Branson Presents a Veteran Red Carpet During Veterans Homecoming Week

Activities Across the City November 5-12

Thousands of Veterans and their families are planning to gather in Branson during Veteran’s Homecoming Week November 5-12, 2023 as the City welcomes the brave men and women who served the United States of America. This annual event includes a week full of activities to revere and remember, while also celebrating the freedoms of our Country. Said to be ‘The Most Patriotic City in America,’ Branson is known for welcoming Veterans from all branches and all eras, with live shows, attractions, businesses and residents openly expressing gratitude for the heroism of those who served.  

NEW THIS YEAR -- America's Wall of Honor!

This incredible 57’ x 10’ Memorial Wall contains nine “seals” forged from dozens of layers of Stainless Steel. It includes the official emblems of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard; along with the badges of America’s First Responders in law enforcement, and fire and rescue.

It will spend November 5-8 at the Freedom Encounter Theater, formerly the Tony Orlando Theater before moving to the Branson Landing for unveiling ceremonies from November 10-11.

Sunday, November 5: Freedom Encounter Theater–7pm

Monday, November 6: Freedom Encounter – 2pm and 7pm

Tuesday, November 7: Freedom Encounter – 2pm and 7pm

Wednesday, November 8: Freedom Encounter – 2pm and 7pm

Thursday, November 9: NO SHOWS

Friday, November 10: Branson Landing – 10am, 2pm, 7pm

Saturday, November 11: Branson Landing – 10am, 2pm, 7pm

Veterans Day Parade

November 11, 2023 11am

There will be traffic detours and alternate routes due to parade traffic. See the parade route map for more details.

• Commercial Street (north & south), Sycamore, & Long St around the Convention Center will be closed in the morning.
• East/West roads will remain open until Parade time (11 am).
• All parade floats are to enter Convention Center parking lot off of Price Street.
• Both parking lots for Branson Landing (by Belk and Bass Pro) will remain open for business during the parade.

It's Beginning to Look Like

Ozark Mountain Christmas!

Decorations are popping up all over town!

A Chiefs Ozark Mountain Christmas Tree shines brightly downtown at Liberty Plaza! Be sure to stop by and make your family's Christmas Card!

City Hall is also all aglow with lots of elves doing the decorating.

Thank you to our Veterans for helping us light our Ozark Mountain Christmas Chiefs Tree in Liberty Plaza in Downtown Branson!

PROJECT UPDATE: Compton Drive

Wastewater Treatment Plant Flood Wall

Want to see something cool? A crane that builds itself! Progress as Promised is happening at Compton Drive Wastewater Treatment Plant. STATS: The boom length is 150 feet long and can lift up to 62,200 lbs. depending on the angle and load. This crane has five counterweights (69,000 lbs.), two low weights (31,700lbs.) crawlers fully extended. Let's hear it for the Utilities Team as construction proceeds on the flood wall that will surround the plant, located on the banks of Taneycomo.

We are now hiring for several open positions!

JOIN OUR TEAM -- competitive pay, paid health insurance, paid retirement, stable work with generous paid leave!

While our officers are allowed facial hair year-round, we use No Shave November as a community engagement initiative to raise money for a specific cause! This year the proceeds will go to JP Gardner from Southern Stone County Fire Protection District who was severely injured fighting a fire.

WANT TO HELP? "Challenge" an officer to grow a beard or put red in their hair by donating $50! All money will be managed by the Branson Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (BCPAAA). Scan the QR code to donate and for more information! Make sure to specify that it is for No Shave November and if you have an employee you would like to sponsor!

Branson Police Sergeant Muckenthaler

Receives Global Award!

Branson Police Department’s Sergeant Tanner Muckenthaler received the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 40 Under 40 award at the IACP Conference in San Diego. This award recognizes the top rising leaders from around the globe who exemplify leadership, dedication and service to their communities and the law enforcement profession.

Sergeant Muckenthaler is one of only 25 law enforcement personnel selected from the United States. The other 15 were selected from other countries. Only one other officer from Southwest Missouri (Springfield) has received this award in the past. The IACP chose Muckenthaler due to his dedication to leadership, the betterment of first responders region-wide and his progressive policing principles.

National Night Out 2023!

Thank you to everyone who ventured outside to get to know your neighbors, to our officers for building stronger police-community partnerships, and to everyone who is doing their part to make Branson a safer place by improving relationships.

Welcome New Firefighters!

Branson Fire Rescue welcomed 5 new firefighters and celebrated 1 promotion at an official Badge Pinning Ceremony! Welcome new Firefighters Brandon Kessinger, Canon Boatright, Jacy Snider, Daniel Schmitt, and Gabriel Brust to the City of Branson team! Brett Mitrenga was also promoted to Engineer!

During this ceremony, loved ones “pin” the fire badge on their uniform and firefighters ring a special bell that signifies the start of their career and that they are ready and able to serve our community. They ring the bell again, when they retire, to signify the end of their career.

We still need more firefighters and are HIRING NOW!

Ladder Testing --

Keeping our Firefighters SAFE!

When a firefighter has to climb one of these ladders -- with all their gear -- it can create a 2,000 lb shockwave!

That's why these ground ladders and our aerial ladder trucks are tested every year by an independent testing agency to make sure they are fully operational, safe to use, and help them last as long as possible!

Thank you Todd Schaefer with American Test Center! He travels across the Nation testing ladders -- making sure they are safe!

Improving Our City Parks!

Wow! 25 trees, 24 shrubs, and more than 500 spring bulbs were recently planted at North Beach Park with the assistance of community volunteer groups. The planting is part of a strategic plan to replant and develop North Beach Park. Debris and dead trees were also removed. This strategic planning, planting, and bettering happens year-round at all the City's Parks.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Click the below graphics for more information on each event: