Travelin’ Central Arkansas: Events Taking Place During August

By Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism

First posted on 07-24-2009

Conway will host the 12th Annual First Security Kids’ Triathlon Aug. 8 at the Farris Center on the University of Central Arkansas campus. This fun event is just for kids ages six to 15 and emphasizes good health, self-esteem and self-confidence. The triathlon is composed of swimming, biking and running. The bike course for ages seven to 10 is a two-mile loop; for ages 11-15, it is two loops and four miles. Ages seven to 10 run one-half mile, while ages 11 to 15 run one mile. In swimming, the six to 10 year olds will do one lap; the 11-15 year olds have to swim two laps. For more information, contact Stacy Ohlde by e-mailing or phoning 501-472-1666. The Web site—http://www.conwaykidstri.com – has more information.

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The ancient art of storytelling will be celebrated at the 1st Arkansas Storytelling Festival on Aug. 8. The event will be held in the Central Arkansas Library Darragh Center from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Yarn-spinners of all ages sharing their tales of legends, myths, folklore, inspiration, and mystery. There will be events for both adults and children. A “singing” storyteller will also perform. Admission is free. The library is located at 100 Rock Street in the downtown Little Rock River Market. For more details, contact Brother Norm Moyer by e-mail at or by phone at 870-941-8999.

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Lovers of vintage papers, books and other printed materials need to mark Aug. 8 and 9 on the calendar. Those are the dates for the 24th Annual Arkansas Book and Paper Show. More than 40 booksellers, ephemera dealers and Arkansas authors will sell first editions, new, old and rare books, postcards, historical documents, papers, and personally autographed books. A concession stand will be available. Sponsored by the Arkansas Antiquarian Booksellers, admission is $5. The Jacksonville Community Center at 105 Municipal Drive is where the event is being held. For more information, contact Show Directors Ed and Jeri Myrick by e-mailing or by calling 501-336-9313. ArkansasBooks.com has additional details.

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How about a weekend-long shopping spree? That’s exactly what Bargains Galore on 64 is: 160 miles of sales and flea markets featuring a huge variety of items. Dates are Aug. 13-15 for the “shopaholics paradise” which stretches from Fort Smith on the Arkansas/Oklahoma border to Beebe in the Ozark foothills. Communities large and small along U.S. 64 take part in the event which celebrates its 10th year of existence. Items can range from gently worn clothes and shoes to video games, art, home-made toothpaste, school supplies, toys and more. Central Arkansas towns participating in the sale include Vilonia and Beebe. The First Assembly of God Church at 851 U.S. 64 East will be the central location in Vilonia. Booths will be set-up flea market style and will be manned by local organizations, school groups, individuals and churches. Food and beverage vendors will also be on-site. Home and business owners along U.S. 64 are encouraged to have sales on their properties. For more information on sales in Vilonia, contact Laura McNeel by calling 501-499-1312. The majority of the sales booths in Beebe will be at the Beebe Flea Market just off U.S. 64. E-mail the local chamber contact, Dr. Robert Beavers, at for additional information.

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A celebration of those of Latin American or Spanish-speaking descent, Festival Latino, will be Aug. 29 at the Mosaic Church in Little Rock. Events scheduled to take place include a health fair, an art exhibition and art contest, jewelry, and a regional handcraft expo. There will be plenty of entertainment with music plus flamenco and folkloric dance. Admission is free. The church is located at 6420 Colonel Glenn Road. E-mail or call 501-219-4561 for more information.