I hope everyone had a safe and joyous Thanksgiving. I know we had a lot of guests in the city. Our traffic count on Friday was the highest it has been since the July 4th weekend.
We want to congratulate another City of Branson employee for receiving a state level award. Division Chief Mike Novak from our Fire and Rescue Department received the University of Missouri Fire Rescue Training Institute Instructor of the Year – 1st Runner Up Award. Mike is our lead trainer and it is great to see him recognized for his outstanding efforts.
Just as a reminder, the Branson Adoration Celebration and Parade is this Sunday, December 6. This is one of many ways that we help to keep Christ in Christmas as part of our culture and values. The event occurs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Adoration Scene will be lit at dusk followed by the parade. You can find more information on the Adoration celebration on the Branson Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website.
Santa’s elves have dropped candy canes all over Eiserman Park and the Branson Parks & Recreation Department needs help to pick them up during its newest holiday event. The Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt is Friday, December 11, 2020, at the Branson Community Center. This is for kids ages 3 to 12-years old. There are two sessions to choose from. The first is from 6-7 p.m. and the second from 7-8 p.m. The cost is $5 per person and you must pre-register online. For more information and to register online, go to the Branson Parks & Recreation’s website.
The Branson Parks & Recreation Department is also encouraging community members to participate in its Adopt-A-Senior program to spread joy to local senior citizens who may not otherwise receive much during the Christmas Season. This program is in coordination with the Senior Age Area Agency on Aging and is designed to provide gifts, encouragement, and well-wishes to Branson area senior citizens. If you are interested in adopting a senior this holiday season, wish lists will be available for pick-up at the Branson Community Center and Branson RecPlex. For more information on how to participate, visit the Branson Parks & Recreation’s website.
For the adult athletes in the city, the deadline to sign up for 2020 Winter Adult Basketball is December 7. For details and to register, go to the Branson Parks & Recreation’s website.
To those who keep our City in your prayers, thank you. I feel blessed to get to be your Mayor. Branson is truly full of caring citizens. The staff who work for the City are truly dedicated to serving our citizens. Let us together focus on the future and continue to do what we can to keep our city open for our businesses, keep all employees safe, and our citizens well served.
Thank you for letting me serve you.
Mayor Edd Akers