Today’s War Eagle - by Jill M. Rohrbach

First posted on 09-05-2007

War Eagle Weekend Encompasses Numerous Arts and Crafts Fairs

For decades, “War Eagle Weekend” has been an integral part of the autumn landscape in the northwest Arkansas Ozarks. However, the present-day weekend of arts and crafts fairs, traditionally held the third week of October, encompasses much more than the primary show from which the name originated.

War Eagle Weekend began in 1953 when Blanche Elliott and a group of fellow weavers founded the War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair. Their goal was simple, to provide a means to preserve and display the skills and traditions of Ozarks craftspeople.

Invitations were sent out for the first fair, and the organizers thought it would be a success if 100 to 150 people showed up. About 2,000 attended. The original fair was held in the Elliott home and other buildings on the property of the historic War Eagle Mills Farm. Located in the rolling hills that flank the War Eagle River, the pioneer homestead (built in 1832) seemed to be the perfect location to showcase the works of mountain craftspeople.

The burgeoning fair now takes place in tents and permanent buildings on the property with about 300 booths of artisans and crafters showing their wares. This fair features handmade items from weavers, woodworkers, carvers and basket makers. Shoppers will also find artisans of stained glass, pewter, leather and scores of other arts and crafts including oil and acrylic painting, watercolors, sculpture, metalworking and photography. Because the War Eagle Fair is dedicated to preserving Ozarks crafts, exhibitors primarily come from Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri.

Over the years, the rural site of the War Eagle Fair has attracted national recognition on television as well as in publications such as The New York Times, Southern Living magazine and Sunshine Artists magazine. Its popularity also gave birth to numerous other craft fairs in the area, including three adjacent shows at War Eagle.

Today, fairs are spread throughout several cities in northwest Arkansas, offering antiques, collectibles, souvenirs and other items. Booths are set up in the open air, under circus-style tents, or in fair buildings, pavilions, shopping malls, convention centers, or historic sites. Non-profit foundations run some of the fairs. Other fairs are commercial operations. There is no charge for admission or parking at most, and the majoriy offer a variety of food and beverages for hungry shoppers. Hours of operation are traditionally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., although a few have later hours and most end earlier on Sunday.

A large number of the fairs are juried, which means artisans must meet often-stringent requirements before they can enter a show. A few allow any type of craft.

Thousands of people attend the craft fairs each year, so visitors should be cautious and practice courteous driving on the often-twisting roads. Advance route planning is wise. Craft show maps will be available in local newspapers as well as at Chambers of Commerce, area hotels, motels, visitor information centers, and restaurants.

Fairgoers should check local media for shows in addition to those listed below, as well as for exact dates, times and locations. Comfortable shoes are a must. Veteran fair patrons also bring tote bags for stowing their handmade finds as not all craftspeople furnish bags or wrappings. A final word to the wise: bring rain gear just in case. Most outdoor fairs are open rain or shine.

Accommodations are available in nearby cities and advanced reservations are encouraged. Contact local chambers of commerce for additional information, including Bella Vista-Bentonville, (479) 273-2841, http://www.bentonvillebellavistachamber.com; Eureka Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission, (866) 566-9387, http://www.eurekasprings.org; Rogers, (479) 636-1240, http://www.RogersLowell.com; Prairie Grove, (479) 846-2197; Siloam Springs, (479) 524-6466, http://www.SiloamChamber.com; Springdale, (479) 872-2222, http://www.Springdale.com; and, the Fayetteville Convention and Visitor Bureau, (800) 766-4626, http://www.FayettevilleAR.com.

Fairs taking place in northwest Arkansas during War Eagle Weekend include:

• Spanker Creek Farm Arts, Crafts and Gifts, Oct. 17-21, Bentonville. Discover the work of many talented artists and craftsmen or find a unique gift in this farm setting. Spanker Creek runs along the entire south side of the fairgrounds and flows into Sugar Creek on the west side. The north side boasts a hillside of beautiful bluffs and trees. The farm is located just north of Bentonville and south of Bella Vista on West McNelly Road /Benton County 40, approximately 1/2 mile east of Walgreen and Lowe’s. (479) 685-5655; http://www.spankercreekfarm.com.
• Spanker Creek Farm Arts, Crafts and Gifts at the Clarion Convention Center, Oct. 17-21, Bentonville. Enjoy the work of talented artists and craftsmen or find the perfect unique gift at this indoor event. It has many returning exhibitors. (479) 685-5655; http://www.spankercreekfarm.com
• Ole Applegate Place Arts & Crafts Festival, Oct. 17-21, Mulberry Mountain Lodging and Events, Ozark. The show is host to more than 600 exhibitors from around the nation. In addition to the shopping experience, visitors can access hiking trails, fishing lakes and enjoy live music and great food and mountain views. It is located north of Ozark on Scenic Ark. 23, also known as “The Pig Trail.” Admission is $3 with children under 12 free. (479) 667-1919; http://www.oleapplegateplace.com.
• Old Orchard Arts & Crafts Fairs, Oct. 17-21, Long’s Old Orchards and Farms, Gentry. This old-world farm full of charm and culture has room for 1,500 vendors of arts and crafts and focuses on handmade Santa and Christmas items. It also contains a two-mile walking trail. The farm is located off of Ark. 12. (479) 736-8178; http://www.oldorchardandfarm.com.
• 39th annual Bella Vista Arts & Crafts Festival, Oct. 18-20, Bella Vista. More than 250 juried exhibitors in fine arts and crafts, food vendors, and daily live entertainment. The festival contains five huge tents and hundreds of individual tents with demonstrations by artisans in many areas. The festival grounds are on Ark. 279, just south of the Ark. 340 intersection. (479) 855-2064; http://www.bellavistafestival.org.
• 11th annual Jones Center Arts & Crafts Festival, Oct. 18-20, Springdale. More than 100 juried arts and crafters will exhibit their wares. The festival is held inside the Jones Center for families where you will find many additional activities for the young and old alike, including a restaurant. The center is located at 922 E. Emma Ave. (479) 757-4101; e-mail .
• 54th annual War Eagle Fall Fair, Oct. 18-21, War Eagle Mills Farm, Hindsville. The fair features only handmade crafts. Rimmed by wooded hills, the exhibit area is on the level valley floor, while parking is on the rolling meadows. It is located along the War Eagle River off of Ark. 303. (479) 789-5398; http://www.wareaglefair.com.
• Sharp’s Show of War Eagle, Oct. 18-21, Hindsville. There will be more than 250 exhibitors and camping is available on the grounds, as is food and parking. The show is located next to the War Eagle Fall Fair. (479) 789-5683.
• 35th annual War Eagle Mill Arts & Craft Fair, Oct. 18-21, War Eagle Mill, Hindsville. Hundreds of booths are set up for this show, located at the War Eagle Mill. The mill contains a working water-powered gristmill, restaurant and gift shop. It is located on War Eagle Road off of scenic Ark. 12. (479) 789-5343; http://www.wareaglemill.com.
• War Eagle Mill Antiques & Crafts Show, Oct. 18-21, War Eagle Mill, Hindsville. Professional craftsmen produce all original and handmade work such as country furnishings, folk art, pottery, stoneware, quilts, artwork and collector Santas. These juried craftsmen come from across the United States. It is located on War Eagle Road off of scenic Ark. 12. (479) 789-5343; http://www.wareaglemill.com.
• Frisco Station Mall Arts & Crafts Festival, Oct. 18-21, Rogers. Located indoors at the Frisco Station Mall, the craft show features more than 250 exhibitors with handmade crafts. Additional retail and shopping are available in the shopping center. (479) 872-9917.
• Arts & Crafts Fair, Oct. 18-21, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs. This fair hosts a variety of craft booths plus food and soft drink concessions. Shoppers can also visit the refuge to see more than 100 lions, tigers, cougars and other animals. Admission to the refuge is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children 3-12 for the entire da. (479) 253-5841; http://www.turpentinecreek.org.
• Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Show, Oct. 19-20, Holiday Inn Convention Center, Springdale and Embassy Convention Center, Rogers. More than 200 exhibitors will show their wares at the Springdale show. The convention center is located off of Interstate 540, exit 72. More than 600 exhibitors are expected for the Rogers fair, located off of I-540, exit 83. (479) 756-6954.