It was September 1961. The Minnesota Vikings in their first NFL game defeated the Chicago Bears 37-13, “Car 54, Where are You?” premiered on television and the Hootin an Hollarin Festival debuted in Gainesville.
One of Missouri’s oldest festivals, Hootin an Hollarin kicks off annually on the third Thursday in September with a queen pageant. This year’s event is set for Thursday evening at 7:30 on the stage area on the Ozark County Courthouse lawn. Contestants dressed in their best country dresses entertain the crowd with stories of how things used to be and a square dance.
Bluegrass, country and gospel music entertain visitors Friday and Saturday, and the music continues for square dancing each night at 9:00.
Contests during the festival include bed and outhouse races, calling and pie contests, and quilt and pet shows.
The schedule of events includes an old-fashioned brush arbor, gospel singing in the gazebo and old-time games and races for children.
Hootin an Hollarin visitors may shop at a multitude of craft vendors around the square and watch demonstrations of old-time crafts
Food choices include lemonade, kettle corn, ice cream, burgers, hotdogs, beans and cornbread, funnel cakes and barbecue.
Each evening ends with two to three hours of square dancing to the traditional tunes played by an Ozarks fiddler and band.
Other highlights include the costume parade Friday afternoon at 2:00, with all ages competing for best old-time “Life in the Ozarks” dress. The big float and band parade is Saturday afternoon at 2:00.
Admission to the festival is free.
For full details on the schedule, visit the festival website at Hoootin an Hollarin
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