Second Annual Ozark Orchard Festival A Success

Under clear blue skies, folks of all ages enjoyed free food, games and fellowship at the second annual Ozark Orchard Festival in Goodman.

Saturday's weather provided the perfect backdrop for people to enjoy some excellent food" said Goodman Mayor Greg Richmond.

The weather was a little warmer than at last year's festival; nonetheless, people gathered to look at wares, win prizes, hear gospel music, take a chance on the cow-drop, play bingo and put in some money in the 50/50 pot.

Kids squealed with delight and bounced in the bouncy houses, as well as a bouncy obstacle course. Perhaps the only complaint was voiced by a young one, who complained that the bouncy houses were on "hold" during the auction. Once the bouncy houses were re-opened, kids clamored to use their energy to bounce around.

After lunch, an auctioneer auctioned off several prizes, thanks to the generosity of local businesses. Several quilts, handcrafted by some ladies from Crane, were auctioned as well. The ladies donated the items, saying they wanted the money to help the city, due to the April tornado that ripped through town.

Meanwhile, a fleet of volunteers, decked out in red T-shirts with Ozark Orchard featured on them, scurried around, helping in a variety of ways.

Richmond thanked all the businesses who helped with door prizes, all the businesses that had supported the festival in any way, Cornerstone Bank and First Community Bank (which both gave $500 toward the bouncy houses' rental) and all the volunteers who helped.

Richmond couldn't say enough about the free food and those who unselfishly served. Several area churches banded together under the umbrella of "His Table," providing food wherever it's needed.

Jarod Lewis and Josh Wagner, along with folks from other local churches, helped cook and serve chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and green beans -- all at a great price, free. Splitlog Baptist Church was one of several to assist; First Christian Church in Anderson donated the chicken.

Two or three of the crew members cooked throughout the night and spent the night there at the ballpark, making sure the meat would be ready for the next day.

On Saturday, around noon, lines of people waited for a plate of food. Richmond said the food and the volunteers who helped serve it were "awesome."

His Table has traveled to Jefferson City, Sturgis, New Orleans, and to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina to help serve food. They travel wherever they are needed.

By midafternoon, Tax Collector Meghan Sexson said, the day had been a success.

"We've had a really good turnout," she said. "Everyone has seemed to want to come out and be with each other."