An interactive live animal presentation by Dickerson Park Zoo’s education department will highlight the new family attractions coming to downtown West Plains for the 32nd annual Ozark Heritage Festival.
The festival, which celebrates Ozarks culture and music, will take place Oct. 16 and 17 around the West Plains Civic Center at the intersection of St. Louis and East Main streets. Hours run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days with free admission to all events.
Sponsor Travis Smith is bringing the Springfield-based zoo’s "Creepy Crawlies" showcase to the festival for two 30-minute presentations at 10 and 11 a.m. Oct. 16. Featuring live ambassador animals, the educational program will teach attendees about unique species adaptations and ecological survival strategies.
Youth can also take part in another new attraction at 3 p.m. Oct. 17: the Chicken Chase, sponsored by the West Plains High School FFA chapter, where children will attempt to catch live chickens running loose in a designated arena.
In addition to new events, several traditional crowd favorites will return:
- Mule Jump Competition: Sponsored by Hirsch Feed and Farm Supply, Richie Dement will lead a demonstration at 2 p.m. Oct. 17, followed by the main jumping contest at 5 p.m. featuring cash prizes across three categories.
- Quilt Show: Hosted by Gammill Sewing Center, local and regional quilts will be displayed both days in the civic center’s Magnolia Room on the mezzanine.
- Living History Exhibits: Grounds will feature a horse-driven sorghum mill, storytelling sessions by Tara Shahan, the Journey Stagecoach crew, a bucket brigade by Howell County Rural Fire District No. 1 and an educational exhibit from the Missouri Department of Conservation, all available both days.
- Artisan Demonstrations: Traditional craftspeople will offer live demonstrations throughout the the festival, showcasing spinning, blacksmithing and flintknapping.
The festival is presented by the West Plains Council on the Arts, the City of West Plains, the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, the West Plains Civic Center and Missouri State University-West Plains, with financial support from the Missouri Arts Council and Missouri Humanities.
For more information, email info@westplainsarts.org, visit ozarkheritagefestival.org or search for "Ozark Heritage Festival" on Facebook.
