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PAGE 15: Hands-Only CPR can save a life.
Santa led the annual Toy Run Parade. (Photo by KD Michaels)
November 12, 2021 • Vol. 2, Issue 92
Toy Parade takes gifts to those in need By K.D. Michaels, Staff Writer The Freedom of Road Riders, Local Chapter 15, held their annual toy parade on Sunday. Led by Santa himself, a group of 300 riders on 152 bikes made the trek from Walmart on 76 Country Boulevard in Branson to the Elks Lodge on Highway 160 in Forsyth with toys and coats they had collected to be distributed to those in need. Upon arriving at the Elks Lodge, the motorcyclists were treated to lunch, courtesy of the Elks Lodge.
All of the items collected will be given to less fortunate families in Taney County. Distribution of the items is set for Saturday, December 11. “This was the 32nd year for the toy run,” said Cyndi Barker, President of the Freedom of Road Riders Local #15. “We do this to help our local families and community. Everyone deserves to get gifts at Christmas. It is a privilege to do the Toy Run for the kids of Taney County.” (See more pictures from this event on PAGE 18.)
From tourism tax dollars to a marketing plan for Branson Veterans Week photos starting on PAGE 22
WEATHER, PAGE 27:
Cool and dry this weekend
By Gary J. Groman, Independent Journalist The approximately $9 million spent annually for the marketing of Branson comes from two “tourism taxes.” One is the City of Branson’s Tourism Tax, 4% on all show tickets, attractions, and lodging, and .5% on restaurants.
The other is Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District’s (TCED) 1% retail sales tax. The bulk of the marketing funds comes from the TCED tax and is administered by the TCED Board. The board consists of Derek Smith, City of Branson appointee; Chris
Myer, Taney County appointee; Rob Johns, City of Branson appointee; Michelle-Herzan, Village of Indian Point appointee; Brett Stump, Village of Indian Point appointee; Cindy Merry, City of Branson appointee; and Dennis Wood, Stone County appointee. The TCED, through a public
bidding process, contracts with an entity to develop a marketing plan and implement it. After approving the plan, the TCED’s role is primarily one of administration and oversite. The current TCED Marketing contractor is the Branson SEE MARKETING, PAGE 8