A full slate of activities is planned for the Oct. 3 Bear City Fall Festival in Willow Springs:
G&W Foods Chili Cook-Off
Culinary wizards and chili enthusiasts can compete for cash prizes at the G&W Foods Chili Cook-Off. Entries must be brought to G&W by 9:45 a.m. on Oct. 3, with judging set to begin at 10 a.m. Prizes include $100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third and $25 for fourth.
Bear City Quilt Show
Sponsored by the Willow Springs Church of Christ Quilt Ladies, the festival quilt show will feature traditional, modern, applique/embroidery and "other" categories, limited to one entry per category per person.
Quilts must be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, downstairs at the Ferguson Building in Downton Willow Springs. Judging and public viewing will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on festival day, with pickup scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m.
For information, contact Connie Armstrong at 417-469-1146.
Simmons Bank Chicken Pageant
The annual Chicken Pageant will award prizes for first, second and third place. All competing chickens must be on a leash and under the owner's control at all times; roosters are not permitted.
Completed entry forms must be returned to Simmons Bank in Willow Springs, the Chamber of Commerce office at 209 E. Main St. or the Simmons Bank festival booth by 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 3.
Shelter Big Shot Contest
Robert Hollis and Shelter Insurance will host a basketball shooting contest featuring $50 cash prizes for both male and female winners across three age groups: 12 and younger, 13 to 18 and 19 and older. For $5, participants receive five throws and an entry into a $50 free throw giveaway drawing. The competitor with the most consecutive baskets wins.
Library Activities
The Willow Springs Public Library, 214 N. Harris St., will offer a cool, air-conditioned space for families from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the festival. Activities include a book sale featuring $5 bags of books, DVDs and audiobooks, alongside board games, chess, coloring sheets for children and free Wi-Fi.
Bear-B-Que Smoked Meats Contest:
Sponsored by WPH Ranch, this new contest features six categories: beef brisket, beef ribs, pulled pork, pork ribs, chicken wings and chicken quarters. Competitors must provide and smoke their own meat and bring five servings for blind judging to the drop-off area by 10 a.m.
Entry is $5 per category, and all entry fees will be paid out as cash prizes to the overall Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.
Bear City Blow-Up Race
Participants wearing inflatable costumes will navigate a timed obstacle course on a city street. The race begins at 1 p.m. at the Center Street Event Area, and the entry fee is $5.
Bearly Baked Pie Contest
Hosted by Pie.ology.missouri, bakers can enter their homemade pies by 10:45 a.m. at the 76 General Store. Entries are judged on appearance, crust and filling, with divisions for ages 16 and younger, and 17 and older.
Jasper Engines Car Show
Registration runs from 8 to 10 a.m. for the car show, with judging at 10:30 a.m. and awards at 1:30 p.m. Day-of registration is $15, and all profits benefit local schools.
FFA Petting Zoo
The Willow Springs FFA will host a petting zoo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Willow Springs.
