Author: ridesparky

‘Tis the season for Christmas coziness and celebrations. For many, the build-up to Christmas is one of the best parts. And the anticipation on the faces of the youngsters fuels the family's fire to make the experience magical. So, if you’re planning to take a magical, holiday getaway to Branson (one of the country’s most Christmas-spirited towns), hop on Sparky the Trolley to take you to these fun Downtown Branson experiences. And keep spirits merry and bright. Branson’s hills are alive with “The Sound of Music” The live theatrical production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic “The Sound of Music” will fast become one of your family’s favorite things. Enjoy the Branson Regional Arts Council’s talented local actors in the world’s most beloved musical. The production runs from Sunday, December…

At 12 a.m. on November 1, Branson turns into a Christmas wonderland: festive shows, lights for miles, and a general air of merriment. But if you ask a local, you’ll find the countdown officially begins with the Christmas parade occurring on the first Sunday of December every year. There’s no place like Branson for the holidays Enjoy the 73rd annual Adoration Parade and Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in Historic Downtown Branson. A 28-foot-tall nativity scene sits high on a bluff on the other side of Lake Taneycomo from Downtown Branson. A couple of Branson locals designed it 73 years ago and it was rebuilt in 2012 to continue the tradition. Every year, it’s illuminated at sundown as the kickoff to The Adoration Parade. The…

Branson is known for honoring veterans and active-duty military every day. Patriotism is one of the pillar values of this small city. It’s one of the many reasons millions of people visit Branson each year.  This year, Branson continues its tradition of honoring United States military heroes with The 89th Annual Veterans Day Parade in historic downtown Branson. Branson’s Veterans Day Parade is a respectful send-off to follow a week of reunions and celebrations. Beginning November 5 each year Branson’s shows, businesses, and groups host an elaborate and memorable tribute to veterans during Veterans Homecoming Week with a series of reunions and special events.  After a week full of reunions, tribute shows, and services expressing sincere appreciation to military heroes, Veterans Homecoming Week winds down with the Veterans Day Parade…

Gather the ghouls and goblins to prep for a night of trick-or-treating or trick-or-greeting in Historic Downtown Branson. The past couple of Halloweens have been lackluster for many. Much of the “magic” was missing and people had to get creative with celebrations. This year, celebrate old traditions married with new with Sparky the Trolley as your guide. Treat yourself to mouth-watering desserts. No tricks necessary. Greeting trick-or-treaters is a tough job. Parting with the fun-sized Reeses and Snickers is even tougher. Hop on Sparky and exit near one of the many nostalgic candy stores downtown. Or, if you want flavors of the season, stop by The Pie Safe for a fall-spiced pie to munch on between the ringing of the doorbell. Tell some spooky bench stories. After visiting some of…

Spouse, house, kids, and a cool car in the garage — Ahhh, yes. It’s the American Dream. Add it to my calendar. Get your nostalgia fix by hopping on Sparky the Trolley to the Branson Convention Center on October 15-16 for the Branson Auctions Vintage Car Auction. Drool over the cars you found yourself daydreaming about.Tickets for the October 15 auction are available starting at 10 a.m. for the 11:30 a.m. auction.  Buy tickets at 8 a.m. on October 16 for the 9:30 a.m. auction.  Pay $15 for a 1-day entry fee or $25 for 2 days. People with a military ID can pay $10 for one day or $15 for 2 days.  Show me the cars. There are 158 boats trucks motorcycles and cool vintage cars. Picture yourself cruising…

The inevitable end of summer is here.  Labor Day weekend was the last hurrah of summer. Schools have been in session for a couple of weeks now. And getting into the fall routine takes its toll on your frazzled nerves.  The next sizable break is Thanksgiving, and it feels a long way off. And even then, the holidays aren’t very relaxing, are they? Joyful? Yes. Relaxing? No. Recharge now to prepare for a bustling holiday season.  Too stressed to plan it yourself? Don’t worry. We’ve planned it for you. Start your day with a recharge. Late summer and early autumn mornings are glorious in Ozark Mountain Country. Take advantage of the fresh air and beautiful views with the morning rays glistening on the water.  Walk along the lakefront by the…

* NOTE: Artist's rendering. Trolleys can't fly or travel backwards through time. Sparky the Trolley can take you back in time, to Broadway-style shows, and to art galleries and stores. OK. The trolley isn't a DeLorean-esque time machine. It can't travel at 88 MPH and despite our best efforts it can't fly. But it can take you back in time to some amazing forms of arts and entertainment that are alive and well in Historic Downtown Branson. Many are surprised when they experience the rare world-class talent that abounds in the Ozarks. The music will take you back. Branson Hot Hits Theater has shows for all ages. They’re uniquely nostalgic for anyone who grew up loving music from the ‘50s through the ‘80s. Close your eyes and get swept away!…

Grab your purse, wallet, and sunscreen. Brace yourself for some crafty fun! Autumn Daze is back for its 48th year in Historic Downtown Branson. Fall Fun for Everyone Visit the arts, crafts, and music festival on Atlantic Street from September 16th – 18th from 9am – 6pm on Thursday and Friday and 9am – 4pm on Saturday for some free fun for all!  Enjoy the community and changing weather in Downtown Branson.  Ride Sparky the Trolley to the festival and spend an afternoon browsing over 100 vendors and Downtown Branson sidewalk sales. Artisans and craftspeople throughout the Ozarks share their wares at this festive event.  You’ll have the perfect opportunity to take care of that holiday shopping in a fun environment. Don’t shop hangry! Visit our great downtown eateries or…

Branson Board Game Cafe is one of the great family-friendly places the Sparky trolleys can take you and your kids! Delight your scholar with a back-to-school adventure! Getting used to a new schedule in those dwindling days of summer can be a shock to your system. Why not create some Branson family memories…. Ride Sparky the Trolley! You probably have a sentimental trolley memory — watching “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” or the newer “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”. Maybe you loved the cable car during the “Full House” theme song.  Imagine riding a trolley and experiencing it again through the eyes of a kid.  Thrill your own inner-child, whatever the connection, by taking your child on Sparky the Trolley for a Downtown Branson day of adventure. Plan your route using this handy Map…

After a crazy school year last year, back to in-person school seems to be the norm, and the kiddos are going to need clothing and gadgets and supplies. Fortunately, it's also time for the Missouri State Tax-Free Weekend! In 2021, the Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 6, and runs through Sunday, August 8. 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 at just 4.2%, it's real money that can add up. Stores in and…