Travelin’ the Arkansas River Valley: Events Taking Place During April

Jill Rohrbach, 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.

Hang out in Fort Smith during April for the Fort Smith National Historic Site’s Commemoration of Execution program. The interpretive programs are presented on the anniversary dates of executions that were carried out during the years that the federal court had jurisdiction over Indian Territory, 1873-1896. Gallows programs will be given twice daily, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., on April 3, 8, 13, 17, 19, 21, 23, 27, and 30.

Park rangers will explain conditions in Indian Territory and why the federal court had jurisdiction, give an overview of federal court during the late 19th Century, and discuss federal law. Rangers will also bring to light information on the condemned individual for that day’s anniversary date, discussing the crime, court case, execution and other information relevant to the case. Park rangers will provide a balanced view of frontier justice, the federal court process and crime and punishment during these turbulent years.

Anniversary dates of executions are the only times nooses are hung from the gallows. The number of nooses each day matches the number hung that day. The gallows program is not a reenactment of the punishment.

The historic site will also celebrate National Park Week on April 19-25. Various activities suitable for all ages will be presented. Junior Ranger Day will be April 25. Kids can earn their ranger badge in this all day program.

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The First Fort Rifle Regiment Living History event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 4 at the Fort Smith National Historic Site in Fort Smith. The regiment was established on Dec. 25, 1817. The event will allow visitors to learn about the rifle regiment and will include demonstrations of small arms weapons and life at the fort. For more information, visitwww.nps.gov/fosm or phone 479-783-3961.

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“The Cairo Story,” a Picture the Past Film and Lecture Series, will be offered on April 9 at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton. After the Union iron-clad gunboat Cairo sank in the Yazoo River during the Civil War, it was thought to be lost. But by chance, the wartime gunboat was preserved by a shroud of silt-laden fresh water.

Dr. Ann Early, Arkansas Archeological Survey state archeologist at Fayetteville, will shed additional light on riverine finds by discussing the recovery and conservation of the 900-year-old Peeler Bend dugout canoe from the Saline River near Benton, Arkansas. For more information, visitwww.uawri.org or phone 501-727-6219.

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The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton will offer Cooking 101 on April 11 as part of its Second Saturday Chef’s Series. This class will help participants cook at home regardless of their age or experience. The instructor will review the tools every kitchen should have, and teach basic techniques for cooking meat, vegetables, and starches. Participants will also experiment with herbs and spices. The cost for the class will be $69. To register or for more information, visitwww.uawri.org or phone 501-727-6220.

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The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton will hold its REEL Stories Documentary Film Series on April 24. The film will be “Troubled Water,” and reveals the opinions and stories of farmers, geologists, experts and concerned citizens from across Arkansas about the potential for a water crisis. Producer Mark Wilcken will join other experts from around the state at 7 p.m. in a discussion about the concerns raised by the film and how Arkansans can work together to preserve this precious resource. Admission will be $10. For more information,visit www.uawri.org or phone 501-727-6219.

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The 17th annual Taste of the Valley will be April 30 at the historic train depot in Russellville. With live music playing in the background, food and drink from restaurants, caterers, delicatessens, vineyards, and other food service providers in the Arkansas River Valley will be available for sampling. The cost will be $25. This is Main Street Russellville's award-winning, signature fundraising party. For more information, visitwww.mainstreetrussellville.com or phone 479-967-1437.

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The 12th annual Oak Cemetery Tales of the Crypt event will be April 26 in Fort Smith. Participants walk through Oak Cemetery and encounter actors portraying prominent historical figures from Fort Smith’s past. Historic Oak Cemetery is located at the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Dodson Avenue. Oak Cemetery is recognized as a National Historic Landmark based on more than 152 years of documented history. The oldest monument is dated 1842, the same year Fort Smith was incorporated. For more information, phone 479-784-1006.