Plan ahead for three days shopping and savings at participating shops and restaurants in downtown Ozark within the Historic River District. Just look for the beach ball or sign in the window from July 29-31.
The big event is the Sizzlin' Summer Bash community picnic and celebration on Friday, July 30, from 5-7 p.m. The event will consist of the celebration of partnerships of the Historic River District, the Ozark Department of Public Works, the Christian County Commission and other officeholders, and the Ozark Chamber of Commerce.
The Friday evening event will be a celebration of the completion of the gazebo expansion project by the Historic River District organization with an Ozark Chamber Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The gazebo is located on the northwest corner of the Christian County Historic Courthouse square at the intersection of Second Street and East Church Street.
There will also be a kickoff for the Ozark Public Works downtown streetscape project, which includes street resurfacing and sidewalk improvements, followed by the Christian County Commission overseeing sidewalk construction and lighting additions to the interior part of the square.
Bring your chairs, blankets, and some picnic food, or you can always pick up something to eat from one of the downtown restaurants or one of the food trucks that will be on site.
Check out the event page for Sizzlin’ Summer Days on Facebook, or visit the Ozark Historic River District Facebook page for updates from participating shops and businesses.
The Ozark Historic River District is the chief organizer of the gazebo renovation project with help from the Christian County Commission and a $30,000 grant from Impact 100 Ozark. The renovation project is expected to conclude this fall, in time for the inaugural Oktoberfest on the Square celebration on Oct. 2.
The Ozark Historic River District wants to modernize the gazebo as a downtown gathering place, but also maintain its historical character. A 600-square foot patio on the west side of the gazebo will be lined with pavers.
The mission of the Historic River District is to work together to build community, celebrate history, maintain small-town charm and promote economic vitality in downtown Ozark. The district’s boundaries include the downtown square, as well as the Finley River Bridge. In 2017, Ozark received a downtown revitalization grant from Missouri Main Street Connection, a cost-sharing program that helps enhance downtown business districts across the state. The grant launched the Historic River District organization.
