Bear City Festival 2021 A torrential downpour put a stop to the festivities as they had only barely begun. The weather cleared the streets and had vendors seeking what shelter they could under canopies. The rain only lasted for an hour or so, and ardent festival goers and vendors stuck around. Those who stayed were rewarded with sunshine in the afternoon. A blaze of sunshine after the heavy rains of the morning led to a striking rainbow. Pie Contest winners: First - Paula Simandl (pictured), second - Pine Grove House of Prayer. Cake Contest winners: First - Renee Ward, second - Robin Winstead. A special moment at the car show: Linda Conner entered her late husband, Doug Conner’s, Pontiac GTO in his memory. Cornhole Tournament Winners: from L to R: First place-Shane Collins and Will Jett. Second place-Jake Kembel and Andy Johnson. Third place-Devin Holloway and Juston Mickey. The Chamber of Commerce hosted a Shop Local raffle. Winners received a $25 gift certificate to a local business. Raffle winners were: Mary Odle, Frank VanHorn, Debbie Bews, Burd (no last name), and Ariel Crabtree. Winners who were not present will be contacted by the Chamber office. Capping off the afternoon was the 75th Anniversary celebration at Bailey Chevrolet. Pictured is the Chamber of Commerce Board presenting fellow Board member, and owner of Bailey Chevrolet John Bailey, with a plaque acknowledging his 75 years in “beautiful downtown Willow Springs.” Left to right: Kim Rich, Andrea McNew, John Bailey, Jennifer Owens, Tammy Schultz, and Kim Fredrick. Chamber of Commerce President Kim Fredrick with grandson Deklin Campbell. The car show sponsored by Jasper Engines and Transmissions, The Southern Cruisers Car Club and West Plains Car Club drew a crowd of spectators. Ayden and Owen Hensley perform with Sharry Lovan from the grandstand. Once the rain cleared, the streets of downtown Willow Springs filled with people ready to enjoy the food, music, and camaraderie. Marine Corps League #1184 was out selling raffle tickets for two firearms. Pictured left to right are George Myers, Gene Kleparski, and Marty Gorskey. The Spanish Club’s Pastel en la Cara (Pie in the Face) booth finds a customer. Two young girls dance to the bluegrass music in the clearing at the four-way stop. Corbin Odle makes ribbon fries with a handheld drill-powered device. Aubrielle Hall sneaks a snack in the middle of her turn in the face-painting chair. Beverly Blagg won the Blue Ribbon in the Harvest Bounty Contest for her attractive display of fresh ginger. Amanda Mendez (left) of Howell County News presented the award. Brittany Deluna’s BabyCakes Cupcakery was one of the options for sweet goodies on the row of food vendors.