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The Ozarks Celebration Festival is an entertaining and educational look at the region's culture and heritage. The University launched the festival in 1998 with the hope that it will foster a sense of place and understanding of place for both natives of the Ozarks and visitors as well. This year's festival will feature more than 75 traditional artists and craftspeople with three entertainment stages featuring music (which will include traditional, bluegrass, and gospel music), storytelling, traditional dance (including square, jig, contra and clogging), films, historical characters, exhibits, and much more. Many of the finest artists and craftspeople in the region will be on hand to demonstrate and display their creations, offering a number of items for sale.
It is both my honor and my pleasure to welcome you to the Annual Ozarks Celebration Festival, held on Missouri State University’s Springfield Campus!
For thirteen years, the Ozarks Celebration Festival has brought together people from all generations and backgrounds to celebrate the rich heritage and culture that is uniquely “Ozarks.” Over the years the festival has earned a reputation for bringing together artists and craftsmen of exemplary quality along with the finest storytellers, dancers, fiddlers, pickers, and singers the Ozarks has to offer. And this year is no exception!
As you peruse the list of performers, artists, craftsmen, and exhibitors, you will see that many of your favorites are back with us again this year. But, you will also see that we are welcoming several new artists that we hope will become a permanent part of our “Festival Family.”
As with every year, there are “Festival Highlights” that you won’t want to miss!
We are so excited to have Dan Tyminski back with us! In his third year at the festival, he has become a treasured part of the Ozarks Celebration Festival Family! Also back with us is Richard’s Hawg Wild BBQ, which will be on sale throughout the night! We will begin serving delicious Hiland vanilla ice-cream at 6:00 p.m. and will serve it throughout the night until we run out!
Barb Jones
Festival Director