Preparations are in full swing for a community-wide celebration honoring American Idol contestant Hannah Harper on Wednesday in Willow Springs.
Harper, a Willow Springs native, advanced to the Top 5 of the ABC network singing competition on Monday. The homecoming festivities, coordinated by the city and the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce, will include afternoon music downtown, a patriotic parade and a free evening concert.
CELEBRATION SCHEDULE
The music begins at 3 p.m. downtown with a lineup featuring the Greer Family at 3:05 p.m., Brady Walton at 3:45 p.m. and Brandy Lee at 4:25 p.m.
A parade will follow at 5 p.m., beginning at Booster Field and concluding at Willow Springs schools. For safety reasons, parade participants are prohibited from throwing candy. All entries must follow a patriotic theme, and only licensed drivers are permitted to operate vehicles along the route. Parade lineup begins at 4 p.m. at Booster Field, where entrants must sign a liability waiver with the chamber of commerce.
The celebration concludes with a free concert at 7 p.m. at Palenske Field. Gates open at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as bleacher seating is limited.
Event Security and Concessions
Free concessions, including hot dogs, chips and water, will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The food is sponsored by G&W Cash Saver and prepared by the Willow Springs High School FFA. Other local vendors providing free items include coffee by Crime Scene Coffee served by the Willow Springs Lions Club; pie by Pie-ology; string cheese kettle corn by Big Poppa’s Kettle Corn; popsicles by Lakeland Pharmacy; and funnel cakes by Willow Care Healthcare.
Clear, unopened water bottles will be allowed into the stadium, and all bags are subject to search. Alcohol, smoking, vaping and animals are strictly prohibited.
NEW OZH CLINIC OPENS WITH EXTENDED HOURS
In conjunction with the festivities, Ozarks Healthcare will begin seeing patients at its new Willow Springs clinic, 816 E. Main St., on Monday.
The clinic will offer extended hours until 9 p.m. Wednesday to accommodate residents and visitors attending Hannah Harper Day. Walk-in patients will be welcome throughout the day and evening.
The care team includes Dr. Lori MacPherson and family nurse practitioners Carla Clinton and Theresa Ward. For more information, the clinic can be reached at 417-413-5415.
SIDEBAR
Hannah Harper Day Fan Logistics
Concert & Gates
• Time: The free concert begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
• Gates: Entry to Palenske Field, 1004 Corn Ave. in Willow Springs, opens at 6 p.m.
• Seating: Bleacher seating is limited; bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Parking & Shuttles
• Free Shuttle Service: Available for those parking in Lots 2 through 5.
• Lot 1: Willow Springs City Pool & Legion Park.
• Lot 2: Munford Gym.
• Lot 3: Willow Springs City Complex.
• Lot 4: YMCA.
• Lot 5: Soccer fields.
• Additional Parking: Available at the Willow Springs Golf Course on Highway 137.
• Road Closures: Sections of Ferguson Street and West 10th Street near the field will be closed to traffic.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking and seating will be available onsite.
