Night of the Arts

With surprises, tears, and heartfelt speeches, the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet was just what it should be. Themed a “Night of the Arts,” Saturday night’s event featured entertainment provided by the Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra and the Willow Springs High School Jazz Band. Munford Gymnasium was decorated with photography, paintings, drawings, and collages created by the students of Willow Springs schools and members of the Willow Springs Art Council.
Notably absent this year was a keynote speaker or dedicated entertainment act. Rather, immediately after the meal by Leslie’s Catering was served, emcee Marty Spence jumped straight into the first award of the night, Citizen of the Year.
From there, the program marched along through the evening’s eight awards interrupted only by the announcement of raffle ticket winners.
The punctuated event was more sparsely attended than it has been in years past. Seats were capped at 150 due to COVID concerns.