Cultural, tourism events aplenty in June
by May 6, 2009 11:55 am 56 views
June in the Fort Smith/Van Buren area is already shaping up to be a busy time with the Wakarusa Music Festival (June 4-7), the Fort Smith Classic (June 15-21), The Blues Festival (June 26-27), Jehovah’s Witness Convention (first three weekends in June), and several softball tournaments in Fort Smith and Van Buren in early and late June.
But that, as the saying goes, is just the half of it.
A report issued Tuesday by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism highlights more cultural and tourism events planned for June in the Fort Smith region.
The list includes:
• The 59th annual Art Competition at the Fort Smith Art Center is set for June 4-27 in Fort Smith. The competition takes place each spring and receives entries from across the county. It provides the public with an opportunity to view, discuss and compare works of art that might not be exhibited together normally. Admission is free.
• The Fort Smith National Historic Site will observe National Trails Day (first Saturday in June) with special activities, including information about the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
• Execution Anniversary Programs will be held at the Fort Smith National Historic Site on June 26, 28, 29 and 30. Ranger-led programs are held at the reconstructed gallows on the anniversary dates of executions carried out by the federal court from 1873-1896. Information about the condemned individuals will be discussed: their crimes, court case, and execution. Link here for more info.
• The 3rd annual Ribs, Rides, Rhythm and More event will be June 26-27 at the South Logan County Fairgrounds in Booneville. There will be a Kansas City Barbecue Society Sanctioned Cook-off and a backyard amateur barbecue competition. A poker run, games, and live music are also part of the festivities. Link here for more info.
• The 13th annual Mount Magazine International Butterfly Festival will take place June 26-27 in downtown Paris and at Mount Magazine State Park. On the Paris square, there will be free children’s activities, an art show and sale, photo contest, quilt show, parade, live butterfly conservatory, Miss Butterfly pageant, arts and crafts vendors, and live entertainment. Link here for Butterfly Festival details, and link here for info on the activities in Paris.