Author: ridesparky

New to the Branson area this year is the Abu Garcia College Fishing tournament, part of the Major League Fishing tournaments. In this event, college students cast to become the best bass angler. The tournament is April 8, 2022, on Table Rock Lake. Land-based events take place at Table Rock State Park Marina. Participants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students at a four-year college, university or community college. The Branson event on Table Rock Lake is a 2022 qualifying event for the 2023 College National Championship. Also new to the area is the Major League U.S. Army High School Fishing Tournament, which is taking place on April 9. The event offers high school anglers with scholarship and advancement opportunities to compete in the 2022 Toyota Series Championship. The top…

Spring in Historic Downtown Branson Families need a break and a getaway. Branson is nearby, accessible, affordable ... and SO MUCH FUN! It's one of the central United States' favorite places for family activities, shows, shopping and dining all in one. Historic Downtown Branson welcomes Spring breakers to stroll the streets and check out all of the unique items in each store, enjoy a tasty meal, or take in a show! Just a short distance from the Branson Landing, you won’t want to miss out on all the fun! And businesses will have out Spring discounts on your visit. Visitors are also sure to enjoy the new streets and sidewalks in Downtown. While someone may want to shop longer, others are able to rest on comfortable benches and enjoy the…

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) are hosting the 2022 Missouri National Archery in Schools Program State Tournament March 19 at the Branson Convention Center. More than 3,000 student archers from throughout Missouri in grades 4-12 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. More information on the schedule of activities and admission fees is available at mochf.org/monasp-schedule-of-activities/. MoNASP is coordinated through MDC, MCHF, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri in partnership with more than 800 participating schools and numerous supporting organizations throughout the state. More than 85,000 Missouri students participate in the program. MoNASP is an…

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. Sparky 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., 7 days a week (March-Dec.)10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Weekends (Jan.-Feb.)No service Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day Explore…

The settlement of Branson dates back to the late 19th century, and by the early 20th century it was becoming clear that this small town in the Ozark mountains was becoming a special place for people to visit from across the nation. Sammy Lane Camp and Downtown Branson, circa 1920s The White River / Lake Taneycomo Visible from Stops 1, 2 and 6 Branson's history, and it's role as a tourism destination, is tied to this normally calm river that runs through town. The White River was an essential link for travel and commerce, and fishing and floating trips were what drew the first tourists to this region. In 1951, the Missouri legislature approved work to clear obstructions along the Missouri section of the White River and deepen the channel…

Valentine’s Day Downtown! Take the planning pressure off this year by taking advantage of all the great lodging and dining options in Downtown Branson. Catch a show, take a walk and just enjoy the slower pace of Branson in February! If you still need help trying to decide, look no further. Here are few great places to eat Downtown that are offering specials for lovers. Level 2 Steakhouse Level 2 is offering a special Valentine's Day Dinner for Two, which includes a calamari appetizer, salads, 6 oz filet mignon and Maine Diver sea scallops. There's also dessert and two glasses of champagne included in the $190 price per couple. Special available both Feb. 12 through Feb. 14. Black Oak Grill Valentine’s 3 Course Meal, $30 per guest Includes spinach &…

The Historic Owen Theatre, located at 205 S. Commercial Street and next to Liberty Plaze in Downtown Branson, is the home to the Branson Arts Council and their 2022 live productions. It's your opportunity to see some of the best Broadway productions presented on a local stage with local talent. Information and tickets are available at https://bransonarts.org/ Among the 2022 productions, BRAC has scheduled: The Little Mermaid (Feb. 10-27) Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including…

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 12-13. Spectators are welcome, cash entrance fees at the door and senior and military discounts are available with I.D. Destination Meet's original meet, the Branson Classic, began in 2014 and quickly established itself as a preeminent event in the region. Hosted at the beautiful Branson Convention Center, in downtown Branson, right across…

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. 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 Main Street, the Branson Landing and the Branson Convention Center.…

This year, make resolutions that aren’t chores. The past couple of years has been rough enough. Who wants to make more fitness or productivity goals? This year make it about you. Make resolutions to do things that will bring you joy. Here are four ideas for enjoying Historic Downtown Branson to get you started on making this year a more fulfilling one. Build bonds with your favorite people Visit historic downtown Branson to build memories with your family and friends. There’s something to entertain everyone.  See a show at the Branson Hot Hits Theatre or enjoy one of the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Broadway-style musicals performed by local actors at the Historic Owen Theater. Follow it with games at Branson Boardgame Cafe or The Escape Branson to bond through teamwork…