Branson Calendar of Events

*Veteran's Observances Vietnam For more information an any of these events, contact the Branson Veterans Task Force (417)337-VETS (8387) or visit their website at www.bransonveterans.com Jan 27, Signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord Ceremony Feb 6 Four Chaplains Sunday

*Welcome Home: America's Tribute to Vietnam Veterans: Jun 13-19 Mark your calendar today! Over 50,000 Vietnam Veterans expected in this summer event: Named Operation Homecoming USA, the celebration honoring Vietnam vets will include visiting guest stars, flyovers, displays, golf and fishing tournaments, the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, a Vietnam Homecoming Parade, Grand Finale Extravaganza, and many more events to be announced. For more information contact Paul Wannenmacher (417) 869-4848 or Jerry Adams (417) 334-3345, or visit www.cityofbranson.org

*Hot Winter Fun: Jan-Mar '05 Branson's answer to winter blues! Check out the list of exciting events, shows and attractions during this fun season in the Ozarks! The "Big Show" featuring segments from dozens of Branson shows takes place at The Jim Stafford Theatre Feb. 14. Better Call Jim for those tickets quick, this show is always a fast sell-out! (417) 335-4040

*Hot Winter Fun Museum Crawl: Jan.-Mar. '05 Visit participating museums and enter a contest to win a trip!

*In Search of Giant Squid: Jan 29-Apri 24 Traveling Exhibit at the Wonders of Wildlife Zooquarium, Springfield

*Sweetheart Shoot Sporting Event: Feb 12 At the Ozark Shooters Sports Complex

*Hot Winter Fun Big Show: Feb 14 A grand review featuring segments from dozens of Branson shows; all to kick off Branson's fun-filled winter season! See a whole host of Branson stars entertain your socks off with music and dance, lots of laughs, and plenty of classic ad lib moments! Call quick for tickets; this is a fast sell-out! Jim Stafford Theatre (417) 335-8080

*NAIA Hoops Fest: Mar 9-15 NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament, at College of the Ozarks. 32 of America's best teams competing! (417) 334-6411.

*IMAX Film Festival - New films and classics shown on the 6-story high screen at the Ozarks Discovery Imax Entertainment complex.For complete schedule of movies Call 800-419-4832 or visit www.bransonimax.com.

*Presidents' Day Sale: Feb 18-21 Factory Merchants (Outlet Mall)

*Amateur Bass Fishing Contest: Mar-May (800) 888-3313

*Collegiate Shoot: Mar 5-6 Ozark Shooters Sports Complex

*NAIA Opening Banquet: Mar 8 Dixie Stampede (800) 520-5544

*Spring Fling Motorcycle Show: Mar 12 In Springfield

*Final Four Banquet: Mar 13; Showboat Branson Belle

*Family Spring Break Days: Mar 17-20, 22, 24-26 Silver Dollar City

*Family Spring Break Days: Mar 17-20, 22, 24-26 Silver Dollar City Theme Park.

*Young Christians Weekend: April 1-3: Silver Dollar City Theme Park. One of the premiere gatherings of Christian young people in the Midwest! A weekend of faith, fellowship, and rides! Top contemporary Christian recording artists, bands, nationally known guest speakers, and rides! This year: rides Sunday afternoon! Here's your chance to try out Powder Keg, the park's brand new, multi-million dollar roller coaster! (417) 338-2611

*BransonFest: Apr 5-9 Named one of the "Top 100 Events in North America" by The American Bus Association, Meet the stars, see all the new shows. Sample local cuisine, enjoy the crafts, expos and attractions as Branson kicks off the new show season. Home base is the Welk Resort. Fabulous food and fun for all. Admission is free to all events except for the "Super Shows"

*World Fest: Apr 7-May 15 At Silver Dollar City theme park. America's largest international festival features performers, music, dance, native costumes, pageantry and food from around the world. www.silverdollarcity.com

*Veterans Observances: For more information on any of these events, contact the Branson Veterans Task Force (417)-337-VETS (8387) or visit their website at www.bransonveterans.com Apr 10 Gulf War Cease Fire Ceremony, May 13-15 Armed Forces Day, Branson Remembers, May 15-17 Women Veteran's Week: May 15-17 Memorial Day Tributes May 31

*Kewpiesta: Apr 20-25 The festival for those lovable "kewpie dolls". Events scheduled at Bonniebrook Park The Ramada Inn. (417) 561-1509.

*Ozarks 100: (Bicycling): Apr 17 - Apr 20 The charity event follows 3 beautiful routes for all levels of cycling, all in the scenic Mark Twain National Forest. (417) 335-2634 Ext. 225

*Branson Collector Car Auction Apr 15-17 At Celebration City Amusement Park. Antiques, classics, exotics, street rods. (800) 335-3063 www.collectorcarsint.com

*50-Plus Shoppers Club Open House: Apr 19 Factory Merchants (Outlet Mall)

*Main Street Hoops 3 on 3 Street Basketball Tournament: Apr 24 Amateur street tournament. (417) 334-1548.

*The Mid America Gospel Singing Convention: May 13-14, 2005 at the Tri-Lakes Convention Center. Big shows each night, plus special events. The convention will host "A Rockin' Church Choir and a Praise Team Talent Showcase, all competing for a $1,000.00 prize. (417)-336-2921, 417-336-0219

*Branson Motorcycle Rally May 19-22 Ride the beautiful Ozarks! Several special biker events. www.Bransonmotorcyclerally.com

*Compton Ridge Fiddlers Convention: May 21 - Jun 5 Stage Shows, jam sessions, catfish fry, pig roast and more! (417) 338-2911.

*Plumb Nellie Days Hillbilly Festival & Craft Show May 20-22 Celebrating the craft heritage of the Ozarks. Crafters from all over the Midwest. Entertainment, events, games for the kids (417) 334-1548.

*Bluegrass and Barbecue: May 21-Jun 5 Silver Dollar City Theme Park. A new festival for 2005; a celebration of BBQ cooking and bluegrass music! (800) 475-9370

*AAA Membership Appreciation Days: May 21-22 Factory Merchants (Outlet Mall)

*Red, White & Bluegrass Weekend: May 28-30 at Silver Dollar City Theme Park

*Hydroplane Races and Swim Suit Contest May 29 - Jun 30 at Rockaway Beach (800) 798-0178

Mark Your Summer Calendars for these great events:

*National Kids' Fest Jun 10-Aug 15 At Silver Dollar City Theme park. Entertainment and activities all designed with kids in mind, plus the Veggie Tales live stage show!