Variety Of Activities Planned For Ozark Orchard Festival

The second annual Ozark Orchard Festival will give residents the opportunity to celebrate

their heritage and take part in a variety of events aimed at all ages. The event is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 16. Future Farmers of America members, Boy Scouts, youth groups and people seeking volunteer hours are welcome to contact Goodman City Hall at (417) 364-7316 to volunteer. Adult volunteers also are

needed.

A bevy of volunteers is needed to make the second annual Ozark Orchard Festival a success.

The family-friendly, day-long event will give residents the opportunity to celebrate their heritage and take part in a variety of events aimed at all ages.

The event is set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16.

Festival planning committee members on Monday night said they need a number of volunteers to step forward to help in a lot of different ways. Future Farmers of America members, Boy Scouts, youth groups and people seeking volunteer hours are welcome to contact Goodman City Hall at (417) 364-7316 to volunteer. Adult volunteers also are needed.

This year’s event has several main draws, including free hamburgers, hot dogs and soda; four bouncy houses and two bouncy obstacle courses for the youngsters; bingo to support the Goodman Baseball & Softball Program; a cow drop; a petting zoo; a 50/50 pot; and a pie auction at 1 p.m. that day. Volunteers also hope to have several vendors on hand to sell their wares. Those who attend will also have the chance to play games and win door prizes.

Last year’s event — the first of its kind — brought in 2,000 people, officials said.

Cornerstone Bank and First Community Bank have both donated $500 toward the festival, said Goodman Mayor Greg Richmond, which secured the cost of the bouncy houses and obstacles.

Richmond said he hopes to spread the word and line out some musical entertainment, as well as secure volunteers, by placing flyers around town. He plans to place at least one main banner by Casey’s so people will mark the Ozark Orchard date on their calendars. Any singer, dancer or musical group interested in performing at the festival is encouraged to contact City Hall.

Volunteers also discussed creating a Facebook page for the festival to help publicize the event.

City officials have purchased $200 worth of electrical wire to provide electricity for vendors who will need that on the festival day. Booth space is $10 for the day, or $15 for those who need electricity. Vendor forms are available online at www.goodmanmo.net and at city hall.

Volunteers are working to secure a public announcement system, as well as door prizes. Volunteers also have had some unexpected surprises donated, which will benefit the city’s funds.

A group of ladies from Crane recently donated numerous crocheted, knitted and sewn items, including shawls, afghans and quilts. Some of the items will be sold, while the quilts will be auctioned. They said they wanted to help the city raise money due to the April tornado that ripped through town.

In other business, Amanda Hall resigned as secretary of the planning committee and Meghan Sexson was nominated for the position.

As the festival date quickly approaches, volunteers will meet weekly to wrap up details. The next planning meeting will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 at Goodman City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

For information or to volunteer, call City Hall at 417-364-7316.