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They add more brick work to the top recently. Looking good! #downtownsgf #heers #heersbuilding #heersluxuryliving #openjeep #topless #driving #jeep #jk #clouds (at Heers Luxury Living)

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Congratulations to Hammons Field, the 2013 Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Double-A Field of the Year.Congratulations to Hammons Field, 2013

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Premier Baseball Championships in Springfield through July 1

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Some of the best young baseball players in the United States are competing in the Ozarks through July 1 for the Premier Baseball Incoming Freshman Championship.

Thirty teams are involved in the event with teams hailing from Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Texas and Wisconsin.  Seven local teams are participating, including four Midwest Nationals teams along with the Willard Tigers, SW MO Braves and Southwest Rawhide. Premier Baseball has partnered with the Springfield Sports Commission and Convention & Visitors Bureau to bring about 1,000 people to Springfield, including fans, families and players.

Lance Kettering, executive director of the Springfield Sports Commission said he’s pleased Premier Baseball continues coming to Springfield for the events.

“We are excited to host multiple Premier Baseball Championships once again in 2013,” Kettering said. “We have some great community partners and host facilities that make this event a success.”

Teams will play a minimum of six games and the tournament will conclude with championship bracket play July 1 at Meador Park. The games are open to the public.

Single, daily admission for all venues can be purchased for $6. Discounts are offered for senior citizens and students.

Facilities in the Premier Baseball Freshman Championship are:

Southwest Baptist University

Evangel University

Meador Park

Willard High School

Marshfield High School

Hollister High School

Forsyth High School

Springfield also will be hosting the Premier Baseball Senior Championship in the Springfield area July 9-14.

Premier Baseball is an alliance of 25 amateur baseball organizations across the United States and Canada. Players typically range from ages 15-18. Premier Baseball alumni include MLB players such as: Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, Lance Berkman and Josh Beckett.

For more information about Premier Baseball, tournament results and schedule, visit www.premierbaseball.net.

People attending amateur sports events in Springfield spend an average of $100 per person per day. All the teams are staying at Springfield hotels during the six-day tournament.

To learn more about other tournaments and events brought to Springfield by the Springfield Sports Commission and Convention & Visitors Bureau, call 417-881-5300 or 800-678-8767 or visit www.springfieldmosports.org and www.springfieldmo.org. The Springfield Sports Commission is a nonprofit organization that enhances quality of life and stimulates positive economic growth for our community by promoting and developing the Springfield area as a sports venue. The Convention & Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the local economy through growth in tourism.

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Learn About Civil War Artillery at Battlefield July 6

Artillery in the Civil War will be the theme of living history programs hosted at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Saturday July 6, 2013.  According to Supt.Ted Hillmer, “If you are new to the Springfield area, a long-time resident, or haven’t visited the battlefield in a while, this event will be worth attending for everyone.  Come experience your local National battlefield and learn about the history of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.” 

Firing demonstrations are scheduled hourly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at tour stop 5.  During the demonstrations, visitors will be able to learn about the role of artillery at the battle, see cannon drill and experience a Civil War cannon being fired.   Additional artillery demonstrations are scheduled on July 22 and the weekend of August 10 and 11. 

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first battle west of the Mississippi River.  Fought on August 10, 1861, the battle was fought over control of Missouri during the first year of the Civil War.  The battlefield is located 10 miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri at the intersection of State Highway ZZ and Farm Road 182.  For additional information, call 417-732-2662.

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If you’re looking for some old-fashioned family fun this 4th of July, the Midtown Historic District is the place for you.

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Springfield Offers Fun Indoors, Outdoors and Underground

By Stephen Foutes, Communications Manager, Missouri Division of Tourism

As Missouri’s third-largest city, Springfield offers guests a variety of reasons to visit.

You can catch a class AA Springfield Cardinals baseball game at Hammons Field, shop the “Granddaddy of all outdoors stores” at Bass Pro and experience unique Missouri flavors at places such as Askinosie Chocolate and Mother’s Brewing Company.

But that’s just the beginning of a Springfield adventure.

Click here to read more.

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Baseball, Freebies and Fun Await at Hammons Field

Are you ready for some baseball? How about some freebies and lots of affordable family fun?

You'll get all that and more at a Springfield Cardinals AA baseball game at Hammons Field in Springfield.

Each year, the stadium runs a series of promotions offering special activities and giveaways*. 

Here's what's planned in July:

July 5 - Fireworks featuring TV Show Theme Songs

July 6 - Coca-Cola Texas League Championship Red Cap Giveaway

July 7 - Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sundays and Kids Run the Bases

July 14 - Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sundays, Kids Run the Bases, Pink the Park, Rick's Automotive Pink Bag Giveway

July 16 - Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day, St. Louis Cardinals 2006 World Championship Replica Ring Giveaway

July 23 - Great southern Bank $1 Dog Day

July 25 - Christmas in July, Great Southern Bank Texas League Championship Trophy Snow Globe, Johnsonville "Buck a Brat" Night, Missouri Lottery Baseball Bingo

July 26 - Fireworks featuring Classic Rock Music

July 27 - DSGO Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, Hiland Dairy Texas League Championship Ceramic Ice Cream/Cereal Bowl Giveaway

July 28 - Cline Dental Stan Musial Statue Giveaway, Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Sundays, Kids Run the Bases

For more information, visit www.SpringfieldCardinals.com. To learn more about other things to see and do in Springfield, visit www.SpringfieldMo.org or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767 or 417-881-5300.

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Lemon Berry Marscarpone Cake a Hidden Delight at Tea Room

Light and airy cake with marscarpone between the layers. Lemony yet sweet. Filled with berries and served with a dollop of whipped cream. Pretty to look at and downright delicious! That's the Lemon Berry Marscarpone Cake at Relics Antique Mall & Tea Room in Springfield.

You'll get a generous portion of this delightful dessert when you order it, but there's a catch. It's not on the menu even though it's almost always available. You'll have to ask for it. 

The Lemon Berry Marscarpone Cake is the first in a series of off-the-menu items we'll be bringing you in the coming weeks and months. That's right, we're letting you in on secret menu items offered by some of the city's restaurants. You'll be delighted and surprised by what you can get when you know to ask for it.

Delight and surprise were certainly the experience with the Lemon Berry Marscarpone Cake that followed a lunch consisting of a chicken salad sandwich on a fresh croissant, salad with dill dressing and a glass of apricot tea. It was satisfying and tasty but not overfilling, even with a huge slice of cake to top it off.

Relics Antique Mall & Tea Room, 2015 W. Battlefield Road, is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Tea room hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-3 p.m. Sunday. 

If you know of an off-the-menu item at a local restaurant, please let us know. Send an email to news@springfieldmo.org.

To learn about other Springfield dining options, visit www.SpringfieldMo.org or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767 or 417-881-5300.

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Park Board Plans July 4th Fun in Springfield

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Discovery Center Receives Grant for WorldWise Gallery

Bank of America awarded Discovery Center a $7500.00 grant for this year to continue to add and enhance the WorldWise Gallery.  Funds from this grant will assist with acquisition of culturally accurate, museum quality interactive objects and visual resources which are foundational to the ongoing success of the gallery to help engage and encourage visitors to learn more about ethnic diversity, how their daily lives compare and contrast with the rest of the world, and how their lives are impacted by global diversity.  

Discovery Center's WorldWise Gallery opened in 2007 with programs and exhibits to help people in southwest Missouri expand their horizons,appreciation and understanding of the similarities and differences that exist in our global society. The exhibits and programs are important to

creating awareness, cross cultural and generational conversations around diversity and inclusion.

  The WorldWise exhibit kiosks currently represent six countries. These include Mexico, Lake Chad Region of Africa, Netherlands, China, Japan and Peru. This gallery combines 5 themes of geography with cultural understanding, art, history and language to our visitors. The WorldWise exhibits and programs utilize culturally accurate representations of a variety of objects across several different countries from around the world so that visitors can compare and contrast similar items such as food, clothing, musical instruments, games, folktales, etc.

  Since opening our doors in January of 1998, Discovery Center has had a long history as a leader in the region for providing unique and engaging educational experiences that are unavailable in the normal classroom setting or by other community resources. We strive to strengthen our visitors'

knowledge base, spur their interest and provide challenging experiences that ultimately build excitement to inspire them to want to learn more.

[springfieldmo-blog]

Greek Festival Set for Sept. 6-8 in Springfield

The sixth annual Greek Festival will be held Friday through Sunday, September 6-8, 2013, rain or shine, on the grounds of St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church. The Festival, which benefits the Orthodox Christian church located at 4200 S. Holiday Ave., will be open on Friday from 5 until 10 p.m., Saturday from noon until 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Enjoy Greek entrees, beverages and desserts under the tents to the mesmerizing rhythms of traditional music from the mainland and the islands. Join in as church members demonstrate the native dances of Greece.  The three-day event will also include brief overviews of the Orthodox faith by parish priest Father Andrew Moore in the church sanctuary.

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Take a Virtual Ride on Outlaw Run!

Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, a top vacation destination for families, launches its summer season with one of the world's top rides as its centerpiece. One of the hottest thrill rides among the new ride offerings worldwide is the park's new $10 million coaster Outlaw Run, a record-breaking wood coaster that has gathered national and international news coverage since its spring opening. The interest is expected to grow as summer travelers seek out this year's top thrills, park managers say.

Justin Garvanovic, founder of the European Coaster Club and editor of First Drop magazine, traveled to Branson from England to ride Outlaw Run. Garvanovic, who has ridden over 1500 coasters in 30 countries, said he was "blown away." "There's nothing like it anywhere. For Silver Dollar City to build a ride of this magnitude, and to put not one inversion in it, but three, has really caused a massive stir in the ride world," he said. "It's stratospheric."

With its attributes as the world's first and only double barrel roll on a wood coaster, the only wood coaster to twist upside down with a record-breaking three inversions, the world's steepest drop on a wood coaster at 81 degrees; and the second fastest wood coaster in the world with a top speed of 68 miles per hour, Outlaw Run offers a new level of wood coaster thrills. The park collaborated with Idaho-based Rocky Mountain Construction on the innovative engineering, design and construction of the ride.

American Coaster Enthusiasts member and Amusement Today writer Tim Baldwin came from Texas for an event focused on Outlaw Run. "It's phenomenal -- coaster perfection," said Baldwin, who has logged nearly 1,000 coasters. "With the number of coasters I've ridden, it is hard to dazzle me. I remember hitting the brake run, just screaming 'Wow!' That's the sign of a totally amazing ride. Just watch any trainload of riders return to the station. It's coaster euphoria."

Outlaw Run is expected to draw 80,000 additional visitors to Silver Dollar City this year. The 1880s-style theme park features more than 30 rides and attractions, award-winning festivals and entertainment, and an authentic colony of demonstrating craftsmen. The park is the number one attraction in the family vacation destination of Branson.

Silver Dollar City is open daily through the summer, adding extended park hours and night rides on Outlaw RunJuly 20 - August 4. For information: 800-831-4FUN(386) or www.silverdollarcity.com.

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Winery Plans Chili Cook-off Benefit on Sept. 8

This event will benefit the Walnut Grove Food Back Pack For Kids Program. This program is administrated by the Walnut Grove Ministerial Alliance a 503(c) non-profit. The program purchases food at wholesale with the help of area grocers and the food packs are put together by volunteers from the local churches and distributed by the Walnut Grove School based upon need. All Cook-off proceeds go to the project. Donations are tax deductible.

Entry fee for each team is $30

People’s Choice Tasting will be $5 for adults, $3 for 12 to 4, under 3 free.

Competition Turn in at 1:55pm  and People’s Choice tasting starts at 2pm.

Rules, Entry Forms, Schedule and Sponsorship Info are available at http://7cswinery.com/eventlog/chili2013/chili2013.html

In Kind Sponsorships and donations are welcome.

This event coincides with 7C’s Live Music Sunday events – The Blue Grass Band ‘Deep Fried Squirrel’ will be playing from 2pm – 6pm. You are welcome to bring a picnic and the family. NO Alcohol may be brought onto the property – Wine and Beer are available for sale in the Winery Tasting room.

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Springfield Symphony Announces New Conductor

After an intense search, and a season of outstanding auditioning conductors, the Springfield Symphony is excited to announce its new Conductor/Musical Director – Maestro Kyle Wiley Pickett!  Kyle Pickett has been described as a “talented and visionary musician with an impressive track record of orchestra building” and a “charismatic cultural leader in the communities he serves”.  

At the end of the Season, after the evaluations were examined and the scores were tabulated, Dr. Pickett was chosen to be the next Conductor of the Springfield Symphony.  The board would like to extend its thanks to the exceptional finalists, faithful business partners, dedicated audience members and talented musicians for their involvement in the process and for a marvelous season. 

Dr. Pickett reacted to the news of his appointment with enthusiasm and said, ““I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to be the new Music Director and Conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. I had a wonderful time here in March—everyone was so welcoming and enthusiastic and I was thoroughly impressed with the musicians, board members, staff, and community supporters who have helped to make this such a successful organization. I am thrilled and honored to have been asked to lead the SSO into its exciting next new chapter, and my family and I are excited to move to the Midwest in the coming year.  I can’t wait to get to work in this great community and to see you at the Symphony!” 

A native of Los Gatos, California, Kyle Wiley Pickett has been the Music Director and Conductor of the North State Symphony, a professional orchestra composed of the former Redding and Chico Symphonies which Pickett merged in 2001. He has also been the Music Director and Conductor of the Juneau Symphony in Alaska’s capital city for the last 13 years. In April of this year, Pickett was appointed Music Director and Conductor of the Topeka Symphony in Kansas. Pickett’s career as a conductor is a prolific example of energetic dedication to musicians, audiences, and the community.  Regarding the job of a Conductor/Music Director, Pickett said during his interview, “Part of what I enjoy most about conducting is the time I spend studying musical scores.  I feel like that time is my chance to commune with some of the greatest geniuses that have ever lived”.  However, more than a solitary enjoyment of these scores and brilliant music, Pickett loves to get other people excited about music.  He described himself as a musical advocate and believes that one of the most important roles of the Conductor is to guide the audience into the musical journey with the Orchestra.  

Pickett is a graduate of Stanford University and received his doctorate from the Peabody Conservatory of Music.  In addition to orchestral conducting, he has conducted extensively in musical theatre, opera, and ballet, holds a master’s degree in choral conducting, and is an accomplished flutist.  Pickett plans to maintain a joint residency between Springfield and Topeka and his family will reside in Springfield.  His two young sons, Ned (6) and Grant (3) will attend school here and his wife, Alice, who is originally from Iowa, is thrilled to be back in the Midwest. Pickett and his family are also avid waterskiers, and are excited to get out on the lakes in Missouri as soon as possible. 

Come join us for this exciting new Season as we welcome Kyle Pickett and his family to the Springfield Symphony! 

For a 2013-2014 Season Brochure or for Season Tickets, contact the Springfield Symphony Office at 417-864-6683 or by visiting our website: www.springfieldmosymphony.org. 

Dr. Pickett is managed by Tom Parker of Parker Artists, New York, NY.  To learn more about Dr. Pickett, visit www.kylewileypickett.com

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Wine from 7C's Winery Now available at Several Locations

7C’s Winery Wine and Meads are now available at Brown Derby International Wine Center and several other outlets. These include: Macadoodles (Springfield and Branson), Hy-Vee, Mama Jeans in Springfield, Somewhere in Time in Fair Grove, Relics Antique Mall in Mt Vernon and Wine and More in Sedalia.

7C’s Winery has been open four years and production is reaching levels where they can make selected wine and mead available to retail outlets. Owner Dwight Crevelt said, “We have a hard time making Mead fast enough to keep up with the demand – that is a good thing of course” also “We will only put a few wines and meads into distribution, however all wines are available daily at the Winery”

  Bring the family, a picnic and enjoy a day in the country. 7C’s has cold bottles of wine and mead as well as a few select beers available.  In 7C’s Gift Shop there is a selection of cheeses, summer sausages, crackers, soda and water.

  7C’s Winery is located 1.8 miles north of Walnut Grove MO off Hwy 123 on 560th Rd.

The Winery opened 4 years ago and produces wine and mead (wine made from honey). Their motto is “Drink What You Like and Like What You Drink” they offer wines from dry to sweet and everything in between.

  7C’s Winery is one of the few wineries that produce Mead, which is an ancient and medieval drink. In fact in medieval times “a new married couple would be given a moon’s worth (month) of honey wine to ensure offspring – hence the term ‘Honeymoon’”.

  More information on the winery and their events is listed on their website www.7cswinery.com and their facebook page www.facebook.com/7cswinery. Phone 417-788-2263

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Free Movies at Park: Fridays & Saturdays July 5- Aug. 24

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Tickets on Sale for Fireworks at the Field