SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) -The Lawn and Garden Show offers tips for green-thumbed gardeners.
The 36th annual Lawn and Garden Show is currently underway at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, drawing a steady stream of visitors despite chilly weather. The event offers more than just shopping—it’s a chance for gardeners to learn and prepare for the growing season ahead.
Paula Corning, a Nixa resident, came to the show hoping to improve her gardening skills after receiving a greenhouse as a Christmas gift from her husband.
“Last Christmas, my husband purchased a greenhouse for me, and I didn’t have very good luck. So I’m here this year to get some tips to see if I can do better,” she said.
The show features presentations from various speakers and has grown to include over 150 vendors offering everything from plants and lawn mowers to specialty services.
Among the returning exhibitors is Jason Morton, owner of Eagle Ridge Chainsaw Carvings, who has been a vendor at the show for 16 years.
“It produces so much work for us that we’ll have people call us in the fall from this show, and say hey, we had a card, and we’d like to order something now,” Morton said.
For Libby Thater, Foundation Director at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, the appeal of the event goes beyond sales.
“I hope that this keeps us local and helps us realize all the great companies that we have that are local and right here,” Thater said.
Event DetailsHours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. SundayAdmission: $5 (cash only)Free for: Children under 6Free Parking Sertoma Chili Cook Off
While the Lawn and Garden Show keeps visitors busy, the 44th annual Sertoma Chili Cook Off is ramping up for its opening Saturday at the Springfield Expo Center on St. Louis Street.
Jake Reed from Associated Electric, one of the competing teams, says they’re bringing serious firepower to the competition.
“This year for the Sertoma Chili Cook Off, we’re going to be making between 22 to 23 gallons of chili. And we have over 150 cans of beans and tomatoes,” Reed noted.
The event will feature 60 booths, live music from 10 bands on different stages throughout the day, and a silent auction. Best of all, proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club — a cause that has consistently seen strong community support.
“Our goal last year was to raise $100,000, and we beat that goal by $20,000. And our expectation is to at least meet that or exceed that,” said Eden Holt, Sertoma Chili Cook Off Chair.
Event DetailsDate: Tomorrow Only Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission: $25 at the door, $20 onlineImportant Note: Chili is served on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early for the best selectionPaid Parking: Parking garage near the Expo Center Free Parking: Community Foundation parking garage (at the corner of McDaniel and Jefferson). There will be a shuttle from this garage to the Expo Center, and from the Expo Center to the garage. Ticket Discounts
Discounted tickets ($20 each) are also available at Hy-Vee locations in Rapid Roberts.
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