Travelin’ the Arkansas Delta: Events Taking Place During November

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Kimberly J. Williams, travel writer
Arkansas Department of Parks and 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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As the holidays approach, why not learn how to turn a piece of nature into a work of art? Join the staff at the Lower White River Museum State Park in Des Arc on Nov. 7 for an Intermediate Gourd Art Workshop. Class size is limited and reservations are required. For more details contact the park at 870-256-3711.

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Just in time for the holiday season, Searcy will host the 27th annual Newcomers Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 14 at the Carmichael Center. The juried arts and crafts show includes over 50 vendors from throughout the region. All items offered must be completely hand-made. Phone 501-279-0070 for more information.

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Pine Bluff lights up for the 13th annual Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends beginning Nov. 17. Located within the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Regional Park, the Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends features over 140 lighted vignettes, many of which are animated, and is open nightly through Dec. 31. The award-winning event is one of Arkansas’s largest drive-thru holiday light displays. Admission is free but donations are accepted. To find out more, log on to www.PineBluffFestival.org or phone 800-536-7660.

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Jingle all the way! Jonesboro will host a Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis on Nov. 17. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday-themed costumes and tie jingle bells to their shoelaces. The two-mile course winds through downtown Jonesboro. All proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Log on to www.ArkansasJingleBellRun.org or call 501-664-7242 for details.

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The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Hathaway-Howard Fine Arts Center in Pine Bluff will host a production of “Homegirls” by Karen Evans on Nov. 19-22. The story centers around five young college women during the Civil Rights movement. Phone 870-575-8428 for more information.

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Spend the evening paddling your cares away as Cane Creek State Park in Star City hosts a Sunset Kayak Tour on Nov. 21. Participants will take to the picturesque lake for a guided tour, all the while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. No experience is necessary to take part, but participants should be comfortable around water. Cost of the kayak tour is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, and the price includes use of the kayak, paddle, and lifejacket. To find out more, visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone 870-628-4714.

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Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin will host a Holiday Gourd Workshop on Nov. 21. Participants will learn to change ordinary gourds into holiday works of art. Learn to make a special Thanksgiving centerpiece or a winter birdhouse or feeder. Class size is limited and reservations are recommended. To learn more visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or call 870-755-2500.

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Main Street Helena in Helena-West Helena will host a Holiday Open House on Nov. 22 throughout the historic downtown. More than 10 shops and restaurants will be open and decorated for the holiday season. To learn more visit www.MainStreetHelena.org or call 870-338-9144.

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The ducks take over in Stuttgart during the 74th annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival on Nov. 21-28. The world-renowned festival features a variety of activities, including the 29th annual World Championship Duck Gumbo Cook-off, youth duck calling classes, a carnival and midway, arts and crafts, a sporting collectibles show, an off-road village, a variety of exhibits, and World’s Championship Duck Calling Contests. Visit wwwStuttgartArkansas.com or phone 870-673-1602 for more information.

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Celebrate the holiday season as Jacksonport State Park in Newport hosts its annual Holiday Gala Ball on Nov. 21. Experience the 1860s and 1870s as partygoers don period costumes. Enjoy live music and ballroom dancing instructions all in the beautifully decorated courtroom. For more information visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Jacksonport State Park at 870-523-2143.

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Blytheville’s Arkansas Aeroplex is the site of the 14th annual Lights of the Delta beginning Nov. 24. With six million lights and 36 major motion displays on 40 acres, Lights of the Delta is one of the largest lighting festivals in the mid-south. Hayrides are available each night. Live music and a live nativity scene will be presented on select nights throughout the festival. Visit www.LightsoftheDelta.com for detailed information.

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West Memphis welcomes the holiday season with the annual Holiday Lighting Festival on Nov. 24. Join Santa as he “flips the switch,” turning on thousands of lights decorating Worthington Park. The evening also features a fireworks display. On Friday and Saturday nights beginning Nov. 27, experience It’s a Wonderful Life in West Memphis. Each weekend evening through Dec. 20, horse-drawn carriage rides are offered and take visitors throughout the park, which is lit with stars, globes, displays and a 45-foot decorated blue spruce, and the adjacent neighborhood that is decorated for the holiday season. Log on to www.westmemphis.org or phone 870-732-7598 to learn more.

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Village Creek State Park in Wynne will host a Christmas Toys Benefit Horse Ride on Nov. 28. Riders from around the tri-state area will collect toys to make the holiday season a little brighter for local disadvantaged children. For those who don’t ride, join in the fun and bring an unwrapped gift. For more information log on to www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Village Creek State Park at 870-238-9406.
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Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606
E-mail: info@arkansas.com

May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"