Watch the competition of skilled sculptors as they wield chainsaws to carve out fantastic wooden statues and models on October 8-10 in Branson’s  Titanic Museum parking lot. Their completed works will capture the spirit of the Titanic’s courageous German crew members and passengers who helped save lives before the Titanic sank. Experienced wood carvers will be given a simple log and cut and trim until the log is transformed into their own creation. The carvers have a certain time limit, so watch closely as they use the clock to their advantage.

For a true challenge, the event is also hosting a 75-minute chainsaw speed-carving event, forcing the carvers to think quickly on their feet and put detail only where it counts. Once the hour and 15 minutes are up, all wood carvers will stop what they’re doing and be officially judged by their work.

The annual woodcarving event is the third of its kind since its birth in 2008. Come join in the fun and excitement as you watch one of the lost arts of our time – woodcarving via chainsaws. If you’d like to more about Branson or participate in the city’s attractions, there is a vast amount of activities for you to try. Area lodging is available as well; just make sure you book ahead of time!

Start the fall season right with a celebration of the 12^th annual Hollister Grape and Fall Festival, taking place on Downing Street in Historic Downtown Hollister near Branson on September 25. The festival will attract both the young and the old, and you’ll see the true Midwestern spirit through eye popping entertainment and gorgeous crafts. To fully understand the grape harvest tradition, you can take your family to see a grape stomp, which is both fun and exciting as feet squish and smash down on hundreds of fresh grapes, forming delicious wine.

Look around you to see the oranges, golds and reds of the autumn leaves. Entertainers from the festival will keep your attention from the start to the finish. Although the town is small, it is close to Branson where you’ll have plenty of shows, attractions and other activities to choose from even after the festival is over. If you’d like to see the beauty of the Ozark area for an extended stay, you may book any of our fantastic hotels featuring a variety of amenities.

See the colorful and rich paintings of famous artist Jim Rodgers at Mount Pleasant on September 18 during the evening, from 5-7 pm for the “Meet the Artist” event. Rodgers, whose painting style is focused on acrylic and oil, will be provide a plethora of pictures and designs for audiences to see along with wine and cheese reception. The admission is free, so you’ll certainly want to see Rodgers’ works and meet him as well.

Rodgers will be painting a variety of images that will truly demonstrate the experience and creativity he has as an artist. You’ll see oil paintings of fresh vegetables and fruit, seasonal terrains, detailed portraits and the attractive Branson Belle to show his Branson spirit!

The creative art of Rodgers will be on display for the six weeks following in the Mount Pleasant Winery in Branson. If you would like to purchase a piece, most of the art will be on sale so you can take a piece of Branson back with you.  A new artist will be announced for the next “Meet the Artist” every six weeks. If you’re in the mood for other entertaining attractions inside Branson, you can certainly try a tour, cruise or show in Branson’s activities. If you’d like to stay for a few days, you can book Branson lodging as well.

On September 19, the city of Branson will host one of the 34 qualifying events nationwide for the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3. A $25,000 prize will be given to the winner of the event, and Branson is sure to see many professional athletes arriving on qualifying day. The event consists of several grueling activities, starting with a 1.2 mile swim on Table Rock Lake, followed by 56 miles of bicycling through the rough Ozark mountains and finally a two-loop 13. 1 mile run.

The final event will take place in Clearwater, Florida, but this qualifying round is sure to attract a large crowd. Spectators are welcome to watch the last leg of the triathalon-type event, so you may grab your spot along the road as the runners drive their legs to the finish. The competition is limited to 2,000 athletes, and each one will be as eager as the next to compete globally!

As long as you’re in Branson, you’re welcome to view our large selection of area lodging, whether you’re planning on staying near Table Rock or closer to the 76 strip. For extra entertainment, you can check out the shows, tours, and cruises available in our activities.