List of Cold Weather Shelters

It's about to get cold in the Ozarks. If you or if you know someone who could use shelter on these cold nights, please save and share this list of cold weather shelters.

Source: Community Partnership of the Ozarks (https://cpozarks.org/programs/ccws)

Crisis Cold Weather Shelter Sites

The decision to open the CCWS is made daily by 2 p.m. To find out if CCWS will be open you can call the CCWS Direct Line at 417-290-3110. Individuals seeking a meal and shelter should go to the Veterans Coming Home Center, located at 806 N. Jefferson Ave., by 5:30 p.m. and from there will be transported to one of the CCWS locations, on nights when the crisis cold weather shelters are open.

East Sunshine Church of Christ
3271 E. Sunshine - Men only

Grace United Methodist
600 S. Jefferson - Women only

Fairbanks
1126 N. Broadway Ave - All genders & pets

Unity of Springfield
2214 E. Seminole - Everyone

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
1609 N. Summit - Men only, 3 days a week, no weekends

Youth Connect Center
425 W. McDaniel St - M/F, Ages 13-18

The GLO Center
518 E. Commercial St, LGBTQ+, Thursday & Sunday

Harbor House
636 N. Boonville, Men w/ID 18+

Venues
425 W. Walnut, Everyone

Eden Village
2801 E. Division, Everyone

Brentwood Christian Church
1900 E. Barataria St. Everyone (severe winter weather)

National Ave. Christian Church
1515 S. National Ave - Everyone & pets (severe winter weather)

St. John's Episcopal Church
515 E. Division Men only, (severe winter weather)


Get ready for the Fall Festivals

It’s about that time! Fall is coming and everyone is getting ready for their Fall festivals! Check out the list of area events below!

SOURCE: www.ozarksfirst.com/top-stories/fall-festivals-in-the-ozarks

Japanese Fall Festival
Sept. 6-8 at Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden (2400 S. Scenic Ave.) in Springfield
Hours: 5-10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: Starts at $9 for adults and $4 for children ages three to 12. Click here for more information.

Seymour Apple Festival
Sept. 12-14 on the Square in Seymour
Hours vary; find a full schedule of events here.
Admission: Free

62nd Annual Steam-O-Rama
Sept. 12-15 at 6065 State Hwy. O in Ash Grove

Featuring tractors, gas engines and old-fashioned steam powered engines, Steam-O-Rama is also home to several demonstrations of equipment at work. Threshing, shingle sawing, sorghum making, rock crushing and more are on display throughout the show, along with a daily parade of equipment.

The festivities also include two tractor pulls on Friday and Saturday nights, and a tractor rodeo. For more information on the schedule of events, the show location and more, visit the Steam-O-Rama Facebook page.

Billings Merchants Fall Harvest Festival
Sept. 14 along U.S. Hwy. 60 in Billings
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: Free

63rd Annual Hootin’ ‘an Hollerin’
Sept. 19-21 on the Square in Gainesville

Gainesville’s annual Hootin’ ‘an Hollerin’ Festival is a step back in time that kicks off with the Queen Pageant the first night. Contestants dress in their best country dresses and stories about how things used to be.

The festival features bluegrass, country and gospel music, along with nightly square dancing and a slew of contests: bed races, calling contests, a quilt show, cornhole tournament and a pie contest, to name a few.

There are also demonstrations of old-time crafts and plenty of craft vendor booths. And if variety is the spice of life, there are tons of food options, too: beans and cornbread, kettle corn, burgers and hot dogs, BBQ, funnel cakes and more.

For more information about the festival schedule of events, visit the Hootin’ ‘an Hollerin’ Facebook page.

33rd Annual Fall Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 19-21 at 1933 Bluegrass Road in Conway

Twice a year, crowds gather for some of the best in bluegrass at Starvy Creek. Eleven bands are scheduled throughout the weekend, including Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, the David Parmley Band and Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.

Admission for the festival starts at $25 and three-day passes are available for $80. Camping is also available with a ticket purchase. More information can be found on the Starvy Creek website.

Bolivar Country Days
Sept. 20 on the Square in Bolivar
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: Free

50th Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts and Music Festival
Sept. 19-21 in downtown Branson (100 W. Atlantic St.)
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday
Admission: Free

Marshfield Harvest Days
Sept. 20-21 on the Square in Marshfield
Hours: 12-7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday
Admission: Free

35th Annual Marionville AppleFest
Sept. 20-21 on the Square in Marionville
Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday
Admission: Free

Cider Days
Sept. 21-22 in downtown Springfield (900 E. Walnut St.)
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Admission: Free

The Black Walnut Festival
Sept. 26-28 in Stockton City Park

Presented by the Stockton Lake Sertoma Club, this event features tons of live entertainment, great food, a parade and plenty of friendly competition – especially when it comes to crowning the 2024 Black Walnut Festival Queen.

Daily entertainment includes several area acts including the Corey River Band, the Eagles Tribute Band and Midwest Thick. You can also take in the youth pet parade, baby contest, a community quilt show, and even a terrapin race.

Carnival rides are also available from 6-10 p.m. daily.

Wilder Days Festival
Sept. 27-28 on downtown square in Mansfield (100 E. Park Square)
Hours vary; find event schedule here.
Admission: Some events are free, while others are ticketed. Admission at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum is $10 for adults and $3 for children ages six to 17 during the festival. Call 417-924-3626 for details.

Highlonesome Music Festival
Sept. 27-29 at Dockley Ranch (10005 County Rd. UU 545, Chadwick)
Hours: 2 p.m. – midnight on Friday, 8:15 a.m.-midnight on Saturday and 8:15 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Rockin’ Rogersville
Sept. 28 at the corner of U.S. 60 and Farm Rd. 247 in Rogersville
Hours: 4-10 p.m.
Admission: Tickets range from $10 for single admission to $100 for a VIP experience and can be purchased here.

Bluegrass on the Square
Sept. 28 on the square in Greenfield
Hours: event starts at 5 p.m.
Admission: Free

AutumnFest of the Ozarks
Sept. 28 at the Newton County Fairgrounds (700 Field Ave., Neosho)
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Parking is $10 and all proceeds benefit Neosho Christian School

47th Annual Fair Grove Heritage Reunion
Sept. 28-29 in Fair Grove

Held every year on the last full weekend of September, the Fair Grove Heritage Reunion has hundreds of booths with everything from funnel cakes and fried Oreos to kettle corn and BBQ.

The great food serves as shop-til-you-drop fuel, so you can get some of your Christmas gift shopping done. There are tons of original and homemade crafts to see, and you might even be able to find a great gift for even that hard-to-buy-for person in your life.

In addition to the live entertainment and kids activities at the festival, you can also take in a rodeo that weekend. Hosted by the Fair Grove Saddle Club, the event starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday and at 5 p.m. on Sunday, and includes everything from bull and bronc riding to team roping.

7th Annual Pioneer Heritage Festival of the Ozarks
Oct. 4-5 at Fox Trotters Showgrounds in Ava

Admission is free at this festival that celebrates and works to preserve traditional Ozarks culture, skills and more.

Festival organizers invite makers to demonstrate their skills, such as spinning and weaving, leather work, pottery and more, at the event.

The Pioneer Heritage Festival also hosts a youth talent show and a costume contest for all ages. Festival-goers are invited to dress in clothes from the 19th to early 20th centuries, and costumes can be anything from work clothes to special occasion fancy.

33rd Annual Republic Pumpkin Daze
Oct. 4-5 at J.R. Martin Park (300 E. Hines St.) in Republic
Hours: 12-6 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday
Admission: Free

Harvest Homecoming Fest
Oct. 4-5 in Lockwood
Hours vary; find a full schedule of events here.
Admission: Some events require a fee or pre-registration. More information is available at harvesthomecomingfest.com.

50th Annual Ozark Craft Fair
Oct. 4-6 at Finley River Park (600 N. 3rd St.) in Ozark
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: Free

Hollister Grape and Fall Festival
Oct. 12 on Historic Downing Street in Hollister

The Color Me Grape 5K officially kicks off Hollister’s annual autumn shindig. The family friendly event starts at Hollister City Hall and ends on Downing Street as the Grape and Fall Festival begins. Hurts Donut is also offering a special treat to runners after they cross the finish line.

Crafters and vendors are a fixture of this festival, along with live entertainment and contests. This year, pets will show off their looks and their talents for the Dogs Gone Grape Dog Pageant (a fundraiser for the Branson Humane Society).

You’ll also want to plan to take in the Grape Stomp competition, where teams of four will dance and stomp real grapes while being evaluated for creativity, fun, crowd participation and originality.

The 58th Annual Apple Butter Makin’ Days
Oct. 11-13 in Mt. Vernon

Voted Best Festival by Rural Missouri two years in a row, the main attraction at this event is (you guessed it) apple butter. Cooked in copper kettles over open fires using 100+ year old methods, the sweet spread is made each day of the festival on the Lawrence County Courthouse lawn.

Hundreds of vendors set up shop in Mt. Vernon’s historic town square, featuring everything from crafts to food. Come hungry, because the food options are endless. You can find almost anything, from apple dumplings and cider to bratwurst, turkey drumsticks and steak sandwiches.

Other things you won’t want to miss during your visit include wiener dog races and a pet parade, plus a bubble-gum blowing contest and apple pie eating contest.

Art in the Park
Oct. 12-13 in Sequiota Park (3500 Lone Pine, Springfield)
Hours: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free

58th Annual Maple Leaf Festival
Oct. 11-19 on the Square in Carthage
Hours vary; find an event schedule here.
Admission: Free

Sparta Persimmon Days
Oct. 18-19 in Roller Park (837 Division St., Sparta)
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday
Admission: Free

Pets and Pumpkins
Oct. 19 on the downtown square in Springfield
Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: $2 per person or pet. Attendees can participate in all activities with paid admission, including costume contest and parade.

Cassville Chili Cook-off Festival
Oct. 26 on the square in Cassville
Hours: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Admission: Free

Springfield Sertoma Wingapalooza
Nov. 2 at the Springfield Expo Center (635 E. St. Louis St.)
Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: $20 per person. Buy tickets at wingapalooza.com.

A Holiday Marketplace
Nov. 8-9 at the Northwest Arkansas District Fairgrounds (1400 Fairgrounds Rd., Harrison, Arkansas)
Hours: 12 – 6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday
Admission: Free

Frisco Trail Craft Show
Nov. 23 at Willard High School (515 E. Jackson St.)
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free

SOURCE: www.ozarksfirst.com/top-stories/fall-festivals-in-the-ozarks


It's hotter than Hades! Find relief from the heat at these area locations

It's going to get real hot in the coming days and here is some information on how you can protect yourself and your pets from the heat:

To protect people against heat-related illness:

  • Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps
  • Avoid strenuous work or exercise outside during the hottest part of the day. If that is not practical, take frequent breaks and remember to drink plenty of water.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle
  • Check on friends and neighbors—Especially older adults and individuals with a disability or chronic health conditions, as heat is more likely to affect their health. If you find an emergency situation - call 911. In a non-emergency situation, if a senior or disabled adult is suspected of being in need of assistance due to warm weather, make a call. Make a difference. Call the toll-free Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210
  • Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness—What to do matters, depending on type of illness occurring. Signs of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; dizziness; headache; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; nausea or vomiting; or fainting (passing out). If you think you or others are experiencing heat exhaustion, you should stop physical activity and move to a cool place that is preferably air-conditioned, loosen clothing, and sip cool water.
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you or others are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than one hour. Heat stroke is life-threatening and occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature or cool down. Signs of heat stroke may include extremely high body temperature (103°F or higher); hot, red, dry skin with no sweat; fast, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; or loss of consciousness (passing out). You should call 911 right away, as heat stroke is a medical emergency. Then, if you are able, move to a cool place that is preferably air-conditioned. Help lower the person’s body temperature with cool clothes or a cool bath until medical personnel arrive. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Pet owners should also follow these tips to keep animals safe in the heat:

  • Do not leave a pet unattended in a hot car.
  • Always make sure pets have access to cool, clean, fresh water as well as adequate food and shelter.
  • Walk your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. If you must walk mid-day, shorten the distance. And keep your dog in the grass as much as possible, as hot sidewalks can burn the pads of their feet.
  • Do not leave a dog outdoors unattended on a chain or tether. Long-term chaining during the summer can result in countless insect bites, dehydration, and heat stroke.
  • If you see a child, pet, or unresponsive adult in a closed, parked vehicle, immediately call 911. For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit health.springfieldmo.gov/heat.

 

If you are out and about in town and you need a place to cool down for a bit, or perhaps you know someone who needs some relief from the heat, here's a list of cooling centers in Springfield:

Cooling Centers

  • Ash Grove Branch Library, 101 E. Main St., Ash Grove
  • Fair Grove Branch Library, 81 S. Orchard Blvd., Fair Grove
  • Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield
  • Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square, Springfield
  • Republic Branch Library, 921 N. Lindsey Ave., Republic
  • Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 S. Brentwood Blvd., Springfield
  • Strafford Branch Library, 101 MO-125, Strafford
  • Willard Branch Library, 304 E. Jackson St., Willard
  • Rare Breed Youth Services, 301 N. Main Ave., Springfield
  • Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield.

Additionally, the following locations are open and available as emergency cooling centers during heat advisories:

  • Ash Grove Sunshine Center, 310 N. Perryman Ave., Ash Grove
  • Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Road, Springfield
  • Dan Kinney Family Center, 2701 S. Blackman Road, Springfield
  • Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage St., Springfield
  • Fair Grove Senior Center, 122 S. Orchard Blvd., Fair Grove
  • Republic Senior Friendship Center, 210 E. Hines St., Republic
  • Salvation Army Springfield, 1701 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield
  • South Side Senior Center, 2215 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield
  • Strafford Senior Center, 201 W. Bumgarner Blvd., Strafford.

Click the link below for a map of cooling centers in Missouri:
Before you go to the cooling center, verify the open times on the website, whether it’s ADA accessible, and whether it offers transportation to and from the facility.


Drury University Accounting Students will help you file your taxes for FREE!

Tax time sucks. There's just no "nice" way to put it. But if you want help with your taxes, the accounting students at Drury University will help you for free!

According to a release from Drury, the annual service is open to the public and designed to benefit low-income taxpayers.

Clinics will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Monday, Feb. 5
  • Monday, Feb. 12
  • Monday, Feb. 19
  • Monday, Feb. 26

The tax service is located at an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site and accepts mostly walk-ins. The site is located at the C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Enterprise Center (at the corner of Central Street and Drury Lane).

All returns will be filed electronically unless the IRS requires a manual return and taxpayers must be available to sign any necessary forms.

More information about the tax clinics, documents needed to file a return and taxpayers who may not be eligible for assistance is available on Drury’s website.

Community members with questions can also contact Cossey at 417-873-7383 or by emailing [email protected].

 


Record Store Day 2023

Vinyl lovers rejoice! Record Store Day 2023 is upon us! Mark your calendar for November 24th! There’s a nice mix of artists to choose from. Check out this years list of releases that will be available!

 


WHERE TO FIND FALL FESTIVALS IN THE OZARKS

If you’re looking for something to do with the family, then check this out. The Fall Festivals are coming up and here’s a pretty big list of places to go and things to do.

 

Sunflower Patches:

Country Roads, Stotts City, Mo., Sunflower Festival September 2-17: CLICK HERE: https://countryroads.farm/missouri-sunflower-festival/

Willard Sunflower Days, September 7-September 21: CLICK HERE: https://www.willardparks.com/sunflower-days.html

7 C’s Winery, Walnut Grove, Mo., CLICK HERE: https://www.7cswinery.com/sunflower.html

Pumpkin Patches/Corn Mazes:

Feemster’s Twisted Corn Maze, Through October 15: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094718215574

Exeter Corn Maze, Through November 2: CLICK HERE: https://www.exetercornmaze.com/

Barnhouse Pumpkin Patch, Beginning September 14: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/barnhousepumpkinpatch

Silver Dollar City: Harvest Festival Featuring Crafts & Pumpkins In the City, September 15-October 28: CLICK HERE: https://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/festivals/harvest-festival/

Country Roads, Stotts City, Mo., Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze September 23-October 29: CLICK HERE: https://countryroads.farm/

Shepherd of the Hills: Shepherd’s Pumpkinfest, September 22-October 29: CLICK HERE: https://theshepherdofthehills.com/shepherds-pumpkinfest/

SEPTEMBER 2023:

Seymour Apple Festival, September 7-9: CLICK HERE: https://seymourapplefestival.com/?fbclid=IwAR2CETvkYshnwhRUlwWfqUlZFBTaOrDYtumfYK-v1PWMO1bCgQrldLtzzew

Cole Camp Downtown Fair, September 7-9: CLICK HERE: https://www.colecampmo.com/

Springfield’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Harvest Home September 8-9: CLICK HERE: https://www.seaschurch.org/harvest-home

Japanese Fall Festival, Springfield, September 8-10: CLICK HERE: https://peacethroughpeople.org/events/japanese-fall-festival/

Buffalo Celtic Festivals, Buffalo, Mo., September 8-9: CLICK HERE: https://www.buffaloareachamber.org/celticfestival

Conway Community Days, September 8-9: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/conwaycommunitydays/

21st Annual Buffalo River Bluegrass Festival, September 7-9: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/buffaloriverbluegrass/

Shepherd of the Hills Fall Craft Fair, Branson, September 8-10: CLICK HERE: https://theshepherdofthehills.com/events/

Your Life Matters Rally, Osage, Ark., September 9: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/Osage-Baptist-Church-324428269087/

Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters 2023 Old Country Fair, Branson, September 9: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ozarkianhillcrofters

Bolivar Country Days, September 9: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/downtownbolivar

Crocker Railroad Days, September 9: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/CrockerCP

Bikefest, Camdenton, Mo., September 13-17: CLICK HERE: https://lakebikefest.com/

Starvy Creek Fall Festival, Conway, Mo., September 14-16: CLICK HERE: https://starvycreek.com/september-festival

Branson Autumn Daze, September 14-16: CLICK HERE: https://www.explorebranson.com/event/autumn-daze-arts-crafts-music-festival/2496

Ozarks Steam Engine Association- Steam O Rama, Ash Grove, Mo. September 14-17: CLICK HERE: https://steamorama.com/?fbclid=IwAR1TeWB7gD9iKxo7gF8hp9HYU9F7tGPJdiWX4Ywi2iH5xya2q1GW96cAIyc

Marshfield Harvest Days, September 15-16: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057586954673

Marionville Apple Fest, September 15-16: CLICK HERE: http://www.marionvilleapplefest.com/index.html

Fall Festival Cow Days 2023, Dixon, September 15-16: CLICK HERE: https://www.dixonchamberofcommerce.com/

St. Joseph the Worker Car Show, Ozark, September 16: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/241133088746240

Cider Days on Walnut Street, Springfield, September 16-17: Click Here: https://www.itsalldowntown.com/ciderdays/

1860′s Lifestyle Exposition, Springfield, Sept 16-17: CLICK HERE: https://www.graycampbellfarmstead.org/index.html

State of the Ozarks Fall Festival, Hollister, September 16: CLICK HERE: http://stateoftheozarks.net/showcase/events/soto-fest/

Annual Mead Fest, Walnut Grove, Mo, September 16: CLICK HERE: https://www.7cswinery.com/meadfest/meadfest.html

Fina’s Outdoor Vendor Market, September 17: CLICK HERE: https://www.finasmarket.com/events/

Hootin an Hollarin, Gainesville, September 21-23: CLICK HERE: https://hootinanhollarin.com/

HOBA Bluegrass Festival, West Plains, September 21-23: CLICK HERE: https://hobabluegrass.wixsite.com/mysite/september-2021-festival

Wilder Days 2023, Mansfield, September 22: CLICK HERE: https://www.mansfieldmochamber.org/

Lockwood “September Days,” September 22-23: Click Here: http://www.lockwoodseptemberdays.com/

Highlonesome Music Festival, Ava, September 22-24: CLICK HERE: https://www.dockleyranch.com/highlonesomemusicfest.html

Route 66 Hogs & Frogs Festival, Waynesville, September 22-24: CLICK HERE: https://www.route66hogsandfrogsfest.com/

Phillipsburg Village Park, Phillipsburg, September 23:

Fair Grove Heritage Reunion, Fair Grove, September 23: CLICK HERE: https://www.fg-historical.org/

Celebration of Nations, Rolla, September 23: CLICK HERE: https://nations.mst.edu/

Bluegrass on the Square, Greenfield, September 23: CLICK HERE: https://www.greenfieldmochamber.com/

Rhodes Mtn. Family Music Festival, Fredricktown, Mo., September 28-30: CLICK HERE: https://thepunches.org/rhodesmountainfamilymusicfestival

Black Walnut Festival in Stockton, September 28-30: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/The-Black-Walnut-Festival-438858122954851/

DCO’s Wine & Whiskey Walk, Springfield, September 29: CLICK HERE: https://www.dcoonline.com/events

Fairbanks Fall Festival, Springfield, September 29: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/709392241010115

Pioneer Heritage Festival of the Ozarks, Ava, September 29-30: CLICK HERE: https://heritage417.com/?fbclid=IwAR3hh9u2hBshWGW5ICll9LKNaAOFDxHFUoE627e2RSGcnZxPqSXGefuaf3w

Billings Merchants Fall Festival, September 30: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/Billings-Merchants-Association-1893727534286315/

Rockin Rogersville, September 30: CLICK HERE: https://rockinrogersville.com/

2023 Smokin’ the Ozarks EGGfest, Nixa, Mo., September 30: CLICK HERE: https://outdoorhome.com/pages/2023-eggfest-at-outdoor-home

Fall Festival at the Barley House, Springfield, September 30: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/2324887414366084

Fall Festival and Antique Market, Fordland, September 30: CLICK HERE: https://www.schofieldgray.com/event-details/fall-festival-and-antique-market-2

T’s Disability Acceptance 5k Run, September 30: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/838619664027896

Newton County Homecoming Shindig & Car Show, Jasper, Ark., September 30: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1331843817404939?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

OCTOBER 2023:

Maple Leaf Festival in Carthage, The Month of October: CLICK HERE: https://carthagechamber.com/maple-leaf

Branson Oktoberfest at Faith Lutheran, October 1: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/BransonOktoberfest/

Hillberry Music Festival, Eureka Springs, October 4-8: CLICK HERE: https://hillberryfestival.com/

Republic Pumpkin Daze, October 6-7: CLICK HERE: https://republicpumpkindaze.com/

Cackle Hatchery’s Annual Chicken Festival, Lebanon, Mo., October 6-7: CLICK HERE: https://www.cacklehatchery.com/annual-chicken-festival/

Open Doors United Methodist Church’s 3rd Annual Fall Craft Fair, Blue Eye, Mo., October 6-7: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/Open-Doors-United-Methodist-Church-of-Blue-Eye-367309026618609

Ozark Craft Fair, Ozark, October 6-8: CLICK HERE: https://www.ozarkcraftfair.com/

Bear City Fall Festival, Willow Springs, October 7: CLICK HERE: https://www.wschamber.net/post/bear-city-fall-festival?fbclid=IwAR3b-BzKEmMK_W8nhzgX-r7ZbnE0NQHGJiA3i00PxGtcox6E_7nxDe0KIHk

Junior League’s Annual Fall Home Tour, Springfield, October 7: CLICK HERE: https://www.jlspringfield.org/support/fallhometour/

Harvest Homecoming, Harrison, October 7: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/harvesthomecoming/

Harvest Moon Festival, Forsyth, October 7: CLICK HERE: https://forsythmissouri.org/events/harvest-moon-festival/

Fall Craft and Vendor Fair, Lebanon, October 7: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/lebanonfirstchurch

Cassidy Women’s Fall Bazaar & Bake Sale, Nixa, October 11: CLICK HERE: https://www.l-rffaboosterclub.com/events.html

Lake Area Fiber Arts Festival, Camdenton, October 13-14: CLICK HERE: https://www.lakefiberarts.com/about-lake-area-fiber-artists/2023-fiber-arts-festival

77th Annual Turkey Trot Festival, Yellville, Ark., October 13-14: CLICK HERE: https://yellvilleturkeytrot.com/

Apple Butter Makin’ Days in Mt. Vernon, October 13-15: CLICK HERE: https://www.mtvchamber.com/apple-butter-makin-days.html

Lake Fiber Arts Festival, Camdenton, October 13-14: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/Lakeareafiberartsfestival

55th Annual Scenic Riverways Arts & Crafts, Eminence, Mo., October 14: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1360142061582294?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

Oktoberfest on the Square 2023, Ozark, October 14: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/167551706346043/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

Niangua Fall Festival, Niangua, October 14: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550316061625

Thayer Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival, October 14: CLICK HERE: http://www.thayer-chamber.com/

Har-FEST, Buffalo, Mo., October 14: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/515180199589133

Hollister Grape and Fall Festival, October 14: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/HollisterGrapeFest/

Boot Country Craft Show, Bolivar, October 14: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/266668865746784/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

Jeepin for a Cure, Ozark, October 14: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/652486156221643

Arts in the Park, Springfield, October 14-15: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/artcraftguild

The Coleman Vault’s 5th Annual Family Fun Day, Marionville, October 15: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/594566052810039

Pathways UMC 2023 Craft Fair, Springfield, October 20: CLICK HERE: https://pathwaysumc.org/

Iberia Fall Fest, Iberia, Mo., October 20-21: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/IberiaCommunityBettermentAssociation

Sparta Persimmon Days Festival, October 20-21: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/688011803157385/

Autumn Harvest, West Plains, October 21: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158714288006644/?ref=share

Lake of the Ozarks Woodcarvers show, Camdenton, October 21: CLICK HERE: https://www.lakeozarkswoodcarvers.org/annual-club-show

62nd Annual Glade Top Trail Flaming Fall Revue – Music & BBQ, Ava, October 21: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064901851509

Pets & Pumpkins, Springfield, October 21: CLICK HERE: http://www.petsandpumpkins.com/home.html

Mt. Pisgah Ladies’ Aid Bazaar, Cabool, October 21: https://www.facebook.com/MPLACabool

Warsaw Heritage Days, October 21-22: CLICK HERE: https://welcometowarsaw.com/tourism/festivals-and-events/?utm_source=madden&utm_medium=googlecpc&utm_campaign=semc-mo&utm_content=benton_county_events&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-NaJBhDsARIsAAja6dNFwgPIBm_M6PR59AG2uduLyCjU4P5a0JnXpng36DI2Hyopl3hCTKoaApxwEALw_wcB

Mystery Masquerade Ball, Fordland, October 28: CLICK HERE: https://www.castleshire.org/events.html

Greenfield Square Octoberfest, Greenfield, October 28: CLICK HERE: https://www.greenfieldmochamber.com/

Son-Rise Christian Church Handmade Craft Fair, Marshfield, Oct 28: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071157664428

NOVEMBER 2023:

Holiday Pop-Up Craft Fair, Carterville, Mo., November 4: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/502488745416138

Springfield Sertoma’s Wingapalooza, November 4: CLICK HERE: https://www.springfieldsertoma.org/events-1/2023-wingapalooza

LRFFA Booster Club Craft and Boutique Show, Rogersville, November 4: CLICK HERE: https://www.l-rffaboosterclub.com/

Honoring our Veterans Pow Wow, Springfield, November 4-5: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/americanindiancenter1

A Holiday Marketplace, Harrison, November 10-11: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064927620134

The Mistletoe Market at Pine Meadows, Willow Springs, November 11: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/632618302071132/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

Fall Craft Fair, Nixa, November 11: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/Donnascottage

Craft Fest 2023, Mountain Home, November 17-18: CLICK HERE: http://www.mhcraftfest.com/

Frisco Trail Craft Show, Willard, November 18: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/friscotrailcraftshow

Lake of the Ozarks Train Club Train Show, Camdenton: CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/lototrainclub

Turkey Trot (Springfield), November 23: CLICK HERE: https://www.parkboard.org/624/29th-Annual-Turkey-Trot

 


Ever wanted to mess with a scammer? Thanks to AI, you can!

Are you sick of these scammers calling you trying to get you to hand over your hard earned cash? Well, worry no more! Thanks to the Jolly Roger Telephone Company! For $1.99 a month, you can get an AI bot to take these scam calls for you and they will waste the scammers time instead of the scammer wasting YOUR time.

In an article in The Wall Street Journal, 54-year-old Californian Roger Anderson explained how his mission in life, getting back at scam callers, started with an irritating phone message a decade ago. He now deploys cutting-edge artificial intelligence tech and audio cloning to keep scammers talking in circles.

Best yet, for $1.99 a month, his brainchild, now officially The Jolly Roger Telephone Company, can be used by anyone.

According to a short video tutorial, when you get a call about, say, your car's extended warranty, you can patch the caller in with the AI bot, who will take care of the rest, needlessly — and realistically — distracting scammers hungry for financial and other information.

You can choose various personalities to take the call, including Salty Sally, who's not afraid of profanity, enthusiastic Debbie Doldrums or the gruff Bloody Billy, to name a few. When the AI gets a sniff of what the caller wants, it can generate a realistic — but intentionally futile — conversation.

Anderson's program even includes a "Summon a Pirate" feature that makes things simpler for use on mobile phones. It also gives you a call log so you can happily listen to the AI voice frustrating the telemarketer afterward.

 

Click the link below to visit the Jolly Roger Telephone Company's website & to hear some sample calls.


Cooling Centers & Water Refill Stations in Springfield

It’s going to get real hot in the coming days and here is some information on how you can protect yourself and your pets from the heat:

To protect people against heat-related illness:

  • Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps
  • Avoid strenuous work or exercise outside during the hottest part of the day. If that is not practical, take frequent breaks and remember to drink plenty of water.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle

Pet owners should also follow these tips to keep animals safe in the heat:

  • Do not leave a pet unattended in a hot car.
  • Always make sure pets have access to cool, clean, fresh water as well as adequate food and shelter.
  • Walk your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. If you must walk mid-day, shorten the distance. And keep your dog in the grass as much as possible, as hot sidewalks can burn the pads of their feet.
  • Do not leave a dog outdoors unattended on a chain or tether. Long-term chaining during the summer can result in countless insect bites, dehydration, and heat stroke.
  • If you see a child, pet, or unresponsive adult in a closed, parked vehicle, immediately call 911. For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit health.springfieldmo.gov/heat.

 

If you are out and about in town and you need a place to cool down for a bit, or perhaps you know someone who needs some relief from the heat, here’s a list of cooling centers in Springfield:

Cooling Centers

  • The Library Center – 4653 S. Campbell
  • Ozarks Regional YMCA – Pat Jones YMCA – 1901 E. Republic Rd.
  • Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library – 2241 Brentwood Blvd
  • Midtown Carnegie Branch Library – 397 E. Central St.
  • OTC Shelter Service – 1001 E. Chestnut Expy
  • Park Central Branch Library – 128 Park Central Square
  • Library Station – 2535 N. Kansas Expy
  • South Side Senior Center – 2215 South Fremont
  • Chesterfield Family Center – 2511 W. Republic Rd
  • Salvation Army Springfield – 1707 W Chestnut Expy
  • Jordan Valley Ice Park – 635 E. Trafficway
  • Dan Kinney Family Center – 2701 S. Blackman Rd
  • Northview Senior Center – 305 E. Talmage
  • Doling Family Center – 310 E. Talmage St
  • Gerry Pool Senior Friendship Center (formerly Republic Senior Friendship Center – 210 East Hines, Republic
  • Republic Branch Library – 921 N. Lindsey, Republic
  • Willard Branch Library – 304 E. Jackson St., Willard
  • Rogersville Area Senior Center – 197 S. Marshall, Rogersville
  • Strafford Branch Library – 101 S. State Hwy 125, Strafford
  • Strafford Senior Center – 201 W. Bumgarner, Strafford
  • Union Hill Church Of Christ – 865 N. Nicholas Rd., Nixa
  • Nixa Fire Station #1 – 711 N. Main,
  • Nixa Fire Station #2 – 301 S. Nicholas Rd.
  • Nixa Community Library Branch – 208 N. McCroskey St.
  • Nixa Senior Center – 404 S. Main
  • Ozark Senior Center – 727 N. 9th St
  • Ozark Community Library Branch – 1005 N. 4th Ave

Connecting Grounds Water Refill Station

Currently, there are 9 stations out to provide clean, safe drinking water to those without stable shelter in our community. They will also help reduce the amount of plastic waste created with summer outreach, as they will give out 1,000 reusable water bottles through the outreach center and partner organizations. This was a project of The Connecting Ground’s lived experience cohort, who helped design the stations, build them, and install the completed ones at our host locations. Their first-hand knowledge of the dangers heat creates for individuals on the streets helped us create and place these new outreach tools! Each night the Connecting Grounds will have an outreach team that will visit each location to refill water and ice, pick up trash, and ensure everything is in good condition.

  • First Unitarian Universalist Church – 2434 E. Battlefield Ave
  • Brentwood Christian Church – 1900 E. Barataria St
  • National Avenue Christian Church – 1515 S. National Ave
  • University Heights Baptist Church – 1010 S. National Ave
  • Christ Episcopal Church – 601 E Walnut St
  • The Venues at 425 – 425 W. Walnut St
  • TCG Outreach Center – 3000 W. Chestnut Expressway
  • The Connecting Grounds – 4341 W. Chestnut Expressway
  • Sacred Heart Church – 1609 N. Summit

 

Please see the links below for more information

 

 


The Rolling Stones release restored videos for “Child of the Moon”

The Rolling Stones recently shared newly restored music videos for "Child of the Moon", one in 4K and one colorized version. Originally shot in 1968 as a promotional film, the clip, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, features all five original members of the band, along with actress Dame Eileen June Atkins. Check it out below!

 


Is touring broken?

Is touring actually broken or is it all messed up because of Ticketmaster? If Ticketmaster was no longer a thing, would touring be fixed?

“It’s over. The old days are gone,” Young declared in a message posted to his Neil Young Archives website. “I get letters blaming me for $3,000.00 tickets for a benefit I am doing. That money does not go to me or the benefit. Artists have to worry about ripped off fans blaming them for Ticketmaster add-ons and scalpers.”

Click the link below to read more