The third Saturday of October you will find the largest parade in Southwest Missouri in Carthage, MO. It is the home of the Annual Maple Leaf Festival, and it’s close enough to Branson for a day trip. The parade is the Grand Finale of an entire week of fall celebrations for this wonderful historic town. Earlier in the week they hold the 5K Run, Sprint Dualthon, High Heel Race, a huge quilt show, and a variety of pageants. On the day of the Grand Finale Parade there will be Arts & Craft booths, a petting zoo, an auto show, a dog show, plenty of food vendors and live entertainment. So, grab one of our incredible Branson accommodations and get some other activities lined-up for your trip!

The original Branson theme park, Silver Dollar City, will provide you and your group several days’ worth of exploration fun. You simply cannot ride all the rides, eat at all the restaurants and diners, frequent all the shops, and see all the shows in a single day. That’s why we even make it easier on you and provide you with a two-day pass. You and your group will absolutely love the Ozark Mountain mystique of Silver Dollar City. No vacation to Branson is complete without a visit!

The Legend of Kung Fu is a smash-hit production overseas. Now The Legend of Kung Fu is creating a buzz as it hits Branson’s entertainment district. This powerful story takes you inside the life of a boy who has just committed to be Buddhist monk and faces the emotional struggle as the romance and mystique of martial arts lures him away. During the show, you will be entertained by an amazing display of acrobatic stunts, martial arts, and beautifully choreographed dance brought to you by an impressive team of more than sixty talented cast and crew members. You can even purchase a meal with your show. Don’t miss your chance to catch this magnificent performance.

Treat your family to a memorable experience in Branson when you take them to the world famous Yakov’s Dinner Adventure, which will be performing at Yakov’s Theater. For over 200 years, audiences have been mesmerized by the uniquely electric and magical circus show. With death-defying feats, comic relief, magic tricks, and other acts, Yakov’s Dinner Adventure provides undeniable fun for the whole family. You’ll be impressed at the delicious menu you enjoy.

This year, 2011, will be the 75th Anniversary of the Ozark Empire Fair. The fair takes place in Springfield at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds starting July 29 – August 7. Branson is just about 43 miles from Springfield, so if you’re planning a trip to Branson it would be a short (and not to mention worthy) drive to come experience the fair. Just grab some convenient lodging in Branson, check out the many remarkable shows and exciting attractions there, and then head to Springfield for the Ozark Empire Fair!

If you’re a food fanatic, you can’t miss the fair. Classics like funnel cakes, BBQ chicken, corn on a stick, and fried taters will be yours to enjoy. But not only are the traditional fair foods featured, there’s also sushi, fried green tomatoes, and deep-fried snickers, twinkies, and oreos! Wash it all down with a delicious drink such as blackberry tea, smoothies, or hand-dipped shakes. The fair is a paradise for lovers of savory treats.

Fun-seekers will have a blast will all the carnival attractions. The White Water Log Flume is a rare carnival ride (only four in the nation) that puts you in a boat and drops you down slopes that could you get you soaking wet! The largest portable slide ever made, the Mega Slide, spans 190’ so you’ll speed down the track with the wind in your hair. Reaching 120’ up in the air, the Giant Gondola Wheel is the classic Ferris wheel that will give you a bird’s-eye-view. Those are just a few of the rides coming to the fair, and the young and old will find attractions suitable for them.

There’s also going to be a lot of music happening. Disney’s Imagination Movers will be performing July 29th and the next night will be Smash Mouth. Dwight Yoakam, Ernie Haase, and Three Dog Night will all be showing up for a set. The Happy Together Tour will be coming August 3rd and the days after that will include bull blasts, truck and tractor pulls, and a demolition derby. You won’t want to miss any of this!

Car lovers and families can join in the fun at the second annual Branson Mustang Rally, providing a full car show and attractions on June 8-12 at the Ramada Inn Resort and Conference Center. The festivities will start with a mouth-watering welcome dinner, show and shine featuring some of the top Ford Mustang models and Mustang cruises. Child-oriented activities like go-kart racing and movies will be available as well. Best of all, the event’s proceeds will benefit special need children and toddlers at the Christian development center, Little Light House. The whole family is invited to participate in this event that features everything Mustang!

For those planning a full summer vacation to Branson, you’ll want to check out some of the most popular Branson shows and Branson attractions that provide memorable entertainment for your party. Also, you can pick and choose your choice of Branson lodging to make your nights as comfortable as possible.

Participants will rev their engines at Branson’s 10th Annual Motorcycle Rally on May 19-22, featuring motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country and plenty of entertainment. The Freedom of the Road Riders will sponsor the event, giving visitors a chance to see some of the most famous bikes in the world, as well as a live performance by the band, Geneva as they perform their Rock N Ride Tour. Geneva and Billy Bretherton, star of “Billy the Exterminator,” will be signing autographs for fans. In addition, several show performers will be at the Mansion for this special event, including 3 Redneck Tenors, Red and The Liverpool Legends.

Remember to reserve your tickets for some of the other great shows in Branson as well, and if you’re planning on staying in Branson for all three days of the Motorcycle Rally, you’ll want to book your Branson lodging in one of its fine hotels. Plan for the festivities ahead of time!

There is nothing better than grabbing a tasty hot dog and a cold soda as you settle in on a cool Spring evening for an exciting Springfield Cardinals baseball game. Since 2005, the minor league team has thrilled Springfield residents and visitors alike hitting home runs and striking out the opposing team just like their parent team the St. Louis Cardinals. It is not unusual for the minor league team to host one of the major league players during the season and tickets are always hard to find when the two teams face off at the beginning of the season during an exhibition game. Kids are sure to enjoy their time at the game also when they see Louie, the team’s mascot, making his way down the aisle to rub elbows with them. Team members also sign autographs near the entry gates at every game. Tickets range in price from $6 general admission to the pricier $47. The season lasts from April to September.

Don’t forget that Branson is a just short trip away from Springfield with even more fun activities to enjoy. Choose lodging in Branson, so you can enjoy some of their great shows and attractions when you aren’t enjoying America’s favorite pastime in Springfield.

Branson visitors can take part in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, giving competitors a chance to swing their hips, slick their hair back and please audiences with a great Elvis tribute on April 16. The contest will bring together the talent of many who know the songs and antics of the King of rock n’ roll. The contest will be provided by Elvis Presley Enterprise, Inc., and the winner will have the chance to compete in Memphis, Tennessee, during the city’s annual Elvis Week. In addition, he or she will also be given the grand prize of $1,000, and the Legends In Concert will let invite him or her to perform on April 17. Don’t miss out on these great Elvis tributes in Branson during mid-April!

If you’re interested in other attractions or shows in Branson, you can find a large selection of entertainment at BransonShows. For those interested in reserving Branson lodging, they can select from dozens of different hotels by location, amenities or other accommodations in the rooms.

In preparation for the summer season, the Big Cedar Lodge in Branson is hosting a Kids’ Day Camp on March 15. The fun event takes place during the afternoon from 1-5, and it is a great educational tool to help your kids learn a little more about the outdoors and spend a some time exploring the basics of camping. Knowledgeable guides will equip your kids with fun tips and open their eyes to the extent of the nature and wildlife surrounding them in the Ozarks. Children will be taught how to build a fire and pitch a tent. They’ll even have the opportunity to play a few games with their peers. Most of the camp will take place at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a stunning paradise of budding plants and trees and a small waterfall. Parents can explore some of the park as well, and there are several trails for both walking and biking.

You’re welcome to reserve Branson lodging if you’re planning to make a whole vacation out of your experience here, and you certainly won’t be disappointed with the variety of Branson shows in the area. Choose the entertainment and shelter that suits you best, and make the excursion one that the entire family remembers!

Film lovers need to be prepared for the biggest film event of the year as the 18th Annual IMAX FilmFest begins on March 18th. The festival will continue through April 24th with special movie presentations as well as regularly scheduled new releases being put on for film aficionados’ appreciation.

IMAX movies are displayed on a screen that is the same height as a six story tall building with high definition picture and sound for an incredible movie experience that is larger than life. That means that this film fest is going to present a visual effect that is as huge as the story each film tells. Tornado Alley, Arabia, Mysteries of the Great Lakes, Born to Be Wild, and Ozarks Legacy and Legends will be the main featured films for this festival, so make sure that you don’t miss a chance to see any of these as they are given their larger than life showing!

While you’re in Branson for the 18th Annual IMAX FilmFest, make sure that you don’t miss seeing any of the other great shows and attractions that have reopened for the season. BransonShows.com can give you a complete list of what is available and makes it easy for you to get the shows, activities, and lodging you need in one place.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect wedding planner, photographer, or other wedding specialist for your upcoming wedding, you need to head to Branson, Missouri, for the 2011 Bridal Show. The bridal show will take place on March 12th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Branson Convention Center, so make sure that you mark your calendar for the event.

At the show, you will have the opportunity to meet with a number of specialists and can use the time to decide if each one is right for helping you out on your special day. Cakes, catering, venues, flowers, decor, tuxedos, and gowns are just a few of the exciting things you can view and discuss at the show, so it might be a good idea to bring a pen and paper to help you organize your favorites. As an added bonus, you will be able to register to win a $1,000 prize package to help you have your dream wedding!

While you’re in Branson for the bridal show, keep in mind some of the other great activities and attractions that are re-opening for the season in March, and make plans to go see them at BransonShows.com.