The Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival is a fun, eclectic festival held each year in Marshfield, Missoui. It runs April 27-29. Here is the schedule.

Thursday April 27

Use this link to print the entire 2023 Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Schedule: Printable-CBF-Schedule3148.pdf (cherryblossomfest.com)

(9 AM – 5 PM)- Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO presents a traveling exhibit on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder- Webster County Library (Free Admission)

(10 AM – 4 PM)- Cherry Blossom Quilt Show, sponsored by the Cherry Blossom Auxiliary- Marshfield Assembly of God

(1 PM – 4 PM)- The Missouri Humanities Council presents a traveling exhibit on the life of President Ulysses S. Grant- Webster County Museum (Free Admission)

9 AM- “WW II Patriot Breakfast”- Honoring the veterans of WW II. The breakfast will be a tribute to America’s Greatest Generation. Program includes interviews with Louis Graziano (last living witness to the German surrender of WW II), Robert Boeke (WW II veteran), and Dorinda Nicholson (witness to the bombing of Pearl Harbor)- Son-Rise Christian Church- Tickets are $25 per person, 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival Events | Eventbrite or call 808-345-4975.

9 AM- Judy Wampler will speak about “Laura Ingalls Wilder from Wisconsin to Missouri” using her quilt collection and her book- Marshfield Assembly of God

10 AM- George and Jan Williams Festival Convocation- David Jerome (Author) will be interviewed about his new book, “Bill Virdon: A Life in Baseball” by Tim Pletkovich (Editor of “Civil War Fathers: Sons of the Civil War in World War II” and author of “Nuns, Nazis, and Norte Dame”) – Marshfield Assembly of God

11 AM- Cindy Wilson (author) will speak about her book, “The Beautiful Snow: The Ingalls Family, the Railroads, and the Hard Winter of 1880-81”- Book signing will follow the presentation in the church foyer- Marshfield Assembly of God

11 AM-1 PM- Enchilada Dinner benefiting the Fordland Memorial Library- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- Tickets: $10 per person, pay at the door (to-go orders available)

Noon- The 1^st annual Carolyn Grinnell Luncheon for fans of the Waltons television show. The late Carolyn Grinnell was the Founder and longtime President of the Waltons International Fan Club. Michael Learned (Olivia Walton, The Waltons) will speak and will be honored- Son-Rise Christian Church- Tickets are $25 per person, 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival Events | Eventbrite or call 808-345-4975.

1 PM- Greg Wolk (Heritage Programs Coordinator, Missouri Humanities Council) will speak about President Ulysses S. Grant’s 201st birthday and unveil the “Ulysses Grant’s Missouri” Traveling Exhibit from the Missouri Humanities Council- Hosted by the Webster County Historical Society- Webster County Museum

1:20 PM- “Disney at 100” Panel featuring actresses that have worked for Missouri native, Walt Disney- Margaret Kerry (Disney’s Tinkerbell Model), Sharon Baird (Original Mouseketeer), Beverly Washburn (Old Yeller), and Mimi Gibson (Voice of Lucky, One Hundred and One Dalmations-1961). Moderator, Joseph Yakovetic (Disneyland Gallery featured artist)- Marshfield Assembly of God

2:30 PM- Cherry Blossom Tea, Betty Ann Bruno (Child Munchkin from the Wizard of Oz) will speak at the Wizard of Oz-themed tea- Hats are encouraged for this event- Marshfield Community Center- Tickets: $12 per person, 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival Events | Eventbrite or call 808-345-4975

4:35 PM- “Legends of Television and Screen” Panel featuring actors and actresses from several classic television shows and cinema classics- Lauren Chapin (Kitten, Father Knows Best), Gayla Peevey (Singer, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas), Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace, Little House on the Prairie), Kim Lankford (Knots Landing), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson, Little House on the Prairie), Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu, It’s a Wonderful Life) and others- Marshfield Assembly of God

4:30 PM- 7 PM- Fish Fry to benefit the Vivian Stuber Memorial Library in Niangua- Marshfield Assembly of God- Tickets: $10 per person, pay at the door (to-go orders available).

5:45 PM- “Memories of Elvis Presley-The King of Rock and Roll” Panel featuring those who worked with and knew the legendary entertainer- Cynthia Pepper (Kissin’ Cousins), Sally A. Hoedel (Author, Destined to Die Young), Tish Henley Kirk (Elvis Private Nurse), Ron Strauss (Elvis Pilot), Charlotte Stewart (Speedway). Moderator, Richard LaMotte- Marshfield Assembly of God

7:30 PM- “I Like Mamie”- A play that imagines First Lady Mamie Eisenhower on a campaign stop during her husband’s 1956 bid for re-election. The setting is Mamie’s birthplace, the town of Boone, Iowa. During this stop, Mamie welcomes old friends and strangers eager to learn more about the President and his wife- Sponsored by the Route 66 Repertory Theatre – Marshfield Church of the Nazarene- Tickets $20 per person, 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival Events | Eventbrite or call 808-345-4975.

Friday April 28th

Use this link to print the entire 2023 Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Schedule: Printable-CBF-Schedule3148.pdf (cherryblossomfest.com)

(9 AM – 3 PM)- Nostalgia Fest Autograph Show- Featuring VIP guests of the Cherry Blossom Festival- Marshfield Community Center- (Free Admission)

(9 AM – 5 PM)- Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO presents a traveling exhibit on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder- Webster County Library (Free Admission)

(10 AM – 4 PM)- Cherry Blossom Quilt Show, sponsored by the Cherry Blossom Auxiliary- Marshfield Assembly of God (Back Hallway)

(12 PM – 7 PM)- Cherry Vendor Palooza (crafts and vendors) on the historic Marshfield square

(1 PM – 4 PM)- The Missouri Humanities Council presents a traveling exhibit on the life of President Ulysses S. Grant- Webster County Museum (Free Admission)

(1 PM – 4 PM)- Drop off pies for Annual Cherry Pie Contest & Auction (held in conjunction later with the Hubble Dinner)- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- for more information call 417-241-0222.

8 AM- Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum hosts, “Nellie’s Breakfast”-Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson, Little House on the Prairie) will interview Hersha Parady (Alice Garvey, Little House on the Prairie)- Benefiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival- Sponsored by Federal Protection – Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- Tickets are $25 per person, 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival Events | Eventbrite or call 808-345-4975.

9 AM- Showing of the 1973 film, “Tom Sawyer”- The film is an American musical film adaption of Mark Twain’s 1876 boyhood adventure story, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”. The film stars Johnny Whitaker (Tom Sawyer), Jodie Foster (Becky Thatcher), Jeff East (Huckleberry Finn) and Celeste Holm (Aunt Polly)- Marshfield Assembly of God (Back Hallway Classroom)

9:30 AM- Robert and Edith Garst History Convocation- David Jerome (biographer) will Interview Helen Benziger (great granddaughter of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown) about her family’s legacy- Marshfield Assembly of God

10:35 AM- Philip Smucker (fifth great-grandnephew of President George Washington and author of the nonfiction book, “Riding with George”) will speak about America’s first President with a presentation entitled, “Sportsmanship and Chivalry”- Marshfield Assembly of God

11:30 AM- Interview with American actor, Johnny Whitaker (Tom Sawyer and Family Affair) about the 50^th anniversary of the 1973 film, “Tom Sawyer”, which was filmed in Arrow Rock, Missouri- Moderator, Joseph Yakovetic- Marshfield Assembly of God

12:30 PM- Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation Luncheon- Dr. Bill Piston (Civil War Historian) will interview descendants of American Presidents who participated in the Civil War including: Margaret Hayes Clark (President Rutherford B. Hayes), Massee McKinley (President William McKinley) and Jay Garfield (President James Garfield)- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- Tickets are $25 per person and can be ordered at www.wilsonscreek.com or by calling 417-849-4057.

2 PM- Annual Missouri Walk of Fame Ceremony- Honoring six famous Missourians with stars on the historic Walk of Fame. Honorees include: Hersha Parady (Actress, Little House on the Prairie), Ken Osmond (Actor), Pamela Baird (Actress), May Kennedy McCord (Folklorist), David Harrison (Author) and Moore & Moore (Entertainers). The Blue Jay Singers will perform as well- Marshfield Assembly of God

3:30 PM- Ella Dickey Literacy Awards, Honoring: Laurie Jacobson, Mimi Gibson, Philip Smucker, Brooks Blevins, Sally A. Hoedel, Patti McCord/Kristene Sutliff, Betty Ann Bruno and Cindy Wilson- Marshfield Assembly of God

4:35 PM- 12th Annual Dred and Harriet Scott Reconciliation Forum entitled, “First Ladies and the Civil Rights Movement”- Hosted by the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation of St. Louis- Panel participants include Andrew Och (First Ladies Man) and several Presidential descendants- Moderator, Sherrie Jackson (Dred Scott descendant)- Marshfield Assembly of God

5:30 PM- “Remembering President George H.W. Bush’s Visit to Marshfield” Panel featuring Marshfield residents who were involved with the July 4, 1991, historic visit of President George H.W. and Barbara Bush to the oldest continuous Independence Day Parade west of the Mississippi River- Moderator, Roy Howard Beck- Marshfield Assembly of God

6:30 PM- Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative Dinner presenting Marshfield’s highest honor to several outstanding Americans. Honoring: Jerry Mathers (Leave it to Beaver), Gayla Peevey (Entertainer), Jack Hamlin (D-Day Survivor), Johnny Whitaker (Family Affair), and Margaret Clark (Presidential Descendant)- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- Tickets are $30 per person, 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival Events | Eventbrite or call 417-860-4996.

Jerry Mathers (Beaver Cleaver) and Pamela Baird (Mary Ellen Rogers) are shown left and will both be the the festival.

Saturday, April 29th

Use this link to print the entire 2023 Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Schedule: Printable-CBF-Schedule3148.pdf (cherryblossomfest.com)

(9 AM- Until plants are gone)- Evelyn Hampton Garden Club’s 3^rd Annual Plant Sale at The Dickey House

(9 AM – 2 PM)- Nostalgia Fest Autograph Show- Featuring VIP guests of the Cherry Blossom Festival- Marshfield Community Center- (Free Admission)

(9 PM – 4 PM)- Cherry Vendor Palooza (crafts and vendors) on the historic Marshfield square

(10 AM – 1 PM)- Cherry Blossom Quilt Show, sponsored by the Cherry Blossom Auxiliary- Marshfield Assembly of God (Back Hallway)

(10 AM – 4 PM)- Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO presents a traveling exhibit on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder- Webster County Library (Free Admission)

(10 PM – 4 PM)- The Missouri Humanities Council presents a traveling exhibit on the life of President Ulysses S. Grant- Webster County Museum (Free Admission)

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8 AM- 12^th Annual Presidential Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Elkland Independent Methodist Church- Featuring interview with Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace, Little House on the Prairie)- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- Donations accepted for Zuzu’s House

9:15 AM- 1^st Annual Cherry Blossom Dog Show- Categories (split by large and small dogs) include: Prettiest in Pink, Best Costumed, and Owner-Dog Look Alike – Prizes donated by Sully Loves Sugar and Bomgaars (formerly Orscheln Farm & Home)- Historic Marshfield Square (Southwest Side of the Courthouse-near the Hubble Telescope Replica)- $5 per entry

10 AM- National First Ladies Kickoff Ceremony- This National Ceremony will begin the tradition of National First Ladies Day, a national day of service across America, in honor of the nation’s First Ladies- Hosted by the National First Ladies Day Commission- Patriotic ceremony will include numerous Presidential descendants and the 135^th Army Brass Ensemble- Marshfield High School (Gymnasium)

10:30 AM- “Children’s Hour” hosted by Aunt Norma Champion at the library- Aunt Norma hosted “Children’s Hour” on KYTV from 1957-1986- Program is open for children of all ages and will include story time and a lesson in making hand puppets by Rosalie Perryman (former owner of the RLP Marionette Puppet Company)- Webster County Library

Noon- 13^th Annual Marshfield High School Alumni Luncheon– Lola Fern Day’s family will serve her FAMOUS cashew chicken and small cherry pies from the legendary, Garbage Can Café- Marshfield First Baptist Church Family Life Center- Advance tickets: $15 per person, available by calling 417-689-2098.

Noon- Rosalynn Carter Luncheon- The 2^nd annual luncheon will benefit the Rosalynn Smith Carter Childhood Garden of Plains, Georgia. Interview with James Carter (grandson of President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter) by Jan Williams (Amy Carter’s 4^th-grade teacher)- Master of ceremonies, Dr. Larry Cook (Presidential Historian)- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- Tickets are $25 per person, 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival Events | Eventbrite or call 808-345-4975

1:30 PM- Dr. Larry (Presidential Historian) will speak about “Presidential Assassinations and Attempts”- Marshfield Assembly of God

2 PM- 1^st Annual Chicken Show on the historic Marshfield Square (Southwest Side of the Courthouse-near the Hubble Telescope Replica) – Categories include: Best Costumed and Most Creative Costume- Hosted by Heartbeat of the Ozarks 4-H

2:30 PM- Interview with Tim McAbee, co-author of “Becoming Thelma Lou: My Journey to Hollywood, Mayberry, and Beyond”, about legendary actress and Missouri native, Betty Lynn. Moderator, Nicholas W. Inman (CBF Founder)- Book Signing will follow the presentation- Marshfield Assembly of God

3:30 PM- “Celebrating the 2023 Centennial of President Calvin Coolidge’s Rise to the Presidency”- Interview with Jennifer Coolidge (Sayles) Harville (great-granddaughter of President Calvin and Grace Coolidge)- Moderator, Roy Howard Beck- Marshfield Assembly of God

4:30 PM- 5 PM- Performance by Marshfield Community Theatre Troupe- Marshfield Assembly of God

5 PM- “Presidential Family Forum” Featuring descendants of American Presidential Families- Moderator, Dr. Larry Cook (Presidential Historian)- Marshfield Assembly of God