 |
||||||
|
|
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!
January 1-December 31, 2008 Join us for a 1 hour walking tour through the fantastic upper level of Blanchard Springs Caverns, in constant 58° temperature. Visitors tour two huge rooms filled with awesome sparkling calcite formations. Tours begin at the Visitor Center. An educational movie and exhibit hall clarify the underground wonders. Open year round; tours offered periodically, from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Call 870-757-2211 or 1-888-757-2246 for tour times, rates, or reservations. January 1-December 31, 2008 Sign up for a four hour guided trip into undeveloped portions of Blanchard Springs Caverns. Visitors will need sturdy boots and long pants. Visitors must be in good physical condition, and be prepared to climb, crawl, and get dirty. The tour ends at the spectacular Titans formations. Participants must be at least ten years old. A responsible adult must tour with ten to twelve year olds. Open year round; tours by reservation only. Call 870-757-2211 or 1-888-757-2246 for tour times, rates, or reservations. 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 24-September 1, 2008 Come along on a 1 ½ hour tour through the middle level of Blanchard Springs Caverns. Visitors walk though large water-carved passages, stand at the natural entrance, and see marvelous formations. With nearly 700 stairs, this tour is not recommended for those with walking or health problems. Open summer only; tours offered frequently, from 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. Call 870-757-2211 or 1-888-757-2246 for tour times, rates, or reservations. 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 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 2-6, 2008 Beauty contest at Ozark Heritage Art Center (Leslie), farm animal exhibit and judging Thursday, horticulture exhibits open Friday, plus other family activities. September 5-7, 2008 The event kicks off Friday at 7 p.m. with a "balloon glow." Tethered rides continue until Sunday. 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 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 October 3-4, 2008 A joyous festival ushering in fall with food, fun, music, dancers, crafts, and more! 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 4-5, 2008 Arts, crafts, food, and fun for the whole family. 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 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 10-11, 2008 October 11-12, 2008 A wonderful course where beginning fly fishermen can learn the basics of fly fishing. October 17, 2008 Tour Hwy. 7 and forest area, scheduled route yet to be set. Depending on best color. 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. Categories 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 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.
|
