Celebrating Rice in the Arkansas Delta!

Rice is important in Arkansas, especially in the Arkansas Delta. The Natural State is at the top of the six rice-producing states, growing 48% of the rice in the United States. Nearly 1.4 million acres of rice is grown in Arkansas each year, with the majority being raised in the Arkansas Delta. The annual Arkansas rice crop contributes more than $1 billion to the state’s economy and accounts for thousands of jobs, which are crucial to rural communities. It’s easy to understand why rice is important to The Natural State.

So important, in fact, that the lovely grain has at least two festivals that honor the crop.

The town of Weiner hosts the 37th annual Arkansas Rice Festival on Oct. 11-12. The festival celebrates not only the Arkansas rice industry but the harvesting season as well! You’ll find a plethora of fun events, contests, and displays. Activities include a duck calling contest, live music, a weiner dog race and show, karaoke contests, a parade, a rice tasting luncheon, carnival rides, a car show, a mini-tractor pull and more! 

On Oct. 26, Hazen hosts the 37th annual Grand Prairie Rice Festival. The event kicks-off at 10 a.m. There are special events and attractions just for kids, such as the Little Farmer contest. Other activities include live music, food booths, a variety of vendors, an antique tractor parade, arts and crafts, and a magic show.