What a great H&H

By Linda Harlin, Gainesville

I don’t remember writing a “letter to the editor” before, but I felt compelled to do so after such a successful Hootin an Hollarin, even though it was the hottest weather we had ever experienced! 

I have only missed one of the 65 celebrations and that was because of a bank conference of some sort. I have also always gone to all of the Hootin an Hollarin committee meetings along with John, who was the emcee of the celebration at the beginning and emcee of the queen pageant which I directed for many years. We had such fun! 

There are so many people to thank and recognize every year and this year especially required so much more organizing and hard work with a big-name star, the winner of “American Idol,” Hannah Harper, to plan for. 

I won’t try to name everyone as I would probably leave someone off the list as I will probably forget to mention all the thoughts that have come to mind as my inspiration to write this letter. 

The committee is 20 dedicated people who have, under Paula Rose’s expert leadership, all gone above and beyond to make every aspect of our festival safe, comfortable, interesting and fun with great shopping, entertainment and eating experiences. Each one does his/her special part of our festival, whether it be booths, pageants, quilts, games, parade, entertainment, etc. using their time and talent for Gainesville and Ozark County’s enjoyment. We start meeting in April and meet each month until it’s time for the festival to begin. No one knows how much work goes into the planning process and the time spent in order to make it all come together. I am so very proud of our committee!

I am also proud of our Ozark County and Gainesville people who were so respectful of Hannah Harper, her family and everyone who came with her to help with her show. There was no pushing, shoving, grabbing, screaming, etc. just a very well-behaved audience, which is what I expected from our people in the Ozarks. 

Our Sheriff and his crew, Kenny Ericksen with his helpers on electricity for booths, etc. along with those who always spend the Wednesday before setting up the bleachers and stage need a big “thank you” and a “thank you” to Bo Friese,  who works for the City and has the shrub/flower beds on the square looking awesome, as well as Brandy Pace, working at