Music: Get Tickets Now for the Yonder Mountain String Band's Harvest Music Festival
September 3, 2010 10:09 AM
Jill M. Rohrbach
The
Harvest Music Festival takes place
Oct. 14-16 at
Mulberry Mountain Lodging and Events in
Ozark. The event is a bluegrass music and camping festival presented by the Yonder Mountain String Band. The Colorado-based foursome has crisscrossed the country over the past 11 years playing such varied settings as festivals, rock clubs, Red Rocks Amphitheater in the band’s home state, and recently the Democratic National Convention in Denver at Mile High Stadium opening for Barack Obama. Their loyal fan base has been built from this diverse setting of music venues as fans latched on to their genre-defying original sound.
Part of the event is the Nomadic Dreams Village, where you and your family can enjoy planned daily workshops that include greening initiatives, mind and body wellness, and interactive art for kids and adults alike. Daily workshops will include yoga, meditation, hoop instruction, poi, glass blowing, drum construction, informative environmental responsibility workshops, and many other activities. The village will be centralized around the Nomadic Dreams stage that will provide early morning cartoons, daily open mic opportunities, performance artists, musical acts, and late night movies.
This is the same place
Wakarusa is held. If you’re familiar with that, you know there’s plenty more to do out there, such as hiking, fishing, disc golf, and float trips all near the festival site.
Tickets for the Yonder Mountain String Band’s Harvest Music Festival are available online only at
Yonderharvestfestival.com. Call 479-667-1919 for additional information.
Here’s the artist lineup:
Leftover Salmon
Keller Williams & the Keels
Railroad Earth
Sam Bush
Martin Sexton
Brett Dennen
Split Lip Rayfield
Emmitt Nershi Band
Cornmeal
Donna the Buffalo
The Travelin' McCourys
Mountain Sprout
Infamous Stringdusters
Asylum St. Spankers
Adam Aijala & Larry Keel
Elephant Revival
Poor Man's Whiskey
Big Smith
Hillstomp
Dirtfoot
Town Mountain
Head for the Hills
Oakhurst
Whitewater Ramble
Dangermuffin
Pert Near Sandstone
Ben Miller Band
Deadman Flats
Dovekins
Hillbenders
Whistle Pigs
Mountain of Venus
Jeff & Vida
Cletus Got Shot
1 oz Jig
Geocaching Friday: Arkansas's Great River Road Geocaches
September 3, 2010 9:47 AM
On Fridays, I’ll share some of my favorite geocaching spots throughout The Natural State. Even if you’re not a cacher, the Friday blogs will feature towns and attractions throughout the eastern section of Arkansas…perfect for a weekend trip!
Kimberly J. Williams
Happy Friday!!
We started our Great River Road Geocaching Project in Arkansas in May 2008 with 10 caches. In the past two and a half years, that number has grown to 29. The caches are located all along Arkansas’s section of the scenic byway, from north of
Blytheville to downtown
Eudora. I just placed four caches in downtown
Lake Village about three weeks ago...and each was found within hours of the postings on Geocaching.com!
As of the end of August, these caches have been found nearly 1100 times. WOW!! Geocaching is not only a fantastic hobby for individuals and families, it’s also a wonderful way
to introduce people to the many cultural and historic sites and places throughout the
Arkansas Delta.
So this holiday weekend, why not get out and find a few of our Great River Road caches? I’ll say this…geocachers are a WONDERFUL group of people!!
I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend! The weather is going to be great…highs only in the lower to mid 80s throughout most of the state…so go caching!!
Festivals & Events: Enjoy the Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair this Labor Day Weekend
September 3, 2010 9:11 AM
When Labor Day comes, I think of my mother, grandmother, and the Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair because it’s a long standing tradition that we all three go and shop the arts and crafts booths. My grandmother is 85 years old now, so she doesn’t get around quite like she used to. I’m anticipating she may not want to go this year because she’s not steady walking – holding on to me or with a walker on the uneven ground. She refuses her wheelchair most of time.
If we do go we’ll be walking at a snail’s pace and will be there all day because there is a ton to see and eat at this fair that is steeped in a tradition itself.
The Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair, held at
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove, was started in 1951 as a way to revive the carnival-like atmosphere of Civil War reunions. Despite the horrors of the war, the land where the Battle of Prairie Grove took place has been revered through use as a reunion site since the 1870s. The reunions were in a fair setting with races, contests, and treats such as watermelon.
As the era of the Civil War became history and the men who fought in it began to die, so ended the regular reunions. After World War II, leaders of Prairie Grove decided it was time to reintroduce reunions on the Civil War grounds. As a project, the Prairie Grove Lion’s Club cleaned up the area. Today, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is a beautiful and serene setting, a stark contrast to the events that took place there.
The Battle of Prairie Grove was the last time two armies of almost equal strength faced each other for supremacy in northwest Arkansas. When the Confederate Army withdrew from the bloody battlefield at Prairie Grove on the night of December 7, it was clear Missouri and northwest Arkansas would remain in Federal hands.
While the 500-acre park exists to help visitors understand the war, it does not focus only on battle maneuverings. It distinguishes itself from other Civil War parks because it shows, through use of a pioneer village, how war affected civilian life and Ozark culture. The park has a self-guided walking tour and driving tour. The visitor’s center has a gift shop, museum and bookstore. The park also contains pavilions, a picnic area and a playground. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is located on U.S. 62 in Prairie Grove. For more information, visit arkansasstateparks.com or call 501-846-2990.
This the is 59th year of the Clothesline Fair. It’s popular for its food, arts and crafts, and square dancing. Many concession areas, operated by area non-profit organizations, are available, serving traditional food such as smoked chicken, hamburgers, popcorn, funnel cakes and more.
The fair is free, but there is a $5 fee each day for parking in the state park. The following is the schedule for the Labor Day weekend:
Saturday, September 4th
7:30 A.M. - 5 K Battlefields Run & 1 Mile Yankee Dash (Sponsored by Century 21 Stinchcomb Realty)
8:30 A.M. – 5 P.M. - Ozark Arts & Crafts Exhibition (Sponsored by the Arts Center of the Ozarks)
8:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. - Ham Radio Broadcast Tent
9 A.M. - Parade (Begins at the Prairie Grove Public Schools & Ends at Battlefield Park)
10:00 A.M. -11:00 A.M. - Martial Arts Demonstration (At the Bandstand)
3:00 P.M. - Exhibition Square Dancing (Ages 4 - 11) (At the Amphitheater)
7 P.M. - Square Dancing Competition (At the Amphitheater)
Rustic Relics (Farming Antiques Display - All Day)
Sunday, September 5th
8:30 A.M. - 5 P.M. - Ozark Arts & Crafts Exhibition
8:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. - Ham Radio Broadcast Tent
1 P.M. - 5 P.M. - Gospel Music (At the Bandstand)
Rustic Relics (Farming Antiques Display - All Day)
6 pm - 10pm - Bighouse Bluegrass Annual Benefit (At the Amphitheater)
Monday, September 6th
8:30 A.M. - 3 P.M. - Ozark Arts & Crafts Exhibition
8:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. - Ham Radio Broadcast Tent
3:00 P.M. - Exhibition Square Dancing (Ages 4 - 11)
7 P.M. - Square Dancing Competition
Rustic Relics (Farming Antiques Display - All Day)
Concessions Open At All Times (Sponsored by Prairie Grove Lions Club)
A-MAZE-ing New Attraction to Open in Cave Springs Sept. 2
August 31, 2010 7:36 PM
Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com
With 10,000 feet of foot path containing loops, dead ends, and multiple choice intersections inside of five and a half acres of corn, it’s safe to say that you will, in fact, get lost in the Ozark Corn Maze opening Sept. 2 in Cave Springs. The question is how long will it take you to find your way out?
“It’s not a terribly difficult maze,” said Rod Wallis, the owner.
But the size is equivalent to winding your way through the space of five football fields filled with corn. You can’t see through it; 40,000 seeds per acre were planted. You can’t see over it; the corn stands 8 feet tall.
Wallis said Precision Mazes of Lee's Summit, Mo. used GPS technology to create and cut the labyrinth design. The unique pattern Wallis chose adds to the degree of difficulty. “We received permission from the University of Arkansas to do a Razorback shape,” Wallis said. However, it’s like the saying “you can’t see the forest for the trees,” he explained, because you can’t see the hog shape from the ground, only by aerial view.
Directional arrows will be posted within the maze for families with younger kids that need a shorter experience. Others can ignore those signs and make their way through on their own.
“We will provide maps if people want them,” Wallis said. “I think it’s more fun to just walk in, take your time, then come out the exit.” After dark, flashlights will be provided.
Wallis has wanted to build a corn maze since seeing an interview on television a few years ago about a guy in Utah who created one. A builder, Wallis was too busy during the construction boom to pursue it.
“Finally we had the time and we just decided to jump in and do it,” he explained. “I just think it will be great fun.”
Wallis and his wife Kate both laud the outdoor experience as entertainment families can enjoy together. “You can come here and interact with your kids or go to a movie for the same price,” Wallis said. While each activity can involve the whole family, he said the maze allows people to engage each other in a shared experience.
Thomas Rohrbach, 8, of Fayetteville got a preview of the attraction. “I kind of felt lost a couple of times and it was kind of spooky sometimes because you could hear the rattling of the corn stalks and feel the wind,” he explained. “It was a little harder than I thought.”
His father Mike added that it was more difficult than he expected also. “I had the feeling we could get out, but there was a lot more questioning of ‘have we been here before’ than I thought there would be.”
Thomas’ other favorite activity was the Corn Cannon. In addition to the maze, there is a Corn Cannon to shoot at a cost of $1, and a Cow Train kids can ride for $2. A free petting zoo contains goats, pigs, and a calf.
Using compressed air, the Corn Cannon can shoot corn cobs 300 feet into the air. You can aim at two large wooden panels with painted circular targets set at different distances in a field.
The Cow Train was built by hand and is pulled by a 1939 Ford Tractor. Named “Buckin’ Betsy,” it consists of about 12 individual cars that look like cows and move up and down as they are pulled around the farm.
Another part of this agri-tourism destination is the pumpkin patch, where you can purchase a pumpkin at a price based on size. “We’re going to let kids pick their own pumpkins,” Wallis said. “We have a lot of really nice 10 pound pumpkins.” This was four-year-old James Rohrbach’s favorite. “I got little pumpkins,” he said.
The Wallis family planted 1,500 hills with two varietals of pumpkins. There are Jack Be Little miniatures and Magic Lanterns. The latter are perfect for Jack O’Lanterns, added Wallis’ wife Kate.
The attraction will be open September through Nov. 14. It is closed on Monday, and open by appointment only on Tuesday and Wednesday for field trips for schools, church groups, day cares and kids’ organizations.
The labyrinth is open to the public from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday; and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 per individual, and $5 for groups of 10 or more.
Concessions, such as hot dogs, popcorn, sodas, and other snacks, will be available. “And we’re going to try to have some healthier stuff as well,” Wallis added.
The maze is easy to get to from Interstate 540 or Ark. 112. “We’re really in the center of northwest Arkansas here,” Wallis said. “It has that country feel to it but we have great traffic count coming by.”
Directions:
From Interstate 540, take exit 78 (same exit as Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport) to Ark. 264. Follow 264 to Cave Springs. At its intersection with Ark. 112, turn left (south) and drive approximately one mile. You’ll see the corn maze on the right.
Events Ahead: LPGA P&G NW Arkansas Championship
August 30, 2010 4:01 PM
Here are the top four reasons to attend the LPGA P&G NW Arkansas Championship on Sept. 6-12 at Pinnacle Country Club in
Rogers:
1) Cristie Kerr, who currently holds the number one position in the Rolex Rankings; 2) Ai Miyazato, who holds the number two spot; 3) Jiyai Shing, number three; and 4)Suzann Pettersen, number four. These women will continue to battle it out to see who can earn the top ranking at next week’s tournament, presented by Walmart.
"Our expectation this year is that we will have the best field of players ever for our event," said Jay Allen, Tournament Chairman. "We have a championship caliber golf course at Pinnacle and a purse of $2 million this year, and the top players in the world are clearly responding to this."
Kerr reclaimed the top-ranked position earlier this week. She originally held the position for three consecutive weeks in late June and early July due to her wins at the LPGA State Farm Classic and LPGA Championship presented by Wegmans, before losing it to Ai Miyazato, who now holds the No. 2 position. Kerr has carded six top-10 finishes for the year including another top performance as a runner-up at the 2010 HSBC Women’s Championship.
Miyazato, of Japan, began the 2010 LPGA Tour season strong, carding three wins in her first five events. Her fourth win at the Shoprite LPGA Classic propelled her to the No. 1 position, before losing it to Kerr. Miyazato has also carded six top-10 finishes for the year.
Norway’s Pettersen continues to search for her first LPGA victory of the season after carding six top-5 finishes on the year. Pettersen has runner-up finishes at the Honda PPT LPGA Thailand, the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the Bell Micro LPGA Classic and the U.S. Women’s Open. She has held the No. 4 position for four consecutive weeks.
In conjunction with the LPGA tournament, Smash Mouth, a rock band known for hit songs “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and “All Star,” will be coming to Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Ark. for a free concert on Friday, Sept. 10. The M&M’s Dickson Street Concert will be held in the Walton Arts Center parking lot located at 495 W. Dickson St. in Fayetteville. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m.
Smash Mouth is a 60’s influenced garage band with a keen pop sensibility that maintains a timeless quality. They have sold over 10 million records worldwide. The band’s first two albums, 1997’s Fush Yu Mang, and 1999’s Astro Lounge, were certified multi-platinum. Smash Mouth’s self-titled album, released in 2001, reached gold status.
Tickets to the LPGA championship are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.NWAChampionship.com or by calling 479-715-6100. Daily tickets are $25 for championship play, Friday through Sunday. Week-long grounds badges can be purchased for $50. Admission is free to the public Monday through Thursday. Children 17-years old and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.
Fans also can support local charities by purchasing an LPGA weekly ticket through one of eight participating organizations. These charities are selling $50 weekly tickets and keeping 100 percent of the proceeds.
To learn more about the tournament’s charitable ticket program and for other tournament information, visit
http://nwachampionship.com/ or follow the event at
www.facebook.com/NWAChampionshipand
www.twitter.com/NWAChampionship.
New Performing Arts Season Is Upon Us
August 30, 2010 11:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
It’s time to order your tickets for the upcoming seasons at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
This year is the first for new symphony orchestra maestro Philip Mann and according to the organization, “It is going to be a season of exuberance, energy, and renewal as we usher in a new era with special works by the greatest composers. You’ll hear classical elegance, American spirit, old world soul, cosmic power, French charm, Russian grandeur, and that is only the beginning.”
If you’re a new subscriber, the ASO has a terrific deal for you. You can book a full set of tickets for as little at $7 a concert – 50% off single ticket prices. The 2010- 2011 season begins October 2 with the Masterworks series. River Rhapsodies Chamber Music begins on October 5, followed by Pops Live on October 15. A full schedule is available on the symphony website.
ASO performances take place at Robinson Center Music Hall except for River Rhapsodies, which take place at the Clinton Presidential Center, both in downtown Little Rock.
The Rep is offering a special on advance ticket sales. Early buyers can save $10 off “A” seats or $5 off “B” seats. This offer ends on opening day so order now. Evita kicks off 2010-2011 on September 10, followed by Hamlet, A Christmas Story, A Raisin in the Sun, Review the Revue, Hairspray and The 39 Steps. Tickets can be ordered online. The curtain goes up at 601 Main Street in downtown Little Rock.
Free Friday: Pinnacle Mountain State Park
August 27, 2010 11:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
The cooler morning temperatures this week have whetted everyone’s desire for fall. While it’s still warm during the day, the lower humidity makes it a great time to be outdoors. Why not head out west to Pinnacle Mountain State Park?
If you’re really industrious you can climb to the top of this west Little Rock landmark. Two trails are available – East Summit and West Summit. You can go up one way and come down the other. If you’re 
looking for something a little more easy-going, then try the Arkansas and Kingfisher Trails, both of which are paved and accessible for those in wheelchairs. The Arkansas Arboretum, which has a barrier-free trail with interpretive exhibits, features native trees and shrubs from all around the state.
The park also has a playground for kids and ample space to play volleyball, softball and kickball. Two pavilions and several shaded picnic tables are available if you want to have a cookout. Don’t miss the watchable wildlife window in the park visitor center and watch for glorious birds just outside. 
Pack a lunch and spend an enjoyable day exploring some of the wonders of The Natural State at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
Friday Roundup: Kidz Day Festival in Bentonville
August 27, 2010 1:00 AM
Mayor Bob McCaslin has proclaimed Saturday, Aug. 28 as Children’s Day in
Bentonville. To celebrate, you can join in the fun of the 4th annual Kidz Day Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. next to Spencer Square on Ark. 102 across from the Benton County Sherriff’s Office.
The event will feature clowns, balloons, snow cones, Farmers Insurance MILK program, the U.S. Army Hummer, five bounce houses, and much more. You’ll have the opportunity to win prizes including pizza, tennis shoes, a night stay from Vacation Rentals, school supplies and other giveaways.
Kids can learn how to react to a fire and crawl to safety in the Bentonville Fire Department’s Smoke House, which simulates a smoke-filled house. The Chick-Fil-A cow will also be hoofin’ around. The event is free, and a hot dog and a drink can be purchased for only a $1.
The Kidz Day event continues on Sunday, Aug. 29 at Life Church. At 10 a.m. kids and parents will be treated to a special performance by Be Bopping Ron, a drama filled black light puppet show. Burrito, the fast donkey, brought by Steve and Nikki French will also make a guest appearance.
Kidz Day will be held in the open field next to Spencer Square on Ark. 102, and Life Church is located in Spencer Square at 1401 SW 14th St. (Ark. 102) in Bentonville. For more information, call 479-659-1761.
The Civil War Battle for Arkansas Post
Explained Tonight in Jacksonville
August 26, 2010 11:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
The Jacksonville Museum of Military History (top photo) gets a head-start tonight on the Sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War, which begins in 2011. The museum’s War Stories Lecture Series features Mark Christ with the Department of Arkansas Heritage discussing the Battle of Arkansas Post. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
In January 1863, Confederate troops prepared to defend Arkansas Post (middle photo) against Union troops. The Federal troops won the battle which resulted in the loss of approximately 25 percent of the Rebel troops in the Trans-Mississippi (Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas) Theater. The Union victory also marked the opening bombardment of a campaign that resulted in Northern control of the Arkansas River Valley before the end of that year.
Christ will speak on the Battle of Arkansas Post and discuss the resulting Union 
occupation of Arkansas for the rest of the Civil War. He is the Community Outreach Director for the Department of Arkansas Heritage and a member of the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.
In addition, Christ will give a review of activities planned for the upcoming Civil War Sesquicentennial and Ann Hooper presents an update on the Re-enactment of the Battle of Reed’s Bridge (bottom photo), scheduled for September 11 and 12. Tonight's admission is $2. The museum is located at 100 Veterans Circle in Jacksonville.
ArkansasKids.com – A Great Learning and Fun Tool
August 25, 2010 10:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
School is now in session and chances are your child is or will be taking a course in Arkansas History. Usually there are projects that accompany the subject such as making a booklet or display or writing a report.
It’s good to know that there is tons of information available on The Natural State but it can be time consuming to find it all. We’ve assembled a lot of this and put it all on one website to assist teachers, homeschoolers and students with their studies.
Not only does this information help with schoolwork, it can help with planning your next weekend trip or vacation. Your child or student – and you – can plan a trip around Arkansas online.
Check it out! Who said school isn’t fun?
Bull Ride Spectacular in Clinton This Saturday
August 24, 2010 3:00 PM
One of my favorite memories of this year is watching my 8-year-old son’s face -- mouth hanging open, eyes wide – as he watched the first bronc rider out of the chute at the Rodeo of the Ozarks in
Springdale back in July. I grew up on a farm and going to the rodeo was a familiar family occurrence to me. But my kids know nothing about farm life, so they were in awe watching the rodeo events, all the way from the riding clubs to the roping to the finale of bull riders.
They always save the best for last, right. Nobody wants to leave until they see a rider try to stay on a violently twisting and bucking bull for eight seconds without touching the animal or its riggings with his free hand.
You have an opportunity to see the wild and fun action of bull riding this Saturday, Aug. 28 when the Clinton Area Rotary Club presents the Bull Ride Spectacular. The event, which has been raising money for local scholarships for more than 20 years, begins at 8 a.m. at the Rotary Rodeo Arena located behind the Clinton Middle School. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 at local banks in the
Clinton area, or for $10 at the gate.
This event attracts top bull riders that compete for prize money, the thrill of the ride and to entertain the crowd. Judging is based on the performance of the Brahman bull as well as that of the rider.
Call Dixie Lee Carter at 501-745-2785 or email her at
dlcarter@ualr.edu for more information.
Downtown Argenta Historic District Makes the New York Times
August 24, 2010 11:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
Congratulations are in order to the city of North Little Rock and all the businesses that comprise the Argenta Downtown Historic Arts District. The arts and entertainment area made the travel section of the New York Times earlier this week. An incredible photograph taken by Arkansas photographer Stephen Thornton accompanies the brief article.
The text, written by Christopher Hall, says: “No one knows for sure whether the name Dogtown, for the area of North Little Rock, Ark., now known as the Argenta Arts District, originally came from the abandoned animals that once roamed its streets. What is certain is that in these six square blocks of vintage storefronts and artists' studios, a trolley ride across the Arkansas River from downtown Little Rock, urban desolation is giving way to urban cool. ‘There's been a 
dramatic change even since we arrived,’ said Jody Hardin, who in 2008 co-founded the district's popular Saturday farmers' market, where only Arkansas purveyors are welcome. ‘The galleries and restaurants, the new town homes and restored houses, are making this a place to be.’”
If you haven’t yet visited this happening place of North Little Rock, then add it to your schedule. If you’ve been or you’re a regular, share with us your favorite thing to do in Argenta.
NWA BBQ Championship in Springdale This Weekend
August 24, 2010 9:58 AM
Although it’s the inaugural year for the
NWA State BBQ Championship, set for Aug. 27-28 in
Springdale, the event is expected to be one of the largest barbecue competitions in the state. I’m sure the guaranteed purse of $20,000 is a big draw. The barbecue competition will include professional and amateur divisions. You can sample the pork butt, shoulder, ribs and brisket with great homemade sauce from some of the best cook teams from around the U.S for just $5.
Held at Arvest Ballpark, it will be a family affair with great food, craft vendors, and a solid lineup of live music. On stage will be the Southern styles of Colt Ford, edgy country from Brantley Gilbert, classic rock fusion of Big Bad Bubba, and the funky, dance, alternative, trippy, hippy rock band PG13.
There will also be tethered hot air balloon rides, a carnival midway and a Kids' Funzone with inflatable bounce houses.
Admission to the weekend festival is free. However, tickets to the Colt Ford and Brantley Gilbert concert Saturday night are only $15 with VIP seating for $35. Tickets may be purchased at Arvest Ballpark or online at
Smokeonthewaterbbq.com. The event is sponsored by Smoke on the Water Productions, the Springdale Advertising and Promotions Commission, Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Kingsford Charcoal and KC Masterpiece.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, August 27
5:00 pm Gates Open
5:00 pm Hot Air Balloon Rides
7:30 pm Hot Air Balloon Glow
8:00 pm Big Bad Bubba
Saturday, August 28
Noon Gates Open
12:30 pm PG13
3:00 pm Sample World Champion BBQ
4:00 pm Hot Air Balloon Rides
5:00 pm Barbecue Awards Ceremony
7:30 pm Hot Air Balloon Glow
7:00 pm Brantley Gilbert ($15/ VIP $35)
9:30 pm Colt Ford ($15/ VIP $35)
Events Ahead: Frisco Festival and Slug Bugs
August 23, 2010 11:08 AM
Jill M. Rohrbach
Northwest Arkansas has a couple of fun events coming up this weekend, and both of them are great for the whole family.
The Frisco Festival, located in
Rogers, is a family festival honoring the town’s railroad heritage. The 26th annual Frisco Festival is Aug. 27-28 in the historic downtown. Signature events include: Chilisalsapeno Competition, Kid's Connection, Frisco Chicken BBQ, Frisco Idol, several car shows, and non-stop main stage entertainment starting and ending with Friday and Saturday night street dances. Admission is free. Call 479-936-5487 or visit
Friscofestival.com for more information.
If you’re a fan of the game “Slug Bug,” plan to visit
Eureka Springs Aug. 27-29 for the 18th annual VW Festival, Swap Meet and Tourcade. This is one of the biggest Volkswagen events in the Midwest. The event is based at the Inn of the Ozarks. There are registration fees for participants, but the event is free to spectators. Visit
Nwavwa.com or phone 800-552-3785 for additional information.
Must See Monday: Heifer Village
August 23, 2010 11:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
It’s gratifying to know an international organization that contributes so much good to the world we live in is headquartered right here in Little Rock. If you’ve never heard of Heifer or you’ve heard of it but just aren’t sure what they do then you need to plan a visit to their campus downtown.
Located next door to the Clinton Presidential Library in the River Market District, the Heifer International main offices are fascinating for many 
reasons. It’s a terrific place to learn about sustainability and how simple it can be to lessen our impact on the environment. It also educates about how the program is working to alleviate world hunger and poverty.
Heifer Village has interactive and entertaining exhibits to teach the Heifer
principles. Groups of less than 10 can drop-in any time Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Groups larger than that must reserve a group program. There’s also a great gift shop on-site where you can find unusual, one-of-a-kind gifts and a cafe, which emphasizes fresh ingredients grown locally. Whether you come with classmates, family or by yourself, it’s a must see Arkansas destination.
Free Friday: Argenta Art Walk & Park Dedication
August 20, 2010 10:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
Looking for something to do this Friday evening? Then head to downtown North Little Rock for the Argenta Arts District 3rd Friday Art Walk. Galleries, shops, restaurants and other businesses taking part tonight are Argenta Bead Company (top right), Argenta Studios, Arkansas Art Gallery, 
Baker House Bed and Breakfast, Claytime Pottery Studio and Crush Wine Bar. Also contributing are Galaxy Furniture, Greg Thompson Fine Art, KETZ Gallery (middle photo), Laman Library Argenta Branch, Starving Artist Café, THEArtists, THEA Foundation, and The Creative Space. Hours for Art Walk, which also includes music and food, are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A special event tonight is the 6 p.m. dedication of the CityGrove Townhome Art Park (bottom photo). The space, designed for the community and surrounding neighbors, features works by fountain and sculpture designer Kevin Kresse, a North Little Rock native. Kresse will be in attendance to talk about his latest creation. The park is located on 5th Street between Maple and Main.
Geocaching Friday: Get Fired Up for Geocaching!
August 20, 2010 9:11 AM
On Fridays, I’ll share some of my favorite geocaching spots throughout The Natural State. Even if you’re not a cacher, the Friday blogs will feature towns, events and attractions throughout the eastern section of Arkansas…perfect for a weekend trip!
Kimberly J. Williams
Happy Friday to you all!!
If you’re a geocacher, you’ll definitely want to be in
Smackover next Saturday, Aug. 28, for the
2010 Fired Up for Geocaching event! I attended last year’s event and had a wonderful time. It’s an opportunity to meet other cachers from throughout the region. The event begins at 5 p.m. in the Smackover City Park, followed by dinner at 7.
Another event that you DON’T want to miss is
2ter’s First Big Event! Beginning at noon at
Papa Pablono's Mexican Café in
El Dorado, this is the first event 2ter (also known as Rachel) has hosted. It’s a way for cachers to get together
for lunch and “talk shop.” Rachel, by the way, is a mere seven years old! The photo of Rachel to the left was taken at a recent geocaching event at Petit Jean State Park. This kid is serious about caching. To date, she has found nearly 250 caches. Her dad, Justin, is a dedicated cacher himself!
It’s also the perfect time to experience some of the great caches Union County and L.A. (Lower Arkansas) have to offer. As I’ve mentioned in previous
blogs, these caches are some of the most creative I’ve very seen!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Arkansas Food Fun Facts --- Did You Know?
August 19, 2010 11:30 AM
Kerry Kraus
I’ve posted some trivia questions about various Arkansas towns in the past month or so. Today I’m going to share with you what may or may not be lesser known food facts about some Arkansas products and restaurants.
Did you know the Brown ‘n Serve dinner roll was created in
Little Rock? Meyer’s Bakery, once located downtown, invented this holiday staple in the 1930s.
Arkadelphia
could be called the peanut brittle capital of Arkansas. Two outstanding candy companies which specialize in nut brittles call this college town home:
Juanita’s (photo right) and
Andrews.
The Microplane® rasp, featured on just about every cooking show on television, was created by Grace Manufacturing Inc. in
Russellville.
The first fried dill pickles ever sold were at the old Duchess Drive-In in Atkins in 1963. Originally developed using pickle spears, today this popular appetizer is also made from pickle chips and is on many menus around the country.
You can eat in a cave -- more atmosphere -- in
Eureka Springs at the
War Eagle Outpost. It’s located in the lobby of the historic
Basin Park Hotel where every floor of the seven-story building is ground level.
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Razorback Football in Central Arkansas
August 18, 2010 10:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
The Arkansas River Cities Sports Commission announced details of RazorRock 2010, which takes place Sept. 6-10. That means it’s officially Arkansas Razorback football season in Central Arkansas. Events take place throughout the week, which precedes the first Little Rock Razorback game on Sept. 11 at War Memorial Stadium. Though scheduled around a football game, there are activities highlighting music, film, food, art and culture in Arkansas.
Just a few of the events taking place include:
September 6
RazorRock Foodie Festival, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Dickey-Stephens Park, sponsored by the Argenta Downtown Council
RazorRock Movie Night, a screening of
“War Eagle Arkansas,” 7:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. at
Dickey-Stephens Park, offered by the Little Rock Film Festival
September 8
RazorRock Spirits: A Night of Art and Soul, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Argenta Arts District, presented by the Arkansas Arts Foundation
September 9
RazorRock After Hours at the Little Rock Zoo, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., presented by the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce in Partnership with the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau
The week culminates with a 7 p.m. pep rally on Friday, Sept. 10 at the Riverfest Amphtheatre in Little Rock’s Riverfront Park, followed by a Night of Arkansas Music Concert, sponsored by The Oxford American magazine. The rally features the University of Arkansas Marching Razorback Band, the Razorback cheerleaders and pom squad, and Tusk III, the official live Razorback mascot. A new single entitled “Woo Pig Fever” is presented live for the first time by the Little Rock/Los Angeles-based country comedy band 10 Horse Johnson. Performers scheduled to appear at the concert include The Salty Dogs, Jim Mize and True Soul Revue.
Back to Nature: Scuba Diving Treasure Hunt
August 17, 2010 9:19 AM
Jill M. Rohrbach
The annual Underwater Treasure Hunt on Aug. 21 in
Jordan is a unique event to participate in or to watch. Certified scuba divers search underwater (no deeper than 40 ft.) for tokens and return them for prizes. The event takes place at Sand Island on
Norfork Lake, and is a benefit for the American Cancer Society. This southern part of the lake -- the Jordan area -- has natural, white, sandy beaches. So, a sandcastle contest and scavenger hunt for those who don't dive is also part of the fun.
The event is put on by Dan and Denise Weber, the fabulous owners of
Jordan Marina. They are great dive instructors too. Admission is $30 for scuba divers, but free for spectators. Call 870-499-7348 or visit
Jordanmarina.com for more information.
A lot of dive clubs and dive shop groups from Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are drawn to Norfork Lake. These waters are a unique draw because it’s really hard to find good diving without going to the ocean. Good recreational diving can be found at 20 feet to 40 feet on Lake Norfork, which has 31 marked dive sites. Some of the marked sites are as deep as 70 feet with a couple wall dives down to 150 feet below the surface. Diving on this lake is best from April to October with greatest visibility between 40 feet and 60 feet in the spring. The closer you get to the dam the clearer the water.
Other reasons to dive Norfork Lake: it’s refreshing to dive in a clean, clear lake; and, it costs more money to get to the ocean.
Events Ahead: Weekend Fun in Fayetteville, Mountain View and Russellville
August 16, 2010 9:49 AM
Jill M. Rohrbach
Event offerings around the state really pick up toward the end of August into the fall. If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you’ll find a nice variety of options. Here are three ideas:
A summer tradition, the
40th annual Ice Cream Social takes place
Aug. 21 in
Fayetteville. Enjoy ice cream, cake, live music, living history, and children's activities at historic Headquarters House, built in 1853. Tour the gardens and house, and learn its part in Civil War history. Proceeds benefit the Washington County Historical Society's educational programs for children and adults. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 6-12, and free for kids 5 and younger. Family tickets are $15. Headquarters House is located at 118 E. Dickson St. in the downtown area. Visit
Washcohistoricalsociety.org or call 479-521-2970 for more information.
Offering a variety of fun for all ages, the
21st annual Valley Fest in
Russellville is
Aug. 20-21 at Old Post Road Park. Activities include bingo, midway games, and amusement rides. Competitive events offered are softball, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes. On the food side, there’s also a barbecue cook off. This is a major fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley. Admission is $5 for parking. It increases to a $10 parking fee after 5 p.m. on Saturday. For details visit
Valley-fest.org or call 479-968-7819.
A one of a kind event for
Mountain View, the
6th annual Mountains, Music & Motorcycles event is set for
Aug. 20-22 with a majority of the festivities taking place on the courthouse square. There will be biker games, a poker run, and a bike show. Prizes, games, music and food will be part of the fun for the whole family. Visit
Yourplaceinthemountains.com or call 870-269-5004 for more information.
Geocaching Friday: YOU are the First to Know! New Caches in Lake Village!
August 13, 2010 4:16 PM
Kimberly J. Williams
Happy Friday!!
I have to say I just walked in the office about 15 minutes ago after spending the last two days in
Lake Village. I absolutely LOVE Lake Village!
Lakeshore Drive is, in my opinion, one of the most scenic streets in The Natural State. It's one of my favorite drives!
There were several reasons for my visit, but I wanted to places several new caches in beautiful downtown Lake Village. Which I have...and YOU are the FIRST to know!! I literally submitted the caches 10 minutes ago, so hopefully they'll be live on Geocaching.com by Sunday...if not earlier! Arkansas's cache reviewer, "Chuck Walla," is a pleasure to work with when hiding a cache...and he gets them published quickly. So...these caches might very well be live by Saturday.
Maybe I'm "cheating" a little bit by giving you a "heads-up" on the new caches. But that's the benefit you get from reading my blogs!
These four new caches in Lake Village are simple...that's my caching style. I don't WANT to make it difficult for you...I hate getting a Did Not Find (DNF) on a cache log. I just want it to be FUN!!
If you've never been to Lake Village, this is as good a reason as any!!
But while you're there, take a look around the town. Did you know that Lake Village was the site of the
first ever airplane flight at night? Did you know that a fellow named Charles Lindbergh was flying that plane?? Did you know that
Lake Chicot is not only Arkansas's largest natural lake, it's also the largest oxbow lake in North America? Did you know that
Lakeport Plantation is the last remaining antebellum house on the Mississippi River in Arkansas that hasn’t been extensively altered? If not...NOW you know!!
So be on the lookout for our brand-new caches in Lake Village. Have a great weekend!!
Free Friday: No Cost Admission to the Clinton Presidential Library
August 13, 2010 9:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
Former President Bill Clinton’s birthday is August 19 and he’s inviting people to help celebrate a little early with free entry to the
Clinton Presidential Library Saturday,
August 14 in
Little Rock. The free admission in honor of the 42nd president’s birthday is a tradition that began when the library opened in 2004. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to the no charge admission, the Acoustiguide audio tours narrated by
President Clinton are also free on the 14th. The first 500 children who come on Saturday receive free backpacks filled with school supplies. Visitors can enjoy cake and send Mr. Clinton birthday wishes.
A current exhibit at the museum – Nature Unleashed: Earthquakes & Hurricanes – ends on September 6 so take advantage of this opportunity. Created by The Field Museum in Chicago, the display contains Hurricane Katrina artifacts on loan from the Louisiana State Museum. Included are a boat used in rescue efforts, three Superdome seats, a garage door with Coast Guard markings, and a helicopter rescue basket.
The presidential center’s Super Summer Saturdays continue with Elements of Weather where hands-on experiments explain air pressure, temperature, wind and cloud formation. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 14 and 28.
Free Friday on Thursday: No Entrance Fees to National Parks this Weekend
August 12, 2010 11:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
There are so many special free events this weekend I’m starting a day early. On Saturday and Sunday, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees to their properties. In Arkansas we are fortunate that four of our seven national park sites are already free: Hot Springs 
National Park, the Buffalo National River, if you don’t canoe or camp, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and Arkansas Post National Memorial in Gillett. 
On August 14 and 15, the Fort Smith National Historic Site, Pea Ridge National Military Park and the Clinton First Home Museum and Exhibit Center in Hope can be visited at no charge.
Take this opportunity to visit these Arkansas and national treasures. We are very blessed to have them preserved for prosperity. 
Don’t worry about the heat either. Except for the Buffalo, where you can go swimming in that gorgeous azure 
water, they all have air-conditioning.
Heart Healthy: Epic Mountain Biking
August 12, 2010 10:08 AM
My Thursday blogs are all about being Heart Healthy. At the beginning of the year, I’m sure many of us made a resolution to get fit – to make a change. So let's get out there and get moving.
Jill M. Rohrbach
Arkansas contains thousands of miles of supreme
mountain biking trails with terrain for riders of all skill levels. You can try a single-track path in one of our state park, three National Forests and many city parks. For serious bikers, The Natural State is home to two International Mountain Biking Association Epic routes - the Womble Trail in the Ouachita region and the Syllamo Trails in Mountain View. Only 40 trails across the nation currently hold the ‘Epic” status from IMBA.
The Womble is a 37-mile point-to-point route in the Ouachita National Forest. Portions of the trail follow ridge tops and bluffs above the Ouachita River and Lake Ouachita offering pristine scenic views.
The 50-mile Syllamo route traverses the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, offering riders changing scenery and beautiful views of the White River, Sylamore Creek Valleys, and the Ozark Mountains.
Have an End of Summer Play Day
August 11, 2010 12:00 PM
Kerry Kraus
School starts next week for most Arkansas children so there are only a couple of lazy summer days left. Before getting back into the routine of classes, homework, extracurricular activities and such, why not take the last few days and just “be a kid” – even parents.
Here are some suggestions for a family play day in Little Rock and North Little Rock.
Ride: Hop a ride on the River Rail Trolley and explore the downtown areas of Little Rock and North Little Rock. 
Rent: Get a bicycle at River Trail Rentals in downtown North Little Rock and explore the Arkansas River Trail on both sides of the river.
Splash: Cool off at Peabody Park in the splash fountain.
Discover: The
Arkansas Museum of Discovery in Little Rock appeals to all ages. The museum undergoes a total renovation next year so take the opportunity to check it out in its current incarnation.
Smooze: Go visit all the residents of the
Little Rock Zoo. They love when
humans entertain them. While there, take a ride on the miniature train. And don’t forget to take a whirl on the
Over The Jumps Carousel.
Zip: Around a course on a go kart, battle in bumper cars, and play paintball at
Gator Park on the I-30 access road near the I-430 exit.