Today marks the opening day of the annual Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield, Mo, which is just 30 minutes north of Branson.

“Rock, Roll, & Ride” is the theme of this year’s fair. The Ozark Empire Fair will take place at the Ozark Empire Fairground July 31 to Aug 9. The fair’s grand opening takes place at 12 noon today with street performers and the opening of the Midway. The day finishes with a kick-off concert from legendary performers the Beach Boys, who will be performing at the Grandstand.

Each day of the fair, the exhibit hall will be open from 11 a.m to 10 p.m. in the E*Plex East Hall and feature booths and exhibits from local businesses and artisans, as well as contest entries, including food, photography, and gardening.

Another feature of the fair is the traditional livestock show. Entries in this year’s fair include steers, cows, sheep, rabbits, chickens, hogs, and more. The livestock show goes on throughout the duration of the fair.

In addition to the livestock and exhibits, the Ozark Empire Fair will be featuring nightly concerts and events. Headliners of this year’s fair include the Beach Boys, Raven Symone, and Montgomery Gentry. Other events include a Demolition Derby on Sunday, Aug 9, and Truck and Tractor Pulls on Saturday, Aug 10.

For food, fun, and games, the Midway, presented by Wade Shows, will be open each day beginning at 1 p.m., featuring classic rides like the Ferris Wheel and Bumper Cars and delicious fair food like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and all kinds of fried food on a stick, including fried Oreos!

The fair includes a full schedule with more events, which you can find at http://www.ozarkempirefair.com/Ozark-Empire-Fair/Schedule.htm.

Parking is free until 3 p.m., after which parking is $4. Adult admission is $6, and child admission is $2, with children 5 and under getting in free. The fair is open each day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information about the Ozark Empire Fair, see its official web site.

For all of your Branson lodging needs, be sure to check out BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298. BransonShows.com features a variety of lodging located in the heart of Branson and the surrounding areas, including Springfield, in addition to tickets for many Branson attractions and shows.

Labeled “Branson’s Premier Car Event,” the Super Summer Cruise at The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead is drawing near. The cruise continually draws thousands car enthusiasts from near and far for a weekend that historically has included such events as a burn-out contest, a worship service, live entertainment, and awards.

Held annually during the second weekend in August, this year’s Super Summer Cruise takes place from August 6 through August 8, and the events on hand figure to be as entertaining as ever. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. thursday through Saturday, you can enjoy the Vehicle Show & Shine event at The Shepherd of the Hills, where over 500 cars are showcased. On Saturday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Best in Show awards at Pavilion Theatre are taking place.

Without question, however, the premier event of the entire weekend is the Midnight Cruise. Taking place on Saturday right at midnight, the Midnight Cruise features a three-mile parade of classic cars along the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Highway 76. Eager onlookers line the streets to witness the participating cars.

The Super Summer Cruise typically consists of older models, normally from the 1950s and 1960s, but it’s not uncommon to find newer models of Ford’s, Corvettes, Chevy’s, and more. You can register your automobile online at http://www.supersummercruise.com/, where you will also find additional information about the cruise, including the various judging categories.

Regardless of whether you intend to enter your automobile into the contest, the Super Summer Cruise is the perfect way to celebrate a perfect vacation in Branson, MO!

BransonShows.com offers a wide range of lodging options near the Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and any other part of the city you want to witness. You can also find additional activities and general information about Branson at that site.

Appearing at the Branson Star Theatre for the first time on July 18, 2009, the Keatings have teamed up to become Branson’s newest family musical duo. The powerful father / son tandem will join together to entertain audiences throughout the rest of the year, as performances are scheduled every Wednesday through Sunday at 5 p.m. from now until December 6, 2009.

The Keatings – A Father and Son Musical Experience features the father, Ken, and his 18-year-old son, Josh, in a combination of musical stylings ranging from pop and rock ‘n’ roll to Broadway and opera. Ken Keating is a very accomplished vocalist and pianist who got his start in Las Vegas as a teenager. His debut CD came out in 2005 with hits such as “Just One Lifetime” and “Ordinary Miracles.” Josh Keating got his start at an even earlier age, as the talented teenager was already performing on the Las Vegas stage at the age of 11. Now, the two are combining talents in what is certain to take audience members on a unique musical experience.

Ken and Josh have performed frequently at different venues throughout the United States, most notably in Las Vegas, but now the duo has decided to call the Branson Star Theatre home to their performances for the remainder of the season. Come to Branson this summer and experience Branson’s newest brand of familial harmony.

Learn more about The Keatings – A Father and Son Musical Experience at ExperienceTheKeatings.com, where you can also find previous musical recordings, ticket information, and an events calendar.

Your lodging needs will be taken care of when you book online at BransonShows.com. Browse through the listings to find a hotel near the Branson Star Theatre, or near any of Branson’s other fabulous points of interest.

For its entire 14-year existence, the Country Tonite show has been dedicated to providing both fresh sounds and familiar hits from the country music scene. In keeping with this theme, the show has upgraded its performances by inviting a variety of special guests to participate in the second half of shows at select times throughout the 2009 season.

Collin Raye and Restless Heart have shared their musical talents already this season, but from now until August 22, country music star T.G. Sheppard will grace the stage nearly every night with his unique musical style. The T.G. Sheppard performance, similar to the others, will act as an additional performance for the Country Tonite show at no extra cost, giving guests two special performances for the price of one!

With a career that spans over three decades, T.G. Sheppard has built up a reputation as one of the more popular artists in country music. You’re bound to hear such great hits as “Last Cheaters Waltz,” “Do You Wanna Go To Heaven,” “Only One You,” and “Strong Heart,” to name a few. You can view the full schedule of T.G. Sheppard’s Country Tonite performances at http://www.tgsheppard.com/events.html.

Collin Raye is set to make another appearance from September 8 through October 25, while Debby Boone will take the stage from November 3 through December 6.

The Country Tonite show is something for the whole family to enjoy! Country music hits, energetic dance moves, and side-splitting comedy all come together for a fulfilling evening of entertainment.

Visit BransonShows.com to find additional information about the Country Tonite show, as well as tickets to the show, lodging, vacation packages, and more. Call 1-800-987-6298 for further information.

Celebrating its sixth year in Branson, the Hamner Barber Variety Show has continued to appeal to audiences of any age through a variety of illusions, ventriloquism, comedy, singing, and dancing. The show features Dave and Denise Hamner in partnership with comedian Jim Barber for what has been hailed a “must-see show” in Branson.

This year’s performances, which take place every Tuesday through Sunday until December 13, have taken on a new feature: a Veteran’s Tribute titled “Thank You’s Not Enough.” The near 10-minute tribute serves as the finale to the Hamner Barber Variety Show and includes an original song composed by Bobby Hamilton specifically for this production. Dave Hamner and Jim Barber share the stage and provide the vocals to the song, while a video shown across the theater’s three screens tells the tale of three surviving members of the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. The background vocals in conjunction with the on-screen history lesson have earned Hamner and Barber the National Commendation from the U.S. Army, while also proving to be a consistently powerful and emotional experience.

The Hamners and Jim Barber are no strangers to widespread acclaim. The Hamners are two-time Merlin Award winners of the International Entertainers of the Year, as voted by the International Magicians Society, and Jim Barber has showcased his talent on every major television network. He, too, is a Merlin Award winner as International Ventriloquist of the Year. The aduience favorites combine the talents of award-winning illusions and vocal comedy in what is certain to be a one-of-a-kind evening you won’t soon forget.

Click here to view a full schedule, purchase tickets, or read additional information about the Hamner Barber Variety Show. For a full list of lodging options and additional Branson information, visit BransonShows.com.

For a limited time in 2009, legendary country music entertainer Neal McCoy will be performing at the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre. McCoy has performances stretching through August and then returns in October for more shows.

McCoy is a veteran in the country music industry and has hits such as “The Shake,” “You Gotta Love That,” “For A Change,” and “Wink.” He will be performing these hits and many more from his 11 albums.

McCoy has previously won an Entertainer of the Year award, and many of his albums have received various awards and gold or platinum status.

The Yakov Smirnoff Theatre hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, most notable the comedy and variety show of Yakov Smirnoff. For a limited time this summer, the theater also hosted Yakov’s Moscow Circus.

Neal McCoy’s performances are sure to be family-friendly and appeal to all ages, and there is a family pass available, which includes admission for two adults and up to four children ages 13 and younger.

More information about Neal McCoy’s limited engagement performances at Yakov’s Smirnoff’s theatre can be found at http://nealmccoy.yakov.com

BransonShows.com is your one stop destination for all of your Branson needs, including show tickets and lodging. Check out BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298 to start planning your Branson trip today.

Noah the Musical is one of the latest show offerings on BransonShows.com that features a family pass ticket package. This money-saving feature includes two adult tickets and two child tickets, all for approximately $120, which is a savings up to almost $60 if visitors were to buy their tickets separately.

Noah the Musical at Sight and Sound Theater has quickly become one of Branson’s most popular shows, attracting visitors of all ages to its spectacular theater. Noah the Musical is a dramatic presentation of one of the Bible’s most well-known stories, Noah and the Ark. This production features live animals, an on-stage ark, and an extensive set. You can purchase your Noah the Musical Family Pass here. The show takes place at the Sight and Sound Theatre, which has become known for the brilliant shows, including the Miracle of Christmas, it has produced.

Other Branson shows that offer family passes include Yakov Smirnoff, Yakov’s Moscow Circus, Baldknobber’s Jamboree Show, Peter Pan the Musical, 50s at the Hop, Amazing Pets, Hamner Barber Variety Show, and Comedy Jamboree. Each family pass differs, so check each show’s page to find the specific details of the family pass. However, each pass is a great deal that offers significant savings. Also, some family passes are only available for the summer season.

For all of your Branson entertainment, activity, and lodging needs, check out the selection at BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298.

Branson Landing is a great place to spend the day shopping, enjoying the scenery, and dining in one of the delicious restaurants, but from now until August 9, it is also a great spot to do some good for the community.

Branson Landing, together with OnMedia, The Mansion Entertainment, and Media Center, is hosting the 3rd Annual School Shoes for Kids shoe drive. All donated shoes go to help Ozarks-area students who need a little help before school begins again.

If you wish to donate, all you need to do is bring a pair of new tennis shoes to the Branson Landing and drop them off at Bass Pro Shops, Famous Footwear, Journeys, Justice Just for Girls, New Balance Branson, Payless, and Tradehome Shoes. Of course, you can always buy the shoes at any of the great Branson Landing stores.

In the special partnership with OnMedia and Peter Pan, each donor can receive a child’s ticket to Peter Pan, starring Cathy Rigby, for each pair of shoes donated.

You can find more information about the shoe drive at http://www.bransonlanding.com/special_events.html.

Peter Pan is one of Branson’s newest shows and will be running for a limited time. The award-winning Cathy Rigby stars in this production at the Mansion Theater. Peter Pan is quickly becoming one of the must-see Branson shows of the summer. You can purchase your tickets for this amazing show here.

Branson Landing is one of Branson’s newest and most popular destinations. With popular stores, delicious restaurants, a brilliant fountain show, and luxurious hotel accommodations, it is a great spot to spend a day or a weekend. Check out BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298 for more information about Branson Landing and other Branson attractions.

In 2008, Silver Dollar City enjoyed Moonlight Madness for the first time since the theme park’s grand opening in 1960. The event was so well received that the park has decided to dedicate this July 27 through August 9 for its second Moonlight Madness event, running in conjunction with the park’s National KidsFest event this summer.

Moonlight Madness features extended park hours, special shows, and discount prices. Feel free to arrive in the morning at 9:30 a.m. for the park’s opening, then enjoy the roller coasters, the Lost River of the Ozarks, the PowderKeg, and more until 10 p.m. every night during the 14-day event. Moonlight Madness also provides special discounts at select hours during the event, including discounts for admission into the park and at several on-site restaurants.

To top off the excitement, the GAC Nights in Echo Hollow show will take place at 7 p.m. from July 28 through August 16, giving you plenty of opportunities to witness the show while you enjoy Moonlight Madness. The show is a country music smash, featuring 10 performers and a live band for an evening of comedic and musical performances.

Add a new dimension to your Branson vacation by enjoying Moonlight Madness this July 27 through August 9!

For more information about Moonlight Madness, click here. Find the perfect lodging to complement your trip to the Ozarks at BransonShows.com.

Whether he’s singing the upbeat hits of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin or the eternal classics of Johnny Cash, Ralph Kuster has made a name for himself as one of the more versatile musical performers around. For the entire 2009 season, you can enjoy the geniality and charisma of the interactive Timeless Treasures show with Ralph Kuster.

The God and Country Theatre plays host to the performances every weekday at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. With the nearly 400 songs Ralph Kuster has in his repertoire, on top of the audience interaction he always incorporates, each show promises to offer something a little bit different. His impactful voice carries over into every hit, whether it’s the slow melody of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” or the rock ‘n’ roll hits of Elvis Presley.

If you want to take a trip down memory lane for a unique performance of all your favorite timeless hits, the Timeless Treasures show packs musical genres everyone can enjoy into one first-rate presentation.

Find and order tickets, view the updated show schedule, or view other information for the Timeless Treasures show with Ralph Kuster at BransonTourismCenter.com. To find just the right lodging near the God and Country Theatre or near Branson’s variety of downtown attractions, view the extensive list of hotels at BransonShows.com, where you can also find other shows and performances to keep you busy during your stay in Branson.