Second Annual Festival Set

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THIS FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT

Some said it couldn’t be done, but organizers for the first Annual Ozark Orchard Festival pulled off a major event in just seven weeks last year.

Boosted by a phenomenal outcome, volunteers decided to host the festival again this year and allow more time for planning.

This year’s community event will take place in September.

The idea for a community festival gained momentum last year with a push by Goodman Mayor Greg Richmond. Others said there wasn’t enough time to plan such a large event. But they all pitched in and the festival came together in a short amount of time.

More than 2,000 people attended.

“It was amazing,” Richmond said.

Last year’s event featured bounce houses, a cow drop, carnival games, a petting zoo, dunk tank, food, music, vendors of all kinds, a 50/50 pot, a pie auction and free smoked chicken dinners.

The festival, which was met with great response, spurred the committee to think about a second annual event. After the holidays, the committee decided the idea was worth repeating and began preliminary planning.

The extra time will help solidify donations and enable committee members to secure music commitments.

Last year, the committee wanted to bring in gospel music performers but found that most were already booked for prior engagements, Richmond said.

The committee has been meeting regularly and plans another meeting in a few weeks. Volunteers can sign on at any time — from planning the event to helping on the day of the festival, Richmond said.

To volunteer, call City Hall at 417-364-7316.