This week’s MAIN EVENT offers a chance to see kayaks, cars and bulls and as Downtown Poplar Bluff hosts multiple events.
Ozarkana, a Kayak Adventure Series event, kicks off Thursday and will run through Saturday.
These events offer anglers a chance to explore new regions and new waters in a competitive format, according to organizers, who chose Poplar Bluff as a host city this year.
Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Haffy’s Sports Bar & Grill. The event includes speakers during the day on Friday at Haff Whiskey Saloon.
Participants will take to local waters throughout the weekend, competing for various prizes.
A closing festival and ceremony will take place Saturday. A festival with games, food and kayak demonstrations will be held from 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday at Haffy’s Sports Bar & Grill, followed by an awards show at 6 p.m. at Rodgers Theatre. More information can be found at kayakadventureseries.com/poplar-bluff.
The Downtown Cruise in will be also be from 5-9 p.m. Friday on Vine Street, where vehicles new and old will be on display.
Ray Clinton Park will additional host Bullfest on Saturday, with the Hometown Throwdown taking place at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Butler County Fair Board, this event offers open barrels, calf riding, bull riding and more. Tickets are $15, with children aged 5 and under free.
Upcoming events include:
— Ladies Day Out, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 11 WHERE First Church of God, Poplar Bluff COST Free WHAT Hosted by John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, this event will include a keynote speaker, lunch and breakout sessions.
— Goodness Snakes! 10 a.m. an 1 p.m. July 11. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT A children’s program from the Missouri Department of Conservation about Missouri snakes and their habitats. Brought to you in partnership by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Highlands Health Care.
— Downtown Cruise In, 5-9 p.m. July 12 WHERE Vine Street COST Free WHAT A monthly cruise in. Everyone welcome.
— Get Ready, SWIM, 7-9 p.m. July 12 WHERE Black River Coliseum Aquatic and Fitness Center COST $8 WHAT Hosted by Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland, this is open to girls of all ages.
— 2024 Grille It Up, July 12-13. WHERE 500 Fairground Dr., Dexter. COST Free admission. WHAT Dexter Parks and Recreation’s annual Grille It Up features two days of food truck, snack vendors, craft vendors, event vendors, bounce houses and music entertainment. Events include mud volleyball, a cook-off competition and car show. More information is available on the Dexter Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
— Eagles of North America by Dickerson Park Zoo, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 13. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Main Branch. COST Free, but seating is limited. WHAT Don’t miss this chance to see the bald eagle, up close and personal! This educational program from Dickerson Park Zoo features our National Symbol, the bald eagle and golden eagle. Find out what factors contributed to the demise of the bald eagle population and what conservation efforts worked to remove the bald eagle from the endangered species list.
— Ozarkana, closing ceremonies/events, 3-11 p.m. July 13 WHERE Downtown Poplar Bluff WHAT Part of Kayak Adventure Series by Old Town Sportsman, Poplar Bluff is hosting the closing ceremonies of Ozarkana in Downtown Poplar Bluff. A festival with games, kayak demonstrations and food will be held from 3-5:30 p.m. at Haffy’s Sports Bar & Grill, which will also host the closing ceremonies afterparty from 7L30-11 p.m. The awards show will be at 6 p.m. at Rodgers Theatre.
— Hometown Throwdown Bullfest, 7:30 p.m. July 13 WHERE Ray Clinton Park COST $15, children 5 and under free WHAT Hosted by the Butler County Fair Board and Chalk Bluff Rodeo Company, this event will includes multiple categories, including calf riding, open barrels, bull riding and steer riding.
— Silver Screen Sunday, 2 p.m. July 14. WHERE The Rodgers Theatre COST Free WHAT Downtown’s historic theater will show “A Face in the Crowd,” a locally-filmed movie featuring area high school bands as extras.
— Kid’s Crafting: Learn to Embroider! 1 p.m. July 16. COST Free. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Main Branch. WHAT Kids will learn basic stitches and create an embroidery project. Supplies provided.
— Learn the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, 11 a.m.-noon July 18. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT An educational program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association uncovers the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s including what to watch for in yourself and others.
— Community Focus Group, 5:30-7 p.m. July 19. WHERE Butler County Health Center, downstairs conference room. COST Free, but RSVP requested. WHAT The Butler County Health Department invites community members to a free dinner and focus group where citizens can join the discussion of community health needs. Dinner is 5:30-6 p.m., followed by the focus group. RSVP by calling 573-785-8478.
— Community Baby Shower, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 22. WHERE Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom. COST Free, but please RSVP. WHAT Missouri Highlands Health Care is excited to invite all expectant parents to our Community Baby Shower. The event is first-come, first-serve and attendees will receive baby supplies, including diaper bags and car seats, as long as the supply lasts. RSVP at mohigh.org/event/community-baby-shower/.
— Twilight Movie Marathon, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 24 and 1-3:30 p.m. July 12. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Ridgel Branch. COST Free. WHAT A movie marathon of all five Twilight films over two days. Come for all the movies or just your favorite. Popcorn and water will be provided. Open to grades 7-12. Movies rated PG-13.
— Opry at the Rodgers, 7 p.m. July 27 (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) WHERE The Rodgers Theatre COST $10 per ticket. WHAT The Moonpie Band will headlines this annual country concert.
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