SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Hundreds were at Nathaniel Greene Park today, as Gigs in the Garden debuted their 2025 slate.

The debut was supposed to happen last week, but severe weather caused organizers to delay the event.

“The park has suffered storm damage and we didn’t have power and we had downed lines with tree on top right behind the pavilion, and we just didn’t feel like it was a safe environment to bring people out for,” Louise Knauer with the Springfield Sister Cities Association said. “About 300 [people] today, and that is bigger than normal. We think it’s probably a combination of a beautiful day and it being Mother’s Day and people just kind of know the series by now after ten years.”

The event runs every Sunday in May and October, except Memorial Day weekend, and features local artists.

“I think we’ve got a really nice crowd for that. We have a kids’ activity today to make little ikebana bouquets for their moms,” Knauer said. “We focus on local musicians, and we try to do a nice variety.”

That crowd includes Jacob Bullard, who is with family at the park.

“It’s Mother’s Day. Everybody’s out here having fun. We’re trying to have some family time,” Bullard said. “Not only do we get to spend the time with each other, but, you know, it’s sharing time over an event. You know, there’s things for the kids to do for the adults and animals running around is a beautiful garden. So, it’s just a good time for everybody.”

Some people at the park didn’t even know there was going to be a live music act.

“We’ve been at the park for just about an hour today. We came not knowing this was going on, so it was a really delightful surprise,” Lisa Jones said. “We got to make a craft and enjoy some drinks and the live music, so it’s been really fun.”

The people OzarksFirst spoke to say it’s important to spend time with family during the holiday weekend.

“Spending time with my family is really important on a day where we can recognize all mothers and everything that they do for us. I don’t have my mother locally, so it’s important to spend time with my daughter and husband,” Jones said.

“At the end of the day, it’s our mothers that really embody those of those characteristics and those strengths into us. So, it’s very important to have those special moments. I mean, I think Mother’s Day is an everyday kind of thing, but it’s good to have that one day to just share it and make them feel special,” Bullard said.

The last show of the May showcase is May 18, featuring National Dulcimer Champs and Friends at 2 p.m., but between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. is the Springfield Sister Cities Celebration.

Johnnie Angelia King & Blues Connection was cancelled due to storm damage at the park, but was rescheduled for October 5.