The Best Local Festivals Around West Plains

The Old-Time Music, Ozarks Heritage Festival, presented by West Plains Council on the Arts, was voted Best Local Festival. The festival began 30 years ago when musicians came to the arts council and suggested a festival celebrating their local music which they called old-time. Different from country or bluegrass, old-time is passed down through generations and heard in homes and barns and on front porches. The endeavor has required partnerships and community support to thrive for 30 years. “We are honored to be among The Best of West Plains,” say council members. “We rest on the shoulders of those participants from every walk of life who make this festival their own. It is the best of who we are and who we are becoming in our own hometown. The entire festival planning committee would like to thank everyone who voted for them.” From left: Paula Speraneo, Jason McCollom, Kathleen Morrisey, Laurie Meador, Olivia Smith, Stacey Tune and Jeff Tune.