The brainchild of event planner Sue Arko of Phoenix, Bransonfest Out West is a clever promotion intended to enhance the existing entertainment in Branson, Mo., a city with a wide variety of musical genre where the entertainment subsides from January through March each year.

With the void in Branson, the gap was filled with the creation of BransonFest Out West, which combines entertainment with slot tournaments, fitness classes and wine tasting in a schedule which is expected to attract hundreds of 50-plus enthusiasts from Nevada, California, Utah, Arizona and Washington.

Arko, a native of Elkhart, Indiana who now lives in Phoenix, has presented Winter Break for the 50-and-over crowd for the past eight years in Laughlin, Nev.

She said members of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority approached officials from the Mesquite Resort Association to see about promoting a similar event.

“We’d like to make this an annual event and rotate the talent,” explained Arko, who added that an email blast resulted in several offers from musical groups interested in playing in Mesquite.

“Mesquite is friendly; it’s convenient, affordable and a great value.”

Arko sees a good working relationship with Branson, which was formed in the 1950s when the fishermen in the area needed something to do at night.

“The City of Branson even bought a full-page ad in our program,” Arko said. “They are using BransonFest Out West to promote their city in the summer. Branson is a beautiful place in the Ozarks. It has very down-home hospitality with more than 170 shows. You can go to three shows a day for a week and still not see all the shows there.”

BransonFest Out West kicks off Feb. 8 with a welcome reception from 4-6 p.m. in the CasaBlanca Ballroom. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. concert featuring the popular Dutton Family Band in the CasaBlanca Event Center.

On, Feb. 9, the SilverSneakers Fitness Class starts the day with an exercise class from 9-10 a.m., in the CasaBlanca Ballroom. The class is open to all ages.

The day’s activities will also include a fashion show from 1-2 p.m. in the CasaBlanca Showroom. The Mesquitetoes Tap Team will perform from 3:30-5 p.m. in the CasaBlanca Showroom.

The day’s activities will culminate with a Clay Cooper concert from 7:30-9 p.m. at the CasaBlanca Event Center.

On Feb. 10, enthusiasts will gather at the CasaBlanca Showroom for a Fun and Fitness Walk beginning at 9 a.m., while a free slot tournament is set from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Virgin River.

A wine tasting is scheduled from 1-2 p.m. in the CasaBlanca Ballroom; while the Age of Elegance Variety show is set from 3:30-5 p.m. in the CasaBlanca Ballroom.

The evening concludes with a Branson Brothers concert from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Casa Blanca Event Center.

Arko said the entertainment being presented at the CasaBlanca Event Center represents a good mix of talent.

“Clay Cooper is primarily Country,” Arko explained. “The Duttons are a family of 16 and each member plays five instruments. They were on America’s Got Talent a couple of years ago and finished runner up.

“The Branson Brothers are a combination of Gospel and Rock and Roll with a little Country.

“All of the groups perform in Branson.’’

Optional tours are also scheduled to the St. George Outlet Mall Feb. 9 and Zion National Park Feb. 10.

Special packages are available starting at $270 including three nights hotel accommodations and all event activities and tickets to the nightly concerts.

Further information regarding BransonFest Out West can be found at www.mesquitebransonfest.com or by calling 888-278-9844.