62nd Annual Clothesline Fair

The 62nd annual Clothesline Fair in Prairie Grove, held every Labor Day weekend, takes place this year on Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. It features more than 100 booths with artisans selling and demonstrating handmade crafts. The arts and crafts show, sponsored by the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale, gets underway at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and ends at 3 p.m. on Labor Day.

The fair also showcases area children square dancing and features antique farming equipment, and live music. The park’s historic houses are open for viewing as well. Non-profit organizations operate food and drink concessions.

A parade through downtown Prairie Grove begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Prairie Grove Public School and ends at the state park. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., see a demonstration by Grandmaster Han’s Martial Arts at the park bandstand. Activities move to the amphitheater at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday for square dancing exhibitions with children ages 4 and older showing their skills followed by the older children at 7 p.m. Everyone will dance again on Monday starting at 2:30 p.m. with a competition beginning at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music and square dancing.

Featuring Born Again and several other area groups, gospel music performances take place Sunday at 1 p.m.

Hindman Hall Museum and Visitor Center is open and free of charge from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The visitor center includes the museum, interactive exhibits, and videos, along with the park gift shop, and restrooms.

The event is free, but there is a $5 fee for parking. A portion of the fee supports the Prairie Grove School Backpack Program, which supports a local child hunger issue throughout the school year and summer. The backpack holds items for dinner, lunch, breakfast, and snacks. Last year they fed 70-90 children.

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is located at 506 E. Douglas St. For more information, call 479-846-2990 or e-mail [email protected]. Find out more about the park and other park events at www.arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield.