News Briefs

Dedication for Commercial Street Mural


The public is invited to the dedication of a mural of Branson's Commercial Street circa 1913 at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, on Commercial Street between Main and Pacific Streets in downtown Branson, said Dawn Erickson, executive director of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association. Refreshments will follow at Reish Shoes on Commercial Street.

It was painted by artist John Short and sponsored by the Justus family of Branson. The mural project was overseen by DBMA Mural Committee members Joni Milstead and Deana Acton.

"Attendees will include Mayor Raeanne Presley, muralist John Short, the Justus family and DBMA volunteers who saw the project to completion," Erickson said. "We hope this is the first of several outdoor murals to create additional attractions in Historic Downtown Branson."

For more information, contact the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 417-334-1548 or dawnerickson@downtownbranson.org.





Ozark Mountain Christmas Community Kick-Off Event



Ho Ho Ho! It'll be "Christmas in July" from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, for a Christmas decoration extravaganza at the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center.

See displays of a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting, and talk to experts about installing lighting and creating a vision for your business or home to make this year's Ozark Mountain Christmas better than ever. There will be cookies to nibble and lemonade to sip while you look at displays. And Santa has promised to stop by.

The free event features ideas for every budget, and many ways to participate in making this year's event something extra-special for Branson's residents and visitors.

This will be the 21st year of Ozark Mountain Christmas, a season that draws 1.5 million visitors to the area. Organizers say it's especially important this year to create a special wonderland because so many people have endured a tough year.

For more information, call the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 334-4084.





Sign Up for Annual Law Enforcement Bike Ride



Sign up now for the Tri-Lakes 4th Annual Local Law Enforcement's Shop-With-A-Cop Benefit Ride hosted by the Five-O Motorcycle Club and the Taney County Sheriff's Department.

Proceeds from the ride provide a Christmas shopping opportunity for area children with Wal-Mart matching all funds raised. The ride starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Branson 1st Stop at Bee Creek Road and U.S. 65, and ends at Danna's BBQ on Missouri 76.

Lunch will be provided. Cost is $10 per person. Register starting at 8 a.m. at Branson 1st Stop or send registration to Shop With A Cop, P.O. Box 281, Kissee Mills, MO 65680. For more information, call 417-546-7250 and ask for Sheriff Jimmie Russell, Chief Deputy Jeff Anderson or Cpl. Can Luttrell.