🎉 ZIZZER COMMUNITY HOMECOMING: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 🎉
Got questions about the upcoming Zizzer Community Homecoming? We’ve got answers! Check out everything you need to know below:
📍 Q: What is the date and time of the event?
A: Saturday, September 26! The schedule for the evening includes:
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Cocktail Hour
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Music & Fun
🏢 Q: Where is the event being held?
A: West Plains Civic Center.
🎟️ Q: How much are tickets and how do I purchase them?
A: Tickets are $50 each. You can buy them in person at the WP Civic Center Box Office or online by scanning the QR code on our flyer!
🪑 Q: What if I want to reserve a table?
A: Reserving a table is the best way to ensure you sit with your group! After purchasing your tickets, notify the Civic Center that you’re reserving a table and send a quick confirmation email to the WP Education Foundation.
🏆 Q: If we purchase a table, can we decorate it ourselves?
A: Absolutely! We encourage it—there will even be a trophy awarded for the table with the most Zizzer spirit!
👕 Q: Do we have to dress up?
A: Not at all! Wear whatever Zizzer-wear makes you feel good, whether that’s casual gear or dressed up in red and white.
🤝 Q: What if I want to help sponsor this amazing event?
A: We would love that! Reach out to us directly at wpeducationfoundation@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.
🏫 Q: What does this event benefit?
A: Every penny raised goes directly back into West Plains classrooms through bi-annual teacher grants funded by the WP Education Foundation (“Honoring the past, while investing in the future”).
❤️ Q: What if I’m not a Zizzer alumnus… can I still attend?
A: Absolutely! This community event is for anyone who has Zizzer pride and wants to support the teachers and students of West Plains Schools!
Have more questions? Drop them in the comments below or send us an email at wpeducationfoundation@gmail.com! See you on September 26th!
From organizers: Rock night! We love rock and roll.
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
Art available for viewing during hours meals are served. M-F, 7-9 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Art available for viewing during hours meals are served. M-F, 7-9 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
Art available for viewing during hours meals are served. M-F, 7-9 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Art available for viewing during hours meals are served. M-F, 7-9 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
West Plains Women’s A cappella Community Chorus Rehearsals, Every Tuesday, 7pm to 9pm, First Church of God, 1700 Wayhaven Drive. Women singers always welcome. Get more information at 661-303-8686
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
Art available for viewing during hours meals are served. M-F, 7-9 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Art available for viewing during hours meals are served. M-F, 7-9 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
October 2-3, 2026 | West Plains Downtown
Join us for a brand-new tradition celebrating two of country music’s most iconic names and the hometown legacy that started it all.
Dolly & Porter Days is a two-day festival in Downtown West Plains honoring Country Music Hall of Fame member Porter Wagoner and his legendary partnership with Dolly Parton. Building on the success of the 2025 Dolly & Porter Stroll, this expanded celebration brings music, art, food, family fun, and community together for an unforgettable weekend.
Festival activities include:
• Live gospel, country, Americana, and bluegrass performances
• Hot Dog eating contest
• Local vendors and artisans
• Live music throughout the festival
• The “Rags to Art” fiber arts exhibition inspired by Dolly’s Coat of Many Colors put on by Explore West Plains
• Dolly & Porter costume contests for adults, kids, and pets
• Kids’ Makers Market and family activities
• Dessert bake-off competition
• Food trucks
Porter Wagoner’s story began right here in West Plains before taking him to the Grand Ole Opry, television screens across America, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. His partnership with Dolly Parton helped shape country music history, and this festival celebrates that legacy while showcasing the creativity, hospitality, and culture of the Ozarks. Along with celebrating Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, Dolly & Porter Days will recognize the contributions of Speck Rhodes, the legendary Ozarks entertainer and Porter Wagoner Show regular whose humor and musicianship remain an important part of our region’s country music history.
Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.
Mark your calendars for October 2-3 and join us in West Plains Downtown for a weekend of music, memories, and hometown pride.
Free Admission • Family Friendly • Downtown West Plains
Please verify dates and times for all races. Visit legitspeedway.com or Legit Speedway Park on Facebook for more information.
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
Open every Saturday 9 a.m. t0 1 p.m. and on Wednesdays, seasonally. GO FARM Farmers Market of West Plains on Facebook for more information.
Meet at Johnny Hatchet’s Axe Throwing & Coffee House at 9:15am. Clean-up from 9:30-11:30am. Bring gloves!
October 2-3, 2026 | West Plains Downtown
Join us for a brand-new tradition celebrating two of country music’s most iconic names and the hometown legacy that started it all.
Dolly & Porter Days is a two-day festival in Downtown West Plains honoring Country Music Hall of Fame member Porter Wagoner and his legendary partnership with Dolly Parton. Building on the success of the 2025 Dolly & Porter Stroll, this expanded celebration brings music, art, food, family fun, and community together for an unforgettable weekend.
Festival activities include:
• Live gospel, country, Americana, and bluegrass performances
• Hot Dog eating contest
• Local vendors and artisans
• Live music throughout the festival
• The “Rags to Art” fiber arts exhibition inspired by Dolly’s Coat of Many Colors put on by Explore West Plains
• Dolly & Porter costume contests for adults, kids, and pets
• Kids’ Makers Market and family activities
• Dessert bake-off competition
• Food trucks
Porter Wagoner’s story began right here in West Plains before taking him to the Grand Ole Opry, television screens across America, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. His partnership with Dolly Parton helped shape country music history, and this festival celebrates that legacy while showcasing the creativity, hospitality, and culture of the Ozarks. Along with celebrating Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, Dolly & Porter Days will recognize the contributions of Speck Rhodes, the legendary Ozarks entertainer and Porter Wagoner Show regular whose humor and musicianship remain an important part of our region’s country music history.
Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.
Mark your calendars for October 2-3 and join us in West Plains Downtown for a weekend of music, memories, and hometown pride.
Free Admission • Family Friendly • Downtown West Plains
Please verify dates and times for all races. Visit legitspeedway.com or Legit Speedway Park on Facebook for more information.
From the boots and denim to the music, dancing, laughter and incredible community spirit, last year’s Blue Jean Ball was one to remember! 🤠
And guess what? We’re doing it all again.
📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
📍 Silver Springs Ranch
⏰ 6 p.m.
Pull on your boots and join us for the 13th Annual Blue Jean Ball — a night of fun, fellowship and fundraising in support of the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now: https://givebutter.com/c/blue-jean-ball-2026-mg4rzt
Consider this your sign to start planning your boots-and-denim look.
Music at 7pm
Artist Fee $12
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
West Plains Women’s A cappella Community Chorus Rehearsals, Every Tuesday, 7pm to 9pm, First Church of God, 1700 Wayhaven Drive. Women singers always welcome. Get more information at 661-303-8686
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
Grizzly Athletics to Host College Rodeo
WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) announced that Grizzly Athletics will host a college rodeo in October 2026, marking a significant milestone for the university’s rodeo program.
The event is scheduled for Oct. 8-10, 2026, at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds in West Plains.
The rodeo will provide the first opportunity for the community to see the Grizzly Rodeo team compete on its home ground since the program’s launch in spring 2024.
“Members of the communities we serve have been hoping to see our Grizzly Rodeo student-athletes in action since the announcement of the program,” Rachel Peterson, director of athletics, said. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to host a college rodeo that will bring hundreds of contestants and fans to West Plains.”
The Grizzly Rodeo team, established in 2024, will enter its third season of competition in 2026 as part of the Ozark Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).
Head coach Matt Hughes believes hosting a home rodeo is a major step forward for the program’s visibility and growth.
“I am excited to showcase the MSU-WP college rodeo program on our own dirt,” Hughes said. “Between the excitement this will bring for the program and the economic impact that comes with a college rodeo, this will truly be a special event.”
The Ozark Region includes 18 teams and hosts 10 rodeos annually, featuring competitors from both two-year and four-year institutions. Events include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping, calf roping, steer wrestling, goat tying, barrel racing and breakaway roping.
Regional competitors include Arkansas Tech University, East Mississippi Community College, Missouri Valley College, Murray State University, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Pearl River Community College, Southern Arkansas University, Three Rivers College, the University of Arkansas-Monticello, University of Tennessee-Martin and the University of West Alabama.
Russ Gant, a Grizzly Club Board member, emphasized the collaborative effort behind bringing the rodeo to West Plains and its long-term potential.
“We are excited to bring a college rodeo to our area,” Gant said. “With the partnership between Missouri State-West Plains, the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds and the city of West Plains, particularly its tourism department, we believe we can build this to be an exciting event to last many years.”
The opportunity to host the rodeo reflects the rapid progress of the program and its presence in collegiate rodeo.
“We are proud to have the opportunity to host a college rodeo,” Mulligan said. “It is a sign of how quickly our coaching staff and student-athletes have established themselves. We look forward to seeing our students compete and welcoming visitors from across the region.”
Businesses and corporations interested in advertising opportunities can contact Hughes at MatthewHughes@MissouriState.edu.
On display through October 8 during regular hours of operation of Civic Center.
On display during regular hours of operation of the Civic Center.
Grizzly Athletics to Host College Rodeo
WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) announced that Grizzly Athletics will host a college rodeo in October 2026, marking a significant milestone for the university’s rodeo program.
The event is scheduled for Oct. 8-10, 2026, at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds in West Plains.
The rodeo will provide the first opportunity for the community to see the Grizzly Rodeo team compete on its home ground since the program’s launch in spring 2024.
“Members of the communities we serve have been hoping to see our Grizzly Rodeo student-athletes in action since the announcement of the program,” Rachel Peterson, director of athletics, said. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to host a college rodeo that will bring hundreds of contestants and fans to West Plains.”
The Grizzly Rodeo team, established in 2024, will enter its third season of competition in 2026 as part of the Ozark Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).
Head coach Matt Hughes believes hosting a home rodeo is a major step forward for the program’s visibility and growth.
“I am excited to showcase the MSU-WP college rodeo program on our own dirt,” Hughes said. “Between the excitement this will bring for the program and the economic impact that comes with a college rodeo, this will truly be a special event.”
The Ozark Region includes 18 teams and hosts 10 rodeos annually, featuring competitors from both two-year and four-year institutions. Events include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping, calf roping, steer wrestling, goat tying, barrel racing and breakaway roping.
Regional competitors include Arkansas Tech University, East Mississippi Community College, Missouri Valley College, Murray State University, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Pearl River Community College, Southern Arkansas University, Three Rivers College, the University of Arkansas-Monticello, University of Tennessee-Martin and the University of West Alabama.
Russ Gant, a Grizzly Club Board member, emphasized the collaborative effort behind bringing the rodeo to West Plains and its long-term potential.
“We are excited to bring a college rodeo to our area,” Gant said. “With the partnership between Missouri State-West Plains, the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds and the city of West Plains, particularly its tourism department, we believe we can build this to be an exciting event to last many years.”
The opportunity to host the rodeo reflects the rapid progress of the program and its presence in collegiate rodeo.
“We are proud to have the opportunity to host a college rodeo,” Mulligan said. “It is a sign of how quickly our coaching staff and student-athletes have established themselves. We look forward to seeing our students compete and welcoming visitors from across the region.”
Businesses and corporations interested in advertising opportunities can contact Hughes at MatthewHughes@MissouriState.edu.