March Events Taking Place in Central Arkansas

Kerry Kraus, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Note to the Print and Broadcast Media: In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: communications@arkansas.com or 501-682-7606.

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Jacksonville’s live version of eBay, Trash to Treasures Community Yard Sale, takes place March 5. Bargains aplenty await those who like to do their shopping up-close and personal. The Farmers Market pavilion and parking lot at 9 Municipal Drive becomes shopping central from 7 a.m. until noon. Admission is free; vendor space is $25. Call 501-982-0818 for more information.

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Compete for “a medal of mythic proportions” by taking part in the Little Rock Marathon March 5-6. “In 2004, Runner’s World Magazine reported that we gave out the ‘world’s largest marathon finisher’s medal,” Gina Marchese Pharis, co-executive director said. “For seven years we have been recognized as having one of the largest marathon finisher’s medals and we believe we can still claim the title with this year’s mythic medal.”

The Little Rock 5K Fun Run/Walk is Saturday, March 5 at 8 a.m. The Little Rockers Kids Marathon, 26.2 miles completed over an extended time frame, follows at noon. All races start at the River Market and finish at the Riverfest Amphitheatre. Other races include the full and half marathons and a relay marathon. Participants in all events can run, walk or do a combination of both in any of the events. A free two-day health and fitness expo at the Statehouse Convention Center precedes the race on March 4-5. Geneva Hampton is the contact for more information at 501-371-4770 or ghampton@littlerock.org. Visit www.littlerockmarathon.com for additional details.

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Celebrate Fat Tuesday this year by attending Mardi Gras at the Governor’s Mansion, Tuesday, March 8 in Little Rock. This fundraiser for the Arkansas Chamber Singers turns Arkansas’s first house into the Big Easy for one evening of fun and festivities. Pianist Louis Heard provides the entertainment. Put on your most colorful beads, masks and costumes as New Orleans comes to Little Rock. The Arkansas Governor’s Mansion is located at 1800 Center St. in Little Rock’s Quapaw Quarter Historic District. Admission is $75 per person. Visit www.ar-chambersingers.org/events.htm#mardi for more information.

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Discover Songs of the American West: A Living Documentary March 9-12 on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. According to sponsors, this is “a once in a life-time chance to live the music in songs and stories surrounded by the spectacular art of the american West." Four evening concerts have different themes: dreams and characters of the Old West; the American West on Broadway; settlers tell their stories in songs and diaries; and the Grandsons of the Pioneers of Wisconsin with the Conway Symphony interpret myths and romance of the Old West.

Nationally recognized storytellers, musicians and ensembles also perform during the four-day event, surrounded by some of the best in American Western art. More information is available by visiting www.songsunlimited.org, or contacting Kay Kraeft by e-mailing kkraeft@swbell.net or phoning 501-327-2964.

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The 2011 Arkansas Pen & Watch Show allows collectors the opportunity to shop for that perfect item. Vendors will buy, sell or trade fountain pens, pencils and ephemera March 11-13 at the Wyndham Riverfront in North Little Rock. A silent auction takes place throughout the event. The $5 admission fee is good for all three days. Hours are noon-6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.vintagepen.net/2011-ar-pen-show.html or call 501-231-1005 for more information.

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“If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” an Arkansas Children’s Theatre premiere, is scheduled for March 11-27 in Little Rock. The premise is this: “If you give a pig a pancake, she’s going to ask for syrup. When you give her your favorite syrup, she’ll get sticky and want a bath. Baths lead to bubbles, bubbles lead to rubber ducks, and mishap turns into hysterical mayhem on stage as girl and pig go round and round. And before you know it, this cute little pig will be hungry again!"

Spring break matinees are March 23, 24 and 25 at 3 p.m. Other performances are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $14 for adults, $11 for children and are available by visiting https://tickets.arkarts.com/public/default.asp or by calling 501-372-4000.

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Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day slightly early this year as the 2011 St. Patrick's Day Parade is held March 12. “The Rock to North Little Rock” St. Patrick's Day Parade is an annual celebration of Irish culture, music, dance, and Irish-American heritage in Arkansas. The parade begins at 1 p.m. in downtown Little Rock, crossing the Arkansas River, ending in North Little Rock. Marching bands, Irish wolfhounds, clowns, floats and antique cars are featured. “Dancing at the Crossroads” follows the parade from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and includes music and dance performances. Visit www.irisharkansas.org or phone 501-920-8534 for additional information.

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The Arkansas Arboretum at Pinnacle Mountain State Park holds a Night Hike on March 13. Learn about the new world that emerges in the forest as the sun goes down. A park interpreter leads participants in exploring how both human and animal senses adapt to low light levels. Sturdy shoes are a must – no sandals. Admission is free. The park is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd. in west Little Rock. More information is available by calling 501-868-5806. Meet at the Arkansas Arboretum Trailhead.

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Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott hosts a Spring Equinox Celebration, March 19. The site complex, built by the Plum Bayou tribe over 1,000 years ago, served as the ceremonial center of their culture. It probably included games, feasts, and other special celebrations.

A Native American tools and weapons demonstration, using weapons similar to the ones used here so long ago, begins at 4 p.m. Following at 5 p.m., the resident archeologist makes a presentation on how the mound arrangement coincides with solar events. A park interpreter-led guided tour of the mound site to observe the sunset over Mound A ends the day. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12, and free for under age 6. Contact the park by phoning 501-961-9442 for additional information.

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The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra honors the wearin’ of the green with a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration concert on March 19. Special guest performers are Mithril!, a Celtic group from Alabama. Lively traditional and non-traditional Irish music will have you dancing the aisles at Robinson Center Music Hall in downtown Little Rock. Ticket prices start at $20, with student prices at $10. Visit www.ArkansasSymphony.org or call 501-666-1761 for additional information.

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Pinnacle Mountain State Park is offering four different water-oriented events plus one on land this month. March 20 brings Springtime Lake Cruise on Lake Maumelle. Many of the park's resident animals migrate from the south to nest for the summer, while the rest prepare to head north to Canada. These park interpreter-guided tours provide insight into the ways animals and humans change to get ready for summer. Advance payment of $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 is required. The cruises depart from Jolly Roger’s Marina, 11800 Maumelle Harbor Rd.

A Family Fishing Cruise on Lake Maumelle is Monday, March 21. Bring the whole family fishing and discover some of the staff’s favorite spots on Lake Maumelle. You must provide your own gear and bait. Fee for the event covers the guide, party barge, and life jackets. Advance reservations and payment of $20 for adults and $10 for ages 6-12 is required. Departure is from Jolly Roger’s Marina, 11800 Maumelle Harbor Rd.

Settle back and enjoy the beauty of the Big Maumelle River during a Sunset Canoe Float, March 22 and 24. This relaxing journey explores the serenity of an early spring sunset. Guided by a park interpreter, the float offers an excellent opportunity to explore the lowlands of Pinnacle Mountain State Park by canoe. You’ll enjoy parts of the park not always seen by the general public. No paddling experience is necessary, but participants should be comfortable around water. The $35 fee includes use of boats, paddles, and lifejackets. Advance reservations with payment is required. Meet at the Big Maumelle Boat Launch.

Thursday, March 24, is when the Spring Canoe Float takes place, beginning at the Little Maumelle Boat Launch. This guided 4.5-mile easy trip takes participants to parts of the park not usually seen. No canoeing experience is necessary but you must be comfortable around water. The fee of $30 covers use of boats, paddles, and lifejackets. Advance payment is required.

A Twilight Hayride rounds out the week of Pinnacle Mountain activities on Friday, March 25. The solitude of an early spring evening highlights the trip through field and forest, followed by a cozy campfire. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and advance payment is required.