Saturday, April 27, was a fun day in downtown Forsyth at the annual Spring Fling. Community residents and friends enjoyed visiting dozens of vendors, chatting with local nonprofits and service organizations, meeting first responders and community leaders, and listening to live music, along with several competitions including a car show. Even the weather was favorable, with a pleasant Saturday sandwiched in between stormy days.
Some competitions were new to the festival this year. In the Art Battle, sponsored by the Taney County Shrine Club, adult and children’s divisions were given a 20-minute time limit, using provided supplies, to paint a picture. An appreciative audience enjoyed seeing a variety of picture subjects and some very impressive work.
Also new this year was the IronClad Classic of the Ozarks Strongman Competition, hosted by the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge #2597 and organized by Jeff and Andrea McCotter. Following up on the successful introduction of the Highland Games at the Harvest Moon Festival last fall, male and female athletes gathered to test their skills with Atlas Stones ranging 65 to 300 pounds, Tire Flip, Farmer’s Walk, Sandbags, and Overhead Log Press. As with the Highland Games, this year’s competition was an introductory one and new for the community, but next year’s festival will be an officially sanctioned event, meaning points can be earned toward national and international competition. To learn more, email ozarksstrongman@gmail.com. “Our Lodge wanted to bring something new and exciting to the area and to Spring Fling,” said Andrea McCotter. “We will be adding several new events to the competition next year as well.”
The first Spring Fling pie-baking contest was also a success, with 12 contestants vying for some great locally donated prizes. It was a tough decision, but the winners were Courtney Stufft, first place and winner of a fire pit donated by Country Mart; Verna Harris, second place and winner of a Casey’s gift card; and Christal Valbracht, third place and winner of a gift card to Chappy’s Diner.
Once the judges completed their tasting (someone has to do it!), slices of the pies were available for purchase, with everyone agreeing they were all delicious!
The Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce thanks all those who participated or sponsored this year’s Spring Fling, and the community is already looking ahead to next fall’s Harvest Moon. Follow the Chamber Facebook page to stay up to date as well as to see some great festival photos.