BRANSON, Mo., June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year, the federal government’s economic stimulus check is coming just in time for American families to take a much-needed vacation. For families looking for a wide variety of fun things to do, all at a great value, Branson, Missouri, is the answer. A new promotion gives families 2 free show tickets just for bringing along a copy of your tax rebate check.

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“There are all kinds of fun things to see and do in Branson. We have a variety of shows that the whole family can enjoy. Our shows feature every type of musical genre, dancing, acrobats, live animals like white tigers, and of course magic,” says Kirby VanBurch, Branson Theater owner and international award-winning magician. “Along with our shows and attractions like Silver Dollar City, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors -- golfing, fishing, skiing, parasailing, you name it -- and you can shop ’til you drop! All this plus our famous Ozark Mountain friendliness, makes Branson unique and the best place for your family to get the most bang for their buck!”

Many American families will pick destinations they can drive to rather than fly. A trip to Branson is a real vacation value and lodging prices are well below the national average. The average hotel rate in Branson is $75.90, compared with a national average of $103, according to Smith Travel, the lodging industry research group. With the average show ticket price of $29 in Branson, and Las Vegas shows currently averaging $130 to $150 per ticket, live entertainment in Branson is totally family-friendly.

NEW in 2008

“NOAH - The Musical” is an amazing bible-based show that opened May 24. This “Christian Broadway” production’s 300-foot stage wraps around three sides of the audience, has 45 actors, elaborate sets and costumes, breathtaking special effects and hundreds of live and animatronic animals. You can experience Noah and his family’s journey of persecution, faithfulness, hope and redemption.

The internationally-awarded 1880s-style theme park Silver Dollar City launches its biggest festival year ever, with new original stage productions, performing groups, and festival showcases. Summer brings fun family adventures at the park’s Kids Fest, presenting a nationally-recognized slate of entertainment with The Magic of Peter Gossamer, a Kid Concoctions interactive world of play, a VeggieTales live stage show produced exclusively for Silver Dollar City, and even an Ice Circus with skating performers from around the world.

Celebration City presents the biggest park expansion to date, and the largest new ride in the Ozarks for 2008. Roaring Falls, a $2 million water adventure ride, takes riders on a water-filled journey through fast-moving rapids and features a 5-story, 55-degree angle drop for an enormous splash finale. A 20th-century themed family amusement park, Celebration City features more than 30 rides and attractions and hosts “Ignite the Night,” a spectacular multi-million dollar nighttime special effects show that is a stunning finale to the day’s fun.

Also new this year, Branson Landing Cruises offers daily excursions aboard the luxurious 100-foot yacht Landing Princess or the authentic paddlewheel riverboat Lake Queen leaving from spectacular Branson Landing and viewing the sights along the beautiful Lake Taneycomo waterfront.

Let Branson’s Families Entertain Your Family

Bounding with youthful enthusiasm, shows such as Baldknobbers Jamboree, which celebrates 50 years and three generations all on stage together in 2009, and the four generations of the Presley family, along with the Duttons, Haygoods, Hughes Brothers, SIX, Lowe Family, The Tillis Family Reunion, starring Mel Tillis & Pam Tillis, Rankin Brothers, The Lennon Sisters, Kirby and Bambi VanBurch, and many others, continue the time-honored tradition of bringing wholesome family fun to Branson audiences.

“Branson really promotes our family values and our vacation value,” Jim Stafford, theater owner and comedian voted Branson’s Best Entertainer, said. “We want everyone to think of Branson as the great place to bring families together.”

Many of the more than 100 places to stay on Branson area lakes are family-owned and operated. Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals and Lake Taneycomo offer fishermen not only great angling but also some magnificent scenery and an extraordinary variety of accommodations. From a fabulous lakeside resort, cozy cabin or regular motel room to luxury lodging, the Branson/Lakes Area has it all.

But Wait -- There’s More!

To enhance the great value that Branson offers visitors every day, two special programs are being offered this summer. Between May 1 and Oct. 31, 2008, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB will give a Gas Buster discount card, worth up to $50 on purchases, to anyone who presents a valid drivers’ license and a minimum of $40 in gas receipts incurred within 48 hours of their arrival at one of the Chamber’s two Welcome Centers, located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 65 and Missouri Highway 248, and at Hwy. 65 and Missouri Highway 160 in Branson. And Gas Buster cardholders are automatically entered to win the grand prize 4-day/3-night vacation for a family of four to Branson, which will be awarded on October 31, 2008.

In addition, a new, innovative Branson promotion that offers visitors two free show tickets just for bringing in a copy of their US government-issued stimulus check, or proof of direct deposit, to Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, is in effect now through the end of the summer.

For additional information about these special promotions, Branson’s more than 100 live shows, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features, or to order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 or visit our website at HYPERLINK "http://www.explorebranson.com/" www.explorebranson.com.