Missouri Bull Shoals Lake Association

Attractions - Hootin' & Hollarin

The Hootin and Hollarin festival is held every 3rd weekend in September on the Gainesville square. It was started in 1961 as a way of preserving traditions, crafts and lore of the Ozarks. Today, the festival continues this tradition with local people demonstrating their crafts.

You might find demonstrations of spinning wheel, wood carving, butter churning, blacksmithing, quilting, and others. Singing and dancing has always been a major part of Hootin an Hollarin. There is gospel singing and country singing day and night; along with clog dancers, line dancing, and square dancing. Everyone can join right in the fun.

There are many contests throughout the 3-day festival; including outhouse races, bed races, frog jumping, turtle racing, marble shoots, hog calling, husband calling and many, many more. Over the years, Hootin and Hollarin has expanded to include parades, a queen pageant, a chilli cook-off, quilt show, and many booths where you can purchase local crafts such as wood carvings,paintings, pottery, toys, needlecrafts, and food galore! There is something for everyone. Come join us for some Hootin an Hollarin fun!

Photos courtesy of the Ozark County Times newspaper