BUSHWHACKER PRESS RELEASES
FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 5, 2008
Bushwhacker Days 2008
Announces Plans
The 44th annual Bushwhacker Days will begin on Wednesday, June 11th through Saturday, June 14th. Bushwhacker Days is a tradition that celebrates the way of life of the Civil War era, and derives its energy from the committee, community volunteers, city and county personnel, vendors, sponsors, and performers that characterize the festival year after year. Its success depends on those elements. Frank and Pat Arnold are the co-chairpersons for Bushwhacker Days 2008.
Official opening ceremonies and Bushwhacker proclamations will be issued Wednesday evening. Featured activities that night include the “Legends of our Flags” ceremony, “Songfest of Celebration”, a southern gospel music tradition, Elaine’s Ice Cream Social and the Bushwhacker cookout. All events will be held downtown on the courthouse square, along with the “Amazing Animal” dog show, coordinated by the University of MO Extension Council and WAGS. Pride Amusements carnival will set the midways aglow, beginning with an armband discount night Wednesday, as well. Justin Fisher is in charge of the Wednesday night events.
Thursday, June 12th is designated as “locals night”, when local musicians perform. The entire evening’s entertainment features Local Legends Through the Ages. Armband night will again be held at the carnival. Dan and Lorrie Divine are in charge of the Thursday Night Local Legends Show.
Friday is always a special homecoming evening, when the street fair begins with dozens of food vendors and specialty crafters surrounding the courthouse square. The Colgate Country Showdown will feature 10 to 12 finalists seeking a national country music contract and sets the tone for the evening’s headliner act, The Outlaw Junkies. The opening act Friday evening is Chantri Harper. Sheena Dickey is in charge of the Friday night events.
On Saturday, June 14th, the downtown area will come alive with the sights and sounds of Nevada and Vernon County history. Traditionally, Bushwhacker Days has always been a historically based celebration. This year will feature unique skirmishes, and exhibitors depicting Early 1800, Pioneer, Border Wars, Victorian, and World War II lifestyles. Jonathan Roberts is in charge of the Saturday events.
From the sunrise Bushwhacker Balloon liftoff to the baby shows and lip sync contest right through the Bushwhacker parade and closing concert on Saturday night, locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy this year’s celebration. All entertainment and programs, except for carnival rides, are provided at no charge to Bushwhacker Days attendees, courtesy of the numerous festival sponsors and coordinators. Sign up now for a booth, parade entry and remember it is never too early to volunteer. We are requesting volunteers for only two-hour blocks of time, so you can help out and still enjoy this event as well. For more information, please call Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce at (417) 667-5300.
FOR RELEASE MAY 6, 2008
A Time To Reconnect
2008 Bushwhacker Theme
The Bushwhacker Steering Committee is pleased to announce the theme for this year’s 44th Bushwhacker Days and Bushwhacker Parade. With an appreciation for the countless volunteers, business involvement, and people from our community and surrounding communities who come out to support this four-day event—“A Time to Reconnect” seemed fit for this years theme.
Bushwhacker Days 2008 “A Time to Reconnect” is scheduled for June 11 through June 14. From the opening ceremonies on Wednesday evening through the newly contracted performers: Amanda Shaw and Parrots of the Caribbean, on Saturday night—this year’s celebration offers something for everyone! As area residents attend festivities during these four fun-filled days local volunteers will abound to make sure it comes off smoothly.
Volunteers are what make the Bushwhacker Days Festival a possibility year after year. The Bushwhacker Steering Committee is asking for responsible young adults to step up to the plate to do their part to make this year’s event the best ever. Additional man and womanpower is required in numerous roles during the four-day festival.
Volunteers are needed for parade block coordinators, parade crowd control and to be in charge of the abundant vehicular barricades limiting access to the downtown square. These are important positions that are directly related to the safety and pleasure enjoyed at Bushwhacker Days. The committee is asking individuals or groups from the community and civic organizations to volunteer for two-hour blocks of time to do their part to help make Bushwhacker Days 2008 a successful event.
For additional information on available booth space, get parade entry forms, or to volunteer, contact the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce office at (417) 677-5300. Bushwhacker Days “A Time to Reconnect” needs you!
FOR RELEASE MARCH 25, 2008
Bushwhacker Days 2008
Bushwhacker Quilt Guild Annual Quilt Show
The Bushwhacker Steering Committee is pleased to announce that the Quilt Guild Show will be returning to the City/Council Community Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday during this year’s Bushwhacker Days festivities.
Last year’s show had over 100 quilts set on display, with a quilt owned by Deb Butler winning “Best of Show”.
This year, there will be many new quilts on display for all to see, a raffle quilt that will be given away when the show is over (no need to be present to win), an hourly door prize, a boutique, bake sale, and continuous demonstrations by guild members throughout the day. There will be something for everyone, and all are encouraged to stop by and vote on “Viewer’s Choice”, and “Challenge Quilts” by guild members.
For any additional information, contact Kerin Hatch at (417) 667-8566.
FOR RELEASE MAY 2, 2008
Bushwhacker Days 2008
Campbell's Labels For Education
Campbell's Labels for Education is a school fundraising program. The program was designed with busy families in mind as an alternative to traditional fundraising. By saving and redeeming Campbell product proofs of purchase from eligible brands, schools can earn FREE educational merchandise such as computers, software, sports equipment, musical instruments, library books and even a minivan.
The Nevada R-5 school community can assist by saving proofs of purchase from Campbell products and bringing them to the information booth in front of the courthouse during Bushwhacker Days (June 11-14).
The Nevada schools can then redeem the points collected for FREE merchandise from the Campbell's Labels for Education catalog. Eligible brands consist of: Campbell’s, Campbell’s Soup at Hand, Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Campbell’s Healthy Request, Campbell’s Super Bakes, Campbell’s Select, Franco-American, Pepperidge Farm, Swanson, Market Days, V8 beverages, Prego Pasta sauces, and Campbell’s Foodservice. For more information you can visit the Campbell’s Labels for Education: www.labelsforeducation.com.
FOR RELEASE MAY 6, 2008
Bushwhacker Days 2008
Courthouse Celebrates 100th Birthday
Plans are being finalized for the kickoff of the 44th Annual Bushwhacker Days celebration. Wednesday evening, June 11th will be the start of a fun-filled, family-oriented, four-day event on and around the Vernon County Courthouse Square in Nevada.
The festivities will begin at 6:00 PM with a series of events. The Bushwhacker Cookout crew will be serving up lots of fresh, hot-off-the-grill favorites for your enjoyment. Once you’re finished with the main course festival goers won’t have to look far for dessert, as Elaine’s Ice Cream Social volunteers will be dishing up rounded bowls of frozen delight on the south Courthouse lawn.
When your tummy’s full, you can wonder over to the WAGS Bushwhacker Dog Show, organized by Carol Parmenter, and get your eyes full of canines of all shapes and sizes that will be competing in various categories for prizes, recognition and barking rights.
As you remember, last year was the first year that Opening Ceremonies were held on Wednesday night as well. Under the direction of Jennifer Braun, ceremonies will begin at 6:00 PM with the playing of our national anthem by Bailey Jones. This year will also be the celebration of our very own Vernon County Courthouse—there will be an observance it’s 100th year.
The local veterans of Vietnam will once again present a touching and patriotic Flag Dedication and Retirement Ceremony. All of the opening ceremonies will be held on the stage located on the south side of the square.
From 6:30 until 10:00 PM Bushwhacker goers will be entertained and inspired by music provided by various local groups with the 2008 Songfest of Celebration. Justin Fisher, organizer of the event, has arranged for a variety of music that is sure to touch both heart and soul.
For additional information on available booth space, get parade entry forms or to volunteer your time to make this year’s celebration another huge success, contact the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce office at (417) 667-5300, or visit www.bwdays.com.
FOR RELEASE MAY 7, 2008
Bushwhacker Days 2008
Local Legands Take Center Stage
An Annual Bushwhacker Days event that has become a favorite of old and young alike, Local Legends night, will be held this year on Thursday evening, June 12. This four-hour showcase of local talent began in 2005 as part of Nevada and Vernon County’s Sesquicentennial celebration and has developed into a highlight of the Bushwhacker Days Celebration.
This year, many acts have volunteered their time and talent for the enjoyment of an always-receptive crowd, which will gather on the historic Nevada Square. The entertainers will perform from the main stage, located on Cherry Street south of the 100 year old Vernon County Courthouse. Lorrie and Dan Divine are the chairpersons and will serve as emcees for this year’s Local Legends night. They are both delighted about the variety and quality of entertainers scheduled for the event.
Each of the acts that will be performing has a Vernon County connection. They live here, have lived here, have family here, or have another connection that plants their roots in Nevada or Vernon County. Those watching and listening to the local legends should expect all types of music from country to rock, soul to gospel, and blues to instrumental fiddling.
Festivities on Thursday, June 12th will begin at 6:00 PM with the singing of the National Anthem by Gabby Guire; followed immediately by the soon-to-be-named 2008 Nevada Idol Winner.
Knowing that good music makes the listeners hungry, the Bushwhacker Committee has scheduled the Bushwhacker Barbeque, which will begin on the square at 5:30 PM. Great barbeque meals as well as sandwiches and chips will be sold.
Whether you’re hungry, or enjoy great music, grab your lawn chair and a friend and make your way to the festivities on Thursday, June 12 as part of Bushwhacker Days 2008.
For additional information on available booth space, get parade entry forms or to volunteer your time to make this year’s celebration another huge success, contact the Nevada / Vernon County Chamber of Commerce office at (417) 667-5300 or visit www.bwdays.com.
FOR RELEASE MAY 8, 2008
Bushwhacker Days 2008
Pride Amusements Carnival
The Bushwhacker Entertainment Committee is pleased to announce that Bushwhacker Days will be welcoming a new carnival provider, Pride Amusements. Ed Burlingame, who has been in the business for over 50 years, is eager to share with Nevada what he refers to as “the cleanest, friendliest, and most up-to-date carnival” he has ever seen.
Burlingame will be bringing two brand new rides that have gone to the State Fair called “Zero-Gravity” and “Power-Surge”. He has said there will be a great selection in rides and amusements for all ages—kids and adults. Ed will also be providing a brand new magic show with a ventriloquist that features two dummy puppets.
Another exciting addition to this year’s Bushwhacker Days Festival is the abundance of armbands! Armbands for the Pride Amusements Carnival will be offered every night (June 11-14) for $20 each. Come and check out this new and exciting carnival at Bushwhacker Days 2008.
For additional information on available booth space, get parade entry forms, or to volunteer your time to make this year’s celebration another huge success, contact the Nevada / Vernon County Chamber of Commerce office at (417) 667-5300 or visit www.bwdays.com.
FOR RELEASE MAY 9, 2008
Bushwahcker Days 2008
Friday Night Events
The Bushwhacker entertainment committee is pleased to announce the performers for Friday, June 13th. This year’s opening act will be a very talented young lady that has been singing since the age of ten, Chantri Harper. Chantri first began singing at her hometown church and things quickly grew from there. She entered a talent show at the Liberty Theatre in Hartshorne, Oklahoma and won first place in her age division. Soon after, Chantri was asked to become a regular cast member, which she happily accepted. At the same time, Chantri began singing at Opry's and word quickly spread of this young girl's amazing voice and stage presence. She was soon singing all over Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Missouri.
Following Chantri Harper, will be the Colgate Country Showdown. The Colgate Country Showdown, locally sponsored by KNEM/KNMO radio, begins each spring with over 450 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the US. Winners advance to their respective State competitions held at leading fairs and expositions. Acts then compete for a $1,000 prize, the State Title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals. It’s the last step before the prestigious National Final, which is televised to a national audience from country music’s most exciting venues, like the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House, the Grand Palace Theatre in Branson, the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Epcot Center at Walt Disney World, and Universal Studio Florida. Audiences from coast-to-coast cheer on the Regional Winners, as they compete for the Grand Prize of $100,000 and the National Title.
Last but not least, our main Act on Friday will be the 2002 Colgate Country Showdown finalists, The Outlaw Junkies. The Outlaw Junkies are on their eighth year together performing country music. Previously Steel Horse, this group has played fairs, festivals, concert venues, and opened for many national acts including RCA recording artist ALABAMA. In the spring of 2006 they record their first original song as Outlaw Junkies. "Fools Like Us" won the group "Best new band/duo" on NewCountryStar.com. The second release “It’s Not You, It’s Her” received national attention. In 2007 the group showcased for the Kansas and Missouri fairs and festivals associations and performed for over 40 county fairs, state fairs and festivals working with The Oak Ridge Boys, Bellamy Brothers, Mark Chesnutt, Trent Tomlinson and even rock groups such as the Nelsons and the legendary Jordanaires.
Please see the website www.bwdays.com for more information or contact the Chamber of Commerce at (417) 667-5300.
FOR RELEASE MAY 10, 2008
Bushwhacker Days 2008
Saturday Entertainment
The Bushwhacker Entertainment Committee is pleased to announce finalized contracts on our opening act and main musical attraction for this year’s Bushwhacker Days Festival.
During the day—on Saturday June 14th—there will be fun for everyone. At 7:00 AM, the Bushwhacker 5K Run put on by Nevada Parks and Recreation will begin the day of festivities. Soon after the Bushwhacker Baby Show and the Toddler Swimsuit Show will take place. Shortly after that will be a Vernon County favorite: The 2008 Car Cruise-In Show. Saturday’s events will also include a Lip Sync contest, horseshoe contest, Quilt Guild Show, water games, the Windriders Motorcycle Show, MO-KAN Square Dancing, a wonderful group of cloggers, “Jaws of Life” demonstration, Jump 4 Kids, a bull ride, a moonwalk, a dunk tank run by the city of Nevada, and a climbing wall. If that was not already enough excitement there will be Border War Skirmishes, the ever-popular Bushwhacker Parade with the hot air balloonists flying overhead, and last but not least there will be a wide array of booths and vendors set up around the square all day.
Following all of Saturday’s fun-filled events—“Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys” will open our entertainment for the night. New Orleans-based singer, songwriter, fiddler and actress Amanda Shaw is part of a new breed of young, roots-based musicians who have embraced both traditional and pop sounds, creating music that is both authentic and bold. At the age of 16, Shaw is a seasoned entertainer with a substantial audience across the southern U.S., and, through her starring role in the IMAX film, Hurricane on the Bayou (released in 2006), is gaining an increasing national presence. For the past three years, her self-released CD was among the top ten best sellers at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, where she also drew record crowds. She’s also received numerous local awards, including a Big Easy Award for Best Female Entertainer when she was only 14. With the release of her Rounder Records debut, “Pretty Runs Out”, Shaw is poised to take her dazzling showmanship to the national stage.
Following Amanda Shaw, “The Parrots of the Caribbean” will perform. Not only are “Parrots of the Caribbean” a tribute band to Jimmy Buffet, but they are ranked the #1 Jimmy Buffet tribute band in the country! The lead vocalist and man responsible for putting together the band, Dave Albrecht (Captain D), got his start at the Imperial Casino in Las Vegas with “Legends in Concert” a top ranked show of impersonators. The band also consists of a guitar, keyboard, bass, drums and percussion. Together this group of five musicians exemplifies a wide variety of talent. Parrots of the Caribbean will bring excitement, energy and first class musicianship to Bushwhacker Days 2008—it’s a show you won’t soon forget!
Both entertainers, along with more information of events, and registration forms for booth space, the parade, and/or the lip sync contest can all be found on the Bushwhacker website: www.bwdays.com. We look forward to working beside you, with you, and for you at Bushwhacker Days 2008!
For any questions, please contact Betsy Miller at the Nevada Chamber of Commerce (417) 667-5300
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