in every edition

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE OZARKS

11 Farmers markets are in full swing this month, so stop by your local market to get all kinds of fresh produce. Learn about wildflowers and how to identify them or fill your yard with native plants you bought at a local plant sale. Make a handmade gift for Mother’s Day or celebrate May Day with a traditional may pole celebration. May in the Four-State Area is full of fun activities the entire family will enjoy!

14 Cultural Arts and Entertainment

26 Northeast Oklahoma Events

Home/Lifestyle

21 Tastes of the Four States - Red Onion

22 Show Me Dining Guide

68 Your House ... Your HomeGardening for Your Patio, Yard or Greenhouse

84 The Great Outdoors - A Man Called Fish

86 A Naturalist Voice - The Rite of Passage: Holding a Crawdad!

Can you find it?

Find the GREEN smiley face on one of our pages. Email sue@ showmetheozarks.com with the page number and spot where you found it. Submit your entry by the 15th of the month. A winner will be drawn from all the correct entries and will receive a gift certificate from an area retailer. One entry per household please. Good luck!

The Ozarks Magazine Since 2001

Staff

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Lee Radcliff

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Sue Dillmon

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Wendy Brunner

Kathleen Swift

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Kelley Talent

Kristi Tucker

SOCIAL EDITOR/MARKETING ASSISTANT

Cheryl Franklin

PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR

Jamie Emery

STAFF WRITERS

Holly Hukill

Jeff Cantrell

Kathleen Swift

Don Lowe

Larry Whiteley

Bridget Bauer

Amy Howe

Ann Leach

Allison Lee Riechman-Bennett

Kristi Spencer

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amy Howe

Mandy Edmonson

Ashley Caughorn

DISTRIBUTION

Shelby Cagle / Gary and Desma Sisco

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine is published monthly by Show Me Communications, PO Box 3325, Joplin, MO 64803. Copyright 2022 all rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in part or in whole, is prohibited without written permission from SMTO. Subscription rates: $19.99 for one year, $32.99 for two years, $41.99 for three years. Advertising rates sent on request. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and art will not be returned unless accompanied by self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.

NOTE: Information published herein is subject to change without notice. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited by law. SMTO makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of published information, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. SMTO does not take responsibility for, or always endorse the opinions of contributors or advertisers. SMTO reserves the right to not run an ad or article that is reviewed to be in bad taste or goes against the focus or mission of that of Show Me The Ozarks Magazine. Editor photo by Hannah Sanderson Photography.

Want to Go?

It is time to get out there and enjoy our region. You have all you need: beautiful weather, lots of options and all the information in this issue to enjoy the summer. We have the best concerts, community events and scenery in our backyard.

The Cornell Complex kicks off summer activities with two musical events, Me Like Bees and The Okee Dokee Brothers. The Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex will showcase their outdoor space, known as the Leggett & Platt Green, during these performances. Turn to page 16 to learn why these concerts are a mustsee this summer!

Who would want to miss four days packed with wide-ranging entertainment? Turn to page 28 to find when you can put your Toes in the Grand in June. This Sixth Annual Toes in the Grand festival recognizes Grove as the perfect summertime destination with four days of live music, water activities and events for the whole family to enjoy.

A walk in the park? Built four years ago, the Rotary Sculpture Garden has become a must-go-to destination in Joplin. The garden is beautifully landscaped with more than 170 sculptures on permanent display inside Mercy Park. It is the perfect place to enjoy the works of art and a nice walk. For a sneak peek, see page 32.

Honor, respect and health. You can find all three at the 12th Annual Joplin Memorial Run. This event honors the 161 victims from the 2011 Joplin tornado, respects Joplin’s resilience in overcoming the destruction of 8,000 structures and gives you a time to come together as community to support your health. Page 36 tells you all the information you need to know to participate.

Throwing a party? Slumber Soiree has taken the stress out of party planning. They offer a hassle-free, unforgettable sleepover experience for your child and guests. You pick the theme, provide the space, and your child’s party will be the talk of the town. Turn to page 50 to see how you can host an unforgettable, Pinterest-worthy event in your own home, without lifting a finger!

Not only is this issue packed with these events and more, our 21st Annual Four-State Baby Contest winner graces the cover. Not only are we fun in the Four States, we have the most beautiful babies. All of our entries can be found starting on page 52. Thank you to all who entered! We love seeing the beautiful faces and supporting the Children’s Miracle Network.

We want to go! Let’s have so much fun this summer!

Editor/Publisher editor@showmetheozarks.com