Downtown Branson Fall Fest Begins Today

Fall Fest in Historic Downtown Branson returns this weekend for its second year, bringing two days of fall activities, entertainment, shopping and family fun to the heart of Branson.

The festival takes place today and Saturday with primary event hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout Historic Downtown Branson. Participating downtown businesses may offer extended hours.

Heather Herman of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce talked about the second annual event during recent visits to "Josh Grisham Live" on MY 100.1 and "The Upside with Josh and Them" on Legends 1063. 

Visitors will find downtown decorated for the season with pumpkins, scarecrows and other fall décor, along with seasonal photo opportunities and selfie stations. Downtown merchants will participate with sidewalk sales, store specials and other activities.

Other activities planned during the two-day celebration include strolling musicians, face painting, warm cider and a pumpkin scavenger hunt. Unlike traditional festivals centered around rows of outside vendors, this event places much of the emphasis on downtown's existing shops, restaurants and businesses.

An entertainment tent at 121 South Commercial Street will feature performers throughout Friday and Saturday. Rick McEwen will serve as master of ceremonies. Friday's scheduled performers include Peggy Lee Brennan, Geoffrey Hastings Haberer, the Narnia Puppets, Dan Wagner, Keith Allynn, Diana Lynn, C.J. Newsom and others.

Saturday's lineup begins at 10 a.m. with ventriloquist, singer and impressionist Jim Barber. Other entertainment includes the Harmony Trio, Narnia Puppets, Rick McEwen, Wayne & Garrett Massengale, and Kari & Drew Garrison. The scheduled entertainment concludes with a square dance demonstration and traditional Ozarks music from 5 to 6 p.m.

This year's festival will also include a preview and launch of the Downtown Branson Art Trail. An official Art Trail unveiling is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Saturday.

Sidewalk musicians will add to the atmosphere around downtown, including bluegrass performances by the Baldridge Brothers and traditional Ozarks music from the Ozark Mountain Music Association.

The interviews with Heather Herman can be found on the MY 100.1 and Upside Facebook Pages.