September 5 - 11, 2008

Culture and Heritage

The Ozarks Celebration Festival is an entertaining and educational look at the region's culture and heritage. The University launched the festival in 1998 with the hope that it will foster a sense of place and understanding of place for both natives of the Ozarks and visitors as well. This year's festival will consist of over 60 traditional craftspeople and commercial artists, three stages of music (which will include traditional, bluegrass, and gospel music), Ozarks storytelling, traditional dance (which will include square, jig, contra and clogging), films, historical characters, exhibits, and much more. Many of the finest artists and craftspeople in the region will be on hand to demonstrate and display their creations, offering a number of items for sale.

Welcome from Missouri State's President

Welcome to the 2008 Ozarks Celebration Festival. Missouri State University is again pleased to sponsor this event to focus on the heritage of the region.

The Ozarks is distinctive in so many ways, from its geography to its history to its people. At the Ozarks Celebration Festival, we celebrate this rich heritage through the trades, arts, crafts, food, music, dance, games, stories and dress. The Festival has grown over the past decade, with new elements added each year. You will find new features again in 2008.

So, welcome to campus and the Festival. Please take full advantage of the opportunities for these action-packed days. In the end, I think you will have a greater appreciation for the place where we all live and work. That's why we say, "It's another great day in The Ozarks."

Michael T. Nietzel
President