To find out more about the Cherry Blossom Fest: https://www.facebook.com/MOCherryBlossomFest

To purchase tickets to individual ticketed events: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-missouri-cherry-blossom-festival-16827885363

By Sally Tippett Rains

Claudia Kehoe, First Lady of the State of Missouri, will serve as the honorary chairwoman of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Missouri, scheduled for April 24-27, 2025.

The Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, MO always offers so much. It is a hodge-podge of part Presidential  and U.S. history and part pop culture and television and movie history. This year is their 20th Anniversary so they are going all out and bringing in more celebrities than usual.

If you can’t find something they are offering that interests you, then you just aren’t trying. The festival started out with  the presidential descendants and many including Shannon Lanier, a popular television host whose family came from Thomas Jefferson and the enslaved Sally Hemings. President Dwight Eisenhower’s granddaughter Mary Jean, President Harry S. Truman’s grandson Clifton Truman Daniel, and many descendants of Presidents will be there.

Speaking of descendants, Lynne Jackson, who is the great, great, great granddaughter of Harriet and Dred Scott is there each year and puts on the “Dred Scott Reconciliation” forum.

This year’s forum features two iconic freedom fighters’ descendants with “Two Historic Roads to Freedom” – Dr. Bryan Moore (Nat Turner’s great-great grandson) and  Jackson speaking about Dred Scott. They  will share the inside stories and answer puzzling questions about their ancestors who were neighbors in Southampton, VA.

One of the most popular guests, Jerry Mathers who played Beaver on “Leave it to Beaver” will be back for his second visit, as will Jon Provost who was Timmy on “Lassie” and two actors from “My Three Sons”– Stanley Livingston and Tina Cole. (Scroll down for list).

Mathers is a 2023 recipient of the Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative. He, along with Provost, Cole, Livingston and others will participate in the Nostalgia Fest Autograph Show (April 25-26).

Provost is shown in the photo, left.  The Autograph Show will be Friday and Saturday at the Marshfield Community Center, 114 Commercial Street.  Admission is free and many of the participants bring their books or photos for purchase and autograph.

There are many other free events as well as ticketed events which include food.

The Cherry Blossom Tea is always a hit as it is an old-fashioned tea where hats are encouraged. There is a new twist this year– tables are being decorated by individuals vying for prizes for the best decorated table.

The entertainment will be two former White House Chefs– Guy Mitchell and Michael “Woody” Raber.

The Cherry Blossom Tea usually sells out so anyone interested in going should contact the festival now.  To see how to get tickets to the Tea or any other of the ticketed events at the festival: CLICK HERE.

“The chefs are so funny and so cute,” said Teresa Mathers, wife of Jerry Mathers, who knows them personally. “We have met them several times and become friends. They are very entertaining.”

They are shown with Jerry and Teresa Mathers in the photo, right. Mitchell, who was a Guest White House Chef and  Raber, who is a Retired Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, will share their memories of working in the White House for five U.S. Presidents.

“They have some great stories,” said Teresa. “I won’t give any away but there’s a good one involving George W. Bush wanting a certain sandwich and how they ended up getting it for them.”

Speaking of U.S. Presidents, many Presidential descendants will congregate in Marshfield and there are often roundtable discussions about various topics. This year one of Jimmy Carter’s grandsons will be there and attendees can watch the final interview given by the former President.

Along with the Presidents, the Festival is big with First Lady history. In fact Laura Bush attended one year with both her twin daughters, Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager.

This year special guests will be former governor Mike Parson and his wife Teresa.

Also in attendance at the Cherry Blossom Fest in Marshfield is Cynthia Pepper who starred with Elvis Presley in “Kissin’ Cousins.” She was also star of a TV show in 1962 called “Margie”  but she is most recognized for appearing in the Elvis movie and will appear on a panel to discuss her memories.

Another special guest is Jeannie C. Riley the singer who made “Harper Valley PTA” famous in the 1960’s. In 1968 when “Harper Valley PTA” came out it rose to the top of the “Top 100” on the Billboard Charts.

One of the regulars is Karolyn Grimes, the actress who played Zuzu in “It’s A Wonderful Life.”  Another popular special guest at the festival is Margaret Kerry who Walt Disney patterned Tinker Bell after. Fans love meeting both of these ladies who love to share their memories.

Sharon Baird who was an original Musketeer on the Mickey Mouse Club, Donnie Dunagan the original voice of “Bambi,” and Ray Toler, who played Uncle Rob McCallister, Home Alone,” along with several cast members from Little House o the Prairie.

There are always actors from “The Waltons”– including this year Richard Thomas, who played John Boy. Fans love seeing the Waltons actors which have included Allison Arngrim (that mean old Nelly) and Kami Cotler who played young Elizabeth Walton.

Michael Learned who played Olivia Walton, the mom has been a popular guest. Wendi Lou Lee who played Baby Grace will be there; David Harper who played Jim Bob, as will several other actors from “The Waltons.”

The popular Christmas ornament artist, Christoper Radko has designed a special ornament which he will be signing at the festival. Those wanting to buy the ornaments must do so now so they will have enough when they come. Call 915-955-9627 or email Service@TheOrnamentKing.org.

We encourage people to check out the schedule and take the trip. Marshfield is three hours south west of St. Louis (by way of I-44) and about 25 minutes from Springfield, MO so you could stay at the Drury Hotel in Springfield— use the promo code “SPORTS” for a discount.

If you do go, there are printed schedules around town or you can copy/ paste this schedule and then. you will have time to decide which events you want to go to.

It’s just a little piece of Americana here in Missouri.

For information on the Cherry Blossom Festival: CLICK HERE.

2025 Confirmed VIP guests (more could be added):

David Harper (Jim Bob, The Waltons)

Chris Truscott (descendant of President Thomas Jefferson)

Sharon Baird (Mouseketeer, Mickey Mouse Club)

Dean Butler (Almanzo, Little House on the Prairie)

Richard Thomas (John Boy, The Waltons)

Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace, Little House on the Prairie)

Cynthia Pepper (Kissin’ Cousins with Elvis Presley)

Tina Cole (My Three Sons)

Mimi Gibson (Voice of Lucky, One Hundred and One Dalmatians- 1961)

Margaret Kerry (Disney’s model for Tinkerbell)

Richard Gatchell (descendant of President James Monroe)

Beverly Washburn

Clifton Truman Daniel (Grandson of President Harry S and Bess Truman)

Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson, Little House on the Prairie)

Darby Hinton (Israel Boone, Daniel Boone)

Paul Landis (Kennedy Secret Service Agent)

Dr. Larry Cook (Presidential Historian)

Jennifer Harville (Great Granddaughter of President Calvin and Grace Coolidge)

Andrew Och (First Ladies Man)

Kami Cotler (Elizabeth, The Waltons)

Stanley Livingston (Chip Douglas, My Three Sons)

Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle, Little House on the Prairie)

Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu, It’s a Wonderful Life)

Jerry Mathers (Beaver, Leave it to Beaver)

Jon Provost (Timmy Martin, Lassie)

Mary Jean Eisenhower (Granddaughter of President Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower)

2025 MISSOURI CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 23

Thursday, April 24th Festival Schedule: Founders Day

(10 AM- 4 PM)- Cherry Blossom Quilt Trail, sponsored by the Cherry Blossom Auxiliary- Beginning at the Masonic Lodge (256 E. Washington St.)- (See Quilt Trail Map)- (Free Event)

9 AM- “Patriot Breakfast- Honoring our nations veterans. The breakfast will be a tribute to multiple generations of soldiers (WW II, Korea, Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom). The breakfast program will feature Robert Boeke (WW II, Battle of the Bulge), George Venesky (Vietnam), Bruce Blankenship (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and others. Benefiting the Marshfield Veterans Day Parade Committee. Moderator, Mary Achor (Historian) – Son-Rise Christian Church (673 Jump Road)- Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online (Eventbrite) or by calling 417-860-4996.

9 AM- Jimmy Carter: The Last Interview-President Carter’s Final Interview followed by a one-on-one Interview with James Earl Carter IV (Grandson of President Jimmy Carter)- Moderator, Andrew Greer -On May 17, 2021, President Carter granted his final solo interview to Plains resident and director Andrew Greer. The audio of the interview was used as a pivot point in Greer’s documentary, PLAINSPOKEN, released in 2024 on PBS. For the first time, this interview will be played in its entirety. – Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

10 AM- Noon- “Little House Homecoming,” a documentary exploring the fandom around Laura Ingalls Wilder, her books, the Little House on the Prairie television series and the historical sites and museums in her honor. Followed by a panel discussion with cast members from the Little House on the Prairie TV show Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

11 AM-1 PM- Enchilada Dinner benefiting the Fordland Memorial Library-Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (1538 W. Washington)- Tickets: $12 per person, pay at the door (to-go orders available).

12 PM- The 3rd 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. Kami Cotler (Elizabeth, The Waltons) will be honored and interviewed on stage- Moderator, Christopher Radko- Son-Rise Christian Church (673 Jump Road) -SOLD OUT EVENT

1 PM- “The Ozark Jubilee: A Flowering of Ozarks Music” Tom Peters, author of the Ozark Jubilee Encyclopedia, will discuss how, while the Ozark Jubilee featured many nationally famous country music performers, it also featured many Ozarkers as well. Copies of the Encyclopedia will be available to purchase- Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

2:30 PM- The 15th Annual Cherry Blossom Tea; Former White House Chefs Guy Mitchell (Guest White House Chef) and Michael “Woody” Raber (Retired Chief Petty Officer of the Navy) will be the keynote tea speakers. They will share their many memories of working in the White House for five U.S. Presidents. Hats are HIGHLY encouraged for this festival event-Marshfield Community Center (110 Commercial Street)- For tickets ($15 per person) call 417-860-4996 or 808-345-4975

4 PM- 7 PM- Fish Fry to benefit the Vivian Stuber Memorial Library in Niangua- Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (1538 W. Washington) – Tickets: $12 per person, pay at the door (to-go orders available).

4:30 PM-5:30 PM- Richard Thomas (John Boy, The Waltons) will be interviewed about his life and career. Moderator, Reagan Inman- Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

5:35 PM- “Legends of Television and Screen” Panel featuring actors and actresses from several classic television shows and cinema classics- Jon Provost (Lassie), Darby Hinton (Daniel Boone), Martha Nix Wade (The Waltons), Ray Toler (Home Alone), Tammi Bula (The Waltons), Sharon Baird (Original Mouseketeer), Margaret Kerry (Model for Tinkerbell), Stan Livingston (My Three Sons), Tina Cole (My Three Sons), Karolyn Grimes (It’s a Wonderful Life) and others-Moderator, Richard LaMotte- Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

7 PM- 2nd Annual Donkey Basketball- benefiting the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival. This night of fun will feature several teams playing basketball on live donkeys-$9 per person or $13 per person at the door (open seating)-For tickets call 417-860-4996 or 808-345-4975 or online (Eventbrite)- Marshfield Community Center (110 Commercial Street)-Concessions available.

Friday, April 25th Festival Schedule: Family Day

(10 AM- 4 PM) – Cherry Blossom Quilt Trail; sponsored by the Cherry Blossom Auxiliary. Beginning at the Masonic Lodge (256 E. Washington St.)- (See Quilt Trail Map) – (Free Event)

(10 AM- 3 PM) – Nostalgia Fest Autograph Show; featuring VIP guests of the Cherry Blossom Festival – Marshfield Community Center (114 Commercial Street) – (Free Admission)

(12 PM- 6 PM) – Cherry Vendor Palooza (crafts and vendors) on the historic Marshfield square

(1 PM- 3 PM) – Drop off pies for Annual Cherry Pie Contest & Auction (held in conjunction later with the Hubble Dinner) – Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (1538 W. Washington)- for more information call 417-241-0222.

8 AM – Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum hosts “Nellie’s Breakfast” along with Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson, Little House on the Prairie); benefiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival – Sponsored by Federal Construction – Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (1538 W. Washington)- SOLD OUT EVENT

9:30 AM – Annual Missouri Walk of Fame Ceremony; Honoring six famous Missourians with stars on the historic Walk of Fame. Honorees include: Johnny Mullins (Entertainer), Billy Yates (Singer), Ray Toler (Actor), Jean Becker (Chief of Staff), Michael and Teresa Parson (Public Servants) and Tony Orlando (Entertainer). The Flight Bound Honor Choir from Highlandville Elementary School in the Spokane R-7 School District will perform as well – Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

10:35 AM – George and Jan Williams Festival Convocation – Former Missouri Governor Mike Parson will be interviewed on stage about his book, “No Turnin’ Back: G57”- Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

11:30 AM – Robert and Edith Garst History Convocation – The United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri will naturalize 60+ new citizens. The Honorable M. Douglas Harpool will preside over the ceremony. Marshfield High School Concert Choir and Massee McKinley will perform – Keynote speaker will be Clifton Truman Daniel (Grandson of President Harry S Truman) – Carl and Glessie Young Community Auditorium in the Marshfield High School (370 State Hwy DD- Behind High School)

11:30 AM – John Banks will speak about his book, ”A Civil War Road Trip of a Lifetime: Antietam, Gettysburg, and Beyond” – Over more than a year, Banks crisscrossed the country exploring battlefields, historic houses, forts and more. Join him on a road trip like no other – Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

12:45 PM – Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation Luncheon – Benefitting the Wilson’s Creek Battlefield Foundation – Dr. Bill Piston (Civil War Historian) will moderate a panel on “Women of the Civil War Era” with Margaret Hayes Clark (great granddaughter of President Rutherford B. Hayes), Massee McKinley (great, great nephew of President William McKinley) and Christy Lindberg (former NP Ranger, Lincoln Home National Historic Site). Celebrating the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation’s 75th Anniversary – Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (1538 W. Washington) – Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling 417-861-9905 or online at www.wilsonscreek.com.

1 PM – Shannon Lanier (sixth great grandson of President Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings) will be interviewed about his book, “Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family” – Moderator, Mary Achor (Presidential Historian) – Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

2 PM – Cherry Blossom Wreath Making with Sherilyn Weter – Designing a springtime wreath (16” size grapevine wreath) that can be used in any home to welcome each Cherry Blossom Festival. Jubilee Theater Center (109 Commercial Street) – Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online (Eventbrite) or by calling 417-860-4996.

2:15 PM – Ella Dickey Literacy Awards, Honoring: John Fry, Rev. John Marshall, Tom Peters, Paul Landis (Kennedy Secret Service Agent), John Banks and others – The Marshfield Blue Jay Singers will perform as well – Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

2-4 PM – Grandma’s Pie Shack – Grab a slice of homemade pie (all flavors and varieties) – Benefiting the Webster County Historical Society (Honoring the memory of Alverta Hargis) – Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (1538 W. Washington)

3:30 PM – Paul Landis (Kennedy Secret Service Agent) will be interviewed about his career and memories – Moderator, Mary Jean Eisenhower (Granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower) – Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

4:35 PM – 14th Annual Dred and Harriet Scott Reconciliation Forum- Two iconic freedom fighters’ descendants will be presenting “Two Historic Roads to Freedom” – Dr. Bryan Moore (Nat Turner’s great-great grandson) and Lynne Jackson (Dred Scott’s great-great granddaughter) will share the inside stories and answer puzzling questions about their ancestors who were neighbors in Southampton, VA. Peeling back the complex layers of their ancestor’s stories that marked our history for perpetuity and what they are doing today in response to reconcile the hurts – Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

4:35 PM – “Cooking with the First Ladies Man”- Andrew Och will lead a cooking demonstration with Allethea Wall (Sister of Rosalynn Carter) and Julie Wall-Smith (Niece of Rosalynn Carter). They will share stories and favorite recipes from the former first lady and Plains, Georgia – Benefiting the Rosalynn Smith Carter Childhood Garden – Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (1538 W. Washington) – Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online (Eventbrite) or by calling 417-860-4996.

5:30 PM – Jeannie C. Riley (Harper Valley PTA) will be interviewed about her career – Moderator, Scot England – Marshfield Assembly of God (1538 W. Washington)

7 PM – The 20th Annual Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative Dinner presenting Marshfield’s highest honor to several outstanding Americans. Honoring: Donnie Dunagan (Original Voice of Bambi), Jeannie C. Riley (Harper Valley PTA), Tina Cole (My Three Sons), Martha Nix Wade (Serena Burton, The Waltons), Dorinda Nicholson (Pearl Harbor Child), Robert Boeke (WW II Veteran) and others – Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (1538 W. Washington)- Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased online (Eventbrite) or by calling 417-860-

 Saturday April 26^th Festival Schedule:

Sunday, April 27th Festival Schedule:

*Cherry Blossom Sunday

11 AM- Cherry Blossom Sunday- Rev. Tony Lowden (Personal Pastor of President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter) will speak at the Elkland Independent Methodist Church Homecoming Service (121 Elkland Road)

2 PM- First Ladies Piano Concert- 5th Annual concert will feature fourteen pianists and one organist playing simultaneously in a concert filled with gospel, patriotic and classic music. In honor of Missouri’s First Ladies- Kevin Williams will conduct the free concert- Marshfield United Methodist Church (220 S. Elm)

7 PM- Helen Taft Band Concert- College of the Ozarks Concert Band will perform under the direction of Kevin Powers- This free concert will be the concluding event of Cherry Blossom Festival week- Hosted by the Marshfield United Methodist Church Men- Marshfield High School Gymnasium (370 State Highway DD)

Where to stay:

There is only one hotel in Marshfield, Missouri– the Holiday Inn — and it is full.

Drury Inn & Suites Springfield

To book room using  STL Sports Page special promo code SPORTS: CLICK HERE.

Directions from Drury Inn Springfield to Marshfield:

2715 N Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65803

Get on I-44 E. Follow I-44 E to MO-38 E/Spur Dr in Marshfield. Take exit 100 from I-44 E (18 min (20.3 mi). Continue on MO-38 E. Drive to Elizabeth St in Marshfield East Township.

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