Andy Williams grand marshal of Holiday Promenade of Stars



Third annual parade Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. on Highway 76

BRANSON, Mo. -- “Mr. Christmas” Andy Williams will usher in Ozark Mountain Christmas as the grand marshal for the Third Annual Holiday Promenade of Stars on the world famous Highway 76 at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 7.

Branson celebrities, marching bands and floats will follow the 1.4 mile-long parade route beginning at White Water and ending at the Grand Village with a few pauses for stars to perform on stage in front of the Titanic Museum.

“When Ronald Reagan was president he declared that Andy Williams’ voice a national treasure. Here in Branson, we agree that he is not only our national treasure, but also our ‘Mr. Christmas’ in recognition of his traditional Christmas television specials, holiday albums and his annual Christmas show at the beautiful Moon River Theatre,” said Gary Bartlett of Midwest Concerts and Events and parade organizer.

Williams will be returning to Branson to launch his Christmas show and serve as grand marshal for the parade from a national tour promoting his autobiography, “Moon River and Me” and a concert in London.

In addition to Williams, celebrity performances include Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, the Lennon Sisters, the Osmonds, Tony Orlando, the Spirit of Christmas Dancers, the cast of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol’ from Silver Dollar City and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Debby Boone and Jimmy Osmond are hosts for the television special and extensive media coverage. The Saturday parade, which officially ushers in the holiday season for the entertainment town, has been labeled the “Macy’s of the Midwest” and will be featured on local and national television broadcasts. The television special will be broadcast Thanksgiving Day and rebroadcast Christmas Day to an estimated 102 million plus households across the nation. In the Springfield/Branson area the parade special will be televised on KSFX Ozarks FOX and Vacation Channel. National broadcasts are on RFD TV and Retro Television Network (RTN). RFD TV is carried on several satellite and cable providers including over 625 independent cable operators to 42 million households and RTN is seen in 17 of the top 25 markets to more than 60 million households on nearly 100 stations in cities such as Pittsburg, Atlanta, Seattle, Orlando, St. Louis and Boston, according to Nielsen ratings.

In Branson KOMC‐FM will present an uninterrupted live broadcast 10:30 a.m. to noon. Eric Marshall will be the host of the radio broadcast.

Press Release Crafted by Linda Ward
Event organized by Gary Bartlett of Midwest Concerts and Events 417-336-075

Oliver North to meet One on One with Citizens in Branson

Oliver North will be back in Branson for a Veterans Day fundraiser. The following unedited bullet points listed below were produced by Bob Nichols, whose company, Associated Artists is promoting the event.

1. Lt. Col. Oliver North will appear at a VIP Luncheon on Veterans day for the first 100 people to reserve tickets. The luncheon mixer will be held at the Chateau on the lake Resort on the 11th beginning at 12 Noon and lasting until 1 PM. For a, tax deductible, $125 donation to that Branson Veterans Task Force, you will be able to meet the Col one on one. You will receive a personally autographed copy of his new book and a photo opportunity with Col North. Call 417-337-8387 or 417-699-6199 for reservations.

2. Branson Veteran's Week will kick off on November 5th with "For the Vets", the official opening ceremonies for the entire week of events. This 2 hour production show is being held at the Mansion Theatre beginning at 2 PM. There is no admission charge and tickets will be available, the day of the show, at the Mansion Box office. Featured performers will include The Oak Ridge Boys, Cathy Rigby, Hughes Brothers, Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris, Premiere Dance Academy, The Chinese Acrobats and many more, This years production will also feature several original dance numbers from a professional dance troupe provided by Midwest Dance Academy. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley will also welcome the vets and their guests to Branson. Come early to assure the best seating. Doors open at 12:30 PM. come early to get your picture taken with a LIVE Bald Eagle in the lobby of the Mansion.

3. The first "Official" Closing Ceremonies for Branson Veteran's Week will be held at the Starlite Theatre on Veterans Day,November 11th beginning at 1 PM. Featuring appearances by Lt. Col. Oliver North, Moe Bandy, Clay Cooper, Jim Barber and many more. Mayor Raeanne Presley will also offer remarks. Admission is FREE but advance reservations are recommended by calling 417-337-9333. The College of the Ozarks Jazz Band will be performing in the atrium lobby for an hour prior to the ceremonies.

All three of these events are being produced by Associated Artists of Branson.

Bob Nichols
Associated Artists
"Raising the Level"
WCA, LLC Office
4514 North Gretna Road
Branson, Missouri 65616
417.336.0631 fax
417.593.3418 cell

Roy Rogers Museum Closing - Announcement

Special Announcement from Roy Rogers Jr.


I have been personally agonizing over how to start this letter. I guess I will start by saying thank you. Thank you for the years of love, support, prayers and loyalty to the Rogers Family. You, the fans, and our Board of Directors, are the ones who have kept our family's museum going for over 42 years. It has been a wonderful ride. After millions of visitors and countless stories of what Roy and Dale have meant to you, the Board of Directors have voted to close our doors of the Museum at the end of 2009. This has not been an easy decision. Many very emotional and financial issues have been addressed by all of us, as you can well imagine.

The decision to close the Museum has come after two years of steady decline in visitors to the Museum. A lot of factors have made our decision for us. The economy for one, people are just not traveling as much. Dad's fans are getting older, and concerned about their retirement funds. Everyone is concerned about their future in this present economy. Secondly, with our high fiscal obligations we cannot continue to accumulate debt to keep the doors open.This situation is one I have not wanted to happen. Dad always said- “If the museum starts costing you money, then liquidate everything and move on.” Myself and my family have tried to hold together the Museum and collection for over 15 years, so it is very difficult to think that it will all be gone soon.

What will happen to Roy Rogers, Jr and his family? For those of you that have heard I am retiring, nothing could be farther from the truth. My company, Golden Stallion, and its show tribute to Roy and Dale, will continue. I plan on taking the show to another venue in Branson. We are looking for space now. The show will also be available to travel around the country and take the message of Roy and Dale wherever we travel. I feel that this country needs the message that Roy and Dale always put forth, not only in their professional lives, but in their private lives as well.

The Museum's last day of operation will be December 12th. We want everyone to have the opportunity to visit the Museum one last time to see the collection in its entirety. This will be your last chance to see Roy and Dale's collection. Tell your friends and encourage them to come, before we close. This will be your final chance!!

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Remember, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans will live forever in our hearts and minds, and will continue to ride across the silver screen through their movies. Every time you think of Roy and Dale, that warm feeling you have always felt, will always return.

Watch our website for further announcements and special dates.

I leave you all with Dad's favorite saying- Good bye, Good luck, and may the good Lord take a likin' to ya! See you in Branson, or on the road.

Love to all of you!
Happy Trails.
Dusty and Family


Contact Dustin Rogers
417-339-1900 Ext 231
dustin@royrogers.com