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Introduction
Featured
Jam Sessions:
Anutt
(D&D Little Branson)
Fremont
Gainesville
(Hoerman Park)
Kissee
Mills
(Johnson Community Building)
Long
Beach
(Mtn. Grove School)
Long
Lane
Manes
(Manes
Music Makers)
Mansfield
McClurg
McDowell
Mountain
View (Weaver's)
Souder
Springfield
(North Town Mall)
Strafford
Wasola
(Stone's)
Related
Events:
Opry's:
Webster Co. Opry
Picnics:
Vanzant Picnic
Fiddle
Competitions and Festivals:
Branson Fiddle Contest, Compton Ridge, and Ozarks
Celebration Festival
Dances:
Ava and Ebenezer
Homecomings:
Horsecreek Church
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Annual town picnics represent longstanding traditions in the
region. At the annual picnic in Vanzant, local musicians
and groups were encouraged to sign up and play to the crowds. Those
attending the picnic might relax on benches or enjoy the games
and concession stands spread throughout the site. The performers
featured gospel songs, bluegrass music, early country music,
and occasionally an original song. |
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| The informal musical atmosphere at this picnic was
very similar to that at events such as the McDowell Gold Jubilee. The
principal difference was that the music stage at the picnic was
not, for many people attending, the focal point of the event. In
many cases, people viewed the stage performances as supplying background
music for the games and eating activities. Also, it was unclear
whether musicians unknown to the community were allowed to play
at the picnic.
Directions from Springfield: drive east on US-60 for 60 miles;
drive south on MO-95 for 12 miles; drive east on MO-76 for 6
miles [See
map]. Photographs are from July 8, 2000.
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A large porch area serves as the stage, located next
to the concession area. |
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Homemade carnival booths are set up where visitors
can win prizes by tossing coins or spinning wheels. |
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One of the favorite activities was the "cake
walk," which became a Coke walk after the cakes were gone. The
players circle around while putting their hands on numbers painted
on wooden planks. One of the numbers will be the chosen as
the winning number after everyone is told to stop walking. |
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As the night arrives, the picnic in rural Douglas
County looks like a cluster of lights within a sea of darkness |
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