Travelin’ Arkansas: Events Taking Place Sept. 5-27

September 3, 2008

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism


Note to Print and Broadcast Editors:

We at the Arkansas Tourism Division recognize that our “Travelin’ Arkansas” media releases are frequently too lengthy to be used in their entirety. However, we feel an obligation to represent a variety of events from across the state. We encourage you to consider adapting “Travelin’ Arkansas” to fit your needs by selecting events you feel meet the interests of your readers or listeners. In addition, we would suggest that “Travelin’ Arkansas” items may be used on a stand-alone basis to fill your space and time needs.

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Colt Pioneer Days will be held in Colt on Sept. 5-6. The festival is held at the historic William Stone House and features live music, arts and crafts, food and a variety of historic displays. For more information, phone 870-633-7588.

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Join amateur ("ham") radio operators from the four-state area to swap equipment and information related to this important method of emergency communication during Hamfest Sept. 5-6 at Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena. The elevation of Rich Mountain makes the park an ideal location for this event. For more details phone 479-394-2863 or check out queenwilhelmina.com.

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The Monster Truck Racing Super Series storms into Parsons Stadium for a wild, heart-pounding weekend at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 and 6 in Springdale. Witness the top monster trucks go head to head, no holds barred in a Chicago-style racing competition; plus see these monster trucks in a freestyle competition. Admission is $8 for children and $18 for adults. For more information, phone 479-756-0464 or visit www.rodeooftheozarks.com.

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The Pinnacle Hills Art Festival will be Sept. 5-7 at Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers. A juried show and sale, it presents fine artists from across the country in a street festival atmosphere of exhibits among the shops and restaurants of the Pinnacle Hills Shopping Center. Admission and parking is free. For more information, phone 479-899-6294 or visit www.pinnaclehills.info.

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The 17th annual Fall Show Tired Iron of the Ozarks is set for Sept. 5-7 in Gentry. This is an antique tractor and engine show with exhibitions of old-time saw milling and blacksmithing equipment, tractor pulls, farm implements, home-related antiques and more. RV parking is available. The show is located at 13344 Taylor Orchard Road. Admission is free. For more information, phone 479-524-0450.

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The 13th annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship Race will be Sept. 5-7 at the Harrison Junior High School football field. The event will kick-off the first night at 7 p.m. with a balloon glow. Tethered rides will be offered throughout the weekend. For details, phone 870-741-2659 or visit www.harrison-chamber.com.

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The 38th annual Antique Automobile Festival will be Sept. 5-7 at Pine Mountain Village in Eureka Springs. Hundreds of vintage classics will compete for prizes and trophies. The festival includes a car show, a car parade and the 1922 Bank Robbery Re-enactment after the parade. For more information, phone 800-638-7352 or visit www.eurekaspringschamber.com.

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The Center on the Square Performing Arts Center in Searcy will present a production of Neil Simon’s Rumors from Sept. 5-21. The comedy centers on a planned 10th anniversary party – except the husband has been shot and the wife is missing! To learn more, call 501-368-0111 or log on to www.CenterontheSquare.org.

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The 3rd annual Ozark Mountain Gospel Fest will be Sept. 5-7 in Eureka Springs. Admission is free to all shows, which will take place at several locations, including the historic Basin Spring Park bandstand shell on Spring Street. Some of the bands scheduled to perform include Crusaders Quartet, Weston Hinson and By Faith, New Reason, Jennifer Combs, Darry Lisemby, Isaiah 61, New Reason, Blake Family “Family by Faith,” Saved by Grace, Victorymen, Apostello, and Faith, Hope and Love. For more information, phone 479-244-6088 or visit www.eurekasprings.org.

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September brings two interactive events to Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park near Scott. On Sept. 6, a Dutch Oven Cooking Workshop will be held at the park. Discover how pioneers used this handy piece of cookware to prepare all types of foods. Participants will also learn how to season cast iron, control the temperatures and clean it after use, plus receive recipes just for the oven. A Dutch oven lunch will be prepared and served to those in the class. Reservations are required and advance payment will confirm reservations. Class free is $20.

A Native American Tools Workshop is scheduled for Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park. Learn the history of tools and weapons that were used thousands of years ago: the bow and arrow, spear, atlatl, and blowgun. The Toltec staff will guide participants through a unique hands-on opportunity to learn how to use these tools. Those taking part will make a spear and atlatl to take home. The $25 fee includes all materials. Reservations and an advance deposit are required. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. This workshop is for ages 16 and up.

For more information about both events, contact Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park at 501-961-9442 or toltecmounds@arkansas.com for more information. The park is located at 490 Toltec Mounds Road off U.S. 165.

As of November 2022, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park has been renamed Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park. For more information, click here.

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The 13th annual Arkansas State Championship Hillbilly Chili Cook-off will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 6 on the upper portion of the Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Bull Shoals. Chili cooks will compete for the Arkansas State Championship to advance to the International Chili Society World Championship. The event will include food vendors, exhibitors, crafters and chili tasting as well as live entertainment throughout the day. Admission is $2. For more information, phone 870-445-4538.

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The Walks Through History Tour of Historic Heber Springs will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 6. Beginning in front of the Cleburne County Courthouse, this tour will investigate the buildings that make up the historic commercial core of this quaint town. Heber Springs is a popular destination for tourists, and the downtown area creates a unique environment for visitors. Admission is free. For more information, phone 501-324-9880 or visit www.arkansaspreservation.org.

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You can discover some of the mysteries of the night sky on Sept. 6 when Pinnacle Mountain State Park hosts a Star Party. Park interpreters and members of the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society will guide participants on how to use a telescope and see such possible sights as Jupiter, nebulae, and double stars. Hours are 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic supper and make an evening of it, allowing time earlier in the day to walk a trail, relax by the Big or Little Maumelle Rivers, or explore the visitor center exhibits. This is a free event. Contact the park at 501-868-5806 or pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com for additional information. The park is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road off Ark. 300 in west Little Rock.

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An Introduction to Forging Workshop takes place Sept. 6-7 at Historic Washington State Park in Washington. Join the park blacksmiths at the James Black Forge, home of the Bowie knife, for a hands-on class covering the basic operations of smithing. Participants will make simple art objects as well as more functional objects with the beauty that only hand forging can give iron and steel. Materials and tools are supplied. For more information phone the park at 870- 983-2684.

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The Dogpatch Biker Bash will be Sept. 6-8 at The Hub near Harrison. The event includes live music, stunt bike thrill show, bike games, exhibitions, guided rides, lawnmower race, ABATE Dist. 7 bike show and bikini bike wash. For details, phone 870-741-1789 and visit www.dogpatchbikerbash.com.

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The Bradley County Fairgrounds host the largest midway in the southeast Sept. 11-13 during the Bradley County Fair in Warren. There is set to be a fun land carnival, exhibits, music and food. For more details phone 870-226-5225.

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The Harvest Music Festival will be Sept. 11-13 with more than 25 bands on three different stages at Mulberry Mountain Lodging and Events near Ozark. The permanent main stage is constructed from cedar, native stone and rustic metal and the festival is sponsored by New Belgium Brewing.

Headlining will be Leftover Salmon and Umphrey’s McGee. The music line up will also include The Wailers, The Avett Brothers, Perpetual Groove, Split Lip Rayfield, Hot Buttered Rum, New Monsoon, Big Smith, Great American Taxi, Cornmeal, BoomBox, Hackensaw Boys, Oakhurst, My-Tea Kind, Blue Turtle Seduction, Elephant Revival Concept, Family Groove Company, Green Mountain Grass, Ben Miller Band, Dirtfoot, Speakeasy, Mountain of Venus, The Shotgun Brothers Band, and 3 Penny Acre.

Gates will open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11. Music will play until around 3 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13. Tickets for the music festival are available in advance at $120 for a three-day pass or $95 for a two-day pass. Camping is included in all ticket prices. Tickets at the gate are $140 for a three-day pass and $115 for a two-day pass. Saturday only tickets are available in advance or at the gate for $65. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mulberrymountainmusic.com. Closer to the event, tickets will be available at Fayetteville locations such as Sound Warehouse and George’s Majestic Lounge. For more information, phone 479-667-1919.

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Art and craft vendors from several states display their creations Sept. 12-14 during the 20th annual Mountainfest at Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena. Also on the agenda is live music. Phone 479-394-2863 for more information.

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Visit individual artists’ studios within a 30-mile radius of the Mountain View courthouse square on Sept. 12-14 during the 7th annual Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour. Twenty-six artists will open their private working studios to the public for this free self-guided tour. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the artists and craftspeople of the region, get a glimpse into their lifestyles and see first hand the distinctive work they design and create. Artists will also be selling their work. For more information, phone 888-679-2859 or visit www.offthebeatenpathstudiotour.com.

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The 17th annual Hot Springs JazzFest will be a celebration of jazz music Sept. 12-14 in the beautiful outdoor setting of downtown Hot Springs. Enjoy free jazz music, food and southern company beneath the Broadway Sky-Bridge and other locations. More details can be found by calling 501-767-0211 or checking out hotspringsjazzfest.org.

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Lake Poinsett State Park in Harrisburg will host a Full Moon Kayak Tour on Sept. 13. Participants will tour the moonlit lake with the park interpreter. For more information, contact the park at 870-578-2064 or log on to www.ArkansasStateParks.com.

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Autumn in the Square will be held in Marianna on Sept. 13 in the town’s historic downtown square. Arts and crafts, live music, a pet parade and a performance by Radio Disney are scheduled throughout the day. To learn more, contact the Marianna/Lee County Chamber of Commerce at 870-295-2469 or visit www.MariannaArkansas.org.

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The 3rd annual Grape Crush Festival will be Sept. 13 at Keels Creek Winery and Art Gallery in Eureka Springs. The event will include music, food, wine and grape-related activities. Tours of the winery building, barrel room, and wine processing area will be provided. For more information, phone 479-253-9463 and visit www.keelscreek.com.

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The 29th Arkansas Championship Grape Stomp and Cowie Wine Fest will be Sept. 13 at Cowie Wine Cellars near Paris. The event will include a blessing of the wine, grape stomp, live music, food, wine tasting, games and tours of the Arkansas Historic Wine Museum. The winery is located three miles west of Paris on Ark. 22 at Carbon City. For more information, phone 479-963-3990 or visit www.cowiewinecellars.com.

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Berryville will host the Circle The Square Summer Music Series on Sept. 13 on its town square. Step back in time and enjoy an evening of live music under the stars. For performers and show times visit www.ozarts.org or phone 870-654-3231.

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The Northwest Arkansas Mountain Bike Championships will be Sept. 13-14 at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork. Celebrating 20 years of mountain bike racing at the park, the competition will include a multi-lap race, observed trials and a special downhill race for various experience levels. There is an entry fee for participants, but the event is free to spectators. For more information, phone 479-761-3325.

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September 16 brings a rare opportunity to see singer/songwriter Dan Penn live as he joins with keyboardist Bobby Emmons in concert at Cabe Theatre on the Hendrix College Campus in Conway. According to sponsors, Penn is responsible for much of the output of hits of the 1960s and 1970s attributed to the Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Emmons played piano and organ in the original Bill Black Combo as a teenager. He went on to play on several Elvis records as well as various Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson projects. Penn’s live performances are infrequent as he chooses to remain in Nashville working on his many studio projects. This concert will be his first in Arkansas. The concert is 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and admission is free. Contact Professor Danny Grace 501-450-4545 or check this Web site: www.hendrix.edu/specialevents.

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The Scooting the Ozarks Rally will be Sept. 17-20 in Eureka Springs. There will be planned rides and events for scooters of all sizes as well as for experienced and rookie riders. For details, phone 479-981-3711 or visit www.scootingtheozarks.com.

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The largest festival in the South takes place Sept. 19-20 during the 9th annual Smoke on the Water Barbecue & Music Festival in Hot Springs. The event hosts the $105,000 Arkansas Barbecue Challenge. The sanctioned cook-off features over 150 teams from around the country competing for the world's largest cash prize. There will be live music featuring Country Superstar Tracy Byrd and Parrots of the Caribbean, a tribute to Jimmy Buffett. Also on the schedule is a hot air balloon rally, plenty of barbecue, arts and crafts and a classic car show. For more information, phone 870-536-8175 or visit smokeonthewaterbbq.com.

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The 24th annual Cane Hill Harvest Festival will be Sept. 20-21 at the Cane Hill college building and grounds. Activities will include the making of sorghum, apple butter, lye soap, Dutch Oven cooking, kid activities, pony rides, mule hay rides, entertainment, arts, crafts, food vendors, museum, Cherokee Youth Choir, quilt display, tractor parade, talent show, souvenirs, and Miss Cane Hill Harvest Beauty Pageant. There will also be an all-you-can-eat country breakfast. Admission is free. For more information, phone 479-824-3924 or visit www.ozarkmountainmemories.com.

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The 7th annual Military Vehicle Rally is set for Sept. 20-22 on the grounds of the Museum of Automobiles near Morrilton. The rally includes vendors, military vehicle competitions, trail rides and military displays. There will be military vehicles ranging from WWII to the present at the family-friendly event. For more information, phone 501-727-5530.

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Warfield Concerts in Helena-West Helena will begin its 41st season with a performance by the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats on Sept. 23. The evening will feature acrobats, contortionists, tumblers and jugglers. For more information, log on to www.WarfieldConcerts.com.

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A national touring company of The Pajama Game will be in Little Rock Sept. 23-25 at Robinson Center Music Hall. The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. for this all-new production of the five-time Tony Award winning Broadway musical. There’s unrest at the Sleep Tite pajama factory when Sid and Babe sit on opposing sides of the bargaining table, clashing over a seven-and-a-half cent raise. The high-energy score brims with musical theatre standards such as "Hey There," "Steam Heat" and the catchy "Hernando's Hideaway." Ticket prices range from $17 to $44 and can be obtained from the Celebrity Attractions Web site: www.CelebrityAttractions.com. Robinson Center is located at the corner of Markham and Broadway. Call 501-244-8800 for more information.

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The 11th annual Fall Swap Meet at The Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton will be Sept. 24-27. More than 1,500 booths will be filled with cars, parts, antiques, memorabilia, arts and crafts and more. Classic and vintage vehicles from all over the region will be on display. Call the museum at 501-727-5427 for more information or visit www.museumofautos.com.

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The 9th annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ will be Sept. 24-27 in Fayetteville. Activities take place at the Tyson Track Center and on Dickson Street. Bikes, Blues & BBQ is the world's largest family friendly, non-profit motorcycle rally, with an average of 95 percent of its annual profit going to local charities. Enjoy live music at the Main Stage, submit your top picks for the state barbecue contest, watch the motorcycle parade, enter the many giveaways, shop at more than 200 vendors, attend the Ms. Bikes Blues & BBQ Contest, and enjoy food and beverages. For details, phone 479-444-7770 or visit www.bikesbluesandbbq.org.

The Pig Trail Motorcycle Rally on Sept. 24-27 is set to coincide with Bikes, Blues & BBQ in Fayetteville. Located about 45 minutes to the northwest, the rally will be at Mulberry Mountain Events and Lodging, a 650 -acre lodging and event facility located along Ark. 23, the Pig Trail National Scenic Byway. Mulberry Mountain will offer camping, cabin rentals, lodge rooms, live music, vendors and motorcycle games. For more information, visit www.pigtrailrally.com or phone 479-667-1919.

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Caldwell’s Cotton Pickin’ Festival will be held on Sept. 25-27 in Caldwell City Park. The festival features live music, concessions, arts and crafts and children’s games. For more information, contact Caldwell City Hall at 870-633-1513.

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Main Street Searcy will host Get Down…Downtown in Searcy on Sept. 26-27. The festival will feature live music, arts and crafts, activities for children and a variety of vendors, performers and artists from throughout the state. For more information, call 501-279-9007 or visit www.searcy.com/content/main-street-searcy.

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World Fest, a multi-cultural festival for the whole family, will be held Sept. 26-27 at the Clinton Presidential Center and Park in downtown Little Rock. “Diversity and Environmental Education for Everyone” is the event’s theme, which will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days. Interactive games, displays, food, music, dance, arts and crafts are some of the activities taking place. Visitors are asked to bring a canned food item with them to help combat hunger in Arkansas. Check www.rcdcworldfest.org or call 501-244-5483 for more details on this free festival.

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The 5th annual Cherokee Red Star Ancestors Memorial Gourd Dance and Powwow is set for Sept. 26-27 at the Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs. The event will include gourd dancing, contests, and a dinner. Admission is $5 and includes admission to the Blue Spring Heritage Center. Children age 11 and under enter for free. For details, phone 866-947-4387 or visit www.redstargourd.com.

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The 35th annual Cave Springs Days Fall Festival will be Sept. 26-27 on Main Street. Festivities will include a barbecue dinner, music, fireman’s pancake breakfast, parade, car show, dog contest, cupcake decorating and more. Admission is free. For more information, phone 479-248-1398.

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The 7th annual Bluegrass Festival will be held in Pocahontas on Sept. 26-28. Live bluegrass, gospel and country music performances will be held at Riverfront Park and the Randolph Music Theater. To learn more, phone 870-248-0186.

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The 3rd annual Eureka Springs Studio Tour will be Sept. 26-28 in western Carroll County. Visit artists’ studios during this free, self-guided art tour. Artwork will be on exhibit and for sale, including original paintings and prints, pottery, fiber art, jewelry, sculpture and other fine crafts. A tour map and invitation to the artists’ reception is available online at www.eurekaspringsstudiotour.com.

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The 11th annual Depot Days Festival will be held in downtown Newport on Sept. 27. Events include an auction, arts and crafts, games and activities for kids, magic shows, fireworks and performances by Sonny Burgess, Ace Cannon and Billy Lee Riley. For more information, call 870-523-3618 or visit www.NewportARChamber.org.

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The north central community of Greenbrier will hold its 4th annual Arts & Crafts Fair Sept. 27 at the City Event Center. Works of local artists and crafters will be available including paintings, photography, quilts embroidered items and seasonal and home décor. Jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, floral arrangements and wreaths along with other items will be for sale as well. A variety of food vendors, activities just for kids and door prizes are also a part of the event. Admission is $1. The center is located at #5 Lois Lane. Shellie O’Quinn can provide additional information at 501-679-6362.

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The Chateau aux Arc Wineaux Fest will take place Sept. 27 at Chateau aux Arc Winery in Altus. Festivalgoers are encouraged to attend dressed in their favorite Greek or Roman attire. The event will include live music, barbecue, toga contest and new wine releases. Admission will be $10 and includes a wine tasting. For more information, phone 479-468-4400 or visit www.chateauauxarc.com.

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Beebe gets off to a fast start in welcoming the coming of autumn with its 15th annual Beebe Fall Fest Sept. 27. This family oriented event will be held on Main Street from Center to College from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be booths of food and crafts along with informational ones and other items of interest. Live music will be performed by a variety of groups. More information can be obtained by calling 501-827-0353 or e-mailing westbrookfh@sbcglobal.net. Admission is free.

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The 45th annual Wiederkehr Village Weinfest will be Sept. 27 at Wiederkehr Wine Cellars in Wiederkehr Village. The Tyrolean-style activities will begin early in the day with tours of the historic wine cellars ending in the wine tasting room. Open trams will take riders through the vineyards to an observation tower with a panoramic view of the Arkansas River Valley. There will also be arts and crafts, Stein Stemmen (stone toss), Baum Stossen (log toss) and the ever-popular grape stomp. Wine tastings will be free. The banquet cost is $25 per person. For more information, phone 479-468-9463 or visit www.wiederkehrwines.com.

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The 25th annual Fall Fest will be held in downtown Brinkley on Sept. 27. The daylong event will feature arts and crafts, rides for kids, live music and vendors. For more information, contact the Brinkley Chamber of Commerce at 870-734-2262.

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"