Author: ridesparky

It's that time again ... time for school supplies and new clothes. Time for backpacks and new sneakers. And thankfully it's also time for the Missouri State Tax-Free Weekend! In 2019, the Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 2, and runs through Sunday, August 4. 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. You'll still pay certain local taxes, but the Missouri portion of the sales tax that you'd normally pay (about 4.2%) is waived. If you have school age kids in the house, chances are you wait each year for Missouri's Tax Free Weekend to load up on…

There's a lot of unique artwork and historic spots you can explore in Downtown Branson, but a few of our favorites are the three large murals that you can view in downtown. Each has a unique story. So next time you're in downtown, be sure to take a few moments to admire these large works of art. The ExploreBranson Postcard Mural The newest mural and already the most recognizable selfie spot in downtown is the "Greetings from Branson" mural. Located on the east side of Cadwell's Flea Market at the corner of Main and Sycamore Streets (facing the Hilton Convention Center Hotel), this mural was completed in October 2016. The artwork was designed to look like a vintage postcard by artist John Bell and painted by Raine Clotfelter, known as…

Downtown Branson is a great place to celebrate Independence Day and the days and weekends surrounding our patriotic holiday. If you’re looking for a great place to hang out, see great entertainment, watch fireworks and celebrate America, this is your spot! Branson Landing's Liberty Light Up (Wednesday, July 3rd) This huge Branson Landing celebration is back again this year and bigger than last years' fun! Nashville Top 40 recording artist Jason Pritchett and The Steel Horses will be headlining the free, live entertainment. There will even be an encore performance after the fireworks! Keep an eye out for other Branson entertainers there as well just to add to the excitement. Another popular new addition to the festivities is the Beer Garden: Four drink tents will be open with a selection…

National Law Enforcement Week returns to Branson for its 6th year, and the popular "light parade" will again take place in downtown at the Branson Landing. Come celebrate our hard-working (and retired) Law Enforcement officers with a week full of activities and fun from June 8th through June 15th . The Light Cruise at Branson Landing gives the public a chance to honor law enforcement officers. Members of law enforcement can go to bransonsalutes.com to register for a free Grab Bag! Numbers are limited so don’t forget to do that before the festivities begin. New this year, participants can plan events and fill their time here in Branson at lawenforcementweek.org. Unbeatable discounts and endless activities for the families of our Hometown Heroes. Also new this year, brought to you by…

A warm Memorial Day Weekend in Branson is a great way to start your summer, and Downtown Branson is bustling with excitement and things to do! And join us as we also pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Ozarks is the best place to start your summer... Downtown Branson being the best of all! The free Branson Landing Summer Concert Series kicks off on Saturday, May 25th at 6:30 with Rosy Hips and Members Only. The concert takes place right in front of the Branson Landing Fountains. Throughout Downtown Branson there are great opportunities to shop, eat and take advantage of the district's amazing attractions. And don't forget to cool off with a stroll along the Lake Taneycomo waterfront. But the Downtown isn’t the only place…

On the third Tuesday of every month in 2019, the Branson Centennial Museum is hosting an hour-long "Tuesday Talk" featuring notable locals and celebrities. The presentations are from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. and cover a wide variety of fascinating topics. On Tuesday, May 21st, 21-year veteran Highway Patrolman and author Terry Bible will share “Timeless Trooper Tales" and take questions about what it's like to be an officer serving our community in Missouri Highway Patrol Troop D. Bible is the author of "I’m the Guy Who Is the Boss on This Highway." Past presentations have seen performer Moe Bandy discussing his friend President George H.W. Bush and "Bogie" Bohinc, Dave Napier and Jay Daversa telling stories about their time backing legendary performers. Admission to the museum and the presentations are…

The Branson Farmers Market of the Ozarks happens each Tuesday May-October from 3-7 p.m. in Downtown Branson. If you live in the Ozarks you know that spring is in full bloom and summer is officially coming when the Branson Farmers Market opens for the season in downtown. The market begins its fourth year in Downtown Branson on May 7. Fresh plants and flowers, locally grown produce, amazing hand-made goods, baked items, food trucks and so much more can be found at the Branson market. Returning this year to the Branson Landing North parking lot by Belk, each week the outdoor market will host 20-30 of the great vendors that are loved by locals and visitors alike. The free Downtown Trolley "Sparky" has Stop O6 just steps away from the market,…

The 2019 dates may have changed but the game is the same. April 24th-28th, join the celebrated champions and fans at Big Cedar Lodge for one of the most anticipated competitions of the PGA year. Golf legends teeing off include Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player Lee Trevino and others. Celebrities playing include Justin Timberlake, Mark Wahlberg, Kid Rock, Tyler Toney, Roger Clemens, Luke Combs and Tracy Lawrence. The Big Cedar course took a total of eight years to carve from the rugged Ozark mountains. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Johnny Morris, it is the first Par 3 course to host a PGA-sanctioned event. Located high in the Ozark hills above Table Rock Lake, the course truly is an experience showcasing the local landscape. The golf challenge is absolutely unique.…

A 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 Regent up for sale at this spring's auction. Amazing, unique and collectible cars are coming back to Downtown Branson for the Spring 2019 Branson Collector Car Auction. Join enthusiasts, collectors, and restoration fans April 12th & 13th at the Branson Convention Center for this twice-a-year show and auction. All weekend long, the free Sparky trolleys will be serving auction participants via Stop O3 outside the Convention Center, allowing them to experience all the great things downtown has to offer. GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS: $15 daily | $25 2-day pass $10 daily Military w/ID | $152-day pass AUCTION TIMES: Friday April 12 – 11:30 am Tickets on Sale 10:00 am Saturday April 13 – 9:30 am Tickets on Sale 8:00 am

Join everyone downtown for another year of the MoNasp Archery Tournament! March 21st-24th Since 2002, Missouri National Archery in Schools Program has been enriching the lives of children and teens all across the nation. An event scheduled from beginning to end every day with guest speakers like Mountain Man from Duck Dynasty and archery superstar Joella Bates, the 11-time world 3D archery champion. Duck Dynasty star Tim "Mountain Man" Guraedy Bring your fishing poles again this year, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Days is back again too with catch-and-release fishing, air rifle ranges, archery games, and even a bounce house! There is also a Corvette show, Sip the Ozarks tasting event, and a scavenger hunt planned. Live music from the White Water Wranglers as well! A full weekend of fun and…