Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour to Begin Operations in Spring of 2010

Branson, Mo. – (Tuesday, January 26, 2010) – Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour, now under construction in Branson, Missouri plans to be open this spring. Construction of the platforms for the new Eco-Adventure is ahead of schedule.  Branson’s newest attraction, conveniently located on Highway 65 only seven miles north of downtown Branson, will introduce visitors to a unique form of outdoor entertainment. “This is a completely different experience,” points out General Manager Emma Hamilton, “and there is no other attraction that comes close to combining ecology and adventure in a fun activity that is both exciting and safe for people of all ages.”

Using a system that originated in the jungles of Costa Rica, the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour will allow guests to soar in the Ozark Mountains.  As visitors “zip” from observation platform to platform, through and over the trees, certified guides will accompany participants pointing out unique topographical and historical features of the Ozarks.  Certification for the guides will be provided by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), as will be the accreditation for the courses themselves.

Branson visitors will be able to experience the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour® a two and a half hour, interactive tour which will feature a variety of zip lines, walkways and platforms; and the Blue Streak Fast Line®, a thrilling one-stop ride from the top of the property to the base.  Hamilton adds, “Visitors will be able to experience the Ozark Outdoors through all the seasons, as we run year round…only pausing for lightning.”

The Branson Zipline & Canopy Tour is the only facility of its kind in the region. “We can take up to 12 people at a time on each tour, so there is a very limited capacity.” states Emma, “In many areas, zip line canopy tours are sold out weeks and months in advance, so we strongly advise making reservations now.”

Tours begin May 1, 2010, and can be booked now by visiting www.BransonZipline.com or by calling 417-561-2500. The course has been designed to be a low impact activity that is appropriate for all ages.

Media Contact

Emma Hamilton – General Manager, 417-616-5156, marketing@bransonzipline.com

About Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour

Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour offers visitors of all ages an exciting Eco-Adventure in the Ozark Mountains. The range of thrilling options includes the 2 ½  hour Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour®, which features a guided excursion across numerous zip lines, platforms and walkways; and the Blue Streak Fast Line®, a thrilling zip that stretches from the top of the mountain to the base of the property. The adventure includes information about topographical, ecological, and historical features. Branson Zipline is a unique and family friendly compliment to Branson’s existing vacation opportunities. The course and the guides will be certified by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT).

16^th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show Heats Up the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Stage

Branson, MO – (Thursday, January 18, 2010) – As the weather starts to heat up so do the stages in Branson, Missouri and at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 8, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater will be sizzling with Branson’s 16^th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show! Branson, dubbed the “live music show capital of the world”, is the perfect place to escape the winter blues during January and February and Branson’s Hot Winter Fun Big Show is the perfect event to sample a wide variety of shows and performers jam-packed into one exciting show.

The Hot Winter Fun Big Show provides the audience an opportunity to see portions of several shows that are open during the winter months of January, February and March. The Big Show will be emceed by popular Branson entertainer, Bob Leftridge of the Baldknobbers Jamboree.  Shows on stage include Jim Stafford, Legends In Concert, Hughes Brothers Show, Pierce Arrow, Kirby Van Burch, Cassandre’- the Voice of an Angel, Circle B Supper Show, Grand Jubilee, Keith “Red” Allen, Ricky Boen & Texas Mud, Tony Roi, Smoke On The Mountain, Always & Forever Patsy Cline, Buckets N Boards, Comedy Jamboree, Red, Hot, & Blue, Rock N Roll is Here to Stay, Rock U Mentally, Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue, and more.

Tickets for Branson’s 16th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater directly at 417-339-3003.

“The Big Show has become a tradition for many visitors who plan their trip to Branson around the event. It’s also something local residents enjoy because they get to see some of the new shows opening for the season and some of their long time favorites debuting new songs and acts,” says Jeannie Horton, President of The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (The Branson Show League) and General Manager for Legends In Concert.

“Marketing the months of January, February, and March as Hot Winter Fun started in 1994 as a way to let our guests know they could enjoy the Branson experience year ‘round,” says Cindy Merry, marketing chair for The Branson Show League.  “The Hot Winter Fun Big Show was created to raise funds to market Branson.  Last year the funds were used to help run a $300,000 television campaign in Dallas that featured over 50 Branson stars inviting visitors Branson. We hope to be able to recreate a similar program in 2010.”

The Branson Show League sponsors the annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show. All of the entertainers donate their performances and many volunteers and local businesses help produce and market the show.

For tickets call 417-339-3003 or 417-335-STAR today. Tickets are $30 plus tax and service charge for adults, $ 9.95 plus tax and service charge for children ages 4 through 12.

About The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers (The Branson Show League)

The Branson Show League works to increase the success and well-being of the theatrical industry in the “Live Music Show Capital of the World” — Branson, Missouri.  With over 100 live shows featuring music, comedy, magic, dancing, acrobats, theatrical plays, and more, the diversity and variety of choices of live shows make Branson a unique and fun-filled family vacation destination.  The League strives to increase interest in Branson shows and show attendance, increase profitability for the Branson show community, and to promote communications between the shows and theaters as well as throughout the Branson community.

Official Website: ShowsInBranson.com

Branson performers and fans alike have always been quick to donate assistance when asked. The people of Haiti need the financial assistance of everyone right now… TODAY!

There are many ways to assist financially so that your donation will instantly be available to those who can put it to great use… TODAY!

Here are two easy ways to donate…

If you have a text enabled cell phone, text the word Haiti to 90999 and $10.00 will be added to your phone bill to go directly to the Red Cross Haiti fund… TODAY!

Or… click on the Help Haiti Now image and contribute to The World Food Programme. They are sending food and other necessary provisions to Haiti, a country that has suffered recently from hunger, malnutrition, high food prices, hurricanes and now one of the worst earthquakes ever to strike the region.

Here are ten facts that give the measure of the hunger crisis facing Haiti, an island nation which was already stalked by hunger and malnutrition even before the earthquake struck.

1. Assessments show that 3 million people may need humanitarian relief, including food assistance, in the wake of the earthquake.
2. Even before the quake, 1.9 million people were ‘food insecure’, meaning they needed assistance to stave off hunger.
3. Only 50 percent of Haiti population has access to safe drinking water.
4. Some 55 percent of Haiti’s 9 million people live below the poverty line of US$1 a day.
5. Rural households spend almost 60 percent of their income on food; the poorest groups spend more than 70 percent.
6. Chronic malnutrition affects 24 percent of children under five, rising as high as 40 percent in the poorest zones.
7. Poor diet means many women and children suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Anaemia affects 59 percent of children between the ages of six months and 5 years.
8. During 2008, high food and fuel prices triggered violent demonstrations and political upheaval.
9. In the same year, three hurricanes and one tropical storm struck Haiti, killing 800 people, destroying 27,000 homes and raising the general level of hunger.
10. Food prices have declined since September 2008, but remain higher than the four-year average.