To ensure events make it on the calendar, please send them in at least one week in advance. Fax them to 417-256-2208 or email them here.
MAY
May 17-19 - The Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce and the Donald W. Reynolds Library in Mountain Home are coordinating the second Art Odyssey studio tour. For more information visit www.theartodyssey.com
May 17 – A CBCO blood drive will be held Thursday, May 17, at the First Baptist Church, 455 Rogers, in Summersville, from 12:30-4:30 PM.
May 17 – Operation: JumpStart classes in Mtn. Grove, MO start May 17 and will meet Monday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 PM at Room 108 at MSU-West Plains Shannon Hall, 401 E. 17th St, Mountain Grove. You may apply by visiting www.ozsbi.com or by calling the Ozarks Small Business Incubator at 417-256-9724. Applications are also available at Mountain Grove City Hall. The cost is $125; individuals with perfect attendance will receive a $25 refund.
May 17 - May is National Scrapbooking Month, and in honor of our local scrapbookers, Teachers Store & More has scheduled a scrapbooking event May 17, which includes a “free” cropping day at their new location at 205 Washington Avenue in downtown West Plains. Call 417-256-8488 for details and to sign up today.
May 17 – The Willow Springs Park Board will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce Building.
May 18 – A choir and orchestra concert benefiting the Texas County Relay for Life will be held at Cabool Christian Church at 7 PM.
May 18 – A benefit supper & live auction in memory of Christy (Gates) Simpson will be held at Richards School at 6 PM. For more information call 417-274-1217.
May 18 – The Star Dramatic Company will hold auditions for “The Grey Ladies Society,” written and directed by Kristi Cunningham, at the Star Theater in Willow Springs on Friday, May 18 at 7 pm and Saturday, May 19 at 2 pm. All actors, ages 18 & up are invited to participate. Performance dates are July 27-29 and August 3-5.
May 18 – A Horse Fun Show will be held at 7 PM at the Rockin RV Indoor Arena ( Between Willow Springs & Mountain View on Hwy 60). All proceeds benefit the 4H Buckin’ Broncos club. For questions call Riann @ 417-252-1754
May 18 - The CBCO will hold a blood drive in Hartville Friday, May 18, at the Wright County Health Department from 9 AM to 2 PM.
May 19- Pumpkin Center Fire Department all you can eat – $8. Pumpkin Center Fire Department is located 8 miles out 14 Hwy. Children 10 and under eat for $5.
May 19 – The Mercy St Francis Hospital Health Fair will take place Saturday, May 19 at the Mountain View Community Center from 8 AM to 12 PM. A 5K run/Walk will take place at Liberty track field at 8 AM. Walkers/Runners will register between 7:30-8 AM at football field. For more information call 417-934-7000.
May 19 – Horse Whisperer David Kenyon will be at the Howell County Fairgrounds May 19 at 9 AM. The event is free to the public.
May 19 – The American Red Cross office in West Plains will offer the Standard First Aid with CPR/AED – Adult course from 8:30 Am to 1:30 PM. For additional class times and information, visit www.redcross.org.
May 19 – The American Red Cross office in West Plains will offer Babysitter’s Training from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. For additional class times and information, visit www.redcross.org.
May 19 – A benefit auction and dinner for Ron and Susie Shelley will be held at Fairview School on K Highway, with dinner from 5-6 PM, and the auction at 6 PM. Proceeds help Ron and Susie Shelley with medical expenses. Auction donations can be left at Regal Beloit on Highway 63. For more information call 417-256-8472 before 3 PM, or 417-274-2880 after 3 PM.
May 19- Star Spangled Spectacular will be held at the West Plains Civic Center beginning at 7PM. This is a free dance recital to honor our military, both currently serving and veterans. Military can wear their uniforms if they like. Recital by Attitude Dance and Arts Studio.
May 19 – May is National Scrapbooking Month, and in honor of our local scrapbookers, Teachers Store & More has scheduled a scrapbooking event May 19, which includes a “free” cropping day at their new location at 205 Washington Avenue in downtown West Plains. Call 417-256-8488 for details and to sign up today.
May 19- A benefit auction and dinner will take place on May 19 for Jim Clark Sr. to help with medical expenses. The supper will be fish and all the trimmings beginning at 5 PM at the Mt. View Elementary School cafeteria and gym. Auction will begin at 7 PM. If you would like to donate items or for more information call 573-821-4461. Jim Clark Sr. is a resident of Mt. View, worked for the city, and at Richard Brothers Feed.
May 19 – A CBCO blood drive will be held Saturday, May 19, at the Houston Walmart Supercenter from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
May 19 – The American Red Cross office in West Plains will offer the Adult CPR/AED course from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. For additional class times and information, visit www.redcross.org.
May 19 - A Gospel Fest and Fish Fry will take place at HOBA Park in West Plains. It will feature southern, country and gospel bluegrass music.
May 19 - Tourism Day will be held at Mammoth Spring State Park from 10 AM to 4 PM rain or shine. There will be baloons, cake, drinks, prizes, live music and more.
May 19 – The American Red Cross office in West Plains will offer the Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course from 8:30 Am to 2:30 PM. For additional class times and information, visit www.redcross.org.
May 20-21 - Adult Soccer League registration/open practice will be May 20-21 at 6 PM at the West Plains Soccer Complex on S. Hwy 63. Registration is $30 per player. Games to be on Sundays at 6 PM starting June 3 with the last game Aug. 5. For more information www.westplainssoccer.com or call 417-257-3040
May 20 – The Ozark Festival Choir is having their spring concert on Sunday, May 20 at 2 PM at First United Methodist Church on Main St. in West Plains.
May 20 - The 5th Annual Ozarks Sustainability Festival will be held on Sunday, May 20 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Next Step SDA Church and old go-kart track on North Highway 63 across from Richards School in West Plains, Missouri. The Ozarks Sustainability Festival is a totally free, fun-filled day of learning for the entire family. For more information visit at OzarksSustainabilityFestival.org or call Craig Wiles (417) 818-6157.
May 21 - The University of Missouri Extension office in West Plains will be holding 4-H Science Day at the Summersville Community Center from 9 am-4 pm. All youth ages 8-14 are invited to participate in an action-packed day of science! Demonstrations, experiments, and games will focus on natural resources and sustainability. Cost is $10,and registration is required by May 19. Bring a sack lunch and refillable water bottle. Call the University of Missouri Extension at 417-256-2391 for info and registration.
May 22 - The Ozarks Small Business Incubator in Downtown West Plains is hosting an information workshop called Customer Service Essentials from 6-8 PM. The cost is $35. For more information, go here.
May 23 – A class on the internet and email will be held at the West Plains Public Library from 2-4 PM. Register at the library on May 2. Class size is limited to 10.
May 24 – May is National Scrapbooking Month, and in honor of our local scrapbookers, Teachers Store & More has scheduled a scrapbooking event May 24, which includes a “free” cropping day at their new location at 205 Washington Avenue in downtown West Plains. Call 417-256-8488 for details and to sign up today.
May 24 - The University of Missouri Extension office in West Plains will be holding 4-H Science Day at the MDC Office on Joe Jones Blvd. in West Plains from 9 am-4 pm. All youth ages 8-14 are invited to participate in an action-packed day of science! Demonstrations, experiments, and games will focus on natural resources and sustainability. Cost is $10,and registration is required by May 23. Bring a sack lunch and refillable water bottle. Call the University of Missouri Extension at 417-256-2391 for info and registration.
May 24 – The Relay For Life of Howell County Survivor Dinner is Thursday, May 24 at 7 PM at the West Plains Middle School FEMA Building. Please RSVP by Thursday, May 17 at 417-256-0106.
May 25 – First Missionary Baptist Church of Pottersville will hold a benefit coon hunt for their teen mission trip to Colorado May 25. Entry deadline is 7 PM. Chili will be served at 6 PM. Hut starts at 8 PM, with a midnight deadline. Cost is $15. For more information call 417-372-0988.
May 26 – The Episcopal Church of Mountain Grove invites the public to the 13th annual Cajun Shrimp Feast on Saturday May 26 from 12-2 PM. For $12 per adult, $7 per child 5 to 12 and free under five you get fresh shrimp from Louisiana, potatoes, corn on the cob, salad and dessert. The church is located on Business 60 across from Greens softball field. Proceeds go toward outreach and mission. For more information call 417-926-4341 or 417-926-3141.
May 26 – Salem Arkansas will be the site for the Fulton County Homecoming Car, Cycle and Antique Tractor Show during the 63rd Annual Homecoming Festival on Saturday, May 26. The show will start at 10 AM and will be held on Highway 62/412 in the North Arkansas Electric Cooperative south parking lot. Entries will be accepted in the car and truck divisions for Antique Car, Antique Truck, Late Model Car, and Late Model Truck. There will also be a People’s Choice award. In the cycle division, entries will be accepted for Modern, Antique, and Modified. Antique tractors are also a part of the show. There is no entry fee for the show, but participants are encouraged to participate in the Homecoming Festival Parade at 1 PM. For more information on the Homecoming Car and Cycle Show contact David Mott at 870.371.2182.
May 26 – Willow Springs Rotary Annual Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, May 26 at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (located behind the Post Office), from 7-10 AM. All you can eat pancake breakfast is $5 for adults, $4 for children. Take-out plates are available. For further information, contact Arlene at 469-2431.
May 26 – Runners and walkers are invited to Salem on May 26 for the Fulton County Homecoming Festival Mark Thomas Memorial Apple Pie 5K Run. The Run/walk begins and ends on the court square. Race forms are available at local businesses in Salem or can be obtained by calling Sherry Jackson at 870-895-6226. The entry fee is $15. Pre-registration is encouraged, however entries will be accepted until 7:30 AM on the day of the race.
May 26 – Bailey’s Chevrolet in Willow Springs will be holding a Memorial Day event May 26, with a barbeque, live music and a live remote from KUKU Cool Country 100.3 FM.
May 29 – Summer Reading Activities for kids begin May 29 at the West Plains Public Library. Ages 2-5 years will meet on Thursdays, May 31 thru June 28 from 10:30-11:00. Ages 6-9 years will meet on Tuesdays, May 29 thru June 26 from 10:30-11:30.
May 30 – The annual Spring River Clean-Up event will take place in Mammoth Spring State Park starting at 8 AM, and will finish around 4 PM. Call by May 23 to register and reserve a canoe for clean-up. Volunteers will meet at the welcome center at Mammoth Spring State Park.
JUNE
Jun. 1-2 – The Mountain Grove City-Wide Yard Sale will take place June 1 and June 2. Cost is $2 to place your home on the city yard sale map. All listings must be turned in no later than Wednesday, May 23 at 3 PM.
Jun. 2-3 – St. Mary’s Church of West Plains (1551 Bill Virdon Boulevard) will hold the 47th Annual Chicken BBQ from 11 AM to 7 PM Saturday, June 2 and 11 AM to 5 PM Sunday, June 3. Tickets on Sale May 1st at the parish office and at the door during the BBQ. Carry-Out is available. For more information, call 417-256-2556. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Samaritan Outreach Center.
Jun. 2 - The Howell County Relay for Life will be held from noon to midnight June 2 at the West Plains Middle School FEMA building. For more information, go to www.relayforlife.org/howellcomo
Jun. 2- Willow Care Nursing Home presents a 5K Fun Run/Walk/Kiddie Run to benefit Special Olympics June 2 at Willow Care Nursing Home. Race is at 8:45 AM, kiddie run starts at 8:30 AM. Entry fee is $10 for the kiddie run, and $20 for adults.
Jun. 2 – The Mountain View Rotary Club is sponsoring the 12th Annual Rotary Golf Tournament, an 18-hole, 3-person Scramble Game at the Mountain View Golf Course. There will be four flights and three places, with skirts and mulligans are also available for purchase prior to the round. For more information, or to sign up your team to play, call 417-934-6959.
Jun. 6 – The American Red Cross office in West Plains will offer the Standard First Aid with CPR/AED – Adult course from 8:30 Am to 1:30 PM. For additional class times and information, visit www.redcross.org.
Jun. 6 – The American Red Cross office in West Plains will offer the Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course from 8:30 Am to 2:30 PM. For additional class times and information, visit www.redcross.org.
Jun. 7-9 - The 30th annual Spring Bluegrass Festival will take place at HOBA Park in West Plains.
Jun. 8 – The 17th Annual Grizzly Golf Classic will be held Friday, June 8 at the West Plains Country Club. Check-in for the three-person scramble will be at 11:30 AM, tournament starts at 1 PM.
Jun. 9 – There will be a Free Spring Fling/Music in the Park event in Mountain View featuring the Keith Bradshaw & Country Connection Band. The event is free.
Jun. 9 - The 25th Annual West Plains Car Club Wheels and Deals Car show will be held June 9 at West Plains Civic Center. Registration is from 8 AM to 12 PM, with awards at 3 PM. For more information go to www.westplainscarclub.net
Jun. 9 – Ozark Heritage Days will be held Saturday, June 9 at Big Spring in Van Buren starting at 10 AM. Attendees will be able to journey into the past and experience old time traditional skills and craft demonstrations including spinning, rope making, woodworking, quilting, basketry, johnboat making, fiddle making and lye soap making. Musical entertainment and dance demonstrations will be provided. Food will be available for purchase from local vendors. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair for the musical and dance entertainment.
Jun. 14 – A retirement reception for ASUMH Chancellor Ed Coulter will be held at 2 PM June 14 at the Vada Sheid Community Development Center.
Jun. 15-16 – The Old Time Music Ozark Heritage Festival will be held in and around the West Plains Civic Center.
Goat Cart Racing at the Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival- The Goat Cart races will be held in the southeast parking lot of the West Plains Civic Center at 7pm on Friday, June 15th.
5th Annual Mule Jump Competition at the Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival- 3pm in the West Plains Senior Center parking lot on Saturday, June 16th. Demonstration will be at 11am.
Jun. 18 – The next Oz Fall Fest Planning Meeting will be held Monday, June 18 at 6 PM at the Chamber of Commerce meeting room, 112 E. Main St., Willow Springs.
Jun. 22 – The First Christian Church in Houston will host a CBCO Blood Drive from 1-5:30 PM.
Jun. 23 – A workshop called “Kayaking 101″ will be held at Mammoth Spring State Park June 23 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Registration is required. For more information or to reserve your spot call 870-625-7364.
Jun. 26 – The American Red Cross office in West Plains will offer the Adult CPR/AED course from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. For additional class times and information, visit www.redcross.org.
Jun. 26 – The Boys & Girls Club of West Plains is having a BBQ Pool Bash and informational session from 5-9 PM at People’s Park in West Plains.
Jun. 26 – The American Red Cross office in West Plains will offer the Standard First Aid with CPR/AED – Adult course from 8:30 Am to 1:30 PM. For additional class times and information, visit www.redcross.org.
Jun. 29 - The Mountain Grove Chamber of Commerce presents Kickin’ Country Weekend, featuring Easton Corbin and Jason Plummer, at the Tri-County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 PM. The concert will be followed by fireworks by the city of Mountain Grove.
JULY
Jul. 7 – The Alley Spring Independence Day Celebration will be Saturday, July 7 at Alley Spring near Eminence. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair for the musical and dancing entertainment beginning at 6 PM.
Jul. 24-26 – The First Annual Biz Boot Camp is being offered June 24-26 at the Ozarks Small Business Incubator in downtown West Plains. Biz Boot Camp is an intensive, fun-filled three-day course on starting and growing a business for high school students entering grades 9-12. Cost $60 (includes t-shirt). Register here or call 417-256-9724.
Jul. 28 - The Ozark Dinner Theater will be held Saturday, July 28 at Big Spring in Van Buren starting at 6 PM. The event highlights traditional Ozark lifeways and culture. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the musical entertainment and dance demonstrations presented. Catfish dinners, freshly baked pies and other food and drink items will be available for purchase from local vendors.
AUGUST
Aug. 2 - A Back to School Fair for Mountain View and Birch Tree K-8 students will be held at the Mountain View Youth Center from 9 AM to 12 PM and from 1-4 PM.
Aug. 17 - The First Christian Church in Houston will host a CBCO Blood Drive from 1-5:30 PM.
Aug. 18 - The 5th Annual FiddleFest, Harmonica Howel, Crafters Convention and Bluegrass Band Jam will take place at HOBA Park in West Plains. Admission is Free.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 1 - The 29th annual Antique and Classic Car Show will be held at Mammoth Spring State Park. Gates open at 9 AM. Prizes will be awarded. Judging starts at 11 AM.
Sept. 20-22 - The 20th Annual Fall Bluegrass Festival will take place at HOBA Park in West Plains.
Sept. 22 – The 4th Annual OMC Blue Jean Ball will be held at 6 PM September 22 at Risner Stables on Creamery Rd. in West Plains. For more information, call 417-257-5700.
Sept. 29 – Tractors on the Square, featuring vintage tractors, will take place on the square in Downtown West Plains September 29 from 9:30 AM to 4 PM.
OCTOBER
Oct. 13 - The Haunting in the Hills will be held Saturday, October 13 at Alley Spring near Eminence. Events begin at 10 AM until 4 PM and then 6-9 PM. Local skilled artisans demonstrate their special crafts, including basket weaving, spinning, wood carving, black and tinsmithing, chair canning and the making of household supplies of soap, candles, rope, brooms and apple butter. Musical entertainment will be provided. Hands-on activities for young people will be offered. Food, beverages, and snacks will be available by community vendors on the event grounds.
Oct. 19 - The First Christian Church in Houston will host a CBCO Blood Drive from 1-5:30 PM.
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Dec. 2-3 - The Old Fashion Christmas and Open House Saturday, December 8 at Alley Spring in Eminence. Beginning at 10 AM, the Alley Mill General Store is hosting an old fashioned Christmas celebration, featuring festive cookies, cider and hot chocolate. Try out your creativity by making old-time ornaments that you can take home and hang on your Christmas tree to enjoy. The old-time festivities end at noon, so come early to allow plenty of time for cookie munching and ornament crafting.
Dec. 14 – The First Christian Church in Houston will host a CBCO Blood Drive from 1-5:30 PM.
Dec. 25 – The Cabool Community Christmas Day Dinner will be held at Set Free Ozarks Ministries/Tods Motel on Christmas Day.
FEBRUARY 2013
Feb. 15 - The First Christian Church in Houston will host a CBCO Blood Drive from 1-5:30 PM.
APRIL 2013
Apr. 26 – The First Christian Church in Houston will host a CBCO Blood Drive from 1-5:30 PM.
JUNE 2013
Jun. 21 – The First Christian Church in Houston will host a CBCO Blood Drive from 1-5:30 PM.
Mondays
The South Central Missouri Kennel Club will meet Mondays at Risner Stables in West Plains at 6:30 PM. Dogs are allowed at the meeting.
OMC’s informational class Living With Diabetes is held at 8 AM the 3rd Monday of each month. For more information, call 417-257-6793.
Tuesdays
Western Square Dances are held every Tuesday night at the West Plains Civic Center. For more information call Mary at 417-284-7141 or Julia at 417-256-7717.
The South-Central Missouri Kennel Club will meet every fourth Tuesday (without dogs) at 7 PM at Howell Oregon Electric Cooperative.
Country dances are held every Tuesday night with Keith Bradshaw and the Country Connection Bank at the Mtn. View Community Center at 6:30 PM.
OMC’s Arthritis Support Group meets at 2 PM the second Tuesday of each month at the Shaw Medical Building Conference Room at 1111 Kentucky Ave. For more information call 417-257-5959.
The Howell County Democrat’s Club meets the second Tuesday of the even number of months at 6:30 PM, and meets in Mountain View in February and August, Willow Springs in April and October, and West Plains in June and December. For more information call 417-469-1563.
OMC’s Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at 6:30 PM the fourth Tuesday of each month at Riverways Adult Daycare, 418 E. Main St. For more information call 417-255-2965.
OMC’s Diabetes Support Group meets at 6:30 PM the third Tuesday of odd-numbered months at the OMC Foundation Community Room on Washington Ave. For more information call 417-257-6793.
Wednesdays
A Song Writer’s Workshop is hosted from 6-7 PM Wednesdays at Bogart’s Variety Theater in Mammoth Spring. For more information call Bob at 870-264-7015.
Vets for Veterans meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 7-9 PM at the Cabool Church of the Brethren on Garst St.
OMC’s Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets at 4:30 PM the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Shaw Medical Building Conference Room at 1111 Kentucky Ave. For more information call 417-256-9111.
Thursdays
The West Plains Area Cancer Support Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2 PM at the Howell-Oregon Community Center. For more information call 417-256-5487, 417-256-3459 or 417-293-8995.
Fridays
Dances are held every Friday at the West Plains Senior Center. Cost is $4, all ages welcome.
Saturdays
The Pride of the Ozarks Goat Breeders Club meets the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Howell-Oregon Electric Coop building off Highway 63 at 1 PM. For more information call 417-469-3390.
Zizzer Running Club meets on Saturday mornings from 7:30-9:00 at Zizzer Stadium. This is for students and adults of all ages. For more information, contact Chad Dixon at 255-0907 or Alicia Gunter at 256-6150 x4339.
Missouri Ozarks Dulcimer Society meets every 3rd Saturday of the month at noon at the West Plains Music Store. For more information call 417-257-0197.
Western Grand Squares Dance Club of West Plains has square dancing every 2nd Saturday at the West Plains Civic Center from7-9 PM. Call Jeff at 417-255-0115 or Ray at 417-256-2080 for more info.
Sundays
The Pioneer Saddle Club will have a rodeo every Tuesday at 7 PM (except for Fair Week) at the Pioneer Saddle Club Arena, located a half mile up Highway 14 on the left.
The Willow Springs YMCA has exercise classes for people 60 and over Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8-9 PM. The YMCA also offers Pilate’s classes Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 PM.
The West Plains Habitat for Humanity Re-Store is open Wed-Fri from 8-5 PM and Saturdays from 9-1 PM.
A Sunday Hay Jam is held the first Sunday of each month from 2-4 PM at the George D. Hay Music Hall of Fame Theater near Mammoth Spring State Park.