Planning For Ozark Orchard Festival Moves Forward

MEETING SET FOR MAY 25

Goodman residents are moving forward with their plans for the second annual Ozark Orchard Festival in September.

The idea for a community festival last year quickly resulted in a great deal of planning in a short period of time. Organizers said the first-ever festival in 2016 was a success but wanted to allot more time this year for planning. Most musical groups are already booked toward the end of the year and more planning time would allow organizers to secure entertainment, among other details, said Goodman Mayor Greg Richmond.

Last year’s event — which brought in 2,000 people — 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.

Volunteers are needed for this year. Those who volunteer can sign on at any time — from planning the event to helping on the day of the festival, Richmond said.

“We want to have everything that we had last year and do it a little better,” Richmond said. “That’s always the goal.”

The next meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, at City Hall.

The tornado which struck Goodman on April 4 delayed planning for a while, but the committee is ready to resume work. Requests for donations already have been sent to area vendors, Richmond said.

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