Big Spring to celebrate Ozark heritage

VAN BUREN, Mo. -- The art of Ozark handcrafted instruments will be celebrated today and Saturday at Big Spring, Mo., for Ozark National Scenic Riverways Heritage Days.

The theme of the fourth annual event was chosen, in part, to show how diverse Ozark heritage is, said Elisa Kunz, Ozark National Scenic Riverways chief of interpretation.

"[Music] was a tradition settlers brought with them from wherever they came from, whether they were Scots-Irish, from Tennessee or Kentucky," Kunz said. "It continued to be a way to connect to their country of origin."

Naylor, Mo., resident Bernard Allen will demonstrate how to make and play fiddles Friday and Saturday. Saturday, he will be joined by Poplar Bluff, Mo., bass drum maker Luther Meddley, a fourth-generation dulcimer maker and a man who makes mandolins. Each artist will play for crowds and show those at the event how they hand-make instruments.

This year's Heritage Days includes a new addition, humorous storytelling called "What's Hidin' in the Haw Bushes." This portion of the event will teach the history and culture of the Ozark region through superstition, customs and legends, Kunz said. Performances will be held at 10 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. today and 1:45 p.m. Saturday.

A variety of musical performers, including The John Wayne Band and Buzzard Run Bluegrass Band, will also entertain crowds from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. After a short intermission, an evening concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair for concerts.

Other exhibits of Ozark traditions during the two-day event will include a working "shotgun" sawmill, skidding logs with a team of oxen, "wagon wheel" rug making, woodcarving, quilt making, cedar turkey call making, blacksmithing and rendering lard to make lye soap.

All of the handcrafts are centered around the event's main theme, that these creations are both art and work, Kunz said.

"Everything done in these artists areas shows that this is their work, but it is also their craft, that takes skill and development."

Big Spring is located four miles south of Van Buren on State Route 103, within the ONSR. The event is free. Catfish dinners from a local Lions Club and pork rinds from a Rotary Club will be for sale both days.

The event is sponsored by the ONSR, the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces Initiative and the Missouri Arts Council.

For more information, call the ONSR Headquarters Office at 573-323-4236, ext. 0, or online at www.nps.gov/ozarplanyourvisit/specialevents.htm.