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Daredevils will return to Ozark

Finley Farms announces Ozark Mill grand opening festival

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The fall-festival inspired celebration of the grand opening of the Ozark Mill features a concert by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.

Four days of festivities start on Thursday, Oct. 7, with a concert by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils at 8 p.m.

Attendees can eat farm-inspired food, shop at a curated marketplace, listen to live music by southwest Missouri musicians, take part in hands-on workshops, farm tours, family friendly activities and more. The ticketed event is open to the public, with general admission starting at $5 and free entry for kids ages 12 and under. Admission to the Ozark Mountain Daredevils performance, slated to happen on an amphitheater built on the western side of the mill, is $35.

To purchase tickets or see the schedule of events, visit http://finleyfarmsmo.com/grand-opening.

“We are so excited to have the community come out and celebrate the grand opening of The Ozark Mill,” said Megan Stack, Finley Farms project developer for Bass Pro Shops. “We couldn’t think of anyone better than the Ozark Mountain Daredevils to kick off the festivities in true Ozarks fashion. Between the food, drinks, marketplace and workshop, there’s a little something for everyone.”

Throughout the Finley Farms grounds, guests will also find photo opportunities, educational experiences, food trucks, critter corrals and a beer garden. Guests will be able to connect with nature by taking a walk across the historic Riverside Bridge to The Chapel, a wooded venue located on the banks of the Finley River. Overflow parking will be available at Finley River Park.

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils are rehearsing at Nick Sibley's studio on Campbell Avenue in Springfield, but the band remains a steadfast favorite among locals in Christian County. When U.S. Baseball Park was refurbished in 2016, the first event the Ozark stadium hosted was an Ozark Mountain Daredevils concert. It was their second big concert in Ozark, having opened for Alabama in the same stadium in August 2001.

The multi-talented John Dillon and Michael "Supe" Granda are founding members of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils from the band's debut "Quilt Album" recorded in 1973. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils lineup now includes Bill Jones, Ruell Chappel, Ron Gremp, Dave Painter, Kelly Brown, Nick Sibley and Molly Healy.

"The Quilt Album" is what most of the Daredevils fans call "The Ozark Mountain Daredevils" album, which contained "If You Wanna Get to Heaven," "Country Girl," and the "Chicken Train Stomp," among other tracks.

Dillon recalled a discussion he had with the late Steve Cash, who plays the harmonica on the hit record the band members simply call "Heaven," in which the two marveled at "Heaven" getting radio play in 1973 and getting the band's name out in public.

"I said, 'Steve, we're on the radio and we're climbing the charts. What do we do now?' And he said, 'I've never thought this far. I have no idea.' Our whole career has been that way," Dillon said.

Dillon is credited with playing seven different instruments on the Ozark Mountain Daredevils' self-titled debut album. You can check out the cover art from the album if you purchase a bottle of Ozark Mountain Daredevils Dry Gin, which the band is also promoting and marketing.

Bass Pro Shops is restoring and reimagining the historic Ozark Mill property to create a gathering place featuring restaurants, vibrant event venues, hands-on experiences, an urban farm and more. Generations of the Morris family have had connections to Ozark, the Finley River and the milling industry.

Originally built in 1833, the Ozark Mill serves as the heart of the property. Inside, The Ozark Mill restaurant, The Garrison speakeasy and museum tell the seldom heard stories of the Ozarks way of life through culinary craftsmanship and educational experiences. Beyond The Mill, property highlights include The Chapel, the historic Riverside Bridge, a coffee shop and an urban farm.

Ozark Mill grand opening schedule

Thursday, October 7

7 a.m.-8 p.m. The Workshop open to the public

11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ozark Mill open to the public

5 p.m. Gates open, $35 general admission

6 p.m. Ribbon cutting and remarks by the Morris family

7 p.m. Music by Nate Fredrick, Springfield native turned Nashville singer/songwriter

8 p.m. Concert by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Friday, October 8

7 a.m.-8 p.m.-The Workshop open

11 a.m.-9 p.m. The Ozark Mill open

5 p.m. Gates open, $5 general admission, kids 12 and under free

7 p.m. Family movie night featuring “Hocus Pocus” and s’mores

Additional programming includes a critter corral, farm tours and kids activities

Saturday, October 9

7 a.m. Gates open, $5 general admission, kids 12 and under free

7 a.m.-8 p.m. The Workshop open to the public

9 a.m.-6 p.m. The Marketplace featuring live music and a critter corral

11 a.m.-9 p.m. The Ozark Mill open

6 p.m. Music by Maddi Warren featuring Alli Butler

7 p.m. Concert by Dawson Hollow

Additional programming includes standup paddleboarding on the Finley River, a botanical printmaking workshop, farm tours and kids activities. Music by Brian Bulger, Dallas Jones and Jimmy Rea and Joe Majerus.

Sunday, October 10

7 a.m. Gates open, $5 general admission, kids 12 and under free

7 a.m.-4 p.m. The Workshop open

9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Marketplace featuring live music and a critter corral

11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Ozark Mill open

Additional programming includes sunrise yoga, a houseplant and propagation workshop, farm tours and kids activities. Music by Bryan Copeland, Abbey Waterworth and Lyal Strickland.


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