Author: ridesparky

There’s only a few days left before Christmas. You might be in a crunch and still have gifts to find for people still on your list. Likely, if you do, you’re wondering where you can find something unique. Head Downtown and hop on Sparky dozens of unique shops and untold thousands of great gift ideas. Locally made, vintage, handcrafted and just plain unique items are ready for you to discover (handmade quilts and delicious fudge are always welcome gifts!) You’re sure to find something at one of the many antique shops and flea markets. After browsing the independent shops of Historic Downtown, you can Ride Sparky to the Branson Landing where you will find dozens more shops full of everything from designer clothes and camping gear, to jewelry, furniture, and…

Parade time: December 6th at 5:30pm Every year in the Ozarks, there is a time-honored tradition that goes back nearly 3/4 of a century to the post-war days of the late 1940s: Branson's Adoration Parade and the lighting of the Adoration Scene. Each year the Branson community gathers for the Adoration Celebration and Parade to celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season with the family. For one special night, locals and visitors alike can come together and honor the Christmas story. Make this heartwarming celebration a part of your holiday season this year and create some old-fashioned Christmas memories with those you love. The Parade will feature performances by local high school marching bands, floats created by a multitude of area churches and organizations, as well as an appearance…

Downtown Branson is the place to be for those Black Friday and Small Business Saturday specials! Support our many locally owned businesses, and also find those amazing gifts you need for Christmas. With so many unique shops in the Historic District, and even more at Branson Landing, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list this year. Don't forget that many downtown businesses have online stores and can also take phone orders! Don’t forget about Sparky the Trolley for your Downtown shopping! He can take you everywhere! So bring your mask and let Sparky help you tote those bags and get you everywhere you need to go to get that shopping done!

The popular Branson Festival of Trees is returning to the Branson Landing for 2020. Now in its fourth year, the indoor tree and wreath exposition help spread Christmas cheer, but the accompanying decoration sale benefits Christian Action Ministries, which operates food pantries and mobile food outreach in Taney County. Shoppers can find unique and handmade ornaments, wreaths and other decorations ... and of course fully decorated trees! The trees are decorated and donated by local businesses and individuals. The Festival of Trees is located at Suite 309 (next to Build-A-Bear Workshop) on the Branson Landing Promenade. The event continues through Nov. 29, 2020. Branson - America's Christmas Tree City Branson is home to more than 700 elaborate Christmas trees and in recent years has become known as America's Christmas Tree…

It’s been a Branson tradition dating all the way back to the first parade held here marking Armistice Day and honoring our WWI veterans. No doubt one of the greatest and most meaningful events held in Branson every year, the downtown Veterans Day Parade is now in its 88th year. This solemn observance has grown and become one of the largest Veterans Day observances in the country, drawing thousands of veterans and their families from across America. In recent years, it has been organized by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913. The parade is also the closing event for what has become known as Veterans Week, which begins Nov. 5 each year and pays tribute to America's heroes with a series of reunions and special events. Join us downtown as…

Jim and Kathy Cox are back once again with Downtown Branson’s twice-a-year Branson Auction. Undoubtedly the region’s top event for viewing (and buying) unique vehicles. The Spring auction in April was cancelled because of concerns about COVID-19, but the fall auction has returned with new safety protocols and with an expanded Internet presence. If you love cars, you’ll want to be sure to join the enthusiasts, collectors, and restoration fans October 16th and 17th for this popular event at the Branson Convention Center. And be sure to ride throughout Downtown on the Sparky Trolley, which stops on Sycamore Street directly outside the Convention Center. New to 2020 are the COVID 19 social distancing and mask requirements. Luckily this year there is the option for online bidding! How convenient, right? It’s…

Parakeet Pete's Waterfront Zipline Fall is finally here, and the crisp cool days make for the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful foliage and sights in Downtown Branson! Whether taking in the vibrant red, yellow and brown of the hills reflected on picturesque Lake Taneycomo, going for a stroll or just relaxing on a park bench with a book, it’s easy to see why this season is a favorite with many Branson visitors. Here are some fun fall-themed activities you can enjoy without ever leaving the downtown area. Walk along the Branson Landing Boardwalk This level, paved walkway is more than 1-mile long and features many scenic spots along the Taneycomo lakefront. You’ll see plenty of ducks, geese along the way, as well as great views of…

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, but the financial implications of the pandemic have disproportionately affected small businesses and the many people who work for those companies. Downtown Branson is a community of nearly 200 locally owned businesses spanning retail, dining, lodging, entertainment and professional services. Here are some suggestions about how you can help your favorite Downtown Branson establishment (or any small business anywhere that you are passionate about). Directory of Downtown Businesses Shop The Store Online Most small retailers sell some or all of their merchandise online, either through their website or on Facebook or Instagram. You'll discover great products that you might not have noticed in the store, and many small retailers offer convenient return and exchange policies if you buy items directly from them.…

Labor Day in Branson is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Historic Downtown Branson, and also to get in some shopping for end-of-season sales! Be sure to ride the Sparky trolleys to get around as you travel from Lake Taneycomo to Branson Landing to historic Main Street and the nearby shops and artisans. While the usual Branson Landing summer concert series has been suspended to help visitors maintain social distance, there are still plenty of things to do in downtown, including watching the fire and water fountain show, walking along the boardwalk, or getting out on the water in kayak or on a paddleboard. Outside of Downtown: Chateau on the Lake will host its annual Labor Day fireworks celebration on Sunday, Sept. 6, at dusk. The presentation…

Without a doubt, 2020 is the strangest back-to-school season anybody can remember. Whether kids are doing in-person learning, online learning or homeschooling, parents are likely to still need supplies, gadgets and new clothes for their little students. Just in time for back-to-whatever, it's also time for the Missouri State Tax-Free Weekend! In 2020, the Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 7, and runs through Sunday, August 9. Before we go any further, we need to jump into the fine print. The Missouri Back To School Tax Free Weekend only applies to "certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers" and other related school necessities. Around Branson you'll still pay local taxes, but the Missouri portion of the sales tax that you'd normally pay (about 4.2%) is waived. Even…