"Fall in Branson" Photo Contest

"Fall in Branson" Photo Contest

The Branson/Tri-Lakes Convention and Visitors Bureau is holding a photo "funtest" to find the best fall photo taken in Branson, Missouri. The contest is being held on Flickr and is open to both amateur and professional photographers. The theme for this contest is "Fall in Branson." Participants are encouraged to submit up to three photos taken in the Branson, MO, area that they feels capture the essence of fall in the Ozarks.

The deadline for submitting photos is Nov. 1, 2008. The winning photos will be announced Nov. 7. The top three photos will be featured on ExploreBranson.com, and the first-place winner will receive a 3-day, 2-night Branson vacation.

For more information, visit http://www.explorebranson.com.

John Daly's Lion's Heart Invitational Golf Tournament Next Week

Next week, Branson will take yet another giant leap as a golf destination by hosting its first major celebrity golf tournament. John Daly's Lion's Heart Invitational Golf Tournament will tee off at its new location near Branson September 30. John Daly's Murder Rock Golf and Country Club will play host to the tournament. The event will be full of celebrities, including the following:

Name


Background
Terry Ahola US Ski Team
Samantha Cole Solo Recording Artist
John Daly PGA Tour Player
Marshall Faulk NFL-St. Louis Rams
Robert Gamez PGA Tour Player
Vencie Glenn NFL-San Diego Chargers
Ian Gomez Drew Carey Show/Felicity
Clint Howard Apollo 13
Richard Karn Home Improvement/Family Feud
Bernie Kosar NFL-Cleveland Browns
Jack McGee Rescue Me/Crash/21
Mike Reno Loverboy-Lead Singer
Darious Rucker Hootie & the Blowfish-Lead Singer
Sterling Sharpe NFL-Green Bay Packers
Kevin Sorbo Hercules
Jan Stephenson LPGA Tour Player
Kordell Stewart NFL-Pittsburgh Steelers
Art Still NFL-Kansas City Chiefs
Tommy Thayer KISS
Gary Valentine King of Queens
Luke Wilson Actor




There will be several events going on in conjunction with the tournament, including a long-drive contest on the runway of the new Branson Airport. There is also a concert at 7 p.m. on October 1, and tickets are only $10.

Plan Now for Branson Adoration Parade

On the first Sunday in December, thousands of people line the downtown sidewalks of Branson to watch a Christmas parade with no hint of commercialism.

Sign up now to participate in this year's 60th Annual Adoration Parade that will take place on Sunday evening, Dec. 7. The parade begins at dusk with the lighting of the area's largest nativity scene atop Mount Branson. The event attracts thousands of spectators from across the country.

The deadline to apply to enter a band, float or walking unit is Oct. 24, said Kathleen Bullock, tourism development director for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

This event began when a few downtown business owners decided to honor their customers by closing their businesses, setting aside individual endeavors and honoring the story of Christmas.

For those who mourn the commercialism of Christmas, this parade requires all entries to have a Christmas theme-religious or non-religious-and no commercial signage or company logos are allowed. Each entrant is identified with non-commercial banners provided by parade organizers. Prizes are awarded in several categories.

For more information, contact Kathleen Bullock at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau at 417-334-4084 or kbullock@bransoncvb.com. Or go to www.explorebranson.com/adorationparadeapplication.





Additional information about Branson, its live entertainment, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features is offered at www.explorebranson.com or 800-296-0463.