Heard on the Street

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CINCO DE MAYO|ret||ret||tab|

After attending ArtsFest May 5, visitors to center city can keep the party rolling with the DDEC.net Cinco De Mayo celebration. The Mexican Independence Day celebration takes place in 15 locations downtown, and DDEC.net suggests beach attire for enjoying authentic Mexican food and music at the Beach Fiesta. ArtsFest 2001 runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 5 and 6 on Walnut Street between National Avenue and John Q. Hammons Parkway. Spectators can start at ArtsFest May 5 and end up at Harpo's for a grande happy hour 6:30-8 p.m. that includes complimentary Mexican snacks, according to Greg Abel, DDEC.net marketing director. |ret||ret||tab|

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WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE|ret||ret||tab|

Already 200 people have purchased charter memberships to the Wonders of Wildlife, the American National Fish and Wildlife Museum, according to Vickie Hicks, public relations development coordinator. Membership packages starting at $25 are available for individuals, couples, families and a special package just for grandparents. The museum, set to open in November, will offer charter memberships until November 2002, she said. Another 300 to 400 informational packets have been sent out, too, Hicks added. Early members will get sneak previews of the 91,000-square-foot facility during construction, according to Mick Denniston, vice president of marketing and development. Charter members will receive unlimited annual visits, special discounts and a special window magnet for members' cars. For more information, call the museum at 417-890-9453 or check the Web site at |bold_on|www.wondersofwildlife.org.|ret||ret||tab|

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FAST SPRINGFIELD FACTS|ret||ret||tab|

Springfield has been recognized nationally in many ways, according to a Springfield Business and Development Corporation news release. It was recognized as:|ret||ret||tab|

A Five-Star Community for Quality of Life by Expansion Management Magazine in November 2000;|ret||ret||tab|

One of the 40 best smaller metropolitan areas for starting and growing a business by Cognetics Inc. and Inc. Magazine in December 2000;|ret||ret||tab|

One of the top 12 Midwest cities for high-tech jobs by CorpTech, Technology Industry Growth Forecaster in 1999;|ret||ret||tab|

One of the top 25 cities for increased export sales from 1997 to 1998, by the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration in December 1999;|ret||ret||tab|

One of the top 20 of America's Best Cities for Women by Ladies Home Journal in February 2000.|ret||ret||tab|

One of the hottest 50 cities for business relocation and expansion by Expansion Management Magazine in 1999.|ret||ret||tab|

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ON THE BALL|ret||ret||tab|

True golfers never need a reason to golf, but give them a worthy cause and they show up in droves. This spring, there are plenty of causes and tourneys to choose from. For instance, the second annual Sertoma Golf Tournament will be held May 11 at Deer Lake Golf Course. It will be a two-person scramble with all proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs Inc. The cost is $70 per person, including a noon lunch and the 1:30 p.m. tourney. For more information call Sean Crayton at 417-881-6623 or 417-581-3842. Additionally, the third annual golf tournament to benefit Springfield Workshop Inc. will be May 14 at Highland Springs Country Club. The $250 registration per golfer includes lunch, dinner for two, more than $100 in prizes and the chance to win a 2001 Vincel Buick. Proceeds will benefit employees with disabilities. For more information call Sue Marshall at 417-866-2339.|ret||ret||tab|

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SLICE OF NICE|ret||ret||tab|

The 16th annual Benefit Buddy Bass Tournament will be held May 5 at What's Up Dock Marina, Highway 13 Boat Dock on Table Rock Lake in Kimberling City. Conducted by the Missouri Lakes Bass Club, the event benefits the Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks here. Sponsored by McDonald's of the Ozarks, Sport Boats USA and Ranger Boats, the tournament offers a $15,000 cash purse paying 20 places, including a $1,000 top prize. The entry fee is $10 per two-person team. At the 4:30 p.m. weigh-in ceremony, a drawing will be held for a Ranger Sport R73 Boat and Trailer contributed by Sport Boats USA and Ranger boats. Proceeds are expected to exceed $40,000. Registration by mail is available by calling the Ronald McDonald House at 417-886-0225 or by e-mailing at DebbieRMH@-aol.com. Participants may register in person 4-7 p.m. May 4 at the Kimberling Inn Resort and Conference Center or 5-7 a.m. May 5 at the Highway 13 Campground pavilion.[[In-content Ad]]