47th Annual Arkansas Folk Festival
April 17 – 19, 2009
It’s time once again for the Arkansas Folk Festival in Mountain View. The theme for this year’s festival is “Mountain View History as seen through the eyes of Grandma and Grandpa”. Originating with the Folkways Festival held in 1941 at Blanchard Springs, the festival has been held continuously since 1963 on the third weekend of April, marking the beginning of the ‘season’ in Mountain View. Thousands of visitors and residents reserve this weekend to renew a kinship with tradition and family.
A highlight of the festival is the parade on Saturday morning beginning at 10 a.m. With floats sponsored by local organizations and businesses, dignitaries, the school’s marching band, antique cars and horses, the parade offers something for everyone as it winds its way down Main Street.
This year’s festival will again feature the Artisans Market on the Square, which made its debut last year. The Artisans Market is a juried show offering handmade traditional and contemporary crafts, fine art and folk art. The Market will start at noon on Friday and continue Saturday and Sunday. Artisans from the Mountain View Art Guild, the Ozark Folk Fiber Guild, the Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour, the Ozark Folk Center and the Arkansas Craft Guild will be joined by other exceptional artisans to fill the square with a variety of unique hand made items. A pedestrian-only mall will be designated around the historic courthouse square, allowing visitors to mingle among artisans’ booths while listening to music. Scheduled music programs will be presented on the outdoor stage at the courthouse on Friday and Saturday, with a gospel show on Sunday. Impromptu music groups will spring up around the area throughout the day and play into the evening hours. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and stay for the duration.
Other Festival events include a Dog-Gon Dog Show on Thursday at 5 p.m., and the Folk Festival Talent Show on Friday at 5 p.m. The Stone County Saddle Club will sponsor rodeos at 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds.
The Ozark Folk Center state park kicks off its season offering free admission to the craft grounds Friday through Sunday, and free shuttle rides will be offered between the park and downtown both Friday and Saturday. Visitors may park at the Folk Center to avoid the congestion around the square
Local music shows also kick off the season this weekend, offering an exciting variety of music, comedy, and family entertainment.
Other activities available in the area include tours of Blanchard Springs Caverns, mountain biking, camping and hiking in the Ozark National Forest, and fishing on White River.
The Arkansas Folk Festival is sponsored by the Mountain View Area Chamber of Commerce. To contact the Chamber of Commerce about the festival or other local events, call 1-888-679-2859 or visit www.ArkansasFolkFestival.com.
Michalle Coon, Executive Director
Mountain View Area Chamber of Commerce
870-269-8068 or 1-888-679-2859
www.YourPlaceInTheMountains.com
