Joy of Christmas

With construction on Branson Hills Plaza complete, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce announced on Thursday at a press conference that the Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through would be making a return after a one-year hiatus.

The BAFOL committee, which is a committee of the Chamber, decided in August of last year to do away with the light display. Construction at the cruise’s home since 1990, Branson Hills Parkway. made the roadway unavaliable.

Despite looking, the Chamber could not find another acceptable location, meeting space and electrical requirements for the display. The hundreds of light displays instead were scattered throughout the city and put up at various businesses.

The construction of Branson Hills Plaza, a 140-acre development featuring a Target, a Home Depot and a T.J. Maxx, was finished earlier this year, freeing up the road for the lights once again.

Chamber President and CEO Ross Summers said the committee and Chamber made the decision to bring the drive-through back after construction on Branson Hills Parkway was complete.

“Our customers let us know they missed it, so we’re happy to bring it back,” Summers said.

Summers said although the display will be “essentially the same” the route will be a little different.

“It will loop around behind Target and Home Depot, then continue west on Branson Hills Parkway and then loop in the RecPlex parking lot,” Summers said.

Jerry Adams, Branson communications director, said the city is happy to see the return of the lights.

“Christmas in Branson has become a major tourist attraction in itself,” Adams said. “As a city, we have seen more people in town and the tax revenues increase due to BAFOL.

“So, obviously, we are happy to team with the chamber and BAFOL to reinstall the colorful drive-through.”

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