Photo credit Trey Reid of Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

A snail might not be fast but it won a very important race: becoming the first North American invertebrate to be delisted under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)- a milestone moment. Below are some facts about this unassuming but biologically important creature care of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

A unique tiny dusky brown Arkansas snail, the Magazine Mountain shagreen, is recovered and  has been removed from the federal list of endangered species. The snail, found only in Arkansas, was protected in 1989 due to threats to its habitat. Protection under the Endangered Species Act successfully prevented loss of the snail’s mountain habitat, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that it is no longer in danger of extinction. It is the first invertebrate ever to be declared recovered under the Act.

The shagreen is a small, brown land snail with a shell one-third of an inch tall and half an inch wide. It lives nowhere on Earth but the loose rock slopes high on Magazine Mountain in Logan County. It prefers cool, moist conditions and inhabits the mountain’s north and west slopes above 2,200 feet. Today, the Magazine Mountain shagreen currently lives on 27 locations on Magazine Mountain, cumulatively comprising about 22 acres.

Photo from the recovery dedication ceremony at Mount Magazine State Park. Included in the lineup is Greg Butts, Arkansas State Parks director. Photo by Z. Clift.

It was protected in 1989, and the Fish and Wildlife Service approved a recovery plan outlining the steps to save it in 1994.

In 2005 the Service signed an agreement with the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism to protect the snail’s mountain habitat. The Service has also developed a monitoring plan to make sure the snail remains safe from habitat loss and other threats.

This year is the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Endangered Species Act.

Little Rock and North Little Rock’s Riverfest wraps up the month of May over Memorial Day Weekend: May 24-May 26. Riverfest is known for its wide variety of entertainment and this year is no different.  Local and regional performers are showcased along with headliners such as Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Stone Cherry, Drive-By Truckers, and Peter Frampton.

If there are two things Riverfest is famous for, it’s the nationally known entertainment (mentioned above) and food.  More than 20 vendors will be on hand serving a huge array of items.  These include funnel cakes, chicken, nachos, popcorn, lemonade, pizza, turkey legs, Chinese, corn and hot dogs, roasted corn, gyros, baklava, crawfish, shrimp, kettle korn, nuts, iced tea, barbecue, and Yarnell’s Ice Cream.

Flowing on the River brings a variety of Arkansas craft beers and wines, along with hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants. Music will be provided by FreeVerse Duo and all this takes place in the River Market Pavilions on Thursday evening, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Family Zone area has free activities including music, Super Retriever Crown Championship Series and other dog oriented contests, an International Village, a fun run, and more.  The Deltic Timber KidZone area features arts and crafts for children, face painting, finger casts, bean bag toss, bubble blowing, a rock climbing wall, and Chalk it Up Art. Merchant Row has approximately 35 vendors scheduled, with more to be added.  A fireworks display over the Arkansas River on Sunday evening ends the celebration.

Events take place at the following locations:  Julius Breckling Riverfront Park, River Market District, and the Clinton Presidential Park in Little Rock, the North Shore Riverwalk in North Little Rock. Advance admission is $17.50 available only at Walgreens, $35 at the gate.  More information is available by visiting www.riverfestarkansas.com or calling 501-255-3378.

Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer season for DeGray Lake Resort State Park.  Starting Friday, May 24through Labor Day, daily programs will be presented with 4 to 9 different programs offered each day. In addition to many land based programs, guests will have a chance to cool off by participating in water-based activities like snorkeling tours and  swimming cruises.

Each day will include a variety of activities like crafts, hikes, recreational programs, nature activities, and lake cruises.

Kayak programs will be offered on a weekly basis and range from free programs on kayaking basics to full kayaking lake tours.  Most programs are free and require no registration.  All programs are open to the public- guests do not have to be staying at the park to participate.  Boat cruises, swimming cruises, snorkeling, and kayaking tours require advanced registration and payment.

For wildlife enthusiasts, weekend animal programs  give visitors a chance to meet local snake species and an American alligator up close and personal.  The visitor center also has a new animal resident- a Texas brown tarantula.  Visitors will be able to view the tarantula daily, and a program highlighting the large arachnids will be offered periodically throughout the summer.

On Saturday, June 1,  the park will celebrate National Trails Day with a special interpreter led program on each of the park’s five trails.  Guests can practice the art of fire making, learn the basics of “Leave no Trace” camping methods, or identify some of Arkansas’ wild edible plants.  A night hike on the golf course will also be available for those who want a chance to view or hear some of the park’s nocturnal species including owls, raccoons, opossums, bats, and white tailed deer.

Daily horseback rides will be offered starting Memorial Day weekend.  Experienced stable hands will guide guests on a leisurely ride along the shores of DeGray Lake where they will be treated to scenic views of the lake and may spot some of the local wildlife.  Horseback rides will depart from the stables every hour starting at 10 am.  No experience is necessary.  Call (501) 865-2820 for more information or to make horseback riding reservations.

The spa at the state park, which had been temporarily closed, will soon be reopened as the “Blue Heron Spa” with services to help guests relax during their stay.  The spa, located in the lodge, will be open 6 days a week starting at 10.  The spa will be closed on Tuesdays.  For appointments or more information call (501) 865-2532.

For more details on specific activities and programs, please visit www.degray.com or pick up a printed activity sheet.  Activity sheets can be found at several area visitor centers including DeGray Lake Resort State Park’s own visitor center located at the entrance to the park.  For lodging reservations, call 1-800-737-8355.  RV camping, YURT camping, and tent camping sites are also available and reservations can be made by calling (501) 865-5810.    The park is located near Hot Springs and Arkadelphia, six miles north of I-30 at Caddo Valley (exit 78) or 21 miles south of Hot Springs, Arkansas on Highway 7.

Just in time for Riverfest, the Mark Twain Riverboat will be up and running May 23. Currently it is docked on the north side of the Arkansas River, ready to ply the historic waters.  An authentic stern wheeler, the boat offers formal or casual dining for day or evening, and a bar with full view windows on the Main Deck.  The Mark Twain is one of the few authentic paddle wheel boats in existence.  The first deck is climate-controlled for year-round cruising while the second deck is open-air.  The boat is available for private charters and cruises.

Also new on the Arkansas River in North Little Rock is the Sandbar on Riverfront, where you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor top deck seating.  A variety of beverages and finger foods are offered.  Dockside public dinners are available with advance reservations.

Contact the Dam Riverboat Company, LLC., 100 Riverfront Park Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-372-5777 or info@damriverboat.com.  http://damriverboat.com/

This evening at 5, the Miller Spectacular Carnival opens at the fairgrounds. Individual ride tickets can be purchased, but for those who love to ride, it’s armband night. The $15 band, which can be purchased at the fairgrounds gate, allows carnival goers unlimited rides from 5 – 10 p.m. If you’re in the mood for some live music and good food, head to downtown Paragould for Blues and Bar-B-Q at the Red Goose Grand Hall. Tickets are $10 per person and include dinner and a performance by the West Finch Blues Band. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the band takes the stage at 7.

Friday, May 17, gates at the Greene County Fairgrounds open at 5 p.m. Gate admission is $5 per person and includes access to the evening concert. Enjoy the carnival rides, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food vendors, browse the exhibit booths, check out the arts and crafts, and stop by the Bill and Alice Nix Petting Zoo. At 8 p.m., award-winning country group Restless Heart takes the stage.

On Saturday morning, head downtown for the Loose Caboose 5K run/walk. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and the event starts at 8 a.m. The 4th annual Flights for Christ fundraiser begins at 9 a.m. at the Paragould Airport. The gates of the Greene County Fairgrounds also open at 9 a.m., although the rides, vendors, exhibits, petting zoo and the Hardee’s Bingo Tent open at 10. At 9:30, it’s the Iron Caboose bike ride in downtown Paragould. The youth talent show begins at 10 from the main stage. Throughout the day and evening, the main stage offers a variety of live entertainment.

To learn more, check out www.LooseCaboose.net or phone 870-240-0544.

Photo still from Diamond John film.

Diamond John, a comedic short film ( 15 minutes) based on Arkansan John Wesley Huddleston and the discovery of diamonds in Arkansas,  is being screened tomorrow ( May 17 at 4 p.m. at the Argenta Community Theatre in North Little Rock)  and Sunday ( May 19 at 5 p.m. at the Arkansas Repertory Theater)  at the Little Rock Film Festival in the Made in Arkansas category.

Diamond John was presented by the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Digital Filmmaking department, and written and directed by Travis Mosler as a student project. Mosler, son of KARK anchor Matt Mosler, spent the past year working on the film. The recent University of Central Arkansas Honors College grad is owner of Mosler Media in North Little Rock.

Archived photo of John Wesley Huddleston.

John Wesley Huddleston (1862-1941) is best known as the farmer who found two diamonds on the surface of his field near Murfreesboro in 1906. Soon after the discovery, he was recognized as the first person outside South Africa to find diamonds at an original volcanic source. Early in 1906, Huddleston had purchased the 160-acre McBrayer farm to make a home for his family, a decision that would etch him into history. Huddleston sold his diamond-bearing land for $36,000 to a commercial diamond company. Many years later, in 1972, the land became part of Crater of Diamonds State Park. Huddleston was known as the “Diamond King,” though later met with some misfortunes and died a pauper, but was said to have had no regrets. He is buried in Japany Cemetery, about three miles east of the diamond mine.

As to a synopsis of the film from the festival’s website:

Diamond John is a period-comedy about the crazy, but true story surrounding the discovery of diamonds in Arkansas. A gun totin’ farmer by the name of John Wesley Huddleston tries to support his wife and five daughters by diggin’ for gold and precious minerals. But the ground has consistently turned up dry. When given the news that his family’s home is facing imminent foreclosure, John is forced to decide between getting a respectable job, or continuing his passionate diggin’ with unlikely hopes of striking it rich. With his wife threatening to take their five daughters and leave, the stakes are high. But who knows? Maybe he’ll discover one of the largest naturally occurring diamond sites in the world…

The Argenta Theatre is located at 205 Main Street in North Little Rock and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre on the corner of 6th Street and Main Street in Little Rock. More details can be found at: www.littlerockfilmfestival.org/

This year we decided we’d start the cycling season as we do each year with a trip to the Delta.  Of course, that includes a buffet breakfast stop at The Iron Skillet in North Little Rock, a well-known meeting place for bikers to see familiar faces before getting on the road.

Outside the restaurant, a few riders were giving advice on eastbound construction issues from I-40 to Brinkley.  That led many to follow our route on Highway 70 through the communities of Lonoke, Carlisle, Hazen, and DeValls Bluff.  We’d then steer off to the right on Highway 49 through some of The Natural State’s richest soil, stopping only for a hot cup of coffee in Marvell before heading on to Helena-West Helena.

A ride like this allows you to catch up with agricultural neighbors, watching rice being planted and levees being established.  I could only think that it seemed like the planting season was a little behind this year, but I was sure that the late spring rain that’d kept me off the roads had also most farmers out of the field.

On this particular day, traffic along Highway 70 was very congested, with the west-bound traffic taking the same idea at Biscoe.  However, once we got past that link to I-40, it was nothing but open road, cool air, and Destination Delta.

Upon arrival in Helena-West Helena, you could see the pride of area leaders in their community’s Civil War history fully displayed at the new Fort Curtis Battery Park and Freedom Park.   Those riders heading west from across the Mississippi River also had a perfect view of the warm southern charm of the soon-to-open Welcome Center.

Open for festival registration was the make-shift Wild Hog Saloon, every year’s “happening” location.  Next door, Rio Lindo, the Mexican place I call the town’s restaurant anchor,  was very busy.  I have fond memories of it being my first stop back when it was “Oliver’s,” a time when every biker this side and back of the Mississippi River looked for Grady Mitchell and his sidecar.  Of course, he’s no longer with us, but his spirit remains.

Once registered and checked into the hotel, we ran into a couple from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, something that always reminds me of the amazing number of states represented here.  Then, as we sat on the Helena-West Helena levee listening to some of the best music ever at the 14^th Annual Wild Hog Festival, I thought how far this little Delta town has come from its rich history along the Great River Road.

As motorcycle enthusiasts settled in for the two-day festival, I noticed that the mural on the Delta Cultural Center of famous blues musicians that have passed through the area can be seen from the Main Street Stage.  This, no doubt, has led to a few festivals sprouting up throughout the year.  Even the American Queen Steamboat makes stops three or four times annually so that travelers can tour the historic sites.

Some of the best shopping can be found in the unique shops along Cherry Street, and while I couldn’t haul too much in my motorcycle bags this trip, I noted a couple of “want” items in the Handiworks store.  However, there were few vendors this year, but it was nice to encounter the traveling exhibit, ““Lincoln: The Constitution and The Civil War.” Still, when the weather’s sunny and spring like, vendors are rewarded with thousands that line the street.

Now, if your timing was just right you might find yourself up close and personal with famous native, Sonny Payne.  I listened as a California couple, who came to the festival with the intention of meeting him, got their wish when he graciously stepped behind the mic so that they could get their photo memory taken.  They even told him that they had a room for him if he ever came to California.

Weather conditions, however, quickly turned to warnings and alerts.  Fortunately, we left in time to make it to our hotel just as the bottom fell out.  The next morning, we stopped at the Conoco, Helena-West Helena’s nicest, friendliest gas station.  In fact, if customer service is their goal, they win hands down.   There we wished the bikers at the pumps a safe trip back to their home in Tupelo, Mississippi, another example of how far folks come for good music and the fellowship of other bikers.

The annual festival would not be complete without a Sunday morning Biker Blessing on Cherry Street.  The Christian Motorcycle Association is part of every Arkansas festival, serving as volunteers in some capacity.  Thus, with our iron horses blessed, my husband and I started off to our annual stop at the last restaurant on the way out of town, McDonald’s.

Though we were a bit out of practice, we knew rain was ahead of us so we worked hard to put on our raingear before heading toward the Louisiana Purchase State Park, a fascinating place from which Little Rock’s Baseline Road gets its name.  Now, if you don’t know the park’s history, you might enjoy this link:  http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/louisianapurchase/.

Did I mention that we’re riders, not just owners?  It rained from Marvell to Brinkley, and a stop at Break Tyme in DeValls Bluff to ease the ride was an idea shared by many other bikers.    Fortunately, the stop allowed us to visit with a couple that was traveling by car back home to Memphis.  They’d spent a great weekend in Hot Springs at The Arlington Hotel for a class reunion, and raved about the hot bath and massages.  We spoke about where we’d been and what there is to see and do.  Because the woman was a history buff, I gave her some “I Rode the Civil War Trail” lapel pins for her historical club.  She said they’d plan a trip and promised to look up Arkansas.com.

The rest of the trip along Highway 70 westbound from Hazen, (parking lot full at The Hulsey House), to North Little Rock was dry with a light breeze and sunny skies.   Therefore, when I pulled into our drive, I knew three things could be checked off my bucket list:  the 2013 Wild Hog Festival, one of the eight Civil War Trail campaign rides, and my first ride in the rain this year.  Thus, until the next journey, remember to keep your sunny-side down and look twice, save a life!  The motorcycle season has begun!

This year’s gospel festival takes place on Saturday, May 18, on the Cherry Street Pavilion in historic downtown Helena. The Fairfield Four and The Martins are event headliners. The event is free and open to the public.

Organized in 1921 in Nashville, Tenn., the Fairfield Four are the most distinguished proponents of traditional African-American a cappella gospel singing working today. They were among pioneers of African-American gospel groups that used radio to reach broader audiences, influencing both sacred and secular vocalists across the country, among them blues singer B.B. King. Today this multiple Grammy winning group is best known for their appearance on the soundtrack and on screen in the Coen Brothers film, O Brother Where Art Thou.

Recognized as one of Christian music’s most talented trios, The Martins (siblings Joyce, Jonathan, and Judy) grew up in rural Arkansas and began singing in their home church. During the 1990s, The Martins rose to national and international success, showcasing their stunning and distinctive harmonies before a vast array of audiences, from Bill Gaither’s award winning Homecoming Video and Concert Series to the White House to Carnegie Hall. Over the years the trio garnered six Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, a Grammy nomination and multiple hit songs. After a 10-year hiatus from touring together and recording individually, the siblings reunited with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Their most recent recording, “New Day,” was a collaboration with producer and multi-platinum-selling Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus.

Originated in the mid-1980s as a revival crusade team, Apostle J.L. Cash and Praise are also scheduled to appear. Their music has been described as “R&B gospel with a contemporary flair, but traditionally anchored.” Based in Florida, they have traveled extensively around the country and abroad. The group was featured in Tyler Perry’s first stage play, I Know I’ve Been Changed, and performs regularly at Disney World’s House of Blues, entertaining patrons at the Sunday Gospel Brunch.

With ten #1 songs and numerous Top 20 songs, The Whisnants bring the popular Southern Gospel sound to the stage. Since 1970, this Morganton, North Carolina-based group has been singing and ministering through song across the United States and Canada.

Raised in West Helena, Ark., Joseph Wheeler is a contemporary gospel singer and songwriter whose early musical influences include Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, and The Commodores. He received a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, and served as Minister of Music at Greater New Hope Christian Assembly in Stockbridge, Ga. A self-taught pianist, Wheeler is a talented and electrifying performer.

Other local and regional acts include the Gospel Wonders of Brinkley, the Eternal Light Singers from Marianna, the Delta Jubilaires of Forrest City, Young N Ready from West Helena, and Gospel Soul from Barton.

For more information, log on to www.DeltaCulturalCenter.com or call the Delta Cultural Center at (870) 338-4350 or toll free at (800) 358-0972.

Lately it’s been a little hard to believe it’s almost boating season with the weather confusing us from one day to the next, but the time is drawing nigh.  Governor Mike Beebe, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-08 have joined together to encourage those who enjoy Arkansas’s rivers and lakes to be safe this summer.

Safe Boating Week, which is May 18-24, emphasizes the need for common sense and safe boating practices while on the water.  The Governor’s proclamation reminds everyone to take certain precautions, including always wearing a life vest and never operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol.

Enjoy the over 600,000 acres of lakes and more than 9,000 miles of streams and rivers safely this summer. Whether you’re skiing, fishing, riding a water toy, canoeing, kayaking or being pulled on a raft, remember: a little caution goes a long way.

Dallas Bump relaxes in one of the Bump Rockers he created. Bump still uses the same patterns and designs that were used more than 100 years ago by his father, Fred Bump. The rocker bases or “runners” of the Bump Rockers are cut on a radius that allows the chairs to rock with very little effort while supporting the back and shoulders.

At age 95, Dallas Bump, a chairmaker from Royal, doesn’t have time to sit. He’s too busy making sure that others can sit in his legendary, hand-crafted rocking chairs. The Arkansas Arts Council has named Bump the 2013 Arkansas Living Treasure and will honor him at a reception from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 16, at Smokin’ In Style BBQ on 2278 Albert Pike Road in Hot Springs. The reception, sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council and the Department of Arkansas Heritage, is free and open to the public.

Now in its 12th year, the Arkansas Living Treasure program recognizes an Arkansan who excels in the creation of a traditional craft and who actively preserves and advances his or her craft through community outreach and educating others. A distinguished panel of practicing craft artists and community leaders selects the recipient based on the quality of work, community outreach and total contribution to the field of traditional crafts.

A fourth generation artist, Bump has been making chairs for 75 years. The ancient art of chairmaking was passed down from his ancestors who trace their lineage from France. As a young boy, Bump apprenticed under his father, Fred Bump, who learned the trade from his father, Philander Bump. Philander came to the United States from Canada and opened the chair shop with his father-in-law, Wiley Rouse, in 1870 in the community of Bear, Ark., where it still operates today.

Bump runs the Bear Chair Shop with his nephew Leon Sutton, whom he has trained for six years. The shop is a rustic barn where Bump uses many of the 100-year-old tools, patterns and equipment that his father used.

Dallas Bump bores holes in the wood using a boring machine made by his father, Fred Bump, in the 1800s.

Sutton selects and cuts the trees, mostly red and white oak, and dries the wood in a kiln. He and Bump turn each piece by hand using a hand-turning lathe and they assemble the chairs one at a time using a unique method that involves no glue or bolts. 

“The side rungs are kiln dried. The posts are half dried so they won’t crack. We half dry the frame. Then we drive them together and they shrink down to make the lock. After about two days, you can barely take a chair apart,” Bump explained. Sutton’s wife, Donna, weaves the seats with white oak strips. She learned how to weave from Bump and his late wife, Amelia.

The most popular of his chairs is known as the Bump Rocker, which is made of red oak and white oak strips for the seat. The Bump Rocker comes in two basic sizes: one for the average size person and an extra-large version known as the “John Lewis,” which will seat up to 350 pounds. Bump also creates rockers for children, stools and a double-seated rocker known as the “Love Seat.” 

His customers come from all over the United States, including such notables as former president Bill Clinton and Governor Mike Beebe. He has exhibited his chairs at festivals throughout Arkansas and the Smithsonian Center for Folk Life and Heritage. He has been featured on Good Morning America and in Southern Living, as well as many local media outlets.

“Making chairs is just something the family has always done,” Bump said. “I still enjoy working at it. There’s always something different and always something new to learn. I don’t know when I’m going to quit. The best advice I’ve ever received is to find something you like and stay with it.”

In related news, the folks at the Historic Arkansas Museum also sent  news about its new documentary short, BUMP, which  was accepted in the Made in Arkansas category of the Little Rock Film Festival. The film is about Dallas Bump and will premiere during the festival on Thurs., May 16, at 2:45 p.m. at The Rep and screen again on Sat., May 18, at 4:20 p.m. at Argenta Community Theater. Passes are required. For more information about passes, screening locations and schedule, visit the Little Rock Film Festival website: www.littlerock.festivalgenius.com .

The Buffalo River Blues Society is pulling the festival together to help raise funds for “Operation Kindness,” the Searcy County Humane Society. Searcy County is badly in need of a no-kill shelter.

Thirteen acts have agreed to play for the festival to help raise money (see schedule below). Bands include: Ben “Swamp Donkey” Brenner, Brodie & Liberty Ozz, Trouble Behind, Kasey Lee Kimmons, Maddog & Blue, The Cruize Brothers, Smooth Down Under, Brethren, Low Society, Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain, Family Dog with Tyrannosaurus Chicken.

This is a family event, so feel free to bring the kids. Bring lawn chairs too. No alcohol is allowed inside the festival gates.

Also in Leslie on Saturday is a City-Wide Yard Sale beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting throughout the day.The Ozark Mountain Market, the local farmer’s market, will be in the Leslie City Park from 8 a.m. to noon.

The cost for the festival is $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. A wristband gets you into all events.

For more information, contact the Buffalo River Blues Society at 501-253-6373 or by email at lesliebluesfest@buffaloriverblues.org.

Outside Stage:
Kasey Lee Kimmons-Nelson                    1:30  – 2:15
RB Stone                                                          2:30 – 3:15
Smooth Down Under                                   3:45 – 4:30
Trouble Behind                                              5:00 – 5:45
Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain                6:00 – 7:00
Brethren                                                           7:30 – 8:30
Tyrannosaurus Chicken                              9:00 – 11:00

The Drop Zone:
Trouble Behind                                               1:45 – 2:30
The Cruize Brothers                                      3:00 -  5:00
Brodie & Liberty Ozz                                     5:30 – 6:15
Family Dog                                                       6:45 – 8:00   
Low Society                                                      8:30-  10:00

Leslie Café & L.A. Blues Hall:
Eric Dill                                                             3:15 – 4:15
Maddog & Blue                                               4:30 – 5:30
Ben “Swamp Donkey” Brenner                5:45 – 6:45
RB Stone                                                            7:00 – 8:00
Smooth Down Under                                    8:30 – 10:00 

Jewel West Art Gallery:
Maddog & Blue                                               1:45 – 2:45
Kasey Lee Kimmons – Nelson                    3:00 – 3:45
Ben “Swamp Donkey” Brenner                4:00 – 5:00
Eric Dill                                                              6:00 – 7:00

Sentimental Journey:
Kasey Lee Kimmons-Nelson                       4:00 – 4:45
TBA                                                                       5:00 – 6:00

Start the day off with a Kiwanis pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at the United Methodist Church. Or, start with coffee and donuts at the Dogwood Days Golf Tournament at 8 a.m. at Turkey Mountain Golf Course. It’s a three-person scramble with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $120 per team.

The Dogwood Days Festival opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and is followed by the Pet Pageant at 9:15 a.m. with music by DJ Doctor Steve Clark.

Kids will have tons of fun with free pony rides, Ronzo the Clown performing a magic show, Mattie the Monkey greeting kids and giving educational lessons, face painting, bounce houses, and more. Also on site will be the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 1,000 gallon aquarium. Plenty of games and prizes are on the schedule too.

Danielle Colby

Danielle Colby from the History Channel’s American Pickers will be on hand. She’s the glue that holds Mike and Frank in line when they are out picking, and holds down the fort at Antique Archaeology, their base of operations. A mother of two, Colby is always working on a new creative project, whether it’s painting, designing clothes or selling vintage-inspired gifts online.

More than 50 food and craft vendors will be on hand.

Additional entertainment includes: live bands on the stage playing throughout the day;  Mz. DOGwood Men’s Beauty Pageant, and demonstrations by woodcarver Martin Smith. An end of the day barbecue supper take’s place at the Eagle’s Lodge with music by the Hwy 289 band.

If you’re interested in spud guns, (and really, who isn’t?), don’t miss the Big Thunder Workshop and Demonstration Day, which is part of the festival fun. There will be spud gun demonstrations, and a raffle for a spud gun kit and several one-of-a-kind custom-made conversation pieces. Spud gun enthusiasts can also get free consulting for the Big Thunder State Championship in October at Turkey Mountain. Buy one or more raffle tickets and these consultants will help measure your distance and accuracy.  They will bring the official distance records just in case you think you can beat them. To keep informed about upcoming spud gun events, subscribe to the free newsletter at www.bigthunderpotatoshoot.info or email them at info@bigthunderpotatoshoot.info.

For more information about the festival, visit www.horseshoebendarcc.com, or e-mail dogwooddayshsb@gmail.com.

Folks visiting Horseshoe Bend can enjoy fishing, hunting, golf or just a quiet walk among the wildflowers, oak and dogwoods. Known for its three beautiful lakes, this planned community offers championship golf courses, tennis courts, and bowling alley. Crown Lake boasts 650 acres of recreational activities, a full-service marina with campground, fishing and canoeing on the Strawberry River, and beautiful flora and fauna of The Natural State. You can stay in a secluded cabin in a cove, a home in the heart of downtown at a timeshare or hotels and resorts. Dining and spa facilities help round out your day.

On Friday, May 10, music starts at 3 p.m. with performances by Brandon Cunning and the Stunning Cunning Band, Chili and the Barracudas, C.W. Gatlin, Sleepy LaBeef, and the Cate Brothers (with a tribute to the Arkansas Delta’s own, Levon Helm). Headlining Friday night is Ben “Cooter” Jones and Cooter’s Garage Band. Jones, a member of the cast of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” is bringing along one of television’s most popular cars, the General Lee.

Saturday’s performances begin at 11 a.m. The roster includes Stan Perkins and D.J. Fontana, Reba Russell, W.S. Holland, Ace Cannon, Wanda Jackson, Linda Gail Lewis, Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers (with special guest Lance Lipinsky from “Million Dollar Quartet”), Travis Wammack, and the Kentucky Headhunters.

Admission is $30 for one or both days. Log on to www.deltarockabillyfest.com or phone 870-995-1326 for details.

The 2013 King Biscuit Blues Festival has just been announced and tickets are now available for purchase at www.KingBiscuitFestival.com. The festival takes place in historic downtown Helena on Oct. 10-12.

Thursday, Oct. 10, kicks off with a BANG with a performance by renowned slide guitarist Sonny Landreth. Landreth has released more than 10 solo albums but has also played and toured with the likes of Jimmy Buffett, John Hiatt, Buckwheat Zydeco, Little Feat and Mark Knopfler. He is scheduled to perform at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in New York, a gig he’s played three times previously. Marcia Ball is Thursday night’s headliner. The Boston Globe described Marcia’s music as “an irresistible celebratory blend of rollicking, two-fisted New Orleans piano, Louisiana swamp-rock and smoldering Texas blues from a contemporary storyteller.” Marcia is a King Biscuit veteran.

Friday brings a band that is quickly becoming a Biscuit favorite, the Paul Thorn Band. The guys have performed three times previously at King Biscuit and in February, played a sold-out concert for Helena’s Live on the Levee concert series. The band is the lead-in for Friday night’s headliner, the Robert Cray Band. A member of the Blues Hall of Fame, Robert Cray has played alongside John Lee Hooker and Eric Clapton. He was the “uncredited bassist”  with Otis Day and the Knights in the cult classic, “Animal House.” The Robert Cray Band continues to tour and record, releasing their latest album in 2012.

James Cotton returns to the King Biscuit Blues Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12. A true blues legend, Cotton has played with all the greats, from Sonny Boy Williamson to Muddy Waters to Janis Joplin. And to think it all started with a 15 cent harmonica! Saturday’s headliner is rock legend Gregg Allman. A founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. His distinctive voice landed him on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” list.

For more information, log on to www.KingBiscuitFestival.com.

Here is a quick roundup of the interesting options taking place around the state.

In Little Rock, Mayor Mark Stodola will be on-site at the Amtrak Little Rock Station ( 1401 West Markham Street) to speak about the importance of  trains to the community.

The free event, which takes place from  11-5, will feature displays of Amtrak railcars, a Chuggington Kids Depot with train-themed kids’ activities based on the  children’s animated television series, an HO scale operating model train and other family-friendly activities and train-themed displays.

In Bald Knob, The Arkansas Traveler Hobbies, which hosts over 60,000 items of interest to the model railroad collector, will have an event in conjunction with the Bald Knob Homefest. The special event will be at the 1915 Train Depot ( 400 Market Street) and is from 11-6.

In Springdale, the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M)  kicks off National Train Day with the annual 5 a.m. Sunrise Tour-Spring Fling. The hours have been listed as 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the location is at the Springdale depot at 306 E. Emma.

In Hope, the celebration will take place on May 18 at the Hope Station at 101 E. Division Street.  National Train Day is taking place coincidentally as the town celebrates and dedicates their new Amtrak platform. Events will begin that day with a train equipment display, a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m., an antique car show in the afternoon,  music on the “train” stage from 9-4 and more.

As to details on the new service, the westbound Texas Eagle, Train 21, departs Hope at 5:09 every morning, with arrivals that morning in Dallas, that afternoon in Fort Worth and that evening in Austin and San Antonio. The eastbound Texas Eagle, Train 22, departs Hope at 9:18 every evening, with arrivals in Little Rock that night, St. Louis the following morning and Chicago that afternoon. Connections from that schedule can be made in Fort Worth, San Antonio, St. Louis and Chicago to Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and more than 500 other locations in the Amtrak network. Anyone interested in traveling in or out of Hope on Amtrak can book a trip at their website here. 

Overall, more than 200 communities across the nation are expected to host events to celebrate National Train Day at local train stations, railroad museums and other locations commemorating this year’s theme: “Trains Matter.”

Details on National Train Day events and information on how to host an event are available at NationalTrainDay.com.  Also, rail passengers and enthusiasts are invited to share why trains matter to them via Facebook or @natltrainday.

Traveling by foot is probably the most popular mode of transportation for exploring downtown Little Rock’s River Market District and North Little Rock’s Historic Argenta Arts District.  Both areas are perfect for walking and browsing with a very wide variety of things to see and do. There’s outdoor art showcased in the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and Art Along the River, both decorating President Clinton Avenue in the River Market. Several art galleries and theatrical venues line North Little Rock’s Main Street in Argenta, showcasing visual and performing arts.  If your timing is right, you can catch the Arkansas Travelers baseball team in action at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock, or enjoy a concert by nationally known entertainers in Verizon Arena.  The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in Verizon has some cool interactive exhibits.

In Little Rock you can also visit four museums – the Old State House, Historic Arkansas, Discovery and Clinton Presidential Library.  The Central Arkansas Nature Center is in the middle of them all, with Heifer International’s Heifer Village near the Presidential Center.  If you get too hot, just head over to the splash pad to cool off.   And don’t miss the opportunity to see the “little rock” at La Petite Roche Plaza, where the landmark that gave the Capital City its name is preserved and explained.

The River Rail Trolley makes accessing both locations easy. If you prefer to stroll, you can take one of the two pedestrian bridges — Junction and Clinton Presidential Park —which connect the north and south shores spanning the Arkansas River. But it you’re looking for a new way to get around, you can hop on a Segway.  Arkansas SegTours Mobile Segway Service offers a 1 ½-hour outing focusing on the riverfront areas of both cities. (They also offer a tour of Two Rivers Park in west Little Rock.)  Segway of Arkansas highlights downtown Little Rock and provides customized tours and trail rides.  Guided tours are available by reservation. Visitors can choose from either a 75-minute or two hour excursion, both of which feature various Capital City destinations.

As they say in infomercials: “But Wait! There’s More!” Bobby’s Bike Hike Tours and Rentals lets you pedal your way through the downtown districts.  The company offers guided bike tours and rentals.  Numerous special events pack a very busy calendar offers several different venues for viewing. The tours and bicycles are for all ages and all fitness levels.  Fikes Bikes, based in North Little Rock, offers rentals for all ages if you want to go it on your own. The latest addition to the mix is Little Rock Pedicabs and Rock Town Rickshaws.  Both companies offer excursions aboard these giant tricycles.

Choose your favorite way to explore the Twin Cities’ downtowns and enjoy.  There’s enough to keep you busy for quite some time by providing hours of fun.

The opening night (tonight) of The Passion Play in Eureka Springs has been cancelled, as has Bentonville’s First Friday. Some of First Friday’s music has been moved indoors. Springfest in downtown Fayetteville has been cancelled for this weekend. It will be rescheduled, but no dates set yet. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear the new plans.

Foamfest in Fayetteville is moving inside the Walton Arts Center along with a few other activities. Here are the revised plans according to a press release from Walton Arts Center:

All outdoor Trail Mix activities previously planned for the Frisco Trail and Crystal Bridges Trails are being moved inside to Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. A music-on-the-trails event will be scheduled on the Crystal Bridges Trails later this summer.

Friday, May 3 (Rescheduled music from First Friday)

5:30-7:30pm  Brick Fields Duo at Tusk & Trotter in Bentonville

7:00-9:00pm Carter Sampson at the Pressroom in Bentonville

**Jayme Stone’s Room of Wonders will perform at a location TBD.

Saturday, May 4 (Rescheduled Trail Mix events)

10am-11am    FREE music in the Walton Arts Center lobby & galleries **same bands that were scheduled to perform in Fayetteville at Trail Mix

11am-12pm    Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo to perform a FREE show in Baum Walker Hall

12:00pm       Enjoy lunch at Greenhouse Grille in Fayetteville with the Artosphere artists with music by Shannon Wurst

3-5:00pm      FREE music in the Walton Arts Center lobby & galleries **same bands that were scheduled to perform in Bentonville at Trail Mix

5-8:00pm      Fayetteville Foam Fest has been moved indoors to Walton Arts Center. VIP access is open at 4pm. For tickets, visit fayettevillefoamfest.com or purchase at the door.

For more information and updates, visit www.facebook.com/waltonartscenter.

A photo of Littleton Meek Veazey, who gave land for the city of Sheridan in 1869. Photo by Z. Clift.

On a trip to Sheridan recently I made a  stop by the Grant County Museum.

The museum is one of my favorites and houses an impressive collection of …it seems just about everything.

The Richard G. Harrison Military Vehicle Collection- largest display of military vehicles in the nation. Photo by Z. Clift.

Upon entering what appears (from the outside) to be a tiny museum one is greeted with a collection that meticulously covers the history of the area and its ties to the nation and world. The scope of information housed in the museum is very impressive.

I learned of Littleton Meek Veazey (who gave land for the city of Sheridan in 1869), saw relics from the Battle of Jenkins’ Ferry (one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War), learned of the logging technique of river rafting, saw the tools of the trade of local beloved veterinarian William DeKalb Wylie, saw one of the nation’s largest displays of military vehicles at the Richard G. Harrison Military Vehicle Collection, visited an antique car gallery, took in a collection of World War II artifacts, toured Heritage Square (a collection of original buildings once found in town—new is a One Room School House), visited a blacksmith shop, and learned of local tales such as that of  Dr. Richard Rhodes, (the first Doc in the territory) who was murdered in town (by being hanged twice!) by Jayhawkers in 1867 and the 1939 kidnapping of Witt Stephens.

And that’s only glossing the surface of what’s housed here.

A visit to the blacksmith shop in Heritage Square. Photo by Z. Clift.

The museum has a new director ( Lindsey Stanton) and she was giving tours to local school kids when I visited—a nice sight to see. A neat time to see the museum will be the upcoming May Day Heritage Festival on May 4. The festival takes place from 10-2 on Heritage Square.

Tools of the trade of local beloved veterinarian William DeKalb. Photo by Z. Clift.

If you find yourself in Sheridan, try to check it out. But be sure to put aside a few hours. A quick  stop just won’t do.The museum is located at 521 Shackleford Road in Sheridan. For more information on the museum ( which is open Tuesday-Saturday 9-4) , check out www.grantcountymuseum.com.

One of the many things we are privileged to have in the Arkansas Delta is Warfield Concerts. The organization was created via an endowment from Samuel Drake Warfield, a Helena native, who wanted to provide the area with access to the performing arts.

 This year, Warfield Concerts in Helena-West Helena hosts the annual Warfield Music Festival on May 2-5.  On Thursday, May 2, Philip Bauer takes the stage in A Tribute to Johnny Cash. Immediately preceding the Cash tribute, Dr. Ruth Hawkins will speak on the history of the Cash family’s move to Dyess and give an update on the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Project.

Friday, May 3, is a concert by the Skirtlifters. The group authentically recreates the music of the 19th century riverboat, parlor and stage, including period humor, skits, songs and dance. The Skirtlifters repertoire includes jigs, reels, rags, marches and waltzes.

Step Afrika brings stepping to the stage of the Lily Peter Auditorium on May 4. Stepping grew out of the song and dance rituals practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, where the body is used as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and spoken word.

Sunday, May 5, is an outdoor performance and picnic at the Cherry Street Pavilion in historic downtown Helena at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring a picnic and enjoy a performance by the Saxton’s Cornet Band.

All performances are free and open to the public. For more information on times and individual performance locations, visit the Warfield Concerts website at www.warfieldconcerts.com.

Hanging glass onions. Photo by Z. Clift.

I had a chance to check out the Splash of Glass exhibit yesterday at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

If you haven’t heard of the exhibit yet, around 225 pieces of multi-colored glass creations by Arkansas artist and glassblower James Hayes are being shown at the Gardens now through Sept. 30. They are featured across the property, which encompasses a 210-acre peninsula on the shores of Lake Hamilton.

Colorful glass toadstool on side of walking path. Photo by Z. Clift.

The glass pieces can be found at various spots across the Gardens and in pretty neat locations. I found the best method to tackle the exhibit is to head out on the walking paths in any direction–the less you know about where the art installations are the better as I found it a nice surprise to randomly come across them while walking.  It gave a very whimsical feel to the day.  There are many scenes that stood out including an intricate installation that is hanging under the Full Moon Bridge and the Koi Pond that is filled with colorful floating glass balls. Coming across art pieces on the sides of various walking paths was neat too–my favorite were a patch of toadstools Hayes has made that he attached onto fallen tree trunks to make them look like were growing out of them.

Hayes owns and operates the James Hayes Art Glass Company in his hometown of Pine Bluff. The technique of glassblowing has been around since antiquity and it takes years to master the intricate process needed to shape and sculpt molten glass into works of art.

Intricate art installation under Full Moon Bridge. Photo by Z. Clift.

Hayes has gained a reputation for creativity and color in his designs that include bowls, plates, vases, chandeliers, and other blown glass works. Mr. Hayes’ honors include an invitation from the White House to design a Christmas tree ornament.

View at Koi Pond. Photo by Z. Clift.

As to his background, he received an art degree from Hendrix College in 1988. Three months later he discovered glassblowing at the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School in Little Rock. He has studied glassblowing in Murano, Italy; Columbus, OH; and at world-renowned glass artisan Dale Chihuly’s Pilchuck Glass School near Seattle, WA.

Many of his art pieces at the Gardens will also be available for purchase. Of note, Gardens admission does apply to see the installation.

There are some neat upcoming events at the Gardens including National Public Gardens Day on May 10. That day, the Gardens are offering free admission to all visitors. For admission, you must print a voucher ( available here) and bring it with you.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is located at 550 Arkridge Road. For more details contact Kristin Mangham at Garvan Woodland Gardens at 501-262-9615 or kmangham@garvangardens.org

Teresa Marks, director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), presented the award to store owners Brad and Vien Wimberly at Friday’s regular meeting of the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission at the ADEQ Headquarters Building in North Little Rock.

Standing at the junction of Arkansas 23 and the Mulberry River about 10 miles north of Ozark, the Turner Bend store is a century old. An iconic feature of the river, Turner Bend sells provisions and gas, and is a Mulberry River outfitter, renting out canoes, kayaks and rafts. Cabins and campsites are available too. But, throughout the century it has been much more than its physical function. It embodies community and a sense of place.

Wimberly has owned the store for 30 years and for more than 20 years has organized cleanup operations along the Mulberry River and the surrounding area near his store, as well as sponsored or participated in various other activities to improve the environment in that part of the state.

“The annual Mulberry cleanup involves an average of 130 volunteers who usually pick up a ton or more of trash each year along a 40-mile stretch of the river between the towns of Oark in northern Johnson County and Mulberry near the Franklin-Van Buren County line, as well as along highways, county roads, Forest Service roads, and various back roads in the Mulberry watershed,” according to an ADEQ press release.

“In addition, the store coordinates litter cleanups four times a year as part of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department’s Adopt-a-Mile program on two miles of State Highway 23; partners with the Cass Job Corps Center to pick up litter between Cass and Interstate 40; and has worked with organizers of the annual Wakarusa Music Festival near Ozark to coordinate litter cleanups along roads leading to the festival site.

“Working with the Conservation Reserve Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, the store has also planted oak trees on 33 acres adjacent to its new Round the Bend campground; is sponsoring construction of one of seven large interpretive signs being placed by the U.S. Forest Service along State Highway 215; and assisted in replacing old railroad crosstie steps with rock steps at the Campbell Cemetery access point on the Mulberry.

“’Small businesses have always been the backbone of the economy in the United States, but as Brad Wimberly and the Turner Bend Store have demonstrated, they can also be big players in preserving and protecting our natural resources,’ Marks said. ‘Every year we always have a broad cross-section of nominees and finalists for the ENVY Award, representing major industries, cities and counties, non-profit organizations, and small business owners. It’s never an easy decision to choose the winner, but we are always happy to be presented with that dilemma.’”

The other finalists for the 2013 Envy Award were:

• Beaver Water District, for development of an environmental education program for school children in the northwest Arkansas area focusing on the importance of maintaining a high level of water quality in the region’s principal public drinking water supply.
• The City of Fayetteville and the CH2M HILL engineering firm for significantly reducing operating expenses and the need to landfill biosolids generated by the city’s wastewater treatment plant, while also producing high-quality fertilizer products utilized by agricultural operations in northwest Arkansas.
• Goodwill Industries of Arkansas for its comprehensive statewide recycling program that has diverted millions of pounds of materials–including potentially hazardous electronic wastes–from landfills every year since 2008.
• Pratt and Whitney’s aircraft engine parts manufacturing facility at Springdale for a pollution prevention program designed to save electricity and operating expenses, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Since 2005 the Department of Environmental Quality has honored companies and individuals for their continued efforts to protect and enhance the environment in extraordinary ways. These innovating projects and programs show that even one company or one person can make a difference in protecting Arkansas.

Do you like mountains, rivers and country music? Mulberry Mountain in Ozark is hosting the 1^st Annual Thunder on the Mountain June 6-8. With such a large lineup, you don’t want to miss this party! With performances from Toby Keith, Luke Bryan, Montgomery Gentry, Big & Rich, Thompson Square, Arkansas native Justin Moore, Gretchen Wilson, Easton Corbin, Colt Ford, Randy Houser, Pat Green and many more. There will be many activities other than music such as a Ferris Wheel, water slide, food, drinks and not to forget, the beautiful Mulberry River.  For more information about this event, click here.  What artist are you looking forward to seeing in concert?

Backroad Anthem

The event takes place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jasper Springs Stables, located at 1469 N. Starr Dr. Tickets are $10 in advance. You can purchase them online at http://www.stubs.net/. Tickets are $20 at the door. Children 12 and younger attend for free.

The Mini Derby is a benefit for children with autism and their families. The vision and purpose of Equestrian Bridges is to empower children and youth considered to be at risk for social, behavioral or academic delays with the tools to develop emotional, mental and physical fitness using natural horsemanship doing equine assisted activities and therapies.

For more information, email shanna@equestrianbridges.org.

One thing I learned this weekend is the Caddo River offers much more than floating! The small mouths were on fire! Not only was the fishing hot, I saw three bald eagles, two hawks and a variety of birds! The Caddo River is great to get in touch with nature! This weekend was an excellent time to be on the Caddo!

My group arrived at Caddo River Camping and Canoe Rentals at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27. Mr. David and Mrs. Gayla Claborn had our canoes, campsite and information for the float ready for us when we arrived. The Claborn’s were so hospitable and caring!

Our plan was to float Caddo Gap to Glenwood on Saturday, dock at our campsite and take off Sunday floating Glenwood to Amity. When we arrived at the drop off location, it was sprinkling a little bit. The rain did hold off for us though. I can tell you the weather was perfect for smallmouth bass! They were biting on stump jumpers, jerk minnows, baby brush hogs and salty super tubes all up along the banks. We caught 8 smallmouths, 2 largemouths and perch. The float is 7.5 miles long with some quick moving water here and there, nothing to be concerned about. The flow was great and the temperature of the water was surprisingly nice.

Caddo River Camping and Canoe Rentals offers tent camping on the river. If you would like to take a two day float, I would suggest staying here. You float right up to your campsite. There are no time constraints with the float. At the campsite, there is a beautiful backdrop of the Ouachita Mountains and a waterfall. When we arrived at camp, Mr. David came down to check on us to make sure the float was good and to check to see if we needed anything.

We woke up early Sunday morning to start the second part of our float. It is from Glenwood to Amity. It is a 5 mile float. This is the best float for fishing and birding! There were a few rapids, but more large pools than the previous float. The smallmouth were biting more on stump jumpers and jigs. If you are a fisherman, it is hard to make it to Amity by dark! I know there are very large catfish in these holes as well! It was on this stretch we saw the bald eagles and they were marvelous!

If you are wanting to beat the heat, the Caddo River is definitely an option! Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend float, great fishing or spending time with family and friends, the Caddo River should be on your list of summer trips! I highly recommend Caddo River Camping and Canoe Rentals! You will not find better, more caring people anywhere! They keep their facilities very clean and they even rent cabins for the folks who would prefer to not sleep on the ground. For more information on the Caddo River, click here. For more information on Caddo River Camping and Canoe Rentals, click here.

My group is planning on visiting as many rivers and outfitters that we can this summer to help inform you of the flow, fishing, camping etc. We are planning a trip in the next few weekends. Do you have suggestions on what river to float or what outfitters to contact? You tell us the river, we will float it! I look forward to hearing your suggestions!

The mission of Artosphere: Arkansas’ Arts and Nature Festival is to celebrate artists, influenced by nature, who inspire us to live more sustainable lives.

“Boats”

Now in its 4th season, the Festival spans two months, and features the acclaimed Artosphere Festival Orchestra under the baton of Corrado Rovaris, the signature Trail Mix Concert Tours, children’s theater, modern dance, visual arts installations and more.

Two shows that are perfect for kids and families are “Boats” by Terrapin Puppet Theatre and “Grug” by Windmill Theatre.

“Boats” offers three shows on Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. in the Starr Theater of the Walton Arts Center. It’s best for ages 7 and older. Tickets are only $5. This performance follows two mariners after bizarre circumstances involving a chicken, a deserted island and a sombrero draw them together. The show has live sound effects, acrobatics and a moving story that will leave a lump in your throat.

“Grug”

“Grug” also offers three shows on Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. in Baum Walker Hall at Walton Arts Center. Best for ages 1-6, this show is based on the picture book by Ted Prior. This performance follows Grug – an odd sort who resembles a striped haystack with a face – as he finds fascination in the world around him and solves everyday problems creatively and without fuss. Tickets are $5.

“Artosphere is presented by Walton Arts Center, headquartered in Fayetteville, but takes place at multiple indoor and outdoor venues throughout Northwest Arkansas. Surrounded by the lush natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, the Buffalo River National Park and hundreds of caves, lakes, bluffs and valleys, Artosphere invites audiences to reflect on the beauty of our natural world, hear from artists who are exploring themes of arts and nature, and connect on a more personal level with the issues of sustainability today.

“Thanks to the generous support of local corporations, foundation and individuals, Artosphere’s programming is mostly free or low-cost, and is programmed to offer new audiences a chance to experience the arts in a friendly and fun environment. We envision Artosphere growing into a premier spring destination festival, attracting visitors from around the world and helping to increase the vitality of the arts community in Arkansas and the Mid South,” according to the WAC website.

To learn more about Artosphere or for a complete listing of events, click here.

Congratulations to Chef Todd Gold, executive director of the Pulaski Technical College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute. The American Culinary Federation Central Arkansas Chapter, of which Gold is president, landed the American Culinary Federation Central Regional Conference, which takes place April 28-May 1. The Peabody Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock is where the action will be.

“We applied for 10 consecutive years before we finally got it!” said Gold. “Many of our local chapter members of the ACF-CAC, staff and instructors at Pulaski Technical College, and the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau have continued to work on this group for many years now. We are so happy to have been awarded this conference. It gives our state great exposure to hundreds of culinary professionals who otherwise would never come here.”

More than 400 culinary professionals are expected to attend. This continuing education program gives the participants the opportunity to catch up on the latest trends and watch demonstrations by other chefs. Those in attendance are also part of the action and watch individuals compete for regional and national titles such as Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Chef Educator of the Year, Student Chef of the Year and more. Student team competitions will also take place at this regional conference including the annual Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl.

Welcome to The Natural State!

Our outfitter this weekend will be the Caddo River Camping & Canoe Rental. Owned by David and Gayla Claborn, Caddo River Camping & Canoe Rental offers canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing, camping and beautiful cabins. For information, you can visit their website at http://www.caddoriver.com/.

We will be going on a two day float. We will start at Caddo Gap and float down to Glenwood. We will be camping at Caddo River Camping & Canoe Rental. The second day, we are going to float Glenwood to Amity. I cannot wait to get to the Caddo!

Also this weekend is the 3^rd Annual Caddo River Fest in Glenwood. There will be a canoe parade, canoe race as well as a car, truck and motorcycle show. Unfortunately I am not in the canoe race, but it is going to be great to watch!

The rules change every year, especially after the race has started, but fundamental rules always apply. A glimpse at some of the rules from past races:

• Of the four members pushing the tub, one must carry a large bar of soap, one must carry a nice bath mat, one must wear a loofah mitt and one must carry a bath towel.

• The four team members pushing the tubs must wear hats of some type and shape and also some suspenders.

• No motors or mechanical devices can be used to push the tub.

• Four members of the team must power the tub, which will contain the fifth member, plus water.

• The bathtub must be full of water at the start of the race and have at least 10 gallons of water left in the tub at the finish line.

• The fifth member of the team must be in the bathtub, taking a bath from the start of the race to the official finish line.

The race is named in honor of the late Stuart Pennington, a longtime business leader in Hot Springs. For more information contact Chrissy Egleston, special events manager at Visit Hot Springs and coordinator of the race at 501-321-2027 or the Visit Hot Springs website: www.hotsprings.org.

You’ll learn the “answers” to these engaging questions and more during the performance by the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre on Tour. Tickets are $13 for adults and $9 for children. The performance begins at 2 p.m. For more information, log on to www.pccua.edu/GPC or phone 870-673-4201.

Get your entertainment fix with the two huge events that begin and end the month of May in Central Arkansas.

As it has for the past 31 years, May gets off to a hopping start with the Annual Toad Suck Daze. The 32nd edition is May 3-5 in Conway.

The festival has a boatload of entertainment, ranging from local and national performers. The schedule begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday with Handmade Moments followed by Erin Enderlin, Drake White and Kip Moore.  Saturday brings Hanna Belle at 11:30 a.m. The rest of the day’s roster includes Song Writers Round, Interstate Buffalo, Eleven Cent Ransom, The Mighty Electric St. Jude Band, Canvas, Erin Enderlin, leading up to the headliners – Diamond Rio. On Sunday, the performances begin at noon with Some Guy Named Robb, along with Beautiful Disaster, Kingsdown, and Hawk Nelson.

The Toadal Kid Zone is back with activities for children of all ages with puppet shows, music, games, magic and crafts. Over 35 vendors will be selling a wide variety of food including Mexican, hamburgers, hot dogs, turkey legs, gyros, sausages, roasted corn, baked potatoes, pizza, sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, and tons of sweet treats.

The always popular Stuck on a Truck, the Toad Run 10 and 5K, Mardi Daze parade, and Tour de Toad bicycle ride, plus the general and championship toad races are just a few of the other events taking place. This free, family festival has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships and scholarship endowments to students in Faulkner County.

Everything takes place in downtown Conway.  Phone 501-327-7788 or visit www.toadsuck.org for more information.

Little Rock and North Little Rock’s Riverfest wraps up the month over Memorial Day Weekend: May 24-May 26. Riverfest is known for its wide variety of entertainment and this year is no different.  Local and regional performers are showcased along with headliners such as Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, and Peter Frampton.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Family Zone area has free activities including music, Super Retriever Crown Championship Series and other dog oriented contests, an International Village, a fun run, and more.  The Deltic Timber KidZone area features arts and crafts for children, face painting, finger casts, bean bag toss, bubble blowing, a rock climbing wall, and Chalk it Up Art. At the time of this writing, Merchant Row had 35 vendors scheduled, with more to be added.  A fireworks display over the Arkansas River on Sunday evening ends the celebration.

Events take place at the following locations:  Julius Breckling Riverfront Park, River Market District, and the Clinton Presidential Park in Little Rock, the North Shore Riverwalk in North Little Rock. Advance admission is $17.50 available only at Walgreens, $35 at the gate.  More information is available by visiting www.riverfestarkansas.com or calling 501-255-3378.