October 2022 Events

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Upcoming Events Occurring in Pulaski County, MO

Pulaski County USA Signature Events Notated in Red

October 1st: 8th Annual Frog Hill Half Marathon & 10K Run or walk this half marathon or 10K that starts out down Frog Hill, all finishers get a medal. Complete the Leapfrog 5k September 30th and get an extra medal for completing the challenge! Stay after the event and enjoy the Fall Fest too. Half & 10K begins at 8 am at East Elementary in Waynesville & Leapfrog 5K (Sept 30th) at 6 pm in Roubidoux Park in Waynesville, MO 65583

October 1st: Nasty Pulaski Gravel Grind Bike Race 65-mile or 25-mile leg-quivering bicycle race that promises stunning views of dramatic landscapes and a chance to conquer Superior Hill. Race begins 8 am at Roubidoux Park in Waynesville, MO 65583 Stay after the race and enjoy the Fall Fest.

October 1st: Fall Fest Tons of fall fun; live music, a beer garden, fall photo taking area with photographer, food and craft vendors, truck and jeep show, and fireworks display at dark. Fest is from 12 pm – 11 pm at Roubidoux Park in Waynesville, MO 65583

October 1st: Fort Leonard Wood Oktoberfest  Volksmarch 1 pm – 3 pm and Oktoberfest begins at 3:30 with keg tapping. Live music, dancing, food, barrel tossing, stein holding competition, and more! Pershing Community Center 16593 Piney Hills Drive Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 65473 Events are Open to the Public Fort Leonard Wood Post Access Information

October 1st – 29th & Oct. 31st: Haunted River Float  (Friday & Saturday Nights) Experience the haunted half mile float down the Gasconade River in a raft in the dark with river monsters and other creatures! Corn Trail, Haunted Forest and House, Zombie Paint Ball, and other activities. The fun begins at 6 pm or dark.  22474 Restful Lane, Waynesville, MO 65583

October 1st – 29th & Oct. 31st: Rising Haunted Attraction  (Friday & Saturday Nights) Mid-Missouri’s most horrifying haunt is back for a 7th season with new scenes, an expanded trail & even more monsters than before! 8 pm – 11 pm 25238 Raleigh Road, Waynesville, MO 65583

October 8th: 5th Annual Fall Craft Fair by American Legion Auxiliary Come get your holiday shopping started at this event full of crafters, local vendors, good eats and fun! 10 am – 3 pm at St. Robert American Legion 484 N. Outer Road Saint Robert, MO 65584

October 8th: 7th Annual Gearhead Bash Car, Truck, Bike, & Tractor Show a family friendly, free event to include music & food. Car show begins at 2 pm in Frisco Park, Richland, MO 65556

October 8th: Comedy & Charcuterie Charcuterie spread with social hour followed by comedy by Jaron Myers. Social hour with charcuterie beginning at 6 pm comedy show begins at 7 pm. Pre-purchased tickets required, Rendezvous Event Center, 743 Missouri Avenue Ste. 2 Saint Robert, MO 65584

October 8th: 12th Annual Waynesville Oktoberfest and Battle of the Bands Craft and food vendors, kids activities, games and prizes for the whole family and Battle of the Bands in the Gazebo. Fest 11 am – 4 pm and Battle of the Bands begins at 2 pm. On the Square in Downtown Waynesville, MO 65583

October 15th: Route 66 Challenge  Get clues and solve mysteries and challenges in one of the year’s most memorable events marking history and memories along Historic Route 66. Check – in at 7:30 am and Challenge begins at 8:15 am. Throughout Pulaski County, pre-registration preferred. 573-336-5121

October 15th: VFW 3168 Auxiliary Craft Fair  Craft and other vendors located inside the building and outside, a 50/50 raffle and food! 8 am – 2 pm 26050 Swindell Drive in Richland, MO 65556   

October 15th: Music in the Barn  Country music, food & fun with the Baker Band at The Barn 6 pm – 9 pm 3015 Hwy 28 in Dixon, MO 65459

October 27th: Micro Wrestling All Stars  Midget Wrestling Rodeo Rumble at Club Rodeo 6 pm – Midnight 819 Hwy Z, Saint Robert, MO 65584

FARMERS & Other MARKETS Weekly unless otherwise notated

Each Saturday 8 am – 12 pm Pulaski County Farmers Market  Near Roubidoux Campground in Waynesville, MO 65583

Saturday October 1st Begins at 9 am Dixon Farmers Market  Lions Club Park in Dixon, MO 65459 

Saturday October 8th & 22nd Beginning at 9 am at Crocker Farmers Market  Community Park Pavilion in Crocker, MO 65452

Saturday October 1st 7 am – 4 pm Buckhorn Swap Meet  Off I-44 exit 153 on Route 66 in Waynesville, MO 65583

Only October 15th 8 am – 2 pm The Swap Meet on 66  Roubidoux Park in Waynesville, MO 65583

MUSEUMS & Other Monthly Events

Each Saturday 10 am – 4 pm  Old Stagecoach Stop Museum – The Square in Waynesville, MO 65583

Saturday, October 15th 10 am – 2 pm  Frisco Depot Museum – Crocker, MO 65452

Saturday October 8th 9 am – 2 pm  Second Saturday Art Show – Route 66 Community Art Gallery in Waynesville, MO 65583

Be sure to check out the PulaskiCountyUSA.com event calendar for additional community events: Pretty in Pink, Ladies Annual Fall Sale, Special Oktoberfest events, free monthly donut fun run, Walk for Life, bingo nights & much more!

SAVE THE DATE – Special Future Events to Mention!

December 8th – 26th Light Up Pulaski County  – Throughout Pulaski County

Pulaski County USA Signature Events Notated in Red

Be sure to visit our event calendar for upcoming Signature Events, and other community or local events. Click to view our full PulaskiCountyUSA.com calendar.

During these times changes can occur rapidly, contact event planner to confirm event details. In some situations masks and social distancing may be encouraged. If you do not feel well or have been sick, choose to not attend.  Please follow CDC recommendations, and local Health Department recommendations and health trends. 

To add your Pulaski County event to our Event Promotion Program, visit our online calendar

Commercial Jet Service Connects Fort Leonard Wood Region with Dallas and Nashville

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Contour Airlines offers Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport introductory fares for $49 each way

Smyrna, Tennessee (Sept. 21, 2022)—Contour Airlines today celebrates the company’s largest expansion with the introduction of service in seven markets across the eastern U.S., connecting the small communities to major airports in Charlotte, Dallas, Nashville, and Philadelphia through an interline agreement with American Airlines.

“Contour is excited to bring reliable jet service to the Fort Leonard Wood Region. Travelers will appreciate our low fares and worldwide connectivity through our relationship with American Airlines,” said Matt Chaifetz, CEO of Contour Airlines. “We thank the entire Fort Leonard Wood Region and the U.S. Department of Transportation for their support and selection of Contour and look forward to serving this market for many years to come.”

“We are excited to welcome back Contour Airlines to the Waynesville-St Robert Regional Airport (TBN)”, states Beth Wiles, Executive Director of the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau. “Connecting our region to two major airports and offering additional flights throughout the week will bring expanded services for travelers arriving for military graduations, military reunions, military travel, business travel related to economic development opportunities and also for our local community members as they plan their personal and business travel.”

To celebrate the launch of the new routes, Contour is offering an introductory fare of just $49 each way when purchased by October 31, 2022*. Tickets are available for sale beginning today at: www.contourairlines.com.

Contour Airlines service will begin at the Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport (TBN) on October 18 with service to Nashville (BNA) and Dallas (DFW).

This new service will include 12 round trip flights per week. As an American Airlines interline partner, Contour offers travellers the ability to ticket seamlessly from their originating airport and through a connecting hub to global destinations. Contour’s website, www.contourairlines.com, now offers passengers the ability to search for connecting flight options including travel on American Airlines from their originating airport to their destination of choice.

Once all new routes are active, Contour will serve 26 markets across the United States. In support of this network growth, Contour has begun taking delivery of ten ERJ-140 aircraft that will be reconfigured to hold only 30 passengers, offering leather seats and expanded legroom in every row.

As one of the country’s largest Part 135 operators, Contour successfully recruits and develops pilots from a variety of backgrounds while serving small communities federally designated for Essential Air Service. Despite many carriers struggling to recruit and retain pilots, Contour has maintained industry-leading reliability while enjoying rapid growth. In 2022 alone, Contour will have added a total of ten Essential Air Service communities to its network, more than any other carrier in the country.

*Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Other restrictions apply; visit www.contourairlines.com for additional details.

New Businesses – September

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We like to think of Pulaski County as a cool community in the Ozarks. We have friendly and welcoming communities, with thriving downtowns and lots of fun opportunities. The Pulaski County Visitors Center is always excited to share information about area businesses, activities, and opportunities with travelers and locals!

Contour Airlines – Pulaski County

Contour offers first-class air service between Fort Leonard Wood (TBN) and Nashville International (BNA) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DAL) airports. Flight schedules transition to Contour in mid-October. Watch for the upcoming press release for more details.

Air service between Fort Leonard Wood region, Nashville and Dallas.
First-class comfort, with Contour Airlines

Sweet P’s – Richland

Sweet P’s started out as a food truck, and is now is fired up to serve you from their new restaurant!  Pulled pork, Brots, Dogs, and Nachos in a variety of choices; Pulled pork, Farmhouse, and Chicken. Plenty of sides to choose from too….gotta try the ooey-gooey Mac and Cheese!

Amara’s Closet – Fort Leonard Wood

Amara’s Closet has a large selection of beautiful women’s clothing – dresses, blouses, leggings, skirts, shorts, and more.  They also carry a selection of ladies’ purses, shoes, jewelry, and hats! Merchandise that is ordered may be picked up at the Waynesville store or shipped to your home.

Image courtesy of Amara’s Closet, Fort Leonard Wood

Lost in the Woods Cycle and Supply – Saint Robert

A veteran-owned and operated motorcycle repair, service, and custom application shop.  If you would like long-distance touring bikes that run mile after mile with ease, come in and we will work with you!  Also offers audio setups.

Image courtesy of Lost in the Woods Cycle and Supply, St. Robert

Downtown Route 66 Apartments – Waynesville

Vacation rental; Get your kicks on Route 66! Enjoy easy access to everything from these centrally located downtown apartments on Route 66. Shops, restaurants, and bars are a short walk away. Enjoy fishing in the Roubidoux spring, a walk in the Waynesville city park, visit museums, or explore nearby trails.

Image courtesy of Downtown Route 66 Apartments, Waynesville

Mid Century Farmhouse– Richland

Vacation rental; A Missouri Century Farm well off the beaten path. A quiet retreat located next door to the owners home. While experiencing farm life, you will meet a variety of animals – alpacas, fainting goats, geese, dogs, and more!

Image courtesy of MO Century Farmhouse, Richland

Have a new business opening up? Email us at email@pulaskicounty.org, call 573.336.6355 or stop by the Pulaski County Visitors Center, to learn about our Partner programs. We would love to meet you and share your business with tourists!

Extremicon 2022

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Extremicon 2022 is September 17 & 18, and is central Missouri’s don’t miss event!   Extremicon is a combination of a Comicon and Horrorcon –  2-full days of celebrity guests, cosplay, cosplay contests, demonstrations, panels, tutorials and a wide range of artists, authors and merch!

You may order your tickets online , or purchase at the event. If purchasing at the door, bring a non-perishable food item to receive a $2 discount (only available at the door). Food items benefit the Good Samaritan of the Ozarks Food Pantry.

Special Guests!

Actor “Trick Talking Meat” John Anderson (Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 2, Avengers, Stranger Things, Sleepy Hollow).

Actor Andrew Rothenberg (The Walking Dead, Supernatural, Chicago Fire, American Horror Story-Asylum, True Blood).

Actress/Singer Noelle Hannibal (Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Voyager, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer), her first appearance in Missouri.   The TAP on Route 66 will be hosting the Extremicon 2022 after party on Saturday September 17th, which Noelle Hannibal will also be attending!

Blondie aka Amber Rae -Cosplayer and lifelong gamer, artist and streamer.  

Visit Extremicon’s Facebook page for shout-outs from your favorite cosplayers, and  merchandise highlights!

Merchandise – Vintage Toys, Gaming Supplies, Comics, Anime, Artists, Authors, and more!

Art Full of Love –  Amazing creation of art prints, stickers and more.

Gerry Kissell – Known for his work with IDW Publishing (GI Joe, A-Team, Code Word: Geronimo), EA (Army of Two), and Warrior Publishing Group (Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, Starship Troopers). And Kissel Studios producing comics The Darker, Vindicated Inc., Earth Wars, and Sleepers.

Bare Bum Essentials – Purchase  your themed Bath bombs, Bath Soaps, and Squeeze Wax Amazing Bombs – Pennywise, Stranger Things and more!

Crazy Cowboy Light Sabers – Combat ready, battle grade duelling light sabers. We have replicas of character sabers from movies, cartoons, and games.

High Bar J Leather Works – Leather and Lightsabers.

Patience Warren – Limited edition Anime prints.

TP Sentertainment – Hard to find Anime products.

The Hoarding Dragon – Custom dice bags and jewelry, along with other gaming supplies.

Zombie Dave – Comic Artist.

Far Out Treats – Unique and fun food experience that’s Far Out.

Pop Heart Studio – Anime and Manga merchandise.   

Shakuita Johnson – Paranormal Author of over 20 books. 

And more…..Comic artist Gerry Kissell, Meraki House Comics, artist creator guild JW Curry, Scale Fire offering custom made dragon eggs, Author William Schlichter, artist Timothy Chiasson, Raven’s Loft, Steel City Toys, Sci-Fi Author Dodge Merrin, Children friendly, ghost and zombie author Sonia Rogers, author Jesse Teller, paranormal romance author N. L. Hoffman, the list keeps growing!

Cosplayers, Panels, Gaming, and Contests!

In addition to the special guests; Wofford Family Cosplay, CNC Shredder Cosplay, The 501st Legion and Rebel Legion Dantooine Base Star Wars Cosplay Groups.

BK Games will be holding Collectible Card Game Tabletop Tournaments. Which include Pokémon, Magic The Gathering, and Yugioh. Other tabletop gaming tutorials will be held on this weekend including Tortured Earth.

You won’t want to miss Extremicon 2022!  Staying the weekend?  Extremicon hotel sponsors are Super 8 and Fairfield Inn, both located in St. Robert.  Just mention you are here for Extremicon for your discounted room rate.  If no availability, visit Stay in PulaskiCountyUSA for alternatives.

Extremicon 2022 is located at the St Robert Community Center, 114 JH Williamson Dr, St. Robert, MO 65584.  Plenty of parking is available, at the community center, with additional parking at the St. Robert Water Park/Tiger Typhoon.

Dixon Cow Days Fall Festival – 2022

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“Step right Up to the Greatest Show”, in Dixon Missouri, September 16th-17th! Two full days of family- fun and awesome live music in central Missouri.   In addition to the great fun, it’s the only festival in Missouri where you have a chance to win a cow!  Yes, a cow!

Over the course of 2-days you will browse craft vendors, and the cruise-in car and bike show, try out some tasty foods and enjoy plenty of live music.  The Kid Zone will also be open Friday 1pm-9pm and Saturday 1-am-9pm and features bounce houses, the Wrecking Balls.  Wrist bands are available, during the event, for the Kids Zone.  And everyone enjoys a chance or two at the dunking booth, so get your throwing arm ready!   Bring a chair or blanket, (and your dancing shoes) and check out what is happening at the Main Stage and Udder Stage!   

Live Music and More, Friday

The Main Stage sets the tone at 2:30pm with Hellen Russel and Company providing an enjoyable afternoon of lively Country, Blue Grass, Gospel and Hillbilly Rock music.  Opening ceremonies begin at 5pm. Following is a full evening of live bands; Ryan Voss – amazing country flavor and The ABLes Band will get you up and dancing with their Country, Blue Grass, Rock, Rhythm and Blues. 

Over at the Udder Stage is Open Mic! So plan to show off your singing, comedy routines, and poetry.  Let yourself shine, or cheer on your favorite!

Saturday Highlights

Start the day off right with the Dixon Cow Days/Donut Run/walk/bike 5k. This event is totally free and open to everyone! Start time begins at 8 am at the Dixon elementary school.

The Main Stage, strolls out the Youth Royalty Fall Festival Pageant, beginning at 10 am, followed by the hilarious Mullet Contest.  More music kicks up at noon with Country-Honky-Tonk artist Jordan Isakson.  A break in the music action occurs during the annual Dixon Cow Days parade at 2pm.  At 3:30, KC Ritz Band rocks Dixon with good ole’ Rock-n-Roll.  Followed by the driving Southern Rock of  Missouri Most Wanted Outlaw Band, and Jefferson City Missouri’s party-band, Five Turn Knot who will rock out the night!

The Udder Stage, opens up after the parade with Ashley Minzes Destination Dance. Then be ready to impress, or be impressed, during the Hot Dog Eating Contest at 5:15pm, followed by the 2nd session of Open Mic! at 6:30pm.

Plan your unforgettable weekend away in Pulaski County USA!

For more information about Dixon Cow Days, visit the Dixon Chamber of Commerce Facebook page