West Plains is gearing up for its annual celebration of regional culture with the Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, this vibrant event will transform the downtown area into a bustling hub of music, folklore, and traditional arts. As a beacon of Missouri's rich heritage, the festival not only offers an immersive experience into Ozark culture but also ensures it is accessible to all, with free admission to various activities spanning from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.
A Rich Tapestry of Musical Offerings
The festival promises an array of musical performances starting at noon each day, featuring genres that resonate with the Ozark region’s history. From folk and bluegrass to traditional Southern gospel, attendees are in for a melodic treat that celebrates the enduring legacy of Ozark music. The sounds of banjos, fiddles, and guitars will fill the air, creating a melodious backdrop perfect for both music aficionados and casual listeners.
Highlight Event: The Mule Jumping Competition
A standout feature of this year's festival is the Mule Jumping Competition, a unique spectacle that pays homage to a quirky yet fascinating aspect of Missouri's rural traditions. Scheduled for 2 p.m. on June 8, with a demonstration in the parking lot near the West Plains Senior Center, this event is expected to draw crowds eager to witness the agility of these incredible animals. The competition itself, taking place at 7 p.m., will showcase mules leaping over barriers, a skill historically developed by raccoon hunters who trained their mules to jump over fences during hunts.
Richie Dement of Centerville will coordinate the competition, with sponsorship from Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply. According to festival committee member Matt Meacham, mule jumping is particularly prevalent in Missouri, making it a significant cultural artifact. "Missouri could be considered the mule-jumping capital of the country," Meacham noted, highlighting the event's deep roots in local tradition.
Prizes and Participation
The festival warmly invites all trainers of jumping mules to participate, offering cash prizes in three different classes based on the mule's height: small (under 48 inches), medium (under 54 inches), and large (over 54 inches). The prizes are $100 for first place, $75 for second, and $50 for third in each category, adhering to standard Missouri rules for the competition. Participants can pre-register or check in on-site by 5:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
Festival Partnerships and Support
The 2024 festival is made possible through collaborations with several key organizations, including the West Plains Council on the Arts, the City of West Plains, the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, West Plains Civic Center, Missouri Humanities, and Missouri State University-West Plains. The Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, has also provided partial funding, ensuring the event's success and continuity.
More Information and Engagement
For those interested in learning more about the festival or participating in the myriad of activities, additional information is available via email at info@westplainsarts.org, on the festival's website at www.oldtimemusic.org, or through its Facebook page at Old Time Music Festival.
The Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival not only preserves and celebrates the cultural heritage of the Ozarks but also provides a platform for community engagement and education. This year's festival invites everyone to explore the depth of Missouri's traditions and enjoy two days filled with music, history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a longtime resident or a visitor, the festival offers something for everyone—a true celebration of the spirit of the Ozarks.
