Community Calendar

The 3rd annual Family Fun Fest at Fordland City Park will be held May 10 from 9 am to 3 pm with performances from The Finley River Boys, The Creek Rocks, The Bridgestones and TruNorth Movement. The event will also include vendors, food, games, Show-Me Jeepers, Wheelchair Mini-Golf, and Snake Lady Exotics.

The Sierra Club will host a a service outing to Shepherd of the Hills State Park - a new, not yet opened park - to count invertebrates and collect native plants.

The Rountree Council for Preservation will host a Historic Homes Tour May 9 and 10 with a self-guided tour of homes and gardens of Springfield's Historic Rountree Neighborhood.

Friday, May 9 will feature live music, local makers, and timeless neighborhood charm. Saturday, May 10 will offer the full tour, exploring the architecture, character, and stories that make Rountree unique.

Native aquatic plants provide benefits for humans and wildlife.

People can learn about Missouri’s native aquatic plants and the important roles they play for wildlife and humans on May 10 at the “Aquatics: Aquatic Plant Hike” event at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center. This program will be from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. It will consist of a short walk that will showcase some of the native aquatic plants that grow near the education center. The Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center is located at 483 Hatchery Road in Branson and is adjacent to MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. People can register for the May 10 program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/208061

During the hike, MDC Naturalist Carly Robbs will discuss how aquatic plants can filter sediment and contaminants from water. Their root systems can provide habitat for fish and other underwater organisms while, above the water line, these plants can provide habitat for pollinating insects, birds, and other wildlife. People should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes that can get wet.

People can stay informed about upcoming programs at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins from the Shepherd of the Hills Center. People wanting information about how to sign up for social media notifications or who want information about upcoming events can call 417-334-4865, ext. 0.

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center will host a Mother's Day Tea May 10 with drinks and dishes made with wild edible plants. Naturalist Jordi Raos will give a presentation followed by a short garden walk and a craft. (Mother not required to attend.)

All ages. Seating is limited and registration is required.

Adults are invited to attend Collection Connection with the Springfield Art Museum at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 Brentwood Blvd.

Delve into pieces from the Springfield Art Museum's Permanent Collection. Oddities and Curiosities. Springfield Art Museum Curator of Art Sarah Buhr will share stories and details about the oddities in the Springfield Art Museum's collection. With nearly 100 years of history, the museum houses many unusual items, including hair wreaths, forks and spoons, dolls and spectacles. Buhr will explore how these objects came to be part of the collection and invite an open discussion about their significance to the community.

For more information on this free program call 417-883-1974.

The Springfield Vegan Chef Challenge will be held during the month of May with a celebration of new vegan dishes across town. Businesses across the area will showcase special vegan menu items, giving everyone the opportunity to explore creative plant-based dishes crafted by talented local chefs.

🗓 How It Works:
- Visit participating restaurants throughout Springfield
- Try their exclusive vegan offerings
- Share your experience—vote, comment, post photos of your favorite meals, and tag us at @veganchefchallengeMW

This event is open to everyone—not just vegans.

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and Disney film that was produced by Howard Ashman and John Musker and written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Disney's The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

RUNTIME: Approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes, including one-fifteen minute intermission
RATING: G, suitable for all audiences
LOCATION: The Landers Theatre

TICKET PRICES
ADULTS $17.00 - $40.00
SENIORS (62+)/ STUDENT /MILITARY $17.00 - $40.00
CHILDREN (ages 12 and under) $17.00 - $40.00
For special pricing for groups of 10+ visit our Group Sales page.
+$5 per ticket processing fee
+$3 per order Landers Theatre Historic Building Preservation fee
+$2 per order Springfield Little Theatre Endowment Fund

Whether your interest is bow-hunting or recreational target shooting, archery is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

People can learn more about the fundamentals of archery and how these skills can be enjoyed by family members of all ages on May 11 at a free clinic at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. The clinic, “Learning Archery: Family Archery” will be 3-4:30 p.m. and will include classroom and hands-on shooting opportunities. The event is open to all ages, but it’s designed for families. The Dalton Range is located near Ash Grove at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61.

Topics that will be covered in the course by MDC Assistant Outdoor Education Center Manager Steve Govero will include shooting fundamentals and safety. Archery equipment for the hands-on portion of the workshop will be provided by Dalton Range staff. People can register for this event at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/204211

People can find out about other upcoming programs at the Andy Dalton Range by calling 417-742-4361. Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/revents.

The Springfield Vegan Chef Challenge will be held during the month of May with a celebration of new vegan dishes across town. Businesses across the area will showcase special vegan menu items, giving everyone the opportunity to explore creative plant-based dishes crafted by talented local chefs.

🗓 How It Works:
- Visit participating restaurants throughout Springfield
- Try their exclusive vegan offerings
- Share your experience—vote, comment, post photos of your favorite meals, and tag us at @veganchefchallengeMW

This event is open to everyone—not just vegans.