West Plains, MO. – Eclipse events will be coming up next week; with one major part of West Plains’ “Party in the Path” celebration being the Sunshine Festival. With the Budweiser Clydesdales, many vendors, the Journey Stagecoach crew, music, and more, we thought it best to provide you this update from Explore West Plains on activities surrounding the Sunshine Festival.
A “Sunshine Festival” is set for Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center. It will be centered on the east side of the building where the Budweiser Clydesdales will also be stabled and available for viewing by the public free of charge, courtesy of Great Rivers Distributing Company.
For the festival, there will be vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, and music along with other activities in and around the civic center, including a Kiwanis pancake breakfast in the Exhibit Hall from 9-11 a.m.
Activities that are free to attend include: the Journey Stagecoach display on the west lawn circle drive; the “Sky High: Eclipse & More” Art Exhibit hosted by the West Plains Council on the Arts on the mezzanine; a West Plains Model Railroad Club train display in the Redbud Room; and live music on the east lawn, all from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The music schedule includes performances by Robin and Tony Logue, 10-11 a.m.; Tara Nickole and Blayd Law, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Chasing the Apocalypse, 1:30-3 p.m.; and Native Souls, 3:30-5 p.m.
Other downtown activities on April 6 include the Saturday Art Stroll around Court Square, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; “Dark Sky + Yellow House” art activities and music at the Yellow House, noon to 7 p.m.; and the Neon Parade which begins at 7:30 p.m. on West Main and will continue around the south side of the Square to disband on East Main at St. Louis Street.
Following the parade, at 8:30 p.m. will be entertainment at three Washington Avenue venues: Nashville Showcase Writers Round live music, KC’s Sports Bistro; Path of the Moon Shadow live music, Below Grade (under the West Plains Bike Shop); and The Rising Star Revue variety show at the Avenue Theatre.
“We also want to remind everyone that there will be increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic downtown and throughout the area during the upcoming celebration. Please use extreme caution and be extra vigilant while driving anywhere crowds have gathered. Many people will not be familiar with our town, and they could be distracted to the point of making decisions that are not safe.”
While the activities listed are all part of the “Party in the Path” to celebrate the April 8 total solar eclipse in West Plains, not all are sponsored by the Total Solar Eclipse Task Force, and some could be subject to change.
To find out more about what will be happening April 2-8, like and follow “Explore West Plains” and “Eclipse West Plains” on Facebook and or visit explorewestplains.com/tse/. For other information, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center at tourism@westplains.gov or 417-256-8835.
