until the moment they checked in, they did not know they had won.

But even those who did not win the millionth-ticket promotion will still enjoy memorable vacations in the live entertainment capital of the world, thanks to Branson Tourism Center’s focus on their customers. The company, a full-service travel agency exclusively serving visitors to Branson, Missouri, creates vacation packages tailored to their customer’s individual tastes and offers personalized advice on everything from restaurants and special events to recommendations on sought-after limited engagements–all with no service fees or extra charges.

“We would like to thank all of our customers who helped us reach this milestone,” said Milton. “Our customers have brought us where we are and our focus on making their vacation to Branson as memorable and enjoyable as possible is unwavering. To show our appreciation we are also running a promotion that gives an additional ten cents off each gallon of gas to all customers who order through Branson Tourism Center, between now and October 15, which is in addition to our regular twenty cents per gallon discount.”

“When Branson Tourism Center customizes our clients personal vacation plans, they get a combination of all the best dining, lodging and entertainment venues at the best discounted prices,” Milton explained. “Because we receive volume pricing from Branson theaters, attractions, lodging, restaurants and shops, we are able to pass those savings on to our customers.”

Branson Tourism Center is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the year, except Christmas. The company’s 80 employees are dedicated to discovering each traveler’s special interests, providing insider information on the Branson area, including shortcuts the locals use to get around town.

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The American Presidents Museum, operated by the nonprofit educational organization the National Center for Presidential Studies, will partner with Target to create educational and fun programs designed to bring young visitors to the museum.

Grant monies will be used for educational development of programs, supplies for hands-on activities, and the addition of interactive displays within select exhibits, all under a program “Kids in the Museum.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have received national recognition from Target for our efforts,” said Stormy Lynn Snow, executive director of the museum, and founder of the educational center. “Equally as important as their generous contribution of the $2,000 grant is the credibility this award gives our efforts.”

The grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given five percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts and safe families and communities. Today that translates to $3 million every week.

“At Target, we are making a real difference every day through our grant-making program,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with American Presidents Museum and the National Center for Presidential Studies as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

Additionally, Target gives through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Programs include:

* Take Charge of Education®, a school fundraising program
* Target Field Trip Grants, a program that helps educators bring learning to life for students through the distribution of grants
* Ready.Sit.Read!SM, a program dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading in children
* Target House®, which serves as a home away from home for families of children receiving life-saving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis
* Target Volunteers, a program where Target team members and retirees annually donate more than 315,000 hours of time to more than 7,000 community-based projects

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There was a definite Branson connection when it came to some of the finalists on this summer’s hit NBC television show, America’s Got Talent – and that connection is about to get a lot stronger.

The Duttons, a Top Ten Finalist, have invited other finalists from the show to perform at the Dutton Theater in Branson for a limited engagement beginning Monday evening, September 17th.

“This all started as a request from David Hasselhoff to help some of the acts from America’s Got Talent pursue their dreams to continue performing,” said Sheila Dutton, matriarch of the talented family.

“During the course of the competition, all of the contestants got to know each other and became friends. When we made the offer to open a show here in Branson for a fall run, word got around and it wasn’t long before the phone was ringing off the hook. Everyone is so excited to come here.”

Each show will feature at least three of the finalists. The opening week will include the Calypso Tumblers from New York, singer Robert Hatcher from Cincinnati, the Glamazons from New York, and Branson’s own Johnny Lonestar. Subsequent weeks will feature Cas Haley, Julienne Irwin, Fault Line, Jason Pritchett, and Butterscotch. This year’s winner, ventriloquist Terry Fator, will participate via video from Las Vegas and is trying to clear a few days to join in the fun in Branson.

The Finalists will take the stage from 5:30 – 7 PM, Monday through Saturday. The Duttons will be hosting the show, and will be performing at 8:00 PM. Special combo-ticket packages are being made available that will include the Finalist Show, the Duttons Show and a free dinner for a special price.

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Stars of America’s all time favorite variety show are in Branson this week for the Welk Stars Reunion 2007. The five-day schedule with nine live performances at the Welk Resort Theatre begins today (Wednesday, Sept. 5) and runs through Sunday, September 9.

Original guest stars from the Lawrence Welk television show appearing in the Welk Stars Reunion 2007 include Jo Ann Castle, Anacani, Ava Barber, Dick Dale, Jack Imel, Mary Lou Metzger and Roger & David Otwell (see entertainer bios below).

The Welk Stars will be joined by the dance team of Pasha & Ailona and the Champagne Music Makers under the direction of Bobby Tillery. Produced by Mary Lou Metzger, the show will include Big Band favorites, the stars’ signature songs and a few surprises — topped off by an emotion-filled patriotic salute to veterans.

Show times for the Welk Stars Reunion 2007 are Wednesday thru Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. plus Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Welk Resort Theatre Box Office, by phone at (800)-734-5515 or (417)-337-7469, on the internet at sullivanshows.com or at select Branson-area ticket outlets. Ticket prices including all taxes range from $39.50 for Elite Seating to $34.50 for adults and $14.50 for children. An every day “locals rate” is available to people who live or work in Stone or Taney counties. Proof of employment and/or residency is required.

“The Lawrence Welk Show” was broadcast for 27 years – on the ABC television network from July 1955 to September 1971 and in syndication from 1971 to 1982. Demanding that his shows be clean and wholesome, Welk featured easy-listening music performed by a “family” of wholesome musicians, singers and dancers. The show’s enduring popularity has been proven time and again through highly rated re-runs and specials on PBS since 1987 and 11 years of live performances at The Welk Resort Theatre in Branson.

The Welk Resort and Theatre are located 3 miles south of Highway 76 on State Highway 165. The destination resort complex opened in 1994 and includes a 160-room hotel, the Stage Door Restaurant & Lounge, miniature golf course, swimming pool, game room and other amenities. The 2,245-seat theatre near Table Rock Lake was home to the Lawrence Welk Show from 1994 through 2004. A new alliance announced in October 2003 united the Welk Resort Group and Sullivan Shows in a venture designed to bring an array of new shows to Branson. Welk-Sullivan Productions has operated, managed and marketed the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson since January 1, 2004.

Welk Resort Theatre Fall-Christmas 2007

* Sept. 5 – 9: Welk Stars Reunion 2007
* Sept. 10 – Dec. 7: The Lowe Family
* Sept. 12 – Oct. 20: Tillis Family Reunion starring Mel Tillis & Pam Tillis
* Oct. 29 – Dec. 7: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers and The Lennon Sisters
* Nov. 1 – Dec. 8: Mel Tillis & Connie Smith
* Nov. 6 – 12: Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall display – free, open to public
* Nov. 11: Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute To Veterans
* Nov. 12: Tony Orlando show (limited engagement; 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. on Nov. 12 only)

Welk Stars Reunion 2007: Entertainer Biographies:

Jo Ann Castle – Discovered by Lawrence Welk as a teenager, Jo Ann Castle appeared on the famous band leader’s show for 10 years as both a pianist and accordionist. She became one of the show’s most popular entertainers, becoming known as “Ragtime Piano Gal,” and “Queen of the Honky-Tonk Piano.”

In the 1980s Castle wrote and recorded several collections of ragtime and honky tonk favorites, combining ragtime, honky-tonk and boogie-woogie standards with her original compositions. In 2002 she hosted a PBS special, “Legendary Liberace,” which included a duet with Jo Ann and Liberace created through the magic of television editing.

Today Castle is widely recognized for her unique piano style that combines the veracity of Jerry Lee Lewis with the flamboyance of Liberace. Her live performances are infused with Castle’s distinctive mix of comedy, sass and boundless energy.

Anacani – Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Anacani was just 12 years old when she became a star on Mexican television, was signed to a recording contract and toured throughout Mexico and Latin America. During a combined tour of Latin America and the United States, she was dining at Lawrence Welk’s restaurant and met the famous maestro. When Lawrence Welk learned that Anacani sang, he auditioned her on the spot and she joined the Lawrence Welk television show in February, 1973. She quickly became an audience favorite and regular performer on the show. She toured with the Lawrence Welk Musicial Family and continues to perform in the United States and Mexico.

The Welk Stars Reunion 2007 marks only the second appearance for Anacani at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson. This bilingual vocalist, Latin dancer and actor performs as a soloist with many symphony orchestras and is also an accomplished musician on the guitar and piano. In addition to her musical talents, Anacani also designs and creates all of her

Ava Barber – this singer/pianist was a regular on “The Lawrence Welk Show” from 1974 to 1982. She had a hit record in 1978, “Bucket To The South,” and appeared on many television shows including “Nashville Now,” “Music City Tonight,” “Prime Time,” “Crook & Chase Show” and “The Grand Ole Opry.” In 1990 she opened her own theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and performed there until August 1996. She appeared frequently at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson with the Welk Show and tours across the country.

Dick Dale – began singing and playing saxophone with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra in 1951 and continued on “The Lawrence Welk Show” until 1982. Dale also danced, performed comedy segments and was part of the show’s production staff. He played the role of Santa Claus every year during the annual “Welk Christmas Show.” In the 1990s, Dale perfomed at Ava Barber’s Rainbow Music Theatre in Tennessee for five years and also performed

Jack Imel – joined “The Lawrence Welk Show” in 1957, quickly becoming a regular on the show with his energetic marima act that concluded with Imel leaping over the marimba. The multi-talened Imel went on to sing, dance, choreograph, produce and direct on “The Lawrence Welk Show” and in live performances. He appeared frequently at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson from 1994 through 2004 and today he continues to delight audiences with his energetic marimba playing and tap dancing.

Mary Lou Metzger – began her entertainment career at age 7. She majored in music at Temple University and was later introduced to Lawrence Welk by a talent scout. Following her first Welk Performance in 1970, Metzger became known as the girl who danced with Mr. Welk at the end of the weekly television shows. She produces video and stage projects including live performances for the Welk Resort in Escondido, Calif. and the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson, Mo. Metzger is producing this week’s Welk Stars Reunion 2007.

Roger & David Otwell – born in Tulia, Texas, these twin brothers first got into music by playing the tuba in the high school band. They won music scholarships to Lubbock Christian College as members of the “Good Time Singers.” After moving on to West Texas State, they auditioned for Lawrence Welk and joined the television show in October 1977, teaming with the Aldridge Sisters. Today they reside in Texas with their families and continue to perform together in concerts, churches, special events and for Lawrence Welk Show wraparounds on public television. The Welk Stars Reunion 2007 marks their first performance in Branson at the Welk Resort Theatre.

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