Missouri State will host it’s 19th annual Ozarks Celebration Festival on Sept. 9-11 this year. Hundreds of exhibitors, artisans and musicians will be on campus offering free demonstrations and entertainment.
Here’s a preview of what makes this festival “the best one yet,” according to event coordinator Barb Jones.
The new Ozarks Jubilee Stage
This new stage will be located on the southwest lawn of Cheek Hall. It will feature storytellers, a variety of bands and the Young Fiddlers Concert.
Cooking demonstrations by MSU Chef Quintin Eason 
Missouri State’s executive chef, Quintin Eason, will sell fresh, homegrown produce and host cooking demonstrations throughout the day. Visit Chef Eason at booth #18 located in the Farmers Market area.
The Arthur Duncan Trio
The legendary jazz pianist Arthur Duncan will perform with The Arthur Duncan Trio at 1 p.m., Sept. 10, on the Clear Creek Performance Stage. If you love jazz, you won’t want to miss this amazing performance!
Remembering 9/11 with Dr. John Prescott
At 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, the festival will come to a halt as we pay tribute to those lost during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. MSU music professor Dr. John Prescott will orchestrate the world premiere of his piece, “Quadrivium.” Four Missouri State students — on two trumpets and two trombones — will play this moving piece that reminds us how our lives can change in an instant.
Ozarks Lecture Series
The festival lecture series will kick-off on Monday, Sept. 12 and run through Sept. 15. This year, the series will focus both on historical and current topics, including a look at African-American music in Springfield and contemporary homesteading in the Ozarks.