Each year, for the past 40 years, the city of Gainesville has roped off the square and thrown one wing-ding of a homecoming party.
     Hootin an Hollarin was first organized to preserve the traditions, crafts and lore of the early days of the Ozarks.
     The festival, beginning each year on the third Thursday in September, has become a homecoming celebration. Natives of Ozark County come from far and wide to see and visit with old friends and family.
     But it's not just for home folks and their kin. Everybody is welcome.