Come on home for ‘A trip back when’


15 girls vying for queen title The 2019 Hootin and Hollarin queen candidates include, from left (front), Kaitlyn Morse, Lily Parker, Olivia Milligan, Libby Pansano, Brandi Johnson; (middle row) Morgan Smith, Jasmine Hall, Hailey Taylor (withdrew after photo was taken), Jessee Latham, Cheyenne Clinton, Emily Green; (back) Star Janes, A’aisha Sykes, Hunter McCullough, Brandy Belt and Hannah See. The pageant begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday on the east side of the Gainesville square.

The 59th celebration of Hootin an Hollarin kicks off Thursday as volunteers, demonstrators, musicians, vendors, contest competitors and committee members make last-minute preparations for Ozark County’s traditional old-time fun-fest extravaganza. 

A full schedule, map and stories about the events are included in the free 2019 Hootin an Hollarin magazine, available at the Times office, the Ozark County Historium and wherever the Times is sold.   

Residents are reminded that members of the Hootin an Hollarin Committee and Gainesville Lions Club members will be setting up the stage and square dance platforms on the east side of the square Wednesday afternoon, so parking on the square will be limited today and prohibited Thursday, as the crafts fair vendors and demonstrators set up their booths.

This year’s Hootin an Hollarin theme is “A trip back when,” and the 2019 trip back to olden days starts at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with a welcome by Gainesville Mayor Gail Reich. Then the Kattie Laney Project, a Hootin an Hollarin favorite, performs on stage until the Hootin an Hollarin queen pageant starts at 7:30 p.m.

These 15 high school-age girls from all parts of the county are vying for the 2019 title: Lily Parker, daughter of Hank and Cindy Parker of Thornfield, is homeschooled and is sponsored by The R.O.C.K. (Reaching Ozark County Kids). A’Aisha Sykes, daughter of Yolanda Flanagan, attends  Gainesville High School and is sponsored by Thomas & Douglas Certified Public Accountants. Hunter McCullough, daughter of Mike Cullough, attends Lutie High School (sponsor information was not available at press time). Cheyanne Clinton, daughter of Kristie Asmead, attends Gainesville High School and is sponsored by Kristie Ashmead, stylist. Elizabeth Pansano, daughter of Melissa and Michael Pansano, attends Lutie High School and is sponsored by Triple P Transport. Brandy Belt, daughter of Michael and Sara Belt, attends Bakersfield High School and is sponsored by Belt’s Painting & Drywall. Jasmine Hall, daughter of Mike Hall, attends Bakersfield High School and is sponsored by Mike Hall and Debbie Bryant. Jessee Latham, daughter of Carol and Jon Latham, attends Gainesville High School and is sponsored by KingCo Printing. Morgan Smith, daughter of Shen Smith, attends Lutie High School and is sponsored by Dooley’s Welding. Emily Green, daughter of Amy Green, attends Gainesville High School and is sponsored by Douglas Hawkins, Shelter Insurance. Hanna See, daughter of Eric and Chelsea See, attends Bakersfield High School and is sponsored by Foster Feed and Farm. Brandi Lee Johnson, daughter of Dan Belt and Tonya Johnson, attends Bakersfield High School and is sponsored by Belt’s Painting and Drywall. Olivia Milligan, daughter of Joleen Burton and Brian Burton, attends Gainesville High School and is sponsored by The Hair Shop & Tanning. Kaitlyn Morse, daughter of Bill and Tanya Morse, attends Gainesville High School and is sponsored by Nichole’s Styling Salon. Star Janes, daughter of Sunshine and Dan Janes of Gainesville, is homeschooled and is sponsored by Karen Cunningham, nail technician at Molly’s Curl Up & Dye salon. 

A 16th contestant, Hailey Taylor, withdrew after the photo on page 1 was taken. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423