Bambi VanBurch is awarded the coveted Merlin Award as Female Magician of the Year 2007 and Kirby VanBurch is awarded the coveted Merlin Award as The Entertainer of the Year 2007 by the International Magicians Society, the Largest Magic Organization in the World, as recorded in the Guinness World Records, with over 37,000 members worldwide.

Bambi and Kirby VanBurch join previous winners Penn and Teller, David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, Doug Henning, and Harry Blackstone as recipients of the most prestigious award given in the World of Magic.

Kirby VanBurch is no stranger to receiving awards. He has received the coveted Merlin Award as The Magician of the Year 2001 at the International Magicians Society’s Gala Merlin Award Presentation at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

In the profession of magic, the Merlin Award is the equivalent of the Oscar for film, the Emmy for television, and the Tony for theater. It is presented only to those entertainers who have achieved the highest level in their craft on an International Global Consideration. The voting members begin with approximately one hundred names and narrow the list down to a select few. The criteria considered for a winner include talent, showmanship, originality, skills, and above all, the rare ability to entertain under any conditions. “All these attributes describe the VanBurch duo right down to the charisma and stage presence that makes them the world class entertainers that they are,” said Tony Hassini, Chairman/CEO of the International Magicians Society.

The VanBurch duo is due to receive their Merlin Awards on Saturday evening, March 24 in Branson, Missouri at their own theater. The Merlin Award will be presented by Mr. Hassini, who will be flown in from Las Vegas for the presentation.

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First Presbyterian Church in Branson is celebrating a century of worship and service to its community. The highpoint of the year-long First Century Celebration is Sunday, March 18th when the congregation will celebrate, to the day and nearly to the hour, the establishment of the church 100 years ago.

The worship service will include special music, featuring the accompaniment of Credo Sinfonia, an eight piece orchestra from Russia. Credo Sinfonia is touring the United States under the sponsorship of The Messiah Project in Springfield. The special Sunday service will also incorporate a special history reading and an old fashioned potluck dinner will follow the service.

First Presbyterian Church Founding
First Presbyterian Church was established in Branson when the town had three general merchandise stores, a meat market, two hotels, a barber shop, photography gallery, two doctors, a drug store, a lumberyard, a livery stable, a blacksmith shop, a newspaper, and a planned school, but no church.

One of the two doctors was Elizabeth McIntyre who circulated a petition throughout the town that would establish a Sunday school in the new school building. The Sunday school was opened and rapidly overflowed the small community school. So townspeople began looking into building the town’s first church building.

About the same time, a Presbyterian delegation was traveling to Forsyth to establish a Presbyterian School, later known as the School of The Ozarks – now College of The Ozarks. The delegation would come by rail and stop over in Branson. They learned about the need for a church.

Eventually, The Reverend A. Y. Beatie, the first principal of the School of the Ozarks, spent enormous amounts of time evangelizing, preaching and promoting the establishment of a church in Branson. The citizens of Branson set out to build a new church under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. However, the use of the church building was to be free to any denomination that wished to use it.

There were ice cream socials, pie suppers and taffy pulls and fundraising by civic clubs. Seldom did a single project net more than $10. In March 1907, Reverend Beatie presided over 26 professions of faith and baptisms in the White River.

At last, that same month, the Presbyterian Church Society was formed and later that year, A.Y. Beatie’s son, the Reverend W. E. Beatie was installed as the first pastor of the Branson Presbyterian Church. But the church had no home.

The Branson Townsite Company donated land for a new church to be built. The St. Louis architect, who designed the School of the Ozarks also drew the plans for the stately Gothic Revival style Branson Church. Local craftsmen and volunteers worked on the church and the hand-cut limestone blocks were hauled a mile uphill by wagon from the first cut for the railroad. The etched frosted glass windows, heavy solid wood doors, and perfect narrow planked hardwood floors were specially made by a lumber company in Aurora, Missouri.

In spite of financial setbacks and cost overruns and the loss of their pastor, the Branson Church was completed and dedicated in April 2, 1911. The building, known today as The Old Stone Church, cost $3,500 shared by the Presbytery and the people of Branson. Additionally the people raised $500 for pews and $150 toward support of a coming pastor.

It was said that only the whistle of the train passing through Branson was louder than the bell in the tall belfry when it called worshipers. They came by foot, horseback, buggy, and boat. Branson’s Presbyterian Church became the town’s first stone building and it has stood proudly through the years meeting its purpose to serve not only Presbyterians but the entire community.

Commemoration Continues through 2007

The First Century Celebration will continue throughout 2007 with:
– the actual 100 year commemoration on March 18th,
– an old fashion Resurrection Sunday on April 8th,
– a baptism and recognition of those living members and former members who were baptized at First Presbyterian Church on May 27th,
– renewal of vows open to all who were married at the church on June 10th,
– a homecoming for all members past and present in July,
– an old fashion Sunday and ice cream social open to all churches in Branson in August,
– a choir reunion in September,
– a pastor reunion in October,
– a performance of The Autobiography of An Old Pew in November and
– an Old Fashioned Christmas in December.

But the celebration will not just focus on history. Pastor Chris Williams said the congregation would also look forward to the next 100 years and what First Presbyterian Church must do to serve the faithful and the community into the next century.

“Christianity puts a greater emphasis on the future and so, while it will be special to remember our roots, we will also welcome the opportunities for First Presbyterian Church going forward,” Williams said.

Asked about the church’s original promise to make its facilities open to other congregations, Williams said, “In fact, right now these facilities are also being used by the local Anglican Church and Church Army, not to mention Boy Scouts and a variety of other community organizations.”

First Presbyterian Church started the Presbyterian Pre-School and started YoungLife, now known as K-Life Ministries.

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Where to Retire magazine, the only magazine in America geared to helping people with retirement relocation decisions, has selected Branson, MO, to profile as a top retirement spot in its March/April issue that hits newsstands and bookstores nationwide March 27, 2007.

According to Where to Retire editor, Mary Lu Abbott, Branson has many qualities that are important to today’s retirees. “Nestled in the hills of southwestern Missouri’s Ozarks, this laid-back locale provides top-notch entertainment, scenic beauty and a low cost of living. Branson’s main attraction, the “Strip,” is a seven-mile stretch of highway packed with music halls, theaters, museums, hotels and restaurants. Water lovers will enjoy three area lakes, where fishing and boating are popular activities. With a four-season climate, opportunities for volunteering or a new career, the College of the Ozarks, several large shopping malls and hundreds of churches, Branson suits many interests for retirement, ” Abbott said.

Each year, 700,000 Americans move to new towns to retire. Generally healthier, better educated and more affluent than retirees who stay put, relocation retirees bring significant economic benefits to their new states and hometowns. Nationally, two dozen states and hundreds of towns seek to attract retirees as a source of economic development.

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One of the top 100 events in North America, BransonFest 2007 kicks off the spring season April 10-14 at the Welk Resort Theatre with world-class performers, genuine Ozarks cuisine, and a host of local artisans and craftsmen. This 15th annual event will truly give visitors a taste of what Branson is all about.

The Welk Resort Theatre hosts daily concerts, featuring some of the best entertainment in Branson, including Yakov Smirnoff, The Gatlin Brothers, Jim Stafford, Mickey Gilley, The Lennon Sisters, Darren Romeo, The Baldknobbers, Acrobats of China, Best of Motown and many more. Each showcase concert will feature 10 Branson shows and the lineup of stars is added to daily.

The talent overflows into the outside tents where the stage at the Real American Entertainment tent offers a variety of free performances by local and regional entertainers. For kids of all ages, there’s lots of fun with costumed characters and an array of street performers.

The Expo Area displays 50 booths featuring show information, contests and giveaways, and autograph sessions with Branson’s most popular stars and performers. The Taste of Branson food tent gives guests a sample of traditional Ozarks’ cuisine and food from Branson’s finest restaurants. The Arts, Culture and Heritage tent provides visitors the opportunity to observe the work of nationally recognized Branson personalities, and features artists, authors and musicians.

BransonFest 2007 runs daily, April 10-14. Free outdoor tent activities are noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday – Friday, April 11-13 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. Daily concerts in the Welk Resort Theatre are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10; and at 2 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 11-14. The Welk Resort Theatre is located on State Hwy 165 in Branson.

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From June 6 – 10, over 400 retail travel agents, tour operators, and group leaders will attend the eleventh annual Sales/Educational Tour, Destined For Branson 2007. This community-wide cooperative marketing endeavor hosted by attractions, shows, restaurants, lodging establishments, and receptive tour operators will entertain and educate travel professionals from across the United States and Canada.

The conference begins with the first of two Big Shows at Tri-Lakes Center conducted by the entertainment community with performances featuring celebrities from more than a dozen theaters. The second day starts off with an overview of Branson’s museums and shopping opportunities and is followed by another set of celebrities showcasing a large variety of Branson performers. With over 100 shows in Branson it is impossible for the attendees to see every show. By providing a sampling of numerous shows, the participants have a better understanding of Branson’s broad array of entertainment.

During the four-day event, conference participants will be attending a marketplace trade show followed by music shows and a gala dinner in their honor. The conference contains a very full schedule to show as much of Branson as possible in the limited time available.

The Gateway Cities of Springfield, Missouri, Overland Park, KS, Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Charles/St. Louis, Missouri, provide hospitality assistance before and after the Branson conference. Their representatives will greet more than 200 of the attendees at their respective airports upon their arrival and wish them farewell at their departure. The Missouri Division of Tourism also assists in hosting the attendees with special greetings and promotional items.

Destined For Branson was formed 11 years ago by business and sales managers working together to continue the momentum of a growing motorcoach market. Their concern was not about the number of group visitors but how to maintain and grow the significant annual visitor count. Branson has been ranked number one or in the top three destinations for motorcoach tours for the past five years.

In 1999 the invitation list was extended to include professional travel agents who represent more than 35,000 active sellers of travel. Expanding the conference to include travel agents was a strategic move to prepare for the changing demographics of the Branson visitor.

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Jim Barber’s recent performance during the Late Show’s “Ventriloquist Week” was not only enjoyed by the enthusiastic studio audience in the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, and the hard working staff of the show itself, but also by the estimated 4.1 million viewers who tune into the show on an average night.

“Being selected to appear on David Letterman’s show was not only an extreme honor, but a surprisingly fun experience. The staff, stars and crew of the show are the best in the business and they helped make this brief performance one of the highlights of my 35 year career as a professional entertainer. Congratulations to my fellow ventriloquists that have also appeared on Late Show as part of this special “tongue-in-cheek salute” to our rare and wacky art form. Big thanks to David Letterman and everyone at Late Show. ” – Jim Barber

Over a week later, the Hamner Barber Theater’s e-mail box continues to receive many letters of support and congratulations from friends around the globe, both old and new who saw Jim’s act. Some were from inspired young ventriloquists, while others were from well-seasoned professional entertainers who offered a pat on the back. Most however, were from average Letterman viewers who just wanted to say hello and thank Jim for the fun.

“I’m humbled by the hundreds of letters I received in the days that followed my appearance,” said Barber. “I didn’t expect that and am truly thankful for the kind words and appreciation of my act.”

Jim’s performance also caught the eye of some television “Insiders,” including Michele Greppi of Television Week, the community newspaper of the entire television industry.

Her article featured a multi-photo spread of Jim and Seville with a very positive “mash note” to “Late Show With David Letterman” for booking ventriloquists on the show.

Greppi wrote, “If it hadn’t been for rib-tickling “Ventriloquist Week 2,” The Insider would have gone all post-nuclear on everyone…”

Referring to Jim Barber’s act she added, “In addition to making himself appear to be the dummy of his two operatic dummies, Mr. Seville does an inspired bit with a hand in a glass of water.”

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Branson, Missouri will celebrate Valentine’s Day with the opening of the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. The new, elegantly appointed hotel welcomed its first guests Wednesday during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is operated by Boutique Hotel Development Company, L.L.C. under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Inns, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation. The hotel is owned and managed by HCW Development Company, LLC of Branson, which is also the developer of Branson Landing.

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is the first of three new Hilton facilities scheduled to open in Branson in 2007. The Branson Convention Center, which is owned by the City of Branson and managed by Hilton, and the adjacent Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, will open in August 2007.

“With a warm, boutique feel and modern, elegant amenities, the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is designed to help our guests achieve transformation, productivity and reinvigoration through travel,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, Hilton Brand Management. “We are proud to be a part of this exciting new chapter in the history of Branson.”

“We are thrilled to be able to introduce this new level of exclusive service and enjoyment to Branson,” said Mark Hartman, general manager, Hiltons of Branson. “Branson already attracts more than seven million visitors a year. Now, with the opening of the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, guests will have yet another reason to visit this exciting city.

“The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is one of the centerpieces of Branson Landing, a $420 million shopping and entertainment district located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo. The hotel, which is situated in the town square of Branson Landing, features 242 guest rooms and 2,000 square feet of gathering space for meetings and special events. Several rooms offer views of a stunning water fountain designed specifically for Branson Landing by the creators of the Bellagio Fountains of Las Vegas.

The hotel’s hospitality staff includes 125 hand picked team members, all of whom were required to pass a detailed and rigorous training program based on the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing’s signature “10 Points of Service” pledge. After candidates complete the program – which emphasizes the hotels commitment to superior service, hospitality and presentation – they’re presented with a “10 Points Pin” and a blue bracelet emblazoned with the phrase “Be Hospitable” that will be worn as part of their uniform.

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing’s interior was designed by Habitat Interiors, LLC of Colorado, a leading interior design firm that specializes in contemporary elegance. Rooms and suites feature the latest in Hilton exclusive amenities, including the Hilton Serenity Bed™, Pacific Coast Touch of Down® pillows, European-style 250-thread count linens, and La Source® luxury bath products created exclusively for Hilton by Crabtree & Evelyn. The Hilton Serenity Collection in-room coffee system features world-renowned Lavazza® coffee from Italy and a Cuisinart® dual-cup, single-brew coffeemaker. Each room and suite features a 32-inch LCD (Liquid Crystal Display screen) television, high-speed internet access and a specially-designed Hilton Family clock radio to which guests can connect their personal MP3 player, portable CD player, laptop, and other electronic devices, giving them instant access to their own, personal entertainment preferences.

Guests will also have access to a full-service fitness center, an indoor pool and a gracious lobby featuring cozy, intimate seating areas bathed in natural wood accents, rich fabrics and unique artwork. The hotel is within walking distance of Historic Downtown Branson, the Branson Convention Center and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

For dining, guests will enjoy the Liberty Tavern Restaurant, a Hilton signature restaurant known for serving fresh, local ingredients in a comfortable, contemporary setting. Located on the first floor of the Promenade, the Liberty Tavern will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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Branson comedian Jim Barber will “throw his voice” across the national airwaves when he performs his award-winning ventriloquist act on CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman,” Thursday, February 15.

“The opportunity to perform on David Letterman’s show is incredible,” said Barber, “and quite frankly, something I hadn’t expected. I’ve always been a big fan of the show, but it seemed there was a standing policy of no ventriloquist acts until Letterman’s clever concept of an entire week devoted to ventriloquism. It sounds a bit hokey and perhaps what I do is considered a novelty, but according to the Late Show ratings, America is ready for some good ol’ fashioned entertainment once again. That’s what Branson is all about and I’m honored to have this opportunity to share a bit of my humor and imagination with the entire country.”

Jim Barber was selected as one of the five top professional ventriloquists to appear as part of the Late Show’s “Ventriloquist Week” which pulled in extremely high ratings for the program last fall when the concept was first launched. The idea came from Letterman himself during a writer’s meeting. According to writer and producer Eric Stangel, his efforts to seek out the best ventriloquist acts in the country turned up a “list of legends and people who are currently getting it done in the world of ventriloquism.” It is also fitting that the show is taped in the Ed Sullivan Theater which hosted so many amazing variety acts during the early years of television.

Barber is a rare variety entertainer who has not only mastered the technical aspects of ventriloquism, but has achieved a level of respect among his peers for his contributions to the artform. He is an advisor to the world’s largest private collection of ventriloquist memorabilia, Vent Haven Museum in Ft. Mitchell, KY and was voted “Ventriloquist of the Year” at the Museum’s International Convention.

With his entertainment partners, Dave and Denise Hamner, Jim is co-star of the “Hamner Barber Variety Show” which performs nightly from February through December at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri. Last year, the International Magicians Society selected Jim as the first ventriloquist in history to receive their coveted Merlin Award as International “Ventriloquist of the Year,” while simultaniously awarding the Hamners a Merlin Award as “Entertainers of the Year.”

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Branson heats up with 13th annual Hot Winter Fun Big ShowHot Winter Fun is heating up in the Branson area and on Monday, February 12 at 7 p.m., the RFD-TV Theatre will be ablaze with the 13th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show.

Nowhere else can visitors sample such a wide variety of shows and performers in one exciting evening. The 13th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show features segments of several shows that are open during the winter months of January, February, and March” and throughout the entire year in Branson.

Shows represented in the Big Show include Jim Stafford, Grand Jubilee, Doug Gabriel, Baldknobbers, Legends In Concert, Comedy Jamboree, Celebrate America, The White House Theatre and others.

Hot Winter Fun was officially organized in 1994 as a way to offer guests a year-round vacation experience. Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau said, “Hot Winter Fun has proven to be very successful. Over the past 13 years, visitor numbers have increased during the winter months. Many visitors have discovered that they can find a great vacation here any time of the year.”

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber & CVB, the City of Branson, and area businesses and community members sponsor Hot Winter Fun promotions such as the Big Show. The cooperative marketing program is designed to attract visitors to the Branson/Lakes Area throughout the year especially during January, February, and March.

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Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center today announced plans to host a series of intimate vintner dinners highlighting wines of Missouri and elegant cuisine prepared by executive chefs from around the state.

The first of the Chateau Vintner Dinners will be held on Friday, January 26, 2007 in the Private Dining Room of the Chateau Grille. Reservations are also being accepted for upcoming Chateau Vintner Dinners on February, 23, 2007 and March 23, 2007. A visiting winemaker and chef from Missouri will host each dinner.

Winemaker Daniel Alcorso from Crown Valley Winery and Executive Chef Drew Poniewaz from Tiger Ridge Restaurant, both in Ste. Genevieve, will serve as guest hosts on January 26th. A dinner reception begins at 6:30p.m. followed by a five-course meal featuring Norton-braised Crown Farm Beef Short Ribs and seared Crown Farm Bison Loin prepared by Chef Drew. Guests will have the opportunity to sample five of Crown Valley’s most outstanding wines including the Muscat Canelli 2005, Norton 2005 and Vignoles “Late Harvest” 2005. Reservations are required and guests must be 21 years of age. The price per person is $85.00 pus tax and gratuity. Seating is very limited.

Guests are also invited to attend an afternoon cooking demonstration and sampling with Chef Drew and Chateau Executive Chef Anthony Burke beginning at 2:00p.m., January 26, 2007. This informal and entertaining afternoon with the Chefs will feature samples from Crown Valley Winery. Reservations are required and guests must be 21 years of age. The price per person is $25.00 pus tax and gratuity.

Chateau on the Lake is proud to spotlight Crown Valley and other Missouri wineries to help bring attention to Missouri’s professional winemaking industry. “First-time visitors at the Chateau are often very surprised by what they find,” said Chateau Vice President and General Manager Stephen Marshall. “When I visited Crown Valley Winery, I had the same reaction. It’s a very professional operation in a beautiful rural setting. We wanted to bring a piece of it here for our Vintner Dinner Series so that our residents and visitors could experience the unique pleasure of fine wine together with expertly-prepared gourmet cuisine.”

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