Culture and Heritage

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 consist of over 60 traditional craftspeople and commercial artists, three stages of music (which will include traditional, bluegrass, and gospel music), Ozarks storytelling, traditional dance (which will include 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.

Welcome from Missouri State's President

Welcome to the 2008 Ozarks Celebration Festival. Missouri State University is again pleased to sponsor this event to focus on the heritage of the region.

The Ozarks is distinctive in so many ways, from its geography to its history to its people. At the Ozarks Celebration Festival, we celebrate this rich heritage through the trades, arts, crafts, food, music, dance, games, stories and dress. The Festival has grown over the past decade, with new elements added each year. You will find new features again in 2008.

So, welcome to campus and the Festival. Please take full advantage of the opportunities for these action-packed days. In the end, I think you will have a greater appreciation for the place where we all live and work. That's why we say, "It's another great day in The Ozarks."

Michael T. Nietzel
President

Welcome from the Festival Director

Now in its eleventh year, the Annual Ozarks Celebration Festival has literally brought together thousands of folks whose goal it is to preserve and share in the rich heritage and culture that is uniquely "Ozarks."

As in past years, this year’s festival highlights five performance stages that features the finest storytellers, dancers, fiddlers, pickers, and singers the Ozarks has to offer. The festival has earned a reputation of bringing together artists and craftsmen of exemplary quality and this year is no exception; more than 60 craftsmen will be available to both demonstrate their craft and sell their wares.

New to this year’s festival is our Kids Area that features entertainment, crafts and games designed specifically for children. From toddlers to teens, there is something fun happening at the new Kids Area!

Also new this year is the Saturday Night Dance and Chili Supper that begins at 7 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom. For $5 admission at the door you will be treated to an Old Time Chili Supper with music provided by Buddy Edwards and The Killin’ Time Band featuring Junior Marriott on the fiddle.

And don’t miss the Grand Finale Concert & Ice-Cream Social, beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday night, featuring The Dan Tyminski Band and Springfield’s own Big Smith. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this concert under the stars at the John H. Keiser Amphitheater (located behind Strong Hall).

On behalf of everyone at Missouri State University and the Ozarks Celebration Festival Family, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Eleventh Annual Ozarks Celebration Festival from September 5-11, 2008!

Barb Jones
Festival Director