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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The Fourth Annual Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Roundup is September 14-16, 2007. Join us at The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Happy Trails Theater & Attraction for a weekend full of fun activities. The weekend kicks off with a Meet & Greet at the Welk Resort, with displays and demonstrations on the Museum grounds on Saturday. A big Rogers Family Reunion will be loads of fun as we celebrate 40 Years of Happy Trails, commemorating the original opening of the Museum in California in 1967.

The highlight of the weekend is the Official Fundraising Dinner & Show on Saturday night, September 15. Tickets are $125 for adults, $75 for kids, and include supper and a show with Roy Rogers Jr. & The High Riders. All proceeds from this event benefit the Museum, a nonprofit organization, and will enable us to improve and maintain our displays, and continue developing educational programs for the kids.

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Over five days, 206 acts, 119 kids from 11 states, 72 volunteers and 22 judges will have participated in the 2007 American Kids National Finals during which $6,000 in cash prizes, $5,000 recording session, 28 trophies, over 500 medals and two college scholarships will be awarded.

The event will culminate in the AllStar Show at 2 p.m. Friday, July 20, at the Baldknobbers Theatre where 25 of the top acts from the week-long competition will be showcased. One winner will be selected as Performer of the Year and win a $1,000 cash prize and a $5,000 recording session from Voice Recording Studio of Branson. Tickets to the show are $10 and available at the door.

“Before American Idol, Star Search and America’s Got Talent, American Kids Inc. has been showcasing the nation’s talented young performers for 25 years,” said Dr. Dale Smith, founder of the non-profit group dubbed America’s only “little league” of entertainers.

“It all comes down to this Friday afternoon competition, but it started with local, regional and state competitions,” said Brenda Hoffstatter, the non-profit group’s national director of competitions. “We appreciate our judges who will be selecting the Performer of the Year as well as those who have judged throughout the week. Judges are a vital part of this competition and without their expertise, our kids would not be able to learn and grow in their talents.”

AllStar judges are Ben Brooks of Ben Brooks Marketing who has helped break hits songs for numerous Norah Jones, Creed, Ray Charles, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Cheryl Broz, an executive marketing professional, markets and promotes Christian artists to the mainstream. She has worked with Arista Records, EMI Christian Music Group, CMG Global Marketing and Columbia Records among others. Chris Korblein from Los Angeles, guitarist, writer and producer has performed across the country and around the world. The first single on his third CD shot to the top of national radio’s most added list and remained there for several weeks. David Sandy is an entertainer and an award-winning show producer responsible for five popular shows in Branson, The Haygoods, Red Skelton, A Tribute by Tom Mullica, Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, Red, Hot & Blue! and Siegfried and Roy present Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, American Kids is different from other competitions in the performance opportunities given the group’s membership outside of the competition. The organization is open to all youth from ages 3 through high school seniors, alumni, their parents and supporters.
“Our members, with guidance from our certified adult volunteers, present a vast number of shows on the local, regional and national level to share their talent gifts for the benefit of others,” said Hoffstatter.

Numerous college scholarships have been awarded over the past two and a half decades. The two college scholarships that will be awarded during national competition are the $1,000 Taco Mayo Scholarship and the $1,000 Carolyn Snow Memorial Scholarship. Snow, the late wife of Dr. Dale Smith, served as the organization’s executive director.

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The Tour of Missouri, America’s newest elite professional cycling race, today revealed race and route details for Stage Three of the six-day, 600-mile race through the state, a Time Trial around Branson on Thursday, September 13, 2007.

This first-time Missouri event will bring 120 racers from some of the world’s best cycling teams for six action-packed days through Missouri’s most beautiful areas, including the Katy Trail, the Ozarks, wine country and the capitol city, and a grand finale on Sunday, September 16, 2007, an 80-mile circuit race around St. Louis.

“Branson is happy to host the Individual Time Trial for the inaugural Tour of Missouri,” said Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Branson is also proud to be offering an opportunity for all riders to come and experience the time trial route themselves. There will be an amateur event for riders of all levels to participate in prior to the professional race beginning on September 13. This event will be completed in plenty of time to allow the participants adequate time to get back out on the course and cheer on the pros. This will be a timed ride, awards and prizes will be included.”

The popular destination of Branson will provide a perfect backdrop for a very exciting “race of truth” as each athlete races one at a time along an 18-mile (29-kilometer) course that includes 2500 feet (762 meters) of climbing into the Ozark Mountains. Starting at 11 am from Branson Landing, this course will bring the racers out and back along the aptly named High Road and provide a dramatic uphill finish at the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre. The Branson Time Trial could well be the pivotal stage of the Tour of Missouri, narrowing down the contenders for the overall win in St. Louis.

“Missouri is a very diverse state and we will be showcasing some of its finest areas,” said Jim Birrell, the race’s director. “From Kansas City to St. Louis, this will be a great postcard of Missouri to the world. The Ozarks present spectacular viewing opportunities for a dramatic course that will highlight the strong climbers.”

“The overall course will be deceivingly difficult,” commented the Tour’s competition director Kevin Livingston, a Missouri native who rode on two of Lance Armstrong’s successful Tour de France championship teams. “This is an American-type of race and could see a lot of attacking and breakaways. The course lends itself to tough chases and could highlight a rider in good form going into the World Championships later that month.”

Added Professional Cyclist Dan Schmatz: “Being from Missouri, I’m extremely excited about this race. The constantly rolling terrain offers a fantastic route and it will be great for people within or traveling to the state to see what big-time professional cycling is all about. This will be a great culminating event for the American riders finishing their season. And, we always look forward to racing against some of the big international teams on domestic soil.”

As part of the race festivities, Branson Landing, which is hosting the day’s start of the race and awards ceremony, will have a fun-filled Health and Wellness Expo Area, including vendors, bicycle stunt teams and a large movie screen showing all of the action out on the course.

“Missouriis known as the Show-Me State, and we look forward to showing our state to spectators around the world through the Tour of Missouri,” remarked Missouri Governor Matt Blunt. “This event has great potential to bring economic benefits to our state and is an opportunity for us to join these world class cyclists to spread the message of the positive benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder added, “The Tour of Missouri is an exciting way to showcase the beauty of our state. I believe this race will capture the imagination of the entire State of Missouri. The race will create the potential for millions of additional tourism dollars being pumped into the local economy’s of Missouri cities as well as our smaller, rural communities.”

The complete race route through Missouri will be announced August 6, 2007. See www.tourofmissouri.com for the Press Kit and more information.

About Tour of Missouri

The Tour of Missouri is a 600-mile, six-day world-class bicycle race patterned after the Tour de Georgia and Amgen Tour of California. It is a race that features point-to-point racing. The race starts in Kansas City, September 11 and concludes September 16 in St. Louis, including legs to Clinton, Springfield, Branson, Lebanon, Columbia, Jefferson City, and St. Charles. The race will feature teams of eight from 15 of the world’s top professional cycling teams.

The race is sanctioned by the UCI, the international governing body for cycling, and USA Cycling, the national governing body for cycling. It is ranked as a 2.1, second in ranking to only the Tour de Georgia and Amgen Tour of California in North American cycling. The event’s management group is Medalist Sports of Tyrone, Ga., the organizers of both the California and Georgia races. KOM Sports Marketing of Colorado Springs, Colo., is the event’s marketing agency.

EVENT SCHEDULE
September 11 – Kansas City to Kansas City, road race (out and back)
September 12 – Clinton to Springfield, road race
September 13 – Branson, individual time trial
September 14 – Lebanon to Columbia, road race
September 15 – Jefferson City to St. Charles, road race
September 16 – St. Louis, circuit race

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He is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, Bill Cosby has the ability to touch people’s lives. His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of our existence, seeking to provide an insight into our roles as parents, children, family members, and men and women. Without resorting to gimmickry or lowbrow humor, Bill Cosby’s comedy has a point of reference and respect for the trappings and traditions of the great American humorists.

THE MANSION ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA CENTER is pleased to announce the performance of well-known comedian and five-time Grammy Winner Bill Cosby, October 13 in Branson.

For more than five decades he has graced us through virtually every entertainment outlet. Cosby’s initial immediate success began with Bill Cosby Is A Very Funny Fellow, Right? and continued with many other comedy albums. He also has released a number of jazz recordings, including hello, friend: to ennis with love (released in 1997).

“THE MANSION continues to search and acquire major stars for our customers to enjoy – we are pledged to that goal and the public has told us by ticket sales that we are succeeding.” Says Larry Wilhite.

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Branson and Silver Dollar City are both Top 10 picks in the nation for tour and travel, according to a recent industry survey — indicators that the Southwest Missouri town known for live entertainment and world-class family attractions remains a national favorite.

In the annual survey conducted by the National Motorcoach Network, Branson placed number 3 on the Top 10 Destinations list, following Pigeon Forge and Washington, D.C., and ahead of cities including Nashville, Chicago and New York.

“I don’t think Branson has ever been below number 4 in all the years of our survey,” said Steve Kirchner, editor and publisher of Byways, the National Motorcoach Network magazine. “Branson has been number 1, 2, 3 or 4 consistently for 17 years and that’s pretty amazing.” In fact, Branson’s consistent high ranking in the survey earned it the title of Top Motorcoach Destination of the Decade in 2000, a testament to the city’s product, hospitality and service, according to Kirchner.

Silver Dollar City ranked sixth in the survey’s list of Top 10 Man-Made Attractions, with Disney World, the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland, Washington, D.C., the Statue of Liberty and Graceland, and ahead of such attractions as Universal Studios. The 1880s-style theme park has been internationally awarded for excellence in theme, presentation and operations, including the worldwide Applause Award and the THEA Award from the Themed Entertainment Association.

“At Silver Dollar City, we have much to offer motorcoach travelers, with six festivals, our demonstrating craftsmen, unique craft shops, great food and shows,” said General Manager Brad Thomas. “We appreciate being among the favorite attractions nationwide and continually add elements that give our guests more reasons to visit.”

“We’re pleased to be recognized as a top motorcoach destination, and we value the great service that the motorcoach industry provides to visitors seeking convenient travel to favorite destinations,” said Ross Summers, president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber and CVB. “Once they bring visitors here, we promise Branson shows them a great time.”

Referencing another of the survey’s Top 10, the restaurant picks are well-represented in Branson too, Summers said, with seven of the top 10 within the city: Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Golden Corral, Shoney’s, Olive Garden, Landry’s and Applebee’s.

The annual Top 10 rankings of the National Motorcoach Network are compiled from surveys of member operators indicating where they plan to travel in the coming year.

For more information on Branson, contact the Branson Tourism Center today!

Complete Top 10 survey results of the National Motorcoach Network:

Top 10 Destinations
1. Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Branson, Mo.
4. Nashville, Tenn.
5. Chicago, Ill.
6. Atlantic City, N.J.
7. Philadelphia, Pa.
8. New York, N.Y.
9. Williamsburg, Va.
10. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Top 10 Man-Made Attractions
1. Disney World
2. Grand Ole Opry/Opryland
3. Washington, D.C. (monuments and Smithsonian museum)
4. Statue of Liberty
5. Graceland
6. Silver Dollar City
7. Dollywood
8. Pennsylvania Dutch Country
9. Henry Fort Museum and Greenfield Village
10. Universal Studios

Top 10 Motorcoach States
1. Pennsylvania
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Tennessee
5. South Carolina
6. Virginia
7. New York
8. Missouri
9. Kentucky
10. North Carolina

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Premier Exhibitions today announced that BODIES…The Exhibition, its groundbreaking exhibition featuring real human bodies, will make its Missouri debut in Branson. This world-famous anatomical exhibition will open at 9 Treasure Lake Drive, adjacent to the Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex.

The Exhibition takes visitors through several galleries providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body. Many of the 250+ whole body specimens are dissected in vivid athletic poses, allowing the visitor to relate to everyday activities. The Exhibition will change the way people see themselves. It is designed to enlighten, empower, fascinate, and inspire.

“We look forward to making BODIES part of Branson’s family friendly programming,” states Arnie Geller, President and CEO of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. “Visitors will be introduced to a unique and groundbreaking Exhibition that will leave them educated and inspired to take better care of themselves”.

The real human body specimens in the exhibition are preserved through a revolutionary technique called polymer preservation. In this process, human tissue is permanently preserved using liquid silicone rubber that is treated and hardened. The end result is a rubberized specimen, preserved to the cellular level, showcasing the complexity of the body’s many bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and organs. The full-body specimens can take more than a year to prepare.

The Exhibition has attracted nearly four million visitors and is currently receiving worldwide acclaim in New York, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Lisbon, Prague and other cities around the globe.

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After making it through the initial auditions, the short list and finally to the twenty semifinalists for NBC’s hit television show America’s Got Talent, Branson’s Dutton Family and Johnny Lonestar are ready to proceed toward winning the grand prize of $1,000,000.

Dean Dutton, family patriarch of the talented group of seven siblings, mom and dad, exclaimed, “Our family is so excited with being able to participate in America’s Got Talent. We were blessed to make the semifinals and look forward to the rest of the competition.” Featuring a wide array of musical genres, The Duttons combine beautiful vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, high-energy dancing, and heartwarming comedy. Each Dutton plays at least six different instruments.

Gun-slingin’, rope-twirlin’, bull-whippin’ cowboy Johnny Lonestar, with Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, is on his way to the next round. Raised in Smithtown, NY, he started trick-roping at the age of 15. At 17, he won the “Will Rogers Rookie of the Year” award. By age 20, he received his first professional job on the Las Vegas strip performing rope-twirling, gun-spinning and whip-cracking. Johnny brought his act to Branson, and has been here for the past 13 years.

“America’s Got Talent is bringing the variety format back to the forefront of American culture. With the performances of Johnny Lonestar and The Duttons showcased on national television, the high caliber of Branson talent was well-represented,” said Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley.

“Starting with the semifinal performance episodes, the judging will be turned over to the American viewing audience who will vote each week for their favorites,” according to Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We hope that all their fans will vote for their Branson favorites.” The series culminates with a live finale where one act will walk away with a million dollar prize.

To plan a trip to the “Live Entertainment Capital of America,” or to find out more about the many other talented acts, call the Branson Tourism Center today!

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Branson’s White House Theatre’s Christian television concept will now be available nationwide. The Magnificent Gospel Showcase has been in production since May of this year by White House Television Productions and has recently been picked up by the Sky Angel Network. Debuting its’ first of eighteen episodes on September 28th of 2007, this show features Los Angeles Comedian Ron McGehee and the very best of today’s Christian and Gospel artists along with Tamra Holden and the Cast and Band of The Magnificent Seven Variety Show here in Branson. The live taping will be held at the White House Theatre the first Saturday of every month at 1pm, and tickets are available to the general public.

The Series will be shown in a one-hour format and will be aired every fourth Friday of the month beginning September 28th at 8pm CT on Angel 2, the “Special Events” channel of Sky Angel. Throughout the show the audience will be entertained with hilarious comedy and vibrant, spirit-filled production numbers along with an exciting concert from one of today’s top Grammy and Dove Award winning artists such as The Classic Imperials, Crystal River, and The Galloways, with future artists to include The Martins, Hope’s Call and many more. LA Comedian Ron McGehee, who has also appeared on the hit series Bananas, NBC’s Last Comic Standing as a Semi-Finalist, and NBC/Laugh Factory Latino/Asian-American Comedy Showcase as a Finalist, will be the host for the one hour event and will be showcasing his talent as a “Clean” Comedian. Ron McGehee has become highly sought after as a comedian and host, and has recently filmed an unnamed comedy pilot with CBS producers to write as well as appear on the show.

As an independent producer of exceptional family entertainment, White House Television Productions has created Telly Award winning programming utilizing our multi-million dollar production facility, qualified staffed entertainers, and the best technical support staff in the area. The company is locally owned and operated here in Branson, and has become known for creating high quality, family oriented, musically based productions that promote traditional American family values.

The Sky Angel Network is based out of Florida and has been providing family and Christian based programming for over 25 years. Reaching virtually anywhere in the Continental United States, Sky Angel Network has over 30 channels on television and radio and features programming from some of the Nation’s best, including The Hallmark Channel, HGTV, TBN and Fox. For more information on programming and scheduling at Sky Angel, visit www.skyangel.com.

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Representatives from the State of Missouri, Taney County and the City of Branson surprised four generations of the Presley family during a special 40th season celebration on Saturday, June 30, 2007 with a proclamation reading ceremony to honor Presleys’ Country Jubilee for its outstanding contribution to Branson’s live entertainment industry.

During intermission of Presleys’ 40th anniversary performance, State Rep. Dennis Wood read a proclamation signed by Governor Matt Blunt and resolutions from the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives praising the Presleys for bringing live music and comedy to millions of Branson visitors over the past 40 years, and for their commitment to active community service. Branson Mayor ProTem Stan Barker read a proclamation naming June 30, 2007 Presley Family Day, and Taney County Commissioner Ron Herschend presented 82-year-old Lloyd Presley with a proclamation which designates the last Saturday of June each year as Country Music Day in honor of the Presleys.

“We are deeply honored and proud to be a member of this community,” said Gary Presley, co-producer and one of the original founders of Presleys’ Country Jubilee. “We are very fortunate to get to do what we love and for the generations of fans who have supported us over the years.”

Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson Lakes/Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, led the surprise presentations during the show Saturday night and thanked the Presleys for building the first theater on Branson’s now famous Strip. Before the show, Ozark Mountain Bank representatives presented the Presleys with a gold and ruby encrusted, hand-carved wooden bass fiddle during an outdoor barbecue hosted by the Presley family.

National ABC news legend Paul Harvey recognized the Presleys’ 40th Anniversary during his Friday, June 29, 2007 radio news broadcast and has featured the family twice in previous “The Rest of the Story” broadcasts.

Presleys’ remains one of the top-rated shows in Branson and continues to receive numerous awards and accolades from fans and the media each year. In 2006, Springfield News-Leader readers named Presleys’ the “Best Music Show in Branson”. This year, guests are being treated to a season-long 40th birthday celebration packed with country favorites, today’s country hits, southern gospel music and hilarious comedy.

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