Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce Banquet

The annual awards banquet hosted by the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce looked a bit different this year. Not only was the event held on April 10, instead of in January, but the Chamber board, helmed for the first time by Kim Fredrick of West Plains Bank, opted for a more casual approach to the evening than in years past. This year’s banquet was a “Blue Jeans Ball.” Attendees were encouraged to dress down, relax, and focus on having fun. 

H&M Ranch Store provided the decorations at Munford Gymnasium, which featured artfully draped jute sacks and succulents as well as displays of the store’s signature mix of Western-themed inventory and curated antiques. 

Entertainment was provided by the On the Floor clogging troupe, who opened the evening with high energy dance routines choreographed to country western songs. The unmistakable opening measures of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” punctuated by the tapping of the dancers’ shoes from the stage, signaled the formal beginning of the evening’s program. On the Floor performed two sets, both before and during the serving of the meal. 

This year, the meal was catered by Sharry Lovan Catering. The menu featured a garden salad, ham and beef brisket with barbecue sauce, potato salad, baked beans, rolls, and a variety of desserts. The food was met with universally glowing reviews. 

John Bailey of Bailey Chevrolet introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Dale Haverstick, who performed irreverent parody songs while accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. After favoring the audience with two songs, Dr. Haverstick moved on to a prop comedy set, before closing with more comedic music. 

Emcee Dr. Marty Spence moved the evening right along to the awards portion and intermittently called out raffle ticket winners. The program ended with very brief closing remarks from Chamber board president, Kim Fredrick.