The 64th Hootin an Hollarin called ‘one of best’ festivals yet . . . Festival goers enjoy cooler temperatures, light sprinkles; heavy thunderstorms held off for nearly the whole festival
ALL HOOT AN HOLLARED OUT - There ain’t no tired like Hootin an Hollarin tired. Sweet McKinley Thomas was all tuckered out at Hootin an Hollarin last Friday night. Her Nana, Wasola resident Ann Thomas, told the Times, “She ran and ran all day and had a blast. Then around 7, she came and sat down by me - and this is what happened.” We think there are many festival goers who can relate. McKinley is the daughter of Markus and Ashley Thomas, also of Wasola.
The 64th Hootin an Hollarin will be remembered as one of the best ones yet. Held last Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 18-20 on the Gainesville square, the festival drew large crowds each day, filling the town with music, laughter, food and the sound of fiddles and square-dance calls long into the night.
After months of severe drought, with some areas not having recorded measurable rainfall in a month or more, the skies finally opened up Thursday night, right in the middle of the annual queen pageant. As the 22 contestants square danced at the beginning of the show, a heavy downpour sent the audience and contestants scrambling for cover. For about 45 minutes, the festival paused while everyone waited out the storm. But in true Ozark County fashion, the show went on. The young ladies took the stage again, answering questions before the judges and delighting the crowd with their poise and spirit.
Saturday morning brought a few sprinkles, but for most of the day, cloudy skies and cooler temperatures made for comfortable festival-going. The biggest storms held off until later that night, when lightning and heavy rain rolled in around a little after 10 p.m., forcing organizers to wrap things up a few hours earlier than planned.
Even so, the shortened evening did little to dampen the happiness that the weekend brought to so many who truly love the magic Hootin an Hollarin brings each year. Festival-goers praised this year’s Hootin an Hollarin as one of the best yet, with social media overflowing with posts celebrating the energy, entertainment and fun the weekend brought. Vendor booths filled the square, old-time demonstrations were more plentiful than ever before, many events had near record-setting numbers of participants and smiles were everywhere.
This year’s theme, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, was present in every corner of the square, from the volunteers running games and contests to the families gathering under shade trees to share homemade treats.
In the end, this year’s Hootin an Hollarin was everything it’s meant to be: a celebration of pioneer tradition, a community like no other and the simple joy of coming together - rain or shine.