What's Up!!!

Branson Junkie · 10-16-2021, 08:58 PM

Sometime in the mid-80's we came to Branson and could not get to shows or anywhere it seemed because of the traffic. I vowed then not to return, and we didn't for nearly 20 years. We returned in early 2000's and loved everything about Branson. Since then we've made 2 or more trips here each year. This year though we picked the wrong week. I know we're exciting people, but did everyone else in the world have to come this week just so they could see us. Anyway, the traffic and waiting for dining is unbelievable. Glad business is good for the merchants, but for us it's less than desirable. At any rate, we'll be back next year, though not this week.

KJN · 10-17-2021, 06:21 PM

I've seen on Facebook how busy it's been this past week. On Saturday SDC was posting to come after 6:00p.m. as the park was full.

VictoriasMom · 10-17-2021, 09:43 PM

Yes, Branson was super busy.

This weekend and past week had the War Eagle Arts and Craft Fair going on in NW Arkansas (always the 3rd weekend in October, over 300,000 expected this year), Collector Car Auction in Branson and then Oklahoma schools were on Fall Break.

EVERY type of lodging was booked for Friday night.

OkieAnon · 10-18-2021, 09:31 AM

I would think some of it might be people stayed home last year with the covid scare and are now wanting to get out.

It also sounds like the pumpkin fest is becoming real popular at sdc.

Would love go to sdc Christmas festival but think skip this year. Will be in Branson Thanksgiving both looking forward to it and dreading the crowds.

biscuitcreek · 10-19-2021, 06:47 AM

We were in town last week on Wednesday and Thursday nights. There were several no vacancy signs on motels on SOTH Expressway. We stayed at the Barrington (our usual place since 2020) and there were 2 bus tours plus more vehicles in the lot than I have ever seen there.

We were also in Branson for 2 nights mid-week the week before. Had a bus tour at the Barrington then, too.

There have been several big name concerts including the Oak Ridge Boys at the Mansion this month, some mid-week.

SDC is short-handed, dining is short-handed, lodging is short-handed.

82corvette · 10-19-2021, 03:48 PM

Traffic was miserable & courtesy went away. People would not let you onto the strip & lots of middle fingers were flying

Branson Junkie · 10-19-2021, 11:13 PM

We leave in the morning, and for the first time in 15+ years I'm actually glad to be leaving for home. Traffic and crowds made the first 3 or 4 days very trying. I hate to complain because I know these shows and restaurants need customers after the hit they've taken with covid, but it was frustrating for us. We've been here enough that we feel like we know some back ways to avoid the traffic jams, but that didn't always help this time. We also learned that there are lots of labor shortages too, which compounds the problems for everyone.

My other disappointment was the cancellation of Gene Watson's show. As I said earlier, I'm relieved that his announced health issue isn't likely to be serious, but it was the reason we were coming.

At any rate, we'll likely be back next year, but I'm hoping this won't happen again.

10-16-2021, 08:58 PM	#1
Branson Junkie Super Ultra Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Burlington, IA Posts: 1,146	What's Up!!! Sometime in the mid-80's we came to Branson and could not get to shows or anywhere it seemed because of the traffic. I vowed then not to return, and we didn't for nearly 20 years. We returned in early 2000's and loved everything about Branson. Since then we've made 2 or more trips here each year. This year though we picked the wrong week. I know we're exciting people, but did everyone else in the world have to come this week just so they could see us. Anyway, the traffic and waiting for dining is unbelievable. Glad business is good for the merchants, but for us it's less than desirable. At any rate, we'll be back next year, though not this week.

10-17-2021, 09:43 PM	#3
VictoriasMom Ultra Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Branson, MO Posts: 850	Yes, Branson was super busy. This weekend and past week had the War Eagle Arts and Craft Fair going on in NW Arkansas (always the 3rd weekend in October, over 300,000 expected this year), Collector Car Auction in Branson and then Oklahoma schools were on Fall Break. EVERY type of lodging was booked for Friday night. Last edited by VictoriasMom; 10-17-2021 at 09:48 PM.

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10-17-2021, 06:21 PM	#2
KJN Super Ultra Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: central Iowa Posts: 5,028	I've seen on Facebook how busy it's been this past week. On Saturday SDC was posting to come after 6:00p.m. as the park was full.

10-18-2021, 09:31 AM	#4
OkieAnon Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 23,133	I would think some of it might be people stayed home last year with the covid scare and are now wanting to get out. It also sounds like the pumpkin fest is becoming real popular at sdc. Would love go to sdc Christmas festival but think skip this year. Will be in Branson Thanksgiving both looking forward to it and dreading the crowds.

10-19-2021, 06:47 AM	#5
biscuitcreek Super Ultra Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Arkansas Ozarks Posts: 15,638	We were in town last week on Wednesday and Thursday nights. There were several no vacancy signs on motels on SOTH Expressway. We stayed at the Barrington (our usual place since 2020) and there were 2 bus tours plus more vehicles in the lot than I have ever seen there. We were also in Branson for 2 nights mid-week the week before. Had a bus tour at the Barrington then, too. There have been several big name concerts including the Oak Ridge Boys at the Mansion this month, some mid-week. SDC is short-handed, dining is short-handed, lodging is short-handed.

10-19-2021, 03:48 PM	#6
82corvette Ultra Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fairbury,Nebraska Posts: 722	Traffic was miserable & courtesy went away. People would not let you onto the strip & lots of middle fingers were flying

10-19-2021, 11:13 PM	#7
Branson Junkie Super Ultra Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Burlington, IA Posts: 1,146	We leave in the morning, and for the first time in 15+ years I'm actually glad to be leaving for home. Traffic and crowds made the first 3 or 4 days very trying. I hate to complain because I know these shows and restaurants need customers after the hit they've taken with covid, but it was frustrating for us. We've been here enough that we feel like we know some back ways to avoid the traffic jams, but that didn't always help this time. We also learned that there are lots of labor shortages too, which compounds the problems for everyone. My other disappointment was the cancellation of Gene Watson's show. As I said earlier, I'm relieved that his announced health issue isn't likely to be serious, but it was the reason we were coming. At any rate, we'll likely be back next year, but I'm hoping this won't happen again.