By: Kathryn Buckstaff, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
The Great Pumpkin Drop – Faith Lutheran Church
For the past three years, Faith Lutheran Church has hosted a free family party providing a safe celebration of Halloween. This year, it’s from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the church. From the Bus. 65 roundabout north of Branson Landing, take the Parnell Street exit and go to 221 Malone St.
There will be contests for best costume and burgers, hot dogs and s’mores cooked over a bonfire. The main event is the famous Pumpkin Drop. Last year—the first year—there was a hitch. The pumpkin—a member of the squash family—was suspended 20 feet above the parking lot from a light pole. The nylon twine had to pass through an eye hook as it dropped, and there was a small knot in the string.
Tim Onnen, director of youth ministries, said he was certain it wouldn’t get stuck and would splatter on the ground as planned. But it hung up and dangled. Onnen got a ladder and climbed up for a second try, which was successful. “Everyone got to count down twice.”
The pumpkin drop signals the start of trunk-treating in which people who have pre-registered line up their cars and kids get treats from the decorated trunks. Last year, about 300 people attended, he said.
Hollister Halloween Boo Bash – Hayrides and Treats
Everyone is invited to the free Halloween Boo Bash that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA in the Hollister Industrial Park. It is sponsored by the YMCA and the City of Hollister. Kids are encouraged to wear “friendly” Halloween costumes, said YMCA director Talbird Lovan. There will be an inside haunted maze, costume contest, face painting, games and treats. Students from College of the Ozarks’ Bonner Scholars’ Program will help with the carnival. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Ozarks will host hayrides.
Last year, 800 parents and kids attended. Lovan said they’d welcome donations of funds and candy. Call Hollister Town Hall at 334-3262.
Branson History Museum – Photos Show The Past
Next time you’re in Historic Downtown Branson, stop by the Branson History Museum inside the office of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 119 W. Pacific, just east of Bus. 65. Director Dawn Erickson and the staff have a beautifully displayed collection of vintage photos and other memorabilia of Branson going back to the early 1900’s. Branson incorporated as a city in 1912.
Among the photos are several of the first Adoration Scene that will again be lighted atop Mount Branson on Dec. 7 to kick off the 60th Annual Adoration Celebration and Parade. There’s also a photo of excursion boats lined up along the downtown Taneycomo lakefront, perhaps in the early 1930’s, that is labeled by hand “Branson Landing.” Erickson welcomes donations of historic items. Call 334-1548 or email dawnerickson@downtownbranson.org.
Candidates Gathering
The public is invited to a Meet-The-Candidates forum at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, in the Crystal Hall in the Lodge of the Ozarks, 3431 W. Missouri 76. The event will be moderated by Hometown Radio’s Scott McCaulley and aired on KOMC-FM 100.1 beginning at 6 p.m.
The forum is being sponsored by several local Chambers of Commerce as well as area Republican and Democrat clubs. For information, call Jo Hadley at the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 739-2564 or e-mail jhadley@visittablerocklake.com.
Make The Connection!
The local talk show about what’s going on in Branson airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on The Vacation Channel with host Kathryn Buckstaff. This week, Jason Hughes of the Hughes American Family Theatre talks about “the biggest family in show business.” Debbie Young with OACAC tells about the need for foster grandparents. And Greg Bahler of Bahler Digital explains how he transfers old video tapes and even 8mm film onto DVDs and how he met Michael Jackson.
Sponsored on this site by: Branson.Com
Edited by: Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull