The George D Hay Society Annual Hall of Honor and Induction of Stars and Awards

The George D Hay Society of West Plains will hold their 15th Annual Hall of Honor and Induction of Stars and Awards on Saturday, August 21, at the Star Theatre in Willow Springs, MO beginning at 5 PM.

Eric Lewis, the founder and CEO, will have his band New Kentucky Colonels perform a pre show followed by the awards. Inductees for 2021 are Mark Jones (Grandpa Jones's son) from Mountain View, Ark, Carolina Rose (Bill Monroe's daughter) South Carolina, and New Heart Quartet in Missouri and Arkansas. The Ozarks Cabin Award to commemorate the cabin at Old Town, MO, where Hay got his inspiration for the Grand Ole Opry in 1919 and the three musicians that played there will be given to Clarence and Mary Ann Crider of Summersville, MO, Ed McKinney, West Plains, Doug Bean, Caulfield, MO, Cliff Wright, Batesville, Ark, Entertainer of the Year is New Kentucky Colonels. The Heritage Award goes to Richie and Carolyn DeMent, Centerville, MO, Tina Anderson, Gainesville, MO, Brian Blankinship, Thayer, MO, Barbara Williams, West Plains.Songwriter of the year is Kathryn Adams, Nashville, TN, Bluegrass Promoter of the Year and the Mr Hay Portrayer award will go to Bill Knowlton, New York. The Excellence in Service award goes to society president Fred McKinney, West Plains.

Bill Knowlton will be there to play Mr Hay at the program.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. A weather radio donated by Howell Oregon Electric Cooperative will be raffled off. Tickets are $5 each or 6/$25. The drawing will be at the ceremony. For information, call 417-293-3367