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Things To Do / Festivals & Events 
Festivals & Events Community spirit is alive and well in the Ozark Mountain Region. The arts are thriving - inspired by the magnificence of nature. Sporting events attract the best. Wildlife brings people together. Fun is afoot, and everyone is welcome. No matter when you visit the Ozark Mountain Region, you're sure to find something fun going on—an Ozark music festival, ticker-tape parade, traditional county fair or rowdy rodeo to raise your spirits high! Check out our calendar for a complete listing of festivals and events in Arkansas’ Ozark Mountain Region. Also, keep up with what’s up in the Ozarks with our free e-newsletter!
May 10-September 13, 2008 Every Saturday at 7 p.m., 450 to 600 area citizens and visitors congregate to enjoy an evening of music, door prizes and concessions. May 15-18, 2008 Exceptional values on used books in excellent condition. Rare books, collectibles. Proceeds benefit children's services, special programs, materials, equipment, staff professional development, and enhance Library resources. May 16-17, 2008 Arkansas State Parks were first established in 1933. In 1955, Bull Shoals-White River became Arkansas’ 7th state park. Join us for a birthday celebration to commemorate the many years our state parks have created family traditions. The weekend's activities will include guided walks, history programs, an evening slide show of our 50 years, dam tours, and lake and river cruises. We will even have a birthday cake for all to share. We will save you a seat! Activities are free except the cruises. May 16-18, 2008 Music festival, arts & crafts, food vendors, crawfish boil, crawfish eating contest, kids' activities, carnival rides, horseshoes tournament, tennis tournament, car show, and skateboard demo. May 17, 2008 All age groups & skill levels. Three ride options: 62 bi-state, 30 and 12 miles. Register online and find course map, directions, start times. Race begins and ends at ASUMH campus. Proceeds benefit Baxter County Library Foundation. Race Director Jim Holsted 870-404-0715 bigjim@holsted.com. May 17, 2008 Celebrate Arkansas State Parks’ 75th birthday by joining us for a Dutch Oven Cook-off. Experience a unique style of cooking that has been around since the days of the earliest settlers. Teams will compete by preparing their favorite dishes the old-fashioned way--with cast iron cookware and hot coals. Visitors will be able to watch as the teams showcase their craft and taste samples! Prizes will be awarded for each category: bread, main dish, and dessert. Cooking begins at 10 a.m.; judging begins at 2 p.m. Contact the park for details. May 17, 2008 A fun ride for bicyclists in the whole family. Race features differing length rides for experienced riders, novice riders, families, and kids laps. Proceeds benefit Baxter County Library Foundation. May 30-31, 2008 Dr. Michael Dougan, of ASU Jonesboro, will be the guest speaker on Friday, discussing the role of newspapers in tracing family histories. Saturday activities are focused on interactive genealogy exchanges. June 13-14, 2008 Juried craft show for non-commercial crafters to show and sell unique handcrafted items. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks available. Drawings for gift certificates during the show. Preschool children come to sing. Great opportunity to view and buy gifts for all seasons and reasons. June 13-14, 2008 The White River is one of the nation's finest trout fishing streams. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there is something here for you! Activities include fly-fishing classes, fly-tying demonstrations, basic trout fishing classes, trout cooking demonstrations, fly casting clinics and river cruises. Contact the park for a detailed schedule. Help us celebrate Arkansas State Parks' 75th anniversary! June 14-15, 2008 A wonderful course where beginning fly fishermen can learn the basics of fly fishing. June 15, 2008 A just-for-fun trout fishing tournament for children and their fathers, grandfathers, or guardians. There will be prizes and certificates for a variety of wacky categories. Come dressed alike or in your goofiest outfits. Lots of door prizes. Contact the park for further details. June 16-18, 2008 Kids, join members of the Bull Shoals Art Club and park staff for three days of art in the park. The beauty of the Ozarks and its unique water features will be the inspiration for this creative day camp. Participants will create a special work of art each day utilizing different media. There will be a fee to cover all snacks and art materials. Contact the park for more information. June 27-28, 2008 This major event celebrates Newton County's title of "Elk Capital of Arkansas." You will find quality artists, crafters, other vendors showcasing their wares as well as nature seminars, wildlife displays, fishing derby, lots of kids' activities, great entertainment, brilliant fireworks display and the infamous Elk Permit Drawings. Fun for all ages! June 27-28, 2008 The Ride 4 Cash is a two-day poker run through the Ozark Mountains where you can win $5,000! June 27-28, 2008 The Red White and Blue Festival is a premier patriotic event with two days of family-focused activities culminating with an absolutely amazing fireworks display on Saturday evening. Join us for the patriotic parade, rodeo, music, car show, and festival attractions. We'll see you at the Red White and Blue! July 4, 2008 The levee area around Lake Harrison provides the perfect seat to watch as mirror images of the fireworks explode on both sides of the bridge, reflected in Lake Harrison. Fireworks will begin at dusk (approx. 9 p.m.). July 4, 2008 First Federal Bank presents the 26th Annual Turtle Races. Turtles race in “heats” with the first 3 across the line moving on to the next heat. 1st-3rd places receive a trophy. Hot dogs, lemonade, and popcorn is also served. July 5, 2008 All-American fun for the entire family! Recreational activities are scheduled all day, including our newest "Family Survivor" competition, the infamous watermelon eating contest, the seed spitting contest, the "Wet as a Trout" slip and slide, plus a variety of other fun games. Prizes will be awarded. Contact the park for a detailed schedule. July 14-18, 2008 Children ages 7-12 years old are invited to spend a week with the park interpreters exploring nature, Biology, and history of the Ozarks. Camp hours are from 9 am to Noon, Monday-Wednesday. Thursday, July 17th, the campers are invited to a supervised overnight camp-out. Camp ends Friday at Noon with an awards ceremony. The fee covers all snacks, materials, and dinner Thursday night. Reservations required. Contact the park for further details. July 17-18, 2008 A wonderful course where beginning fly fishermen can learn the basics of fly fishing. July 21-25, 2008 Children 4-6 years old are invited to spend a week with the park interpreters discovering nature, ecology and history of the Ozarks. Camp hours are from 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday. The fee covers all snacks and materials. Reservations are required. Contact the park for further details. August 2, 2008 Walks Through History will be touring historic Downtown Mountain Home. This event is sponsored by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage. August 2, 2008 The architecture of Mountain Home's historic downtown is expressive of much of north central Arkansas's architecture. The rustic downtown buildings speak volumes about settlement in mountainous areas of the state. The tour will begin at the Baxter County Courthouse on the courthouse square in Mountain Home. Co-sponsored by the Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society. August 2-30, 2008 Exhibit of entries in our annual artist competition. Free public reception and awards ceremony August 30, from 2-4 p.m. Visitors vote for Peoples' Choice award. August 9-10, 2008 A wonderful course where beginning fly fishermen can learn the basics of fly fishing. August 14-16, 2008 August 21-23, 2008 Exceptional values on used books. Rare books, collectibles. Proceeds benefit children's services, special programs, materials, equipment, staff professional development, and enhance Library resources. August 22-30, 2008 Carnival, kids' day, senior day (age 60+), truck pull, garden tractor pull, ATV Rodeo, Queen's contest, parade, horse show, and livestock show. August 29-September 1, 2008 Celebrate the history of the White River! Weekend events will focus on the ecology, history and prehistory of this beautiful area. Explore the river on guided canoe, kayak, and johnboat floats. All programs are free except float trips and cruises. Contact the park for a detailed schedule. September 1, 2008 Join a park interpreter for a guided canoe/kayak trip down the White River. We will depart from the trout dock and travel about two hours down river to Gaston’s Resort. Space is limited and reservations are required. NOTE: The trip is dependent on ideal weather and river conditions. Contact the park if you have questions. September 5-7, 2008 The event will kick off Friday, September 5th at 7 p.m. with a "balloon glow" and tethered rides and will continue until September 7th. A beautiful event to experience, fun for all ages! Hosted by the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce. September 6, 2008 Chili cooks compete for the Arkansas State Championship to advance to the International Chili Society World Championship. Food vendors, exhibitors, and crafters. Chili tasting, People's Choice competition, live entertainment all day. September 6, 2008 Cooks from all over Arkansas and surrounding states compete for the title of "Arkansas's Best Chili." Taste the chili and visit vendors as the cooks turn up the heat. Co-sponsored by the Bull Shoals-Lakeview Rotary Club. Contact the park for further details. September 6-7, 2008 Exhibits of US and Foreign stamps and picture postcards. Stamps, postcards, postal history available. This includes items from the 1800s up to modern times. Collector supplies available. Dealers from 6 states can provide free appraisals. September 6-8, 2008 TIMES: 6th Balloon Glow 7 p.m.; 7th & 8th Key Grab 7 a.m.; 7th Hare & Hound Race 5:30 p.m. September 8, 2008 6 p.m. The Ozark Writers’ Block is a critique group. Attendees are welcome to bring up to seven pages that they can read aloud; the group will then provide helpful critiques. All styles and genres of writing are welcome. September 16-20, 2008 Go to our Web site for details and schedule of events. September 17-20, 2008 September 20-21, 2008 A wonderful course where beginning fly fishermen can learn the basics of fly fishing. September 20-27, 2008 NW Arkansas District Fairgrounds September 25, 2008 September 25-27, 2008 October 3-4, 2008 The annual membership meeting of the FFF Southern Council in Conclave with in-stream workshops, clinics, seminars, fly tying demonstrations, casting clinics/demonstrations, commerical exhibitors, live and silent auctions, and raffles. Casting and tying instruction available free. Check out website for details on all activities October 3-4, 2008 A joyous festival ushering in fall with food, fun, music, dancers, crafts, and more! October 3-4, 2008 October 4, 2008 This event celebrates the life of Jack Doub, an avid teenage mountain biker who passed away in 2002. The Jack Doub Memorial Endowment provides funding for a nationwide celebration that occurs each year on the first Saturday in October. We will meet at the Oakridge Mountain Bike Trailhead for a short mountain biking program at 10 a.m. followed by a group ride. Everyone will receive a snack bar and cold water after the ride. The state park offers mountain bike rentals on a first come, first served basis. Free rentals for this event. We will have two age group courses, 6-9 and 10-up. Contact the park for further details. October 4, 2008 Must be 21 years of age to taste the wine. Post Familie Vineyards and Mother Hubbards Cupboard will sponsor a FREE wine tasting and cheese tasting. Both are excellent. October 6, 2008 6 p.m. The Ozark Writers’ Block is a critique group. Attendees are welcome to bring up to seven pages that they can read aloud; the group will then provide helpful critiques. All styles and genres of writing are welcome. October 7, 2008 You will be swept off your feet by the energy, humor and ability of Richard N. Henson. Richard is a speaker, humorist and storyteller, using stories and events with the humor and drama of real life to hold his audience spellbound with a southern style delivery. October 10-11, 2008 October 10-11, 2008 A fall Ozark Mountain homecoming. Celebrate our heritage and the wild turkey at the oldest wild turkey calling contest in the nation. Parade, quilt show, 5K run, lip sync contest, pizza gobble, art show, turkey dinner, Miss Turkey Trot and Miss Drumsticks beauty pageants, live musical entertainment, food and craft booths. October 11-12, 2008 A wonderful course where beginning fly fishermen can learn the basics of fly fishing. October 17-24, 2008 Fine art display by local artists featuring the White River, Bull Shoals Lake, animals and birds native to the area, landscapes, fishing, rocky cliffs, etc. Artists are members of the Bull Shoals Arts and Humanities Council. October 17-31, 2008 Fall colors add a whole new dimension to the Ozarks as brilliant colors seem to bring the hillsides alive. Members of the Bull Shoals Art Club will display autumn-themed artwork at the visitor center. October 24-25, 2008 A judged fine art show with entries from many artists in Arkansas and surrouning areas. Catagories are oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, graphics, and photography. Awards to 1st, 2nd, 3rd place. Best of Show and People's Choice. Sponsored by Bull Shoals Arts and Humanities Council. October 24-26, 2008 The Ozark Mountains are beautiful this time of year with gorgeous weather and colorful scenery. Trout fishing is at its peak. Scheduled activities include guided river cruises, hayrides, a campsite decorating contest, and much more. Contact the park for a schedule. Help us celebrate Arkansas State Parks' 75th anniversary. Our motto is "Making Memories," and this weekend you're sure to make memories of a lifetime with your friends and family. October 28, 2008 Skip is Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, a native of Batesville, a fan of ASU-Mountain Home and was inspired by the life and works of Vada Sheid. October 30, 2008 Kids carnival games, prizes, inflatables, haunted house, hayrides, and food. Everyone is invited! Sponsored by ASU-Mountain Home, Chamber of Commerce, Parks & Recreation, BRMC, KTLO/KCTT Radio Stations. November 3, 2008 6 p.m. The Ozark Writers’ Block is a critique group. Attendees are welcome to bring up to seven pages that they can read aloud; the group will then provide helpful critiques. All styles and genres of writing are welcome. November 3-21, 2008 Baxter County Library hosts the Annual Young Arkansas Artists exhibit, including work of students statewide and locally. November 4-8, 2008 Baxter County Library will host the Artmobile, mobile gallery of the Arkansas Arts Center. Log on to www.baxtercountylibrary.org for times and details. November 7-8, 2008 Holiday Shopping Extravaganza! Friday and Saturday. Pictures with Santa, shopping, food and more! November 7-8, 2008 November 9, 2008 A wonderful course where beginning fly fishermen can learn the basics of fly fishing. November 9, 2008 November 14-15, 2008 Juried craft show for non-commercial crafters to show and sell unique handcrafted items. Breakfast, lunch and snacks available. Drawings for gift certificates during the show. November 14-15, 2008 Crafts and art from local artists. November 20-22, 2008 Exceptional bargains on used books in good condition including fiction, nonfiction, old and collectible books. Proceeds enhance Library resources and support the "Investing in Your Place to Grow" campaign. Log on to www.baxtercountylibrary.org for details. November 22, 2008 November 29, 2008 Cameo Club's annual Tour of Homes. December 1, 2008 December 1, 2008 6 p.m. The Ozark Writers’ Block is a critique group. Attendees are welcome to bring up to seven pages that they can read aloud; the group will then provide helpful critiques. All styles and genres of writing are welcome. December 5, 2008 December 5-6, 2008 Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Great gifts for all. Face painting and pictures with Santa. Avon, baked goods, plants, crafts, crochet/knitted, beaded, quilted items, popcorn, NASCAR, and much more. Fund raiser for Foster Children of Baxter County. December 6, 2008 December 12-13, 2008 Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 8a.m.-4 p.m. Great holiday gifts for everyone. Craft vendors, baked goods, NASCAR, kitchen items, Red Hat items, jewelry, and more! Face painting and pictures with Santa available. January 9-10, 2009 Each year approximately 100 bald eagles visit the Bull Shoals area. This weekend, enjoy activities centered around our national symbol, such as lake and river tours, guided bird walks, guest speakers, live bird demonstrations, kids' activities, and live entertainment. Contact the park for a schedule.
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