Author: ridesparky

Interior of the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson MO The stage of Branson's First Theater is alive again with productions by the Branson Arts Council. The Historic Owen Theatre is located at 205 S. Commercial Street in Downtown Branson and has the following live shows on its schedule for 2021: The Glass Menagerie (June 3-7, 2021) The Glass Menagerie is a memory play by Tennessee Williams that premiered in 1944. Its action is drawn from the memories of the narrator, Tom Wingfield (Age 18+ recommended). Mamma Mia (Aug. 5-15) This Broadway favorite uses pop group ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father (rated PG-13). 9 to 5 The Musical (Sept. 9-19) Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia…

Downtown Branson's Centennial Museum has been named 2020 Non-Profit of the Year, an award presented by the membership of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. The award was announced at the Chamber's annual membership luncheon on April 22. Also honored were Branson's small businesses of the year, which included Cakes-N-Creams 50's Diner and The Track Family Fun Parks. Located at 120 S. Commercial Street in the historic Branson Mercantile/Reish Shoe store, the Branson Centennial Museum officially opened on April 1, 2012, Branson's 100th anniversary. The museum features many priceless artifacts from Branson's early days, a historical timeline of Branson's evolution as one of the nation's top tourism and entertainment destinations, and rotating exhibits that are curated in coordination with the White River Valley Historical Society. There's also a…

The popular vintage market Branson Market Days is returning to the downtown convention Center on April 30 and May 1, 2021. The eclectic event features handmade and vintage items from a number of crafters and collectors. And of course, there's great food options for attendees. Branson Market Days begins at 9 a.m. and continues through 6 p.m. on Friday, April 30, then 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. Attendees can pay $5 at the door with free re-entry for the rest of the event. Masks are not required at the event but social distancing is encouraged. The free Sparky trolleys are running both days from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to use the convenient Branson Convention Center stop on Sycamore Street.

The new covered trolley stop sits at the Pacific Street entrance to Liberty Plaza Branson's city-wide face covering requirement to help protect visitors and residents against the Coronavirus ended on April 16, 2021. While there's no longer a city ordinance, you'll find that many Branson businesses and attractions are still encouraging social distancing and masking based on their individual circumstances. As Branson's only public transit system, the free Ride Sparky trolleys are somewhat unique because they are subject to a nationwide order by the CDC requiring masking on all public transit systems. As a result, the Downtown Branson trolley drivers and passengers are still required to wear suitable face coverings while riding the trolleys. More information about the Jan. 29, 2021 CDC order

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…