A day of traditional Ozark food, music, and demonstrations, the Ozark Folklife Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Tyler Bend Pavilion, located near St. Joe on the Buffalo National River.
Geared to represent life in the Ozarks and along the river from early settlement of the 1830s through the early 1900s, the festival provides a way to immerse yourself in the traditions of the region’s settlers.
See quilts displayed and learn quilting techniques, watch a craftsman create mandolins or turn wool to yarn and felt, see a chair get a new seat of woven hickory, watch the Buffalo River Cloggers and listen to music by Possum Juice, Harmony, Ozark Hellbenders, Rackensack, and Southern Tradition Bluegrass. Barbecue, ham and beans with cornbread, and fried pies will be for sale.
The festival helps visitors explore the rich cultural heritage of the Ozark Mountains region and the Buffalo National River, the nation’s first. The river meanders through the Ozarks for about 135 miles and is known for its towering limestone bluffs and clear waters. Today, canoe, kayak and raft outfitters supply floating and shuttle needs on the water, which runs from easy to whitewater rapids. Campsites, hiking and horseback riding trails, and cabin rentals are available throughout its length.
Festival admission is free. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/buff or call 870-439-2502.