The Webster County Fairgrounds was buzzing with activity Sept. 5–6 as thousands of visitors from across the country gathered for the sixth annual Ozarks Homesteading Expo. Organizer and founder Cheryl Franklin said the event continues to grow in reputation, attracting attendees, speakers, and vendors eager to share knowledge about sustainable, rural living.
“We had about 3,000 people here, and they came from all over the country,” Franklin said. “The vendors came from all over, the speakers came from all over, and the feedback has been incredible. Many tell us this is the best homesteading event of its kind in the country.”
Franklin, who has spent decades practicing the homesteading lifestyle through gardening, raising livestock, and cooking from scratch, said the Expo grew out of her own passion. “When you have a good thing, you want to tell people about it,” she explained. After leaving the newspaper business during layoffs several years ago, Franklin decided to dedicate her time to creating a large-scale event that would connect people to the skills and resources they need.
This year’s Expo offered an array of hands-on classes and demonstrations. Attendees learned everything from hog and chicken processing to canning, fencing, rainwater collection, and year-round gardening. Experts also taught about raising goats and chickens, trapping problem predators with guidance from the Missouri Trappers Association, and even traditional skills such as blacksmithing and sawmilling. National organizations and local groups alike took part, including the National Livestock Conservancy, which educated visitors about preserving rare breeds. Presentations also covered food security and the importance of building community.
“It’s important to get to know like-minded people so you can share skills,” Franklin said. “You don’t have to do everything by yourself, and it can get real lonely out there on the farm if you try.”
While the Expo focused on skills for self-reliance, its presence brought a significant boost to Marshfield as well. With visitors traveling in from across the United States, local hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores saw heavy traffic. Franklin noted that while the Webster County Fair is largely supported by local residents, the Expo draws from far outside the region.
“We filled up all the hotels, the Airbnbs, the restaurants—everything,” she said. “It’s probably the biggest event at the fairgrounds, and we’re happy it’s making a big economic impact here.”
Franklin also praised the Webster County Fairgrounds as a fitting backdrop for the event.
“It’s a great venue; rustic and practical, just right for what we’re doing,” she said. She credited local partners such as University of Missouri Extension, as well as sound technician Andy Moore and numerous volunteers, for helping make the event run smoothly.
Behind the scenes, Franklin said the event wouldn’t be possible without a dedicated support team. From friends and family members who handled vendor check-ins, merchandise, and cleanup, to her grandsons who pitched in with heavy lifting, Franklin expressed gratitude. She also highlighted longtime friend Joel Salatin, a nationally recognized farmer and author, for his encouragement and support.
“I am blessed beyond measure to be gifted with friends and family like this,” Franklin said. “And the community gets to reap the benefits, too.”
As the Expo continues to grow, Franklin hopes it will remain a source of education, inspiration, and connection for those pursuing a more self-sufficient way of life.
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