Hootin an Hollarin to feature several Main stage contests

From little ones taking their first turn at the microphone to grown-ups hollaring like hillbillies, the Main stage at Hootin an Hollarin  will be busy Sept. 17-19 with contests and activities for folks of all ages. The beloved festival celebrating Ozark County’s history and culture is held on the Gainesville square for three days each September. Organizers suggest those entering contests this year consider the festival theme “Celebrating 250 Years of the USA” and try to implement the theme throughout their performances and outfits. 

Queen pageant

The fun begins Thursday evening, Sept. 17, with the annual Hootin an Hollarin Queen Pageant, set for 7:30 p.m. The pageant is open to girls ages 14 to 18 who live in Ozark County or are attending a local high school here at the time of the festival. Ozark County homeschooled girls of those ages are also welcome to participate. 

Contestants, dressed in old-timey attire, take turns at the microphone answering questions designed to showcase their creativity and imagination.

A panel of judges will select the queen, deputy queen and three princesses, while the contestants themselves will choose Miss Sweetie Pie, an honor recognizing the contestant who has been especially kind and supportive of the other girls. The queen receives a cash prize, tiara, $500 scholarship to Arkansas State University-Mountain Home, a full photoshoot donated by Karla Smith and special charms are presented to the queen and her court. To sign up for the queen pageant or to find out more information, call Becki Strong at 417-989-9617 or Jerri Sue Crawford at 417-331-6538.

Lil Cedar Pete and Lil Miss Addie Lee contests

Friday’s Main stage lineup is packed with activities for the younger set. The Lil Cedar Pete and Lil Miss Addie Lee contest kicks things off Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. for 4- and 5-year-olds. Young contestants will answer a few simple questions from the emcee and may share a song, joke or story if they wish. Old-time costumes are optional. The contest, sponsored by the Ozark County Chamber of Commerce, honors two of Hootin an Hollarin’s founders: Addie Lee Lister, known as the “First Lady of Hootin an Hollarin,” and Ed Petterson, the artistic woodworker credited with creating the Cedar Pete character and coming up with the festival’s name. There is no need to pre-register for the contest. Instead, contestants can sign up 15 minutes before it starts behind the Main stage. 

Princess pageants

The Hootin an Hollarin princess pageants, open to girls in first through sixth grades, take over the stage at 1:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. The Lil Princess category is open to first- and second-graders, and those contestants will say their first name and then three hobbies or interests or tell a 15 second story. The Lil Miss contest is for third- and fourth-graders and Junior Princess is for fifth- and sixth-graders, and contestants in both of those contests will tell a 20- to 30-second story about anything they’d like. They can bring props on stage to talk about. There is no dancing, singing or playing an instrument allowed, and contestants cannot use live animals in their performances. The youngsters get a chance to show off their personalities and storytelling skills while dressed in old-time or Sunday attire. Judging will be based on 25 points: 5 for dress (old time or Sunday), 10 for personality (while talking) and 10 for poise on stage. Winners will have the honor of riding on the princess float in Saturday’s parade. Pre-registration for the pageants is required by Sept. 14 by calling Janette McDaniel at 417-255-3312. Leave a message in her voicemail or text her with this information: the girl’s name, grade and three interests or hobbies. 

Pet show

Saturday morning brings one of the festival’s most beloved traditions, and plenty of fur, feathers and scales, with the annual pet show at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 19. Directed by Ozark County veterinarian Konnie Plumlee and emceed by Katlin Hornig of Gainesville Veterinary Hospital, the show welcomes pets of all kinds. Some arrive in costume, others show off tricks, while some simply win over the crowd by being adorable. Creative categories have included everything from hardest working and best wagger to most unusual, friendliest and best in show. Most participants can expect to leave with a ribbon or title of some kind. Pet owners should register in front of the Main stage between 8:45 and 9:15 a.m. that morning. Organizers urge participants to get there early, as late registration after 9:15 is not possible due to the packed morning festival schedule of other Hootin an Hollarin events. When their number is called, they’ll walk across the wooden dance platforms in front of the Main stage and take their turn showing off their beloved pet to the panel of judges. For more information, contact Konnie Plumlee at 417-224-1248. 

Costume contest

Following the pet show, it’s time for another crowd favorite: the costume contest, beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Participants of all ages dress in old-fashioned, hillbilly and pioneer attire are welcome with categories ranging from babies and children to adults, groups and families. There are also categories for new and old dresses, along with a special ribbon for Judges’ Choice. There is no need to pre-register. Registration begins behind the Main stage at 10:30 a.m. that morning, giving participants a chance to get lined up before they are led in front of the stage to show off their Hootin an Hollarin best.

Calling contests

At noon Saturday, Sept. 19, don’t be alarmed if you hear some mighty strange noises coming from the Hootin an Hollarin Main stage. That’s just the calling contests getting underway. Contestants will compete in cow, pig, turkey and husband calling, using their best hollars, yelps, squawks and tunes to try to bring home a trophy. Participants can sign up behind the Main stage just before the contest, and newcomers are always welcome to give their inner hillbilly a try.

Festival guide is coming!

With pageant queens, pint-sized princesses, costumed characters, pets of all shapes and sizes and plenty of good-natured hollering, the Main stage is sure to be one of the busiest spots on the square throughout the 2026 Hootin an Hollarin festival.

The official festival guide will be included inside the Ozark County Times newspaper Sept. 9, a week before the fun begins. Guides will also be available for free the following week at area stores, the Times office and at the information booth at the festival itself.