If it's fall in the Ozarks, there must be festivals!

First Fall Fest full of fun and fabulous fall colors

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Branson residents and visitors alike filled the streets of downtown Branson for the area's first Fall Fest.

This little ginger is enjoying the sights and sounds of Fall Fest. (Photo via Facebook)

Branson's newest festival celebrated the onset of autumn as well as the completion of the downtown Branson Streetscape project. The summer and spring were often challenging for downtown Branson business owners who remained open through road closings, limited parking and construction noise. The Streetscape project has given a dynamic facelift to the downtown area, and most business operators agree that the end result is definitely worth the inconveniences of earlier in the year.

Fall Fest saw folks of all walks of life enjoying the renovations, taking part in activities and shopping for bargains in downtown shops.

The Fall Fest featured live music throughout the downtown area, games and fun—such as face painting, balloon art and a pumpkin scavenger hunt—and lots of sidewalk sales and store specials.  

The weekend was enjoyed by all as the perfect way to welcome fall.

Homecoming, Harvest Moon Festival highlight festive weekend in Forsyth 

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

It was a celebratory week in Forsyth, starting with the Forsyth High School Homecoming parade on Wednesday, October 1, and culminating in the Harvest Moon Festival sponsored by the Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, October 4. 

The annual Homecoming parade proceeded from downtown Forsyth to the school athletic fields, where enthusiastic parade watchers then gathered for a pep rally, raising plenty of spirit for the football Panthers in their Friday night conference match-up and 41-14 win over the Reeds Spring Wolves. In a pre-game ceremony, Kaden Mingus and Abigail Wheeler were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. 

Following the Homecoming excitement, the community was up early on Saturday for the annual Harvest Moon Festival. Attendees shopped vendors of all kinds of arts and crafts, enjoyed special foods of area food trucks, and chatted with car owners while admiring the car show sponsored by Finish Line Performance. 

A highlight of the Harvest Moon Festival is the Highland Games. Historical references to this Scottish-themed athletic competition date back to the late tenth century, when men were summoned to race for the honor of Royal Messenger. Honoring the culture of Highland life, over 100 games are held around the world each year with a variety of athletic events, and some also including dance, music and pipe bands contests. Athletic events include heavy and light Hammer Throws; the Open Stone; heavy and light weight for distance; Caber Toss; Weight over Bar; and Sheaf Toss, with additional events added to some modern games. 

Other fun events included a children’s costume contest, lawn tractor pull and more. For more photos and competition winners, visit the Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, where you can also stay posted on upcoming holiday events in Forsyth! 

Grape and Fall Festival this Saturday

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Hollister's biggest celebration of the year happens this Saturday with the Grape and Fall Festival.

The annual Grape and Fall Festival is a one-day event packed full of fun and community. The day's activities will include the Color Me Grape 5K, a pet costume contest, unique vendors, crafters, businesses and nonprofits, live music and more.  

The highlight of the 28th Annual Grape and Fall Festival is the much-anticipated Grape Stomp, pitting teams against each other as they compete to be the best Grape Stompers in the region.

The Grape and Fall Festival is set for Saturday, October 11, on Historic Downing Street in Hollister. The fun begins at 9 a.m.

College of the Ozarks to host Fall Patriotic Film Festival honoring Veterans

College of the Ozarks invites the community to attend the Fall Patriotic Film Festival, hosted in the Royal Oak Forum of The Keeter Center, Oct. 14 – Nov. 11, 2025. The festival will showcase three feature-length films based on the lives of distinguished Vietnam Veterans — Capt. John Sorensen, Col. John Clark and Sgt. Maj. Eddie Neas — whose stories embody resilience, sacrifice and service to country.

Inspired by the book “Vietnam 101” by President Emeritus Dr. Jerry C. Davis, each film highlights the legacy of these American heroes as preserved through the College’s Patriotic Education Program. Guests will witness accounts of leadership under fire, perseverance in the face of captivity and a lifelong commitment to honoring fallen comrades.

“These films are more than history lessons; they are living testimonies of courage and faith,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share the stories of these Veterans, and for the reminder that freedom is never free.”

Highlights of the festival include:

●      Capt. John Sorensen – A Vietnam helicopter pilot who emphasizes leadership, discipline and the enduring bonds forged in combat.

●      Col. John Clark – An Air Force pilot and former prisoner of war at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” whose testimony inspires perseverance and faith.

●      Sgt. Maj. Eddie Neas – A Marine who fought in the Battle of Hue, carrying the stories of his fallen comrades with humility and devotion.

All shows will begin at 2 p.m. (doors open 30 minutes prior), with the exception of Nov. 10, which will feature a 10 a.m. showing, and Nov. 11, which will feature both a 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. showing. Guests are also invited to reserve a table for dinner at The Keeter Center, making their visit to Hard Work U. complete.

The Fall Patriotic Film Festival is free and open to the public. No tickets are required; seating is limited.

Groups and motor coaches are welcome and should call 417-690-2120 for more information. For general inquiries, call 417-690-2929.

Through these films, College of the Ozarks continues its mission to honor Veterans, educate students, and remind all who attend that the stories of sacrifice must be told, remembered and passed on to future generations.

Oktoberfest returns to Faith Lutheran Church

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Branson's Faith Lutheran Church is once again celebrating Oktoberfest. Complete with authentic German food, music and a marketplace, the event is set for October 19.

The largest Oktoberfest in Southwest Missouri will include a delicious German meal with bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, and apple strudel, available at nominal cost, for both dine-in or carry out. The event will also feature an amazing gift basket raffle and tractor-pulled wagon rides for all ages.

Adult-themed games include a barrel roll, pretzel pass, pretzel toss, stein holding, yodeling and more. Activities for the kids are also on the schedule for Oktoberfest, and will include an outdoor play area, games, pumpkin painting and a bounce house.

A German marketplace will feature homemade bakery items, giant pretzels and more, and a silent auction will add to the day's fun.

A highlight of Oktoberfest will be festive polka music, presented by the Five Stein Brass.

Oktoberfest is slated for Sunday, October 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church, 221 Malone Street in downtown Branson. For more information, call 417-334-2469, visit their website at FaithBranson.org or find them on Facebook under BransonOktoberfest.