CVB: Hunting, antiques among May attractions

The tourist season is under way in the Ozarks and several events are planned during May to entertain those who visit and live in the Springfield area.

"The variety of activities available in Springfield ranges from fine arts to agricultural events and from baseball to hot rods," said Tracy Kimberlin, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Here's a sample of events scheduled for May:

May 1-6 Boone & Crockett Club will have its 24th North American Big Game Awards. The trophy display is scheduled for May 9-June 15 at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World warehouse facilities. More than 3,200 entries have been received for the event.

May 3-6 "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is a must-see at the Vandivort Center Theatre.

May 5-6 ArtsFest on Walnut Street will be a crowd-pleaser as the visual and performing arts are celebrated. A new event this year is Arf-Fest featuring a mini-parade of pet owners and their dogs and other canine contests.

May 5-6 Don't miss the 4-Wheel Drive Jamboree at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

May 6 The Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour 2001 will showcase hundreds of hot rods at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.

May 12 An Antiques Appraisal Fair at the Springfield-Greene County History Museum will be an opportunity for people to find out if their family heirlooms are trash or treasures.

May 12 The Rabbit Breeders Show and High Plains Paso Fino Horse Show will be at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

May 12 The Greater Ozarks Doll & Toy Show and Sale will draw hundreds of toy lovers to University Plaza Trade Center.

May 13 Mother's Day at the Zoo is a popular annual event at Dickerson Park Zoo.

May 19 The Springfield Ballet offers"Coppelia," at the Landers Theatre.

May 23-30 The Springfield/Ozark Mountain Ducks first home games are at Price Cutter Park.

May 25-27 The National Street Rod Association's Mid-America Street Rod Nationals will bring hundreds to Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. More than 2,000 pre-1949 street rods are expected for this event.

Besides events that are open to the public, the city will be host to hundreds of people attending conventions this summer. They include Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Missouri Funeral Directors Association, National Association of Postmasters of the United States, Professional Secretaries International, Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education and more.

Also coming up is the U.S. Youth Soccer Association Regional II Championship tournament June 20-27, expected to bring more than 15,000 people to the city.

For more information about these and other events in Springfield, call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 417-881-5300 or visit the bureau's Web site at www.SpringfieldAdventures.com.

(Susan Wade is public relations manager for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.)