Author: ridesparky

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) are hosting the 2021 Missouri National Archery in Schools Program State Tournament March 18-20, 2021, at the Branson Convention Center. More than 3,000 student archers from throughout Missouri are scheduled to compete in the state tournament after shooting qualifying scores through various local MoNASP tournaments over the past year. Participants also can compete in the National Archery in the Schools Program national tournament, which is virtual this year. Family members and the general public can attend the tournament for a fee and must follow the same COVID-19 health and safety protocols set for all event attendees. Masks are required inside the Branson Convention Center and will be provided if needed. The temperature of each attendee will be…

Spring is just around the corner and with it Sparky returns to the regular daily operating schedule! Starting March 1 the trolley will run throughout Downtown Branson from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., every day of the week. Also, we have further streamlined the trolley route to make it easier and faster to get around. Sparky now has a total of 12 stops in a single loop and continuous running during hours. So if you just miss Sparky by a hair, wait a few minutes and he'll be back around shortly! Downtown is home to over 100 unique shops, restaurants, sweet treat spots, cafes, and of course shopping and attractions on the Landing. Let Sparky take you anywhere you need in Downtown Branson! Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.,…

Family having a picnic at Liberty Plaza in Downtown Branson. Travel and family vacations have been greatly interrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic. While it may be months before things return to anything approaching "normal," travel and events are still happening, albeit with extra precautions and care. On Feb. 22, Forbes Magazine published their list of the "top 10 best places in America to travel right now and avoid the pandemic," and Branson was at #4 on that list. "With winter unwinding, there's finally some hope that warm weather will return, businesses will start gradually re-opening, parks will re-fill, and people will become less afraid of one another," writes Peter Lane Taylor, a contributor to ForbesLife at forbes.com. To be fair, like everywhere else COVID-19 is a very real concern in…

Branson Convention Center Conklin Company Inc., which is a manufacturing and distribution company with headquarters in Kansas City, is hosting its 2021 National Convention at the Branson Convention Center Feb. 4-6. The 2021 convention, open to Conklin's company leaders and many independent distributors, is themed "Let Freedom Ring." The event features keynotes from motivational speakers, authors and dignitaries like Ken Davis and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. The convention's entertainers include Christian musicians The Ball, actress and singer Marry Millben, "The Voice" Season 9 contestant Jordan Smith and Branson favorite Dino Karsonakis. Free Trolley for Convention Attendees The convention's hundreds of participants are invited to take advantage of the free RideSparky trolley to explore Historic Downtown Branson. The Convention Center Trolley Stop is conveniently located across Sycamore St. from the…

January and February are typically slower (and colder) months in Branson. The winter months are a great time to bundle up and visit downtown Branson because many of our downtown businesses are still open, and the warm Sparky trolleys are running on a special schedule. In January and February, the trolley runs from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekends weather permitting. Also remember that Spring is just around the corner, so beginning in March the trolleys will return to a schedule of 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., 7 days a week. If you have spent any time in Downtown Branson, then you certainly have seen Sparky; He’s the helpful free trolley, ready to take you to great spots like Historic Main Street, the Branson Landing and the Branson Convention…

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…