More than 24 faith groups will come together for the 2^nd annual Ozarks Festival of Faiths on March 2, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at University Heights Baptist Church, 1010 S. National in Springfield.

A variety of faiths will be represented, including Christian denominations. Also participating are Buddhist, Hindu, Bahai, Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Unitarian and Native American groups.

Organized by the Have Faith Initiative and the Interfaith Alliance of the Ozarks, the event is free and open to the public.

Bearing the theme of “Doing good together,” the Ozarks Festival of Faiths will feature a Community Connection room, Meditation room, Children’s Activity center, Interfaith performances emceed by Chris and Kevin from 98.7 The Dove, faith displays, non-profit displays and a candlelight vigil with the mayor.

Faith groups will display information about their beliefs as well as how they are serving and lifting our community. Non-profits have been invited and the community is encouraged to sign-up to volunteer somewhere in the community to assist in “Doing good together.” An outreach community collection for the Springfield School District will be held throughout the month of February. Items can be brought to the festival on March 2 to help fill a school bus with their needs. Items will go back to various schools in the district to assist with their efforts in helping students. A list of items can be found at www.havefaithinitiative.org.

“In an effort to combat divisiveness and polarity, The Have Faith Initiative and the Interfaith Alliance have partnered to bring the Ozarks together,” said Carpenter. “This is a celebration of faith and unity. As we come together, let us focus on working side by side to assist with bettering our community. In 2024 we will be working with the city and nonprofits to tackle some of the city's biggest issues of mental health and the underserved.”