Author: ridesparky

Throughout the winter and into the summer months, Branson is the site for some of America’s best cheer and dance teams facing off for trophies and national bragging rights! Athleticism, Spirit and Team Work are traits every cheerleader must possess to pull such a big win! Several major competitions are in Branson this year, including: The Worldwide Spirit Association American All Star Nationals takes place at the Hilton Branson Convention Center over the course of two days, February 11-12. A unique, end-of-season event offered to Cheer and Dance Teams. Other 2023 Dance and Cheer Meets in Downtown Branson: Bravo Spirit and Cheer, Feb. 18Myths & Legends, Feb. 24-26Stage One Productions, June 12-17Addiction Dance, June 20-24Starpower 2023, June 25-30UCA/UDA Varsity Spirit, July 13-17

January and February are typically slower months in Branson, but they also are a great time to bundle up and visit downtown Branson. In January and February, the trolley runs from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekends weather permitting. Many of our downtown businesses are still open, and the warm Sparky trolleys are running on a special schedule. There's also many great events going on in Downtown during the winter months, like cheer and dance tournaments and live Branson Arts Council productions at the Historic Owen Theatre. 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 Downtown, the Branson Landing and the Branson Convention Center. With a total of…

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 to discover dozens of unique shops and thousands of great gift ideas. You'll find locally made, vintage, handcrafted -- and just plain unique items -- are just waiting to be discovered. 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 children’s fashions. Just don’t wait too much longer! Christmas is just days away! Let Sparky be your secret weapon…

Chris Carlson at the Branson Tri-Lakes News has done some great research about the history of the Branson Adoration Scene, which dates back to 1949, and also uncovered some unique photos showing the scene's initial construction. The adoration scene is lit each year starting on the first Sunday in December, which coincides with the city's annual Adoration Parade, celebrating the nativity of Jesus. It is illuminated each night through January 1. Read more at BransonTriLakesNews.com

Branson turns into a Christmas wonderland at the beginning of each November, but if you ask a local, you’ll find the Christmas season officially begins on the first Sunday of December every year. That's when Branson holds it's Adoration Parade and annual Adoration Scene lighting. There’s no place like Branson for the holidays Enjoy the 74th annual Adoration Parade and Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, 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 74 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 parade route begins…

City of Branson workers install the new downtown LED Christmas lights in October 2022. Thanks to the hard work of the Branson Christmas Coalition, the City of Branson and the Historic Downton Branson Community Improvement District, the new LED holiday lights specifically designed for our lampposts are being installed and will shine nightly beginning Nov. 1, 2022. Based on a "winter wonderland" theme, downtown's new Christmas lights (87,568 in total) will be attached to 65 lampposts, creating festive candlelight snowflakes and swirls of light. “We have always wanted to help make the downtown area a holiday showcase and these lamppost fixtures are a great start," said Ann McDowell, Executive Director of the Branson Christmas Coalition. "We’re working now with some of the individual business and building owners downtown to install…

Branson was featured recently in Forbes' travel section in a great overview column by Roger Sands. Excerpt: When most people think of Branson, Missouri, elaborate stage shows are usually one of the first things that comes to mind. After all, Branson is widely known for its stunning variety of shows and events, headlined by some of the most talented names in show business. Top shows to check out include The Haygoods, The Duttons and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction. In fact, Branson is home to over three dozen theaters. The range of shows is extremely diverse and includes magic, music, comedy and even animal-based performances. However, there is much more to Branson than world-class entertainment... For the full article, visit Forbes.com

The majestic and powerful Clydesdale horses will visit Branson Landing in Downtown Branson on Oct. 7, 2022, from noon-2 p.m. The iconic 8-horse hitch will be pulling the Budweiser wagon. The Clydesdales, which weigh between 1,800-2,300 pounds each, have been a symbol for Budweiser since the 1930s. These animals make hundreds of appearances around the country each year. When not travelling the world, these animals are stabled at Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Mo. The event is free and open to the public.

The 49th Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival will take place on Sept. 15, 16, and 17, 2022, in downtown Branson featuring more than 80 vendors. Fall Fun for Everyone The event in Historic Downtown Branson will have vendors from all over the United States, some traveling from as far away as Colorado and Florida. Shoppers can browse items including furniture, clothing, jewelry, soaps, glass, quilts, and home decor. In addition to great arts, crafts and food, you can experience the wonderful entertainment Branson is so famous for on the Entertainers Stage on Commercial Street. Angie Sherrill will be the festival emcee and will play games with attendees between the performing acts (watch for prizes!). So pull up a chair and enjoy the free entertainment! Changes to Sparky’s Route:…

For one last time in 2022, the amazing powerboat races are coming back to Lake Taneycomo. Come experience this one-of-a-kind race in person, for free, in Downtown Branson! Sept. 10-11, 2022, will see Round #6 of the Formula Light Series and also the APBA North American Championship competition. Powerboat Nationals Formula Light Series is an entertaining Championship Event filled with a minimum of 10 of the world's newest, fastest, sleekest inshore powerboats, all racing along Lake Taneycomo on the Branson waterfront. Testing begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Time trials begin at noon, and the race heats are from 1-5 p.m. On Sunday, Testing begins at 10 a.m. and racing begins at noon. The season-end awards banquet is Monday, Sept. 12. You can also meet the racers and get autographs and…