New Branson attraction coming to former shopping center

A carnival attraction is taking shape on a lot previously occupied by Branson Heights Shopping Center.

Branson Fun Spot LLC is now developing an attraction dubbed America’s Fun Spot. The 1157 W. Highway 76 amusement park is scheduled for a soft opening around May 19, followed by a grand opening by Memorial Day, said spokesman Rick Billington, who’s also a real estate agent in Branson.

“We all remember going to the state fair and walking through the midway,” he said. “The plan is to set that up on the strip in Branson.”

Billington declined to disclose the names of the owners, but noted they are Branson businessmen. Billington, who is not one of the owners, also declined to say how much the business partners are investing in the project. Missouri secretary of state filings list the organizer of Branson Fun Spot as Karl Finkenbinder, an attorney with Schenewerk & Finkenbinder, Attorneys at Law LLC. Finkenbinder was unavailable this morning.

The attraction is on 9 acres that had housed Branson Heights, which was damaged by the 2012 tornado in Branson and later demolished, Billington said.

Billington was unsure if the America’s Fun Spot owners had purchased the property. The Taney County assessor lists the property owner as Branson Heights Inc., and no ownership changes have been registered through the Taney County recorder. A listing at J-S-Realty.com indicates the property was for sale for $4 million.

Branson-based Lifestyle Contractors LLC — organized by Billington — is general contractor for the project that will feature carnival rides, games and concessions. Billington said a roller coaster is part of the plans, and America's Fun Spot also would host seasonal features during the Halloween and Christmas holidays.