October's Travelin’ the Arkansas Delta: Events Taking Place During October

Kimberly J. Williams, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Tweet line: Check out October Events in the Arkansas Delta: http://ow.ly/2IfAm

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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The Central Delta Depot Museum in Brinkley is the site for the 27th annual Fall Festival on Oct. 1-2. Friday evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with music and a fish fry. Saturday events begin at 10 a.m. and feature arts and crafts, a car show, live music, a “back seat” driver contest, rock wall climbs, and lots of food. You can learn more by visiting www.BrinkleyChamber.com or calling 870-734-2262.

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Prepare to be petrified as Pumpkin Hollow in St. Francis opens its haunted attractions to those who dare to enter. Beginning Oct. 1, visitors will be terrified by Bubba’s Butcher Barn, the Forest of Fright, and the Mad Skull Mine. For the youngsters or the faint of heart, there’s the Friendly Fairytale Forest. The haunted attractions are open each Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 30. Pumpkin Hollow also offers a variety of fun fall activities, including hayrides, corn mazes, pig scrambles and pony rides. For more information on the haunted attractions, visit www.HorrorintheHollow.com. Learn more about Pumpkin Hollow’s special events at www.PumpkinHollow.com or phone 870-598-3568.

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Experience a flurry of fall fun as Peebles Farm in Augusta hosts the annual Fall Festival on Oct. 1-31. This year’s event features a 14-acre “Haunted Graveyard” corn maze, hayrides, a play area, cotton and pumpkin patches, a petting zoo, and hay tunnels. While you’re there, choose the perfect pumpkin to make into a jack-o-lantern. On Friday and Saturday nights throughout October, nighttime tours of the corn maze are offered. Visit www.cornmazesamerica.com/peebles.htm or phone 870-919-6162 to learn more.

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If you love chili, downtown Manila is the place to be on Oct. 2. The Lion’s Club annual Chili Cook-off is more than an opportunity to experience tasty food; you’ll also find crafts and activities for all ages. Additionally, the town will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Manila Depot. The structure, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, now houses a museum devoted to the town’s history. For details, phone 870-561-3501.

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The reptiles take over in Lepanto as the 80th annual Terrapin Derby is held on Main Street on Oct. 2. Watch as the turtles race to snap up the watermelon waiting for them at the finish line. The long-time festival also offers live music, arts and crafts, games for the youngsters, and…terrapins! Phone 870-475-2415 for more information.

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Join staff from the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas for the East Arkansas Heritage Fall Preservation Ramble on Oct. 2. Travel scenic highways and back roads and get a behind-the-scenes look at historic and cultural sites throughout the area. The tour includes stops at the Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park in Scott, the Trimble-McCrary house in Lonoke, Craig’s Barbeque and the Family Pie Shop in DeValls Bluff, a tour of the historic districts of Wynne, the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum in Tyronza, the historic Dyess colony, and a harvest dinner in Birdeye. For more information on the tour or to purchase tickets, visit www.PreserveArkansas.org or phone 501-372-4757.

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Enjoy a day outside as Lake Poinsett State Park in Harrisburg hosts the 5th annual Fall Celebration on Oct. 2. Bask in the beautiful autumn weather as you enjoy live music, hayrides, a variety of games and activities, and interpretive programs. Admission is $3 per vehicle. To learn more, contact the park at 870-578-2064.

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Animals were an important part of Native American life in northeastern Arkansas. Hampson Archeological Museum State Park in Wilson offers Animal Kingdom, a program designed to teach participants to identify red fox, raccoon, bobcat, deer and rabbit, on Oct. 2. For more information on the program, phone 870-655-8622.

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Beautiful Cane Creek Lake is the setting as Cane Creek Lake State Park in Star City offers a variety of paddling opportunities during the month of October. Experience the beauty of the setting sun during the park’s Sunset Kayak Tour on Oct. 2. Spend a leisurely fall afternoon on the water at the Afternoon Kayak Tour on Oct. 16. Enjoy paddling by moonlight on Oct. 23 during the Full Moon Kayak Tour. Tour participants need not have kayaking experience but should be comfortable around and in the water. Reservations are required and the $15 adult admission ($10 for ages 12 and under) includes kayak rental, lifejacket, paddle and guide service. Check out www.ArkansasStateParks.com to learn more or phone 870-628-4714.

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Fall is the perfect time to head outside. Learn how to cook a variety of recipes in the beautiful outdoors when Cane Creek State Park in Star City hosts a Dutch Oven Cooking workshop on Oct. 2. Participants will learn cooking techniques and recipes designed especially for the iron cookware and then cook an entire Dutch oven meal. The $40 fee includes the workshop, lunch and an oven to take home. For details, contact the park at 870-628-4714.

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Spend a beautiful evening on Lake Frierson as Lake Frierson State Park in Jonesboro offers an Evening Kayak and Dinner Cruise on Oct. 2. Enjoy an informative and fun tour of the lake followed by a Dutch oven dinner on the shoreline at sunset. The evening also features an astronomy program with the park interpreter. For details contact Lake Frierson State Park at 870-932-2615.

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Global Positioning System (GPS) units are becoming a part of everyday life. Learn how to use your GPS to participate in geocaching, a favorite pastime throughout the world, when Lake Poinsett State Park in Harrisburg offers a Geocache/GPS Workshop on Oct. 7. The event is free but registration is required. Phone 870-256-3711 for more information or to register.

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October 7 marks the first Thursday of the month and in Paragould that means First Thursday shopping. Many businesses in downtown Paragould offer extended shopping hours, special discounts and demonstrations. Live music is often on the agenda. For more information visit www.MainStreetParagould.info or phone 870-240-0544.

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During the 1920s, the lumber industry in Parkin was at its peak. Parkin Archeological State Park offers School Days especially for home school students on Oct. 7-9. School children will explore sawmill life during the era. Contact the park at 870-755-2500 for details.

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It’s time to get the blues! Historic downtown Helena serves as the backdrop for the 25th annual Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival) on Oct. 7-9. The internationally known festival features three days of music, food, festivities…and more music! This year’s headliners are B.B. King, Dr. John and Taj Mahal. Tickets for the main stage performances are $25 for all three days. There is no admission charge for the other stages or areas of the festival. For complete stage lineups and more information, log on to www.BluesandHeritageFest.com.

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The 14th annual Rough & Ready Days – Rhythm & Roots Festival will be held in Monticello at McCloy City Park on Oct. 8-9. The festival features a youth fishing derby, live music, a bicycle ride, children’s games, a 5K run, an antique car show, and a chicken cook-off. To find out more, visit www.MontDrewChamber.com or phone the Monticello Drew County Chamber of Commerce at 870-367-6741.

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Have an “owl” of a good time as McGehee hosts the 4th annual Owlfest on Oct. 8-9. Activities include a golf tournament, arts and crafts, a barbeque cook-off, a Razorback tailgate party, live music, games for kids, and a talent show. Learn more by visiting www.McGeheeChamber.com or by calling 870-222-4451.

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Rice takes center stage during the 34th annual Arkansas Rice Festival in Weiner on Oct. 9. Scheduled events include a parade, rice tastings, carnival rides, a truck and tractor pull, live entertainment and a variety of arts and crafts. Log on to www.ArkansasRiceFestival.com or email info@arkansasricefestival.com for details.

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The Hometown Crawfordsville Harvest Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, in Crawfordsville. The daylong event features arts and crafts, live entertainment, a children’s area, and horseshoe contests. Activities will be held along Main Street from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For details phone 870-823-5822.

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Crossett is the location for the 32nd annual Wiggins Cabin Festival on Oct. 9. The event offers arts and crafts, games for kids, live entertainment, a variety of food and a 5K/1 mile walk. To find out more information, visit www.WigginsCabinFestival.com or call 870-364-3648.

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Spend a beautiful evening under the stars at Village Creek State Park in Wynne during the Fall Star Party on Oct. 9. The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a presentation on constellations and night sky sights, and then you’ll move outside to experience the splendor of the evening sky. For more information, visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone Village Creek State Park at 870-238-9406.

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The 9th annual L’Anguille River Festival is slated for Oct. 9 in Palestine. The event features a barbeque cook-off, a “weenie” dog race, a beauty pageant, pony rides, a petting zoo, rock wall climbs, mechanical bull rides and a variety of festival food vendors. All activities will be held at the Palestine City Hall. For details, phone 870-581-2166.

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Paragould offers live music with WoodSongs, KASU’S Blue Monday and Bluegrass Monday events. Inspired by the national public radio program “Michael Johnathon’s Old-Time Radio Show,” WoodSongs is a local venue for songwriters and performers and is held the second Saturday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The next performance date is Oct. 9. Blues and jazz performers from the region perform the third Monday of each month in downtown Paragould for KASU’s Blue Monday.

The next Blue Monday is slated for Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. KASU hosts Bluegrass Monday on Oct. 25 at the historic Collins Theater, featuring an open jam session for local musicians at 5 p.m. followed by a live bluegrass concert at 7 p.m. WoodSongs and Blue Monday are held at the Red Goose Deli in downtown Paragould. For more information on the events visit www.MainStreetParagould.info or contact Main Street Paragould at 870-240-0544.

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The 20th annual Homestead Festival will be held at Parker Pioneer Homestead in Harrisburg on Oct. 9-10 and Oct. 16-17. Visit the restored buildings and enjoy sorghum cooking, broom making, wagon rides, blacksmithing, and live music. The Haunted Homestead comes “alive” on Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30. Experience 40 acres of scariness…including a spooky cemetery and a horrifying hayride…if you dare! Visit www.ParkerHomestead.com or phone 870-578-2699 for more information.

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Sunday, Oct. 10, is the opening of the Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra’s 2010-2011 season, titled “A Celebration of Musical Traditions.” The first concert focuses on “The German Musical Heritage.” For more details or ticket information, phone 870-536-7666.

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East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City presents Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder in concert on Oct. 15. The concert will be held in the college’s Fine Arts Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50. To learn more, log on to www.EACC.edu or call 870-633-4480.

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Enjoy the beauty of fall in the Arkansas Delta along scenic Lake Chicot as Lake Village hosts Fall Fest on Oct. 15-16. The two-day event offers amusement rides, live music, a visual arts show, and a variety of cooking competitions. Log on to www.LakeVillageChamber.com or call 870-265-5997 for details.

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Early pioneers who settled along the Lower White River used Dutch ovens to prepare their meals. Discover the art of outdoor cooking when the Lower White River Museum State Park offers a Dutch Oven Cooking workshop on Oct. 16. Participants will learn how to use, take care of, and cook in the iron cookware. The fee for the workshop is $10. Contact the park at 870-256-3711 for details or to register.

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Enjoy a morning of fishing with your young angler at the Junior Fishing Derby being held at Cane Creek State Park in Star City on Oct. 16. Youngsters ages 15 and under will compete for small prizes. Bring your pole for a morning filled with fun. The fishing derby starts at 8 a.m. and participants will meet at the park’s visitors center. For more information, visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone 870-628-4714.

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Ride your horse for a good cause. Village Creek State Park in Wynne is the site for Saddle Up for St. Jude on Oct. 16. Riders enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the park and raise money that will benefit children from all over the world. The event features a 23-mile ride, auction, and dinner. Visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Village Creek State Park at 870-238-9406 for detailed information.

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Food plays an important part of the history and culture of the Arkansas Delta. Experience the savory specialties of the region when Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin offers a Soul Food workshop on Oct. 16. Local cooks share their secrets and tips to recreating some favorite Southern delicacies. Class size is limited and reservations are required. To learn more, phone the park at 870-755-2500.

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Cooking outdoors is a favorite activity for many families. Learn about cooking outside when Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould offers a Dutch Oven workshop on Oct. 16. Workshop participants will learn how to season, care for, and cook with the cookware. The $15 admission includes a Dutch oven meal. To make reservations or to obtain information, contact Crowley’s Ridge State Park at 870-573-6751.

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Main Street West Memphis will host Chillin’ on Broadway on Oct. 16 in the city’s downtown area. The festival features a Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) cook-off, arts and crafts, a children’s area, and live entertainment. For more information, visit www.BroadwayWestMemphis.com or contact Main Street West Memphis at 870-735-8814.

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The Foundation of Arts of Northeast Arkansas’s Community Theatre presents “Frankenstein” at the Forum Theatre in Jonesboro on Oct. 16-18. The production follows the journey of Dr. Frankenstein as he creates his “monster.” Log on to www.FOAJonesboro.org or phone 870-935-2726 for details or ticket information.

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The Arkansas Delta is the perfect place to wile away the day in a boat. Before hitting the waves, you might want to take the Boating Education Class offered by Lake Poinsett State Park in Harrisburg on Oct. 18-21. Residents born after Dec. 31, 1985, must attend and pass a boating education course before operating a boat in Arkansas. For those born before that date, the class is a good opportunity to hone your boating skills before getting the boat wet. The three-day class focuses on Arkansas boating laws, personal flotation devices, navigation and accident prevention. The class is free but pre-registration is required. Contact Lake Poinsett State Park at 870-578-2064 for questions or to register.

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Help keep Arkansas beautiful. Join the staff of Lake Poinsett State Park for the Great Arkansas Cleanup on Oct. 23. Assist in picking up litter throughout the park and along a one-mile stretch of adopted highway. Safety vests, gloves and trash bags will be provided. Lunch will be served to participants. To learn more, phone 870-578-2064.

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Arkansas Post National Memorial in Gillett makes history come alive during Ghosts of the Past on Oct. 23. Enjoy a candlelight tour of the historic town, including living history presentations that portray events from the history of Arkansas Post. Tours start every 15 minutes from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and last one hour. Reservations are strongly recommended for this very popular event. To learn more, visit www.NPS.gov/arpo or phone 870-548-2207.

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Delta Heritage Trail State Park in Barton hosts BooFest on Oct. 23. The kid-friendly event offers a safe fall activity including a variety of games and a haunted house. Game tickets cost 25 cents each. The cost for a tour of the haunted gin is $3 per person. To learn more, contact the Delta Heritage Trail State Park at 870-572-2352.

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Spend a “spook-tacular” evening at Lake Frierson State Park when it offers Halloween Hayrides on Oct. 23. Visitors will trick-or-treat by hay wagon, roast marshmallows and hear tales of spooky local legends. Admission is $3. Contact the park at 870-932-2615 for more information.

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Corning is the location for the 24th annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 23 at Wynn Park. The free all day event will feature an antique car show, antique farm machinery demonstrations, arts and crafts, children's games, food vendors, and live entertainment. For more information, phone 870-926-1188.

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The 34th annual Grand Prairie Rice Festival is scheduled for Oct. 30 in the city park in Hazen. The festival celebrates the community’s farming heritage and features an antique farm equipment parade and show, a quilt show, live music, special activities for kids, food vendors, and a mini-tractor pull. For more information, email dhardke@mebanking.com or phone David Hardke at 870-255-3042.

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Celebrate the harvest season in Caraway during the city’s annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 30. Held along Main Street, the festival features arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, a variety of food, and fun activities for all ages. For more information, call 870-482-3431.

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Spend Halloween hearing spooky stories as Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould hosts Ghosts, Legends, and the Unexplained on Oct. 30. Learn more about local legends and listen to eerie ghost stories. Participants are encouraged to wear their Halloween garb and awards will be given for the best costumes. For more details visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone 870-573-6751.

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Little ghosts and goblins take over Cane Creek State Park in Star City during the park’s annual Ghost Roast on Oct. 30. One of the park’s most popular events, Ghost Roast offers trick-or-treating, hayrides, carnival games, a costume contest, and a haunted house. Stroll through the campgrounds to see how the campers have decorated for the “spooky” holiday. Admission is $2 per car. For more information, visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone 870-628-4714.

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Spend a “boo-tiful” evening as Village Creek State Park in Wynne hosts a Halloween Party on Oct. 30. The night’s activities include games, crafts, and Halloween treats. Costumes are optional but prizes will be given for the best Halloween outfit. For more information visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Village Creek State Park at 870-238-9406.