Howell County Next Step holds annual BBQ & Carnival

Published 12:30 pm Saturday, October 24, 2026

Howell County Next Step held its annual BBQ & Carnival event Oct. 9 at JMB Park on BB Highway, continuing a tradition that began in 2020 as a drive-thru barbecue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization provides case management services for people with developmental disabilities. Under the leadership of Executive Director Tricia Edwards, the event started when restrictions kept support coordinators from visiting the people they serve in person.

“We wanted to find a way to let our individuals know that even though we couldn’t physically be there with them, we were still thinking about them and wanted to do something special,” Edwards said.

That first year, the organization served hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs in a drive-thru setting. Today it is a full carnival with games, prizes and food, and a chance for individuals to spend time with their support coordinators in a relaxed setting.

“What started during one of the most challenging times in our lives has turned into one of our favorite traditions,” Edwards said. “Watching our individuals enjoy themselves, seeing their smiles, and knowing how much they look forward to this event each year reminds us why we do what we do.”

“Our individuals start talking about the carnival months in advance,” she added. “They look forward to seeing everyone, playing games, winning prizes and just having a great time.”

Local businesses and organizations donated food, gift cards and prizes. Howell County Next Step recognized Sonic for its help over the past two years.

”We cannot say enough about how much we appreciate Sonic and everything they have done to help make this event special,” Edwards said.

Ice Queens Tropical Sno, which brought its trailer and served snow cones at this year’s carnival, was also recognized.

Other supporters who contributed gift cards, discount cards, prizes and donations include Wendy’s, Walmart, Domino’s, Pizza Shack, Sugar Lily Bakery & Floral, Nadine’s Homemade Ice Cream, Skateland, Glass Sword Cinema, McWilliams Pumpkin Patch, Discovery Event Center, Dickerson Park Zoo, West Plains Grizzly Athletics Department, Springfield Cardinals and Colton’s Steak House.

“We are so fortunate to live in a community where businesses and individuals are willing to come together to support the people we serve,” Edwards said. “We truly could not do this without them.”