Travelin’ the Arkansas Delta – Events Taking Place During May

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. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: communications@arkansas.com or 501-682-7606.

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The 2009 Warfield Concerts Music Festival presents “A Sinatra Tribute“ featuring Tom Tiratto and his 14-piece Big Band on May 1. The performance will be held at the Lily Peter Auditorium in Helena-West Helena and begins at 7:30 p.m. On May 3, the Natural State Brass Band will present a patriotic concert on the Phillips Community College/University of Arkansas Fine Arts Center lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and lawn chairs. The outdoor concert begins at 6 p.m. To learn more about the Warfield Music Festival, visit www.WarfieldConcerts.com.

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Explore the history of downtown Paragould as the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program hosts a Walk Through History tour of Paragould on May 2. Learn the interesting history of the town and see the significant architectural styles that can be found downtown. The event is co-sponsored by Main Street Paragould, the Greene County Historical Society and the Genealogical Society. For more information, contact the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program at 501-324-9880 or visit www.arkansaspreservation.org.

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Jonesboro Parks and Recreation will host the Iron Will Triathlon and Duathlon at Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro on May 2. The triathlon features a 500-meter swim, a 13-mile bike ride and a three-mile run. The duathlon features a three-mile swim, a 13-mile bike ride and a three-mile run. For more information, visit www.jonesborosports.org or call 870-933-4604.

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The 22nd annual Small Business Expo will be held in Pine Bluff on May 7 at the city’s Convention Center. The event will feature over 150 booths representing the products and services of Pine Bluff companies, agencies, and organizations. For more information, visit www.PineBluffChamber.com or contact the Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce at 870-535-0110.

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Bald Knob will host the 22nd annual Homefest on May 7-9. Enjoy live entertainment and carnival rides each night. On Saturday, don’t miss the parade, a pet show, a pancake breakfast, a silent auction, cake walk, and an antique car show. To learn more, visit www.BaldKnobChamber.com or phone 501-724-3140.

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The 13th annual Rough and Ready Days – Rhythm and Roots Festival will be held in Monticello at McCloy City Park on May 8-9. The festival celebrates the rich heritage of the Arkansas Delta and will feature a fishing derby, 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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Celebrate the history of Montrose at the 4th annual Montrose Heritage Festival on May 9. The event, held in the City Park, features live music throughout the day, special activities just for kids, and fun activities for all ages. To learn more, phone 870-737-2936.

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Experience a bygone era as The Elms Plantation in Altheimer hosts a Victorian style Mother-Daughter Luncheon on May 9. The luncheon features a menu of chilled cantaloupe soup, chicken pecan quiche, mixed green salad, homemade cheese biscuits, and cheesecake with fresh raspberry sauce. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Seating is limited. For reservations or more information, visit www.TheElmsPlantation.com or phone 870-766-8337.

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Downtown Paragould is the site of the 20th annual Loose Caboose Festival on May 14-16. Live music, carnival rides, bike rides, vendors, and an expanded children’s stage and play area can be found at this three-day event. To learn more, visit www.loosecaboose.net or phone 870-240-0544.

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If you’re a fan of crawfish, the place to be is Dermott as the town hosts the 26th annual Crawfish Festival on May 15-16. The two-day festival also features nightly live music, a street dance, children’s rides, arts and crafts….and crawfish! To find out more, visit www.DermottCrawfishFestival.com or phone 870-538-5656.

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The 8th annual Big Woods Birding Festival will be held May 16 at the historic Court House in Clarendon. Come and celebrate the natural beauty of the Big Woods of Arkansas. Events include a variety of special programs, early morning bird walks, and special tours throughout the area. For more information, visit www.Clarendon-Ar.com or call 870-747-5414.

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Spend a beautiful evening under the stars at Village Creek State Park in Wynne during the Spring Star Party on May 16. 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 6th annual Stars and Stripes Festival will be held May 16-17 in downtown Tyronza. The festival features a Tyronza Idol competition, live music, a street dance, games for kids, and lots of food! For more information, contact the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum at 870-487-2909.

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The 11th annual Piggott Heritage Park Car Show will be held May 16 at Heritage Park in Piggott. Check out nearly 500 classic cars restored to their glory. Other festivities include live entertainment, classic car parade, games, and lots of food. For more information, visit www.PiggottChamber.org or phone 870-598-3167.

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Enjoy a day of fun for the whole family at the 12th annual Augusta Days in Augusta on May 21-24. The three-day festival features a fishing derby, a magic show, buddy bass tournament, a duck derby, boat races, and a children’s game area. Saturday evening promises fireworks and a live performance by Confederate Railroad. For more information, call 870-347-2343.

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Spend your Memorial Day enjoying fun in the sun! Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould will host Memorial Day Madness on May 23 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a variety of recreational activities, interpretive programs, hiking, pedal boating, and games. For more details, visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone Crowley’s Ridge State Park at 870-573-6751.