World video travel guide

News • Arkansas • United States • 2011-08-15

September Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks

Jill M. Rohrbach and Kimberly J. Williams, travel writers

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Tweet line: Check out September Events in the Arkansas Ozarks: http://tiny.cc/fbexs

Note to the Print and Broadcast Media:

In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin\' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: communications@arkansas.com or 501-682-7606.

------------------------------------------------------------

Take the Powerhouse and Dam Tour in Bull Shoals to visit one of the largest concrete dams in the United States and understand how water is used to make electric power. You see the massive equipment used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and power companies to produce this important energy resource. You learn about the history of the construction, the environmental and commercial impact of the dam, and the role it plays in providing flood control, hydropower and recreational opportunities. There are age restrictions for tour takers, and identification and pre-registration is required. Admission is $4. Contact the Bull Shoals-White River State Park at 870-445-3629 for tour dates and to register.

------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------

Bid farewell to summer as Davidsonville Historic State Park hosts Labor Day Weekend activities on Sept. 2-5. Events include owl prowls, star gazing, black powder demonstrations and historic town site tours. Visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact the park at 870-892-4708 for more information on programs, times and prices.

------------------------------------------------------------

Celebrate the history of the White River on Sept. 2-5 during the annual White River Days event in Bull Shoals. This weekend’s events focus on the ecology, history, and prehistory of this beautiful area. Depending on the water level, you can join in the annual canoe/kayak float. Contact the Bull Shoals-White River State Park at 870-445-3629 for a detailed schedule. The event is free, except for the lake and river cruises.

------------------------------------------------------------

Mammoth Spring holds its 28th annual Antique & Classic Car Show on Sept. 3 at the city ball field area. Gates open at 9 a.m. and judging starts at 11 a.m. Prizes are given for \"Longest Distance Traveled,\" \"People\'s Choice,\" and \"Best of Show.\" The first 50 entries receive dash plaques. The event is free for spectators and $20 for competitors. Call 870-625-7364 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

Art Fair on the Square is an outdoor, fine arts fair taking place Sept. 3 on the lawn of the historic Cleburne County Courthouse square in Heber Springs. Activities are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fall is the perfect time of year to experience the recreational opportunities of the area, stroll the historic downtown, listen to music and browse the fair in search of one-of-a-kind art. Admission is free. Visit www.heber-springs.com or call 501-362-2444 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

The 60th annual Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair features arts and crafts Sept. 3-5 on the grounds of the historic Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. It is northwest Arkansas’s oldest show and is comprised of more than 200 artists and crafts people from across the United States. Living history, musical entertainment, and square dancing are all important parts of this celebration. Refreshments available through the Prairie Grove Lions Club and other local non-profit vendors. Parking is $5 per vehicle. The park is located on Ark. 62 about 12 miles west of Fayetteville. Call 479-751-5441 for details.

Kicking off the event is the 5K Battlefield Run & 1-Mile Yankee Dash/Walk on Sept. 3. Awards are given for overall male and female athletes in different age divisions. For more information call 479-267-5000 or e-mail battlefieldrun@pgtc.com.

------------------------------------------------------------

Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View offers Labor Day Weekend--Hands-On in the Park on Sept. 3-5. This special weekend gives people of all ages a chance to put their hands on a craft or instrument they have always wanted to try. A variety of short sessions are provided. Contact the park at 870-269-3851 for a detailed class schedule and registration. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for additional information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Hundreds of vintage classics compete for prizes and trophies on Sept. 9-10 during the 41st annual Eureka Springs Antique Automobile Festival. The event is comprised of a car show and a parade. A re-enactment of the 1922 bank robbery in Eureka Springs follows the parade. An automobile was used in the robbery getaway. The festival takes place at the Pine Mountain Village on U.S. 62. Visit www.eurekaspringschamber.com or call 479-253-8737 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Watch the wood chips fly at the Woodcarvers Jamboree on Sept. 9-10 in Eureka Springs. Woodcarvers, wood turners and wood burners exhibit their best works and demonstrate their crafts. The event is held at Pine Mountain Village on U.S. 62. Call 918-251-8734 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

The 20th annual Tired Iron of the Ozarks Antique Tractor and Engine Show is set for Sept. 9-11 in Gentry. Tired Iron of the Ozarks exhibits antique tractors and engines, old-time sawmilling and blacksmithing, plowing, home-related antiques, and more. RV parking with water hookups is available by calling 479-524-0450. The club is hosting the Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America regional show this weekend as well. The event takes place at 13344 Taylor Orchard Road. Visit www.tiredironoftheozarks.org or call 479-736-2841 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View features Folk Dance Days on Sept. 9-11. The workshop is for people of all ages and covers traditional dance styles such as clogging, jig dancing, and contra dances. Dance troupes, instructors, and bands converge on the Ozark Folk Center for an intense weekend of fun. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

Look to the skies on Sept. 9-11 when Harrison hosts the 16th annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship at the North Arkansas College South Campus. The festival kicks off the first evening with more than 20 balloons tethered to the ground for the balloon glow. The event continues through Sunday with several balloon race competitions. Tethered balloon rides are available for $5. Visit www.arkansasballoonfest.com or call 870-741-2659 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

This is the third year for the Heavenly Highway Yard Sale, which is set for Sept. 9-12. The event is comprised of 125 miles of yard sales along Ark. 5 from Calico Rock through Viola, Ash Flat, Salesville, Norfork and Ark. 177 in Pineville. Visit www.calicorock.us or call 870-297-4129 for more information.

You can also search for treasures on Sept. 10 at the Horseshoe Bend Fall Citywide Yard Sale event. Visit www.horseshoebendarcc.com or call 870-670-5433 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

It’s time for Polo In The Ozarks on Sept. 10 in Fayetteville. Hosted by Dr. Brian and Donna Buell and family, Polo in the Ozarks features tailgate parties, dinner and dancing under the stars, children\'s activities and both live and silent auctions. Visit www.lifestylesinc.org or call 479-521-3581 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

The Arkansas State Championship Hillbilly Chili Cook-Off heats up Sept. 10 in Bull Shoals. Cooks from all over Arkansas and surrounding states compete for the title. Vendors are also on-site selling their wares. Admission is $3. Call 870-445-3629 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Head to Springdale on Sept. 10 for the 34th Ozark Quilt Fair. New and antique quilts will be for show and sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. The cost is free for spectators and $10 for exhibitors. Visit www.shilohmuseum.org or call 479-750-8165 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

The city park in Newark is the site for the TNT “Times-N-Tradition” Days event on Sept. 10. The family-friendly event offers music, arts and crafts, and a variety of food vendors. For more information phone 870-834-9712.

------------------------------------------------------------

Volunteer your time to make Jacksonport State Park in Newport a better, cleaner place to visit. The park takes part in the Great Arkansas Cleanup on Sept. 10. The event is a great service project for scouts, church groups, families and individuals. Those participating will receive a free t-shirt and picnic lunch. To learn more phone the park at 870-523-2143.

------------------------------------------------------------

The 34th annual Stamp & Postcard Show takes place Sept. 10-11 at the Ramada Inn Convention Center in Mountain Home. Fifteen dealers from five states buy and sell old and new U.S. and foreign postage stamps, first day covers and historic postal artifacts. Collector supplies are also available. Admission is free. Call 870-425-7799 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

The public is invited to collect, display, swap and sell at the 24th annual Northwest Arkansas Gem & Mineral Society Fall Tailgate Sale and Auction on Sept. 10-11 in Siloam Springs. There will be a gem wash, mineral specimens, rough, slabs, geodes, fossils, flint knapping, and bead and wire wrap jewelry. The event also includes grab bags and an auction of specimens and equipment. Members, non-members, and dealers are welcome. Visit www.nwarockhounds.org or call 479-524-3084 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy a short street theatre piece relating the colorful history of Eureka Springs on Sept. 11 in Eureka Springs. Twilight Tales, an open air performance in historic downtown Basin Spring Park, is produced by the Eureka Springs Preservation Society. Admission is free. Visit www.eurekasprings.org or call 479-253-9703 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Check out the new Butterfly House at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville on Sept. 11-25. Visitors stroll through the butterfly enclosure surrounded by many species of Arkansas native butterflies and plants.On Sept. 15 the botanical garden holds its Chefs in the Garden event. Local celebrity chefs offer cooking demonstrations and tastings. Admission is $35.Visit www.bgozarks.org or call 479-750-2620 for more information on either event.

------------------------------------------------------------

The 31st annual Maynard Pioneer Days is slated for Sept. 14-17 in Maynard. Held at the Maynard Pioneer Park, the event features entertainment, live music, great food, a craft fair and a pioneer dress contest. Make sure and stop by the Pioneer Museum for a glimpse of life during the late 1800s. The 88th annual Old Folks Singing, featuring live gospel music, will be held on Sept. 18 at the Maynard Methodist Church. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and also features a potluck luncheon. For more information on Maynard Pioneer Days, call 870-647-8013. Phone 870-647-2154 to learn more about the Old Folks Singing.

------------------------------------------------------------

Tap your feet and feel the music on Sept. 16-17 at the Arkansas State Fiddle Championship at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. See the best fiddlers compete for bragging rights in the junior, senior and open divisions. Fiddle judges will be special performing guests during the evening shows. Go to www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Visit the private working studios of local artists and craft artisans during the 10th annual Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour, a free self-guided driving tour in the scenic Ozark Mountains on Sept. 16-18. The tour showcases creative artists in and around Mountain View, Calico Rock, Pineville, Leslie and Fox. More than 30 talented artisans offer a rare glimpse into their private working spaces as you travel \"off the beaten path\" to see where and how their art is created. Tour hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. All studios are located within 30 miles of the Mountain View square. Visit www.offthebeatenpathstudiotour.com or call 870-269-4103 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

The 5th annual Ozark Mountain Artists Tour is Sept. 16-18 in Jasper. The free self-guided tour features artists’ studios nestled in the scenic and remote areas of Newton County. Visit www.ozarkmountainartists.com or call 870-861-5853 for tour details.

------------------------------------------------------------

The Ward Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Jamboree on Sept. 17. This family-friendly festival features a silent auction, beauty pageants, cake walks, rides for the kids and live entertainment. The event is held at the Chamber of Commerce office, located at 80 S. 2nd St. in Ward. Call 501-843-6533 for more information.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The Greers Ferry Fall Festival on Sept. 17 offers games, food, crafts and entertainment in Greers Ferry City Park. There will be a flat bed stage for anyone who would like to play music or sing. Admission is free and the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Fishing on Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River are other popular pastimes in this area. Visit www.greersferry.com or call 501-825-6616 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

The Southfork River Regulators 6th annual Gun & Knife Show is Sept. 17-18 in Salem. You can buy, sell and trade guns and knives at this show, held at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. Call 870-371-0507 for details.

The Fall Community-Wide Yard Sale in Salem is Sept. 24. The community offers an abundance of yard sales and business side-walk sales for the bargain hunters. Maps are available at area businesses. Visit www.SalemAR.com or call 870-895-5565 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Dutch oven cooking is not only a great way to enjoy the great outdoors…it’s a way to make tasty baked treats for friends and family. Learn to make everything from biscuits to blueberry loaves to chocolate upside-down cake at Baking Bonanza: Dutch oven workshop at Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas on Sept. 17. You’ll also learn how to maintain and clean the oven, preserving it for decades to come. Cost of the workshop is $40 and includes the price of the Dutch oven. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Downtown Newport is the location of the 14th annual Depot Days Festival on Sept. 24. This year’s offerings include arts and crafts, games and activities for kids, magic shows, and live music throughout the day, with scheduled performances by the Georgia Satellites and Sonny Burgess & the Legendary Pacers. Visit www.DepotDays.org or call 870-523-3618 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Teachers are invited to bring their students for a four-hour adventure in Arkansas history. Davidsonville Historic State Park hosts Discovering Davidsonville School Days on Sept. 22-23. Enjoy hands-on programs and games, learn about frontier settlers and the importance Davidsonville played in our state’s history. Reservations are required. Contact Davidsonville Historic State Park at 870-892-4708 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Cowboy music and storytelling will be featured at the Ozark Folk Center during Cowboy Weekend on Sept. 23-24 in Mountain View. A Cowboy Poetry contest will be a feature on Saturday. The Mountain View Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Chuck Wagon Cook-Off as a part of this special event. Check out the Hot Deals on www.arkansas.com for weekend specials. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Head to Rogers Historic District on Sept. 23-24 for the 26th annual Frisco Festival, a family celebration honoring the city’s railroad heritage. Area businesses sponsor the biggest party in town including free rides and amusements. Signature events include: The Chilisalsapeno Competition, Kid\'s Connection, Frisco Chicken BBQ, Frisco Idol, several car shows, and non-stop main stage entertainment starting and ending with the Friday and Saturday night street dances. Admission is free. Find more information at www.friscofestival.com or call 479-936-5487.

------------------------------------------------------------

Eureka Springs holds its 6th annual Adventure into Art Studio Tour on Se=t. 23-25. During this free self-guided tour you can visit artists’ studios, talk with the artists and watch them work. Tour maps and participating artists information can be found at www.eurekaspringsstudiotour.com. Call 479-363-9402 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Step back in time with characters who could be right off the Chisholm Trail during the Arkansas Chuckwagon Cook-Off on Sept. 23-25 at the Stone County Fairgrounds in Mountain View. Activities include a rodeo, campfire with cowboy songs and stories, vendors and more. You can also dine at a chuckwagon and enjoy the meats, beans, potatoes, breads and desserts featured in the competition. Visit www.YourPlaceInTheMountains.com or call 870-269-8068 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

Whether a kid or a kid at heart, you’ll enjoy Historic Games Day at Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan on Sept. 24. Held in conjunction with Take a Child Outside Week, the event features games played by all ages from the Victorian era to present day, ranging from sack races and marbles to horseshoes and jump rope. Bring the family, a picnic lunch and your lawn chairs and spend the day playing games of yesteryear and today. Call Powhatan Historic State Park at 870-878-6765 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

Westfest, a day of celebrating the Ozarks western heritage, is set for Sept. 24 in Leslie. The event includes entertainment and contests. It takes place at Pine Grove Trails, located 3.6 miles from Highway 65 on Trace Ridge Road. Visit www.westfest.wordpress.com or call 870-447-2367 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

Benefiting Clear Spring School in Eureka Springs, Eurekapalooza Music Festival & Fun Trail Run is Sept. 24. The event brings the best of Ozark talent to beautiful Lake Leatherwood City Park for a full day and night of music, great food, and fun for the whole family. The Fun Trail Run kicks off the festival. Concessions are available. Camping, hiking, biking, and fishing are other popular activities at the park. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students, and free for kids 12 and under. Visit www.eurekapalooza.com or call 479-253-7888 for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------

Arkansas Black Bear Classic on Sept. 24 in Clinton is a load of fun for the whole family, hunters and conservationists. The classic has music, food, a gun and knife show, skeet shooting, archery, a geocaching tournament, bouncy houses, booths, vendors, a climbing wall and more. It is located just a few miles from Greers Ferry Lake. The cost is $3 for ages 14 and up. It takes place at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds. Call 501-745-7004 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

The Pocahontas Downtown Arts Association hosts an Art Show and Silent Auction at Gallery on the Square on Sept. 26-30. Admission is free. Log on to www.BlackRiverBeads.com to learn more.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Main Street Searcy offers Get Down…Downtown in Searcy on Sept. 30-Oct. 1. The event features live music, arts and crafts, activities for children and a variety of vendors, performers and artists from throughout the state. For more information visit www.searcy.com/mainstreet or call 501-279-9007.

RSS • All news