CALLING ALL QUILTERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, MUSICIANS, VENDORS AND SPONSORS!

GET READY TO JOIN THE CROWDS AT THIS YEAR’S BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL ON JULY 21, 2012

It’s become a summer destination for Springfield and the surrounding area. This year’s Friends of the Garden Butterfly Festival, scheduled for July 21 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., at the Springfield Botanical Gardens in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, promises to be one of the best in four years, said Butterfly Festival chair Cindy Willis.

An estimated 4,000 people are expected to attend the free event that features the popular Bill Roston Native Butterfly House. “We have several contests and events that take some advance planning, so we need to get the word out early,” said Willis.

New this year is a “Call for Bands” to perform at the Festival. All musical genres are welcome, but the material must be appropriate for a family event and a one-hour performance. “Performers will not be compensated,” said Willis, “but will be publicized in promotional materials and will have the opportunity to perform for a great and diverse crowd.” A CD with music samples or a DVD of the performance must be submitted, together with contact information, a photo and brief band bio. The deadline is May 25.  Mail your entry to Friends of the Garden, attn. Kathleen Thompson, P.O. Box 8566, Springfield MO 65801. For more information, contact Thompson at 417.299.0677 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The return of two contests focus on quilters and photographers.

•  Share your love of nature and showcase your sewing skills in the Butterfly Quilt Block Contest hosted by the Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild.  Twelve-inch-square quilt blocks must have a butterfly or moth theme. Entries will be displayed at the Botanical Center and winners will be announced during the event. Deadline for entries is June 30.  For more information or to enter the contest, contact Janice Woodring at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 417.827.9729.
•  The Nature in the Park Photo Contest, hosted by the Southwest Missouri Camera Club and sponsored by Black River Imaging, Lawrence Photo, Mpix, National Art Shop and TCI Graphics, features adult and youth competitions. Photos must be taken in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park including the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. Entries will be displayed at the Botanical Center and winners of more than $500 in cash and prizes will be announced at the Butterfly Festival. For details, visit swmocameraclub.org.

The Friends of the Garden is also soliciting vendors and tax-deductible sponsorships at several levels. In-kind donations are also welcome. She will be glad to send you a packet of information. Call her at 417.368.2113 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .