Good morning, Springfield.

Bass Pro Shops donated rods and reels to over 220 kids from organizations including Boy and Girl Scouts on Thursday — a step to encourage outdoor fishing.

It will host a free catch-and-release event this weekend at its indoor ponds.

KSMU has received a $15K grant to further develop its Ozarks Scrapbook project, which shares local history through radio, digital, and TV features.

The initiative will expand regional storytelling and offer audiences fresh, multimedia content.

The Hot Rod Power Tour rolled into Springfield on Wednesday, displaying over 6,000 classic cars at Missouri State University as it drove from Illinois toward Oklahoma (the event began Monday in Joliet and wraps up Thursday in Tulsa).

Ozarks PrideFest is set for tomorrow at Park Central Square with a parade starting at 11:30 a.m. along Tampa and Benton, followed by local bands and drag acts (Madame Mystery at 1:45) and country singer Dylan Earl at 2:45 plus vendor booths.

Silver Dollar City added a new 'Stately Stroll' with 50 state flags and markers showing when states joined the Union (Foggy Hollow).

The park offers extended summer hours from July 11 to Aug. 2 with nightly drone shows and a Fourth of July band performance at 6 p.m.

Springfield Public Schools released a draft budget that offers pay raises and cuts nearly 70 full-time positions (reviewed on Tuesday, June 9).

The board will vote on the proposal on June 25 to align spending with lower state funds.

City Utilities is reviewing whether a safety interconnection process is needed for plug-in solar panels mounted on balconies to prevent power back feeding — the utility advises customers to use licensed electricians and follow manufacturer guidelines for proper installation.

Missouri Chamber officials honored former Sen. Roy Blunt for helping secure extra federal grants to expand a healthcare apprenticeship program on Wednesday, June 10 at CoxHealth’s West Campus on Republic Road.

The program has helped over 1,300 people get paid jobs in healthcare.

Families with eligible school children can apply until Aug.

31 for Missouri SUN Bucks (a Summer EBT program offering a one-time $120 benefit per child) through the Missouri Department of Social Services; funds will be available at grocery stores, markets, and online retailers.

The Child Advocacy Center has raised over $7M and acquired a neighboring property to expand its mental health and healing services as it nears its $8M campaign goal.

The center still needs about $1M and invites community contributions to complete the new safe space.

Former Lebanon High School hoops star Raegan McCowan played three seasons at Western Illinois and will transfer to a Big 12 school for her senior season (her next chapter in collegiate basketball).

Kam Patterson Live Comedy Show

6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience energetic comedy from a rising star and newest SNL cast member.

Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings

8:45-10:00 p.m. — Stone Chapel, Drury University — Limited Edition Tickets — Celebrate the 25th anniversary with enchanting music from The Lord of the Rings trilogy performed by a talented string quartet.

Springfield Sports Commission Awards 2026

7-10 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — No ticket purchase required for nominees — Celebrate the achievements of local scholastic athletes at the 14th Annual Springfield Sports Commission Awards.

2026 Queen City Open Pickleball Tournament

June 18-21 — Cooper Tennis Complex — Entry fee applies — Participate in the regional showdown of pickleball talent at one of Missouri's premier venues.

World Oddities Expo

11 AM – 3 PM — Springfield Expo Center — Tickets from $64 — Explore an unforgettable live showcase of the unusual and extraordinary.

S.M.A.C.T. 2: Springfield Missouri Armored Combat Tournament

9 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Pinegar Arena — Support local kids in need — Experience a thrilling 5v5 armored combat showdown featuring duels and team battles.

RPG Day 2026

1-5 p.m. — Meta Games Unlimited Inc — Free entry — Dive into an unforgettable day of adventure, storytelling, and community with tabletop roleplaying games.

Animal Science 101 Summer Camp

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — $170/Camper — Explore the world of farm animals through hands-on activities and fun learning experiences.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs Screening

1-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $5 to $10 — Watch the classic film about a town transformed by food-filled rain.

The Boxmasters Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the Sixties inspired sounds of The Boxmasters as they celebrate their latest album, 'In The Bay'.