Travelin’ the Arkansas Ozarks: Events Taking Place During July

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

First posted on 06-22-2010

The new Bikes, Babes, and Bling motorcycle rally takes place July 1-3 in Fayetteville. It is the “sister” summery rally to the fall Bikes, Blues, and BBQ event that is one of the fastest growing motorcycle rallies in the nation. Bikes, Babes, and Bling will be the South’s first motorcycle rally that caters specifically to women. Proceeds from the event will be used to provide benefit to local charities that support women and children. Festivities take place in the Walton Arts Center parking lot in Fayetteville’s entertainment district. For more information, visit http://www.bikesbabesandbling.com or call 479-527-9993.

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The Arkansas Craft Gallery in downtown Mountain View features the works of printmaker Daniel Adams throughout the month of July. Arkansas Craft Guild member Ann Worster demonstrates her unique style of clay work on July 21.

The gallery is located at 104 E. Main St. Visit http://www.arkansascraftguild.org or call 870-269-4120 for more information.

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Head to Lake Charles State Park in Powhatan on July 3 for The Rattle of Musketry: From Flint to Percussion. The lecture focuses on how muskets have been used throughout the history of our country and how they were used in the settlement of Arkansas. There will also be a musket demonstration. To learn more contact Lake Charles State Park at 870-878-6595.

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The United States Canoe Association National Stock Aluminum Canoe Marathon Championships will be held on the Black and Current Rivers in Pocahontas on July 3-4. All races will end at Riverfront Park in Pocahontas. If you’re not a racer, visit Riverfront Park for live music, vendors and great food. The Championship can be raced by anyone (paddling a qualifying aluminum canoe) including paddlers whose expertise and training ranges from advanced beginner to elite. For more information log on to http://www.SeeRandolphCounty.com or phone 870-892-4290.

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Mountain View is packed with events during the month of July. Festivities kick off July 3-4 with an Old Time Gathering on the Square that involves live music, watermelons and fireworks.

Events and workshops offered at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View include a Sunday Gospel Concert on July 4; Advanced Yarn Spinning Workshop with Glenda Hershberger on July 5-7; Old Time String Band Week on July 5-8; 7th annual National Shape Note Gathering on July 8-10; Stained Glass 3-D Stars Workshop with Dona Sawyer on July 9-10; Herbal Cold Soap Making Workshop with Marion Spear on July 14-16; Great Smoky Mountain Cloggers on July 15-17; Wire-Wrapped Jewelry Workshop with Linda and Charles Widmer on July 19-20; Broom Basics Workshop with Shawn Hoefer on July 19-20; Pine Needle Basketry Workshop with Sharon Fernimen on July 19-20; Mountain Dulcimer Workshop on July 19-20; Frame Looms, Fibers & Finishes Workshop with Arlone Folkers on July 21-23; Fourth Friday Food Day: Ice Cream and Other Cool Deserts on July 23; and The Women of Mountain Music on July 24;

Visit http://www.yourplaceinthemountians.com or call 870-269-5004 for more information on town events. For park event details visit http://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851.

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Liquidforce is bringing its annual Brostock 2010 Wakeboarding Competition to Bull Shoals Lake on July 9-11. The festival brings the top names in wakeboarding and includes demonstrations and competitions. The event will be based at 141 Boat Dock Cove. Visit http://www.bullshoalslakeboatdock.webs.com or call 870-445-4424 for details.

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Eureka Springs Gallery Association Second Saturday Stroll is from 6-8 p.m. on July 10. The association’s seven galleries along downtown Spring Street offer a special reception and about 790 fine arts pieces from local and regional artists. Visit http://www.artofeureka.com or call 479-253-7679 for more information.

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Food prepared outside just seems to taste better! Join the staff of Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas for Eggs and Bacon: A Dutch Oven Breakfast Workshop on July 10 and learn how to prepare a wonderful breakfast in the great outdoors. The price of the workshop is $40 and includes a Dutch oven to take home. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for details.

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July 10-11 is Confederate History Weekend at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. Programming includes living history activities throughout the weekend at various times and locations. You are encouraged to wander the grounds and talk with the re-enactors. The event is presented by volunteer re-enactors from the Prairie Grove Sons of Confederate Veterans Thomas C. Hindman Camp #656.

On July 11 you can also view the Webb Civil War and Antique Collection. Local residents and dedicated park volunteers, Ann and C. W. Webb, will display and talk about an array of items from their personal collections of Civil War items, antique kitchen ware, and ladies’ accessories.

The Burgess Civil War Collection can be viewed July 25. Local Civil War enthusiast Steve Burgess will display and talk about Civil War items from his personal collection, including bullets, cannonballs, and other items found in northwest Arkansas.

Contact the park at 479-846-2990 for details.

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Feel like a kid again when the Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville presents Things Kids Did for Fun Long Ago on July 11. Journalist Larry Stroud speaks about favorite childhood pasttimes throughout history. Visit http://www.oirm.org or contact the museum at 870-793-2121 for details.

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For the first time, Davidsonville Historic State Park, Lake Charles State Park and Powhatan Historic State Park are teaming up together for a four-day three-park day camp in Pocahontas and Powhatan. Youngsters ages 8-12 are invited to attend the Tri-Park Day Camp on July 14-17 and spend time exploring each park, learning about local and regional history, canoeing and camping. The campers will also test the skills they learned on an overnight camping trip at one of the parks. Reservations are required by July 1. Contact Davidsonville Historic State Park at 870-892-4708 for more information.

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For the second year, Hardy offers the T-Bucket Bash. Set for July 15, T-buckets converge with a rumble on the town’s historic Main Street around 11 a.m. Spectators are encouraged to view the vintage vehicles. Visit http://www.oldhardytown.net or call 870-856-3811 for more information.

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The largest event of its kind in the central United States, the 13th annual Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival takes place July 16. This mountain bike festival offers competitive and non-competitive events. It includes cross country, downhill, short track, observed trials, bike parade, film fest, and fun rides, as well as cash and prizes. Visit http://www.fattirefestival.com or call 479-422-7654 for details.

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Heber Springs holds its 38th annual Bud Magness Gospel Quartet Singing on July 16-17 at the Spring Park Amphitheater. Gospel singing groups from around the state gather to sing southern gospel music in classic four-part harmony in an open air setting. Seating is available, but lawn chairs are welcome. Concessions are offered. Call 501-362-6200 for details.

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Explore the history of Pangburn as the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program leads a Walk Through History tour on July 17. Join a staff historian from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program to learn more about the properties and their history. The tour begins at 11 a.m. at the corner of Main and Searcy Sts. For more information visit http://www.arkansaspreservation.org or phone the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program at 501-324-9880.

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Members of the Astronomical Society of Northwest Arkansas present a star gazing session on July 17 at Withrow Springs State Park in Huntsville. The Star Party takes place at Crossbow Pavilion. You can learn about different stars, constellations and planets that make up the night sky. Telescopes will be available for viewing, but you are welcome to bring your own. Binoculars are also helpful for night sky viewing. Participants should dress for the outdoor weather and bring a lawn chair. If the evening skies are cloudy or it is raining the event will be cancelled. Call 479-559-2593 for details.

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Understanding the complexity of handmade cloth can enhance your appreciation for the clothing worn by civilians and soldiers during the Civil War. On July 18 at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park you can watch members of the Wool and Wheel Handspinners Guild and Dogwood Lace group demonstrate the traditional art of spinning thread, and discuss the basics of making cloth in the Arkansas Ozarks. The free event is held at the Hindman Hall Visitor Center. Call 479-846-2990 for details.

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The Independence County Fair, one of The Natural State’s largest county fairs, takes place July 20-24 in Batesville. This year’s fair features rides, exhibits and live entertainment. Phone 870-793-8840 for details.

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Spend the evening gazing at the stars as Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas hosts a Star Party on July 24. Join the interpreter to learn a few of the constellations and hear the myths behind them. For more information visit http://www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact the park at 870-892-4708.

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July 27-31 are the dates for the 75th annual Sharp County Fair in Ash Flat. The event features carnival rides, livestock and educational exhibits, a halter horse show, a rodeo and live music. Phone 870-994-7325 to learn more.

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Jacksonport State Park in Newport invites kids ages 6-12 to spend three days exploring the outdoors during the park’s Summer Science day camp on July 28-30. Campers will enjoy games, crafts, fishing and nature hikes. Learn the habits of the furry and feathered creatures that call the area home. Contact Jacksonport State Park at 870-523-2143 for details.

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The 13th annual Huntsville IPRA Rodeo draws participants from around the country. The event takes place this year on July 30-31 at Sky High Arena. It includes Mutton Bustin’, a grand entry, and a host of other events. Call 479-738-2840 for more information.

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The 24th annual World Championship Cardboard Boat Races, a much anticipated event, takes place July 31 in Heber Springs. Races begin at 10 a.m., and there are youth and adult divisions. Contestants also vie for Pride of the Fleet award or the notorious Titanic Award. Other activities surrounding the event include a Tug of War contest, kids dig for treasures, sand sculpting contest, volleyball tournament, and World Championship Watermelon Eating Contest. The fun takes place at Sandy Beach. Visit http://www.heber-springs.com or call 501-362-2444 for details.

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