Travelin’ the Arkansas Delta: Events Taking Place During February

Kimberly J. Williams, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

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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During winter a large number of birds make their home throughout The Natural State. Village Creek State Park in Wynne will host The Birds of Village Creek State Park on Feb. 5. Participants will learn more about the species that make Village Creek State Park their winter home. The workshop is free. On Feb. 6, the park will host a Bluebird Nest Box Workshop. The Eastern Bluebird is a charming, easily observable year-round resident of Arkansas. Join park staff and learn to build your own bluebird nest box. Participants will also learn how to maintain the boxes and how to attract Eastern Bluebirds. Reserve your space in this hands-on workshop by Jan. 29. Village Creek State Park will host a Bat House Workshop on Feb. 20. Explore the often-misunderstood world of bats, discover their benefits and why you want them to live near you, and make your own bat box to take home. Reservations must be made by Feb.12. For more information log on to www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Village Creek State Park at 870-238-9406.

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Planning a garden this spring? Wondering what to do with all the fresh produce? Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin will host Can It! A Canning Workshop on Feb. 6. Learn how canning has been used throughout history to ensure food for the winter. On Feb. 11-12 and Feb. 18-19, the park will host the annual Black History Month School Days. Students and teachers will experience the everyday life of children who attended the Northern Ohio School, including their chores, discipline and school life. Reservations are recommended. For more information visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Parkin Archeological State Park at 870-755-2500.

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It’s all about birds as Lake Chicot State Park in Lake Village hosts a Winter Wings Weekend on Feb. 6-7. A variety of interpretive programs such as field trips, hikes and lake tours will be offered, all geared toward increasing visitors’ awareness of the park’s winter residents. The park will host an Owl Prowl on Feb. 20. Learn more about the owls of Arkansas, their habitat and their habits. On Feb. 27, Lake Chicot State Park will offer a Dutch Oven Cooking Workshop. Participants will learn the history of Dutch oven cooking, how to take care of the oven, and will help prepare a Dutch oven meal. For more information visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone 870-265-5480.

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The Fowler Center at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will host a performance by the Synergy Brass Quintet on Feb. 11. Known as one of the world’s most exciting ensembles, the Synergy Brass Quintet performs more concerts than any other classical music performance group today. Visit www.YourFowlerCenter.com or contact the Fowler Center at 870-972-3471 for more details.

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The 25th annual Arkansas Sportshow will be held Feb. 12-14 at the Arkansas State University Convocation Center in Jonesboro. Stroll through over 75,000 square feet of the latest sporting products designed to captivate hunting, fishing and boating enthusiasts of all ages. Products on display will include boats and motors, ATV's, fishing equipment, hunting gear, attractions, outdoor sporting goods and water sports gear. Special seminars are also scheduled. Admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 for ages 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. Log on to www.ARSportshow.com or contact Stuart Shaw at 870-761-2502 for more information.

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Crazy quilts, made by sewing asymmetrical pieces of fabric together in “crazy” arrangements, became very popular in the 1870s. The Lower White River Museum State Park in Des Arc will host a Crazy Quilting Workshop on Feb. 13. Participants will learn how crazy quilts are made and each participant will go home with a crazy quilt block. For more details contact the park at 870-256-3711.

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Head to Pine Bluff on Feb. 13 for the 22nd annual Home and Garden Seminar and Show. Held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, the annual event features exhibits of plants, herbs and crafts, all available for purchase. Speakers will discuss various horticultural topics throughout the day. There will also be a special kids corner featuring activities just for the youngsters. Phone 870-534-1033 for more information.

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Brides-to-be won’t want to miss An “Unforgetable” Bridal Fair on Feb. 27 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center Arena in Pine Bluff. From attendants’ dresses to flowers to caterers, brides can find everything for the perfect wedding under one roof…except the groom. Visit www.TreasureChestBridals.com or phone 870-413-1667 or 870-247-7072.