NWA to host Rodeo of the Ozarks, Beach Bingo Bash and Willie in July

Northwest Arkansas will celebrate the 70th annual Rodeo of the Ozarks, Independence Day, country stars Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss and a Beach Bingo Bash as it kicks off a busy month of July.

Rodeo of the Ozarks
The 70th annual Rodeo of the Ozarks will be held in Springdale July 2-5. Named one of the "Top 4 Largest Outdoor Rodeos" in the country, the event will include four days of rodeo and patriotic festivities fit for the most serious of cowgirls and cowboys.

Festivities will begin with the "A Patriotic American Classic' Rodeo Parade through downtown Springdale on July 2. Beginning at 3 p.m., the parade will feature a sea of red, white, and blue as cowgirls and cowboys, rodeo clowns, bands, and more take part in the annual rodeo tradition. The parade will also feature a number of floats, horses and other participants.

The rodeo will be held at Parsons Stadium in Springdale. Gates open at 6 p.m., with  youth mutton bustin' at 6:30 p.m. The rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m.

A closing parade will also be held on July 5 beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will again march through downtown Springdale, signifying the conclusion of the 70th annual Rodeo of the Ozarks.

Ticket prices range from $7 and up, with multiple-day passes available. For more information, call 756-0464.

Rogers Independence Day Celebration
The City of Rogers will celebrate the 4th of July a day early with its annual Independence Day Celebration on July 3.

The "Red, White and Blue" festivities will be held at the Rogers High School Stadium. Food and drink vendors will be on-hand and fresh watermelon will be served. Tailgating spots and stadium seating will be available.

The park will open at 6:30 p.m., with fireworks to begin at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.). The event is open to the public.  For more information, call 621-1117.

The AMP welcomes Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, and Jason Isbell
The Arkansas Music Pavillion (AMP) in Rogers will play host to two of the most legendary singers in country music on July 7. Iconic singer-songwriter Willie Nelson and 26-time Grammy award winner Alison Krauss and their bands will share the stage for the first time in a special summer concert event.

Nelson has enjoyed a six-decade-long career in the country music business, which has included countless awards and honors, as well as the release of nearly 300 albums. He has written more than 2,500 songs and been recognized as one of the original "outlaws" of country. He will appear with his band appropriately entitled, Willie Nelson & Family.

Krauss boasts an incredible country and bluegrass music career that spans 25 years. Her unique voice has led to her success as a solo artist, and sought-after duet partner. Krauss holds the title of being the most-honored solo female artist in Grammy history. She will perform with her band, Union Station. Singer, songwriter, guitarist and former member of the Drive-By Truckers Jason Isbell will also perform. (Link here for a The City Wire review of Isbell.)

Gates will open at 6 p.m., with the music to start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $99 and may be purchased online or by calling the box office at 443-5600.

ERC Beach Bingo Bash
The Elizabeth Richardson Center will host its annual Bingo Beach Bash on July 11. The evening will include dinner, drinks, raffles, and exciting BINGO gaming.

Hosted at the UARK Bowl in Fayetteville, the beach-inspired bash will get underway at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy tropical food and drinks, and have the chance to test their luck at BINGO and in the raffle prize drawings.

Tickets are  $50 for individuals or $85 for couples. Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase multi-sensory therapy equipment for the five ERC Child Development Centers. The Elizabeth Richardson Center provides disability services in NWA, and is "dedicated to providing programs that strengthen families and promote independence for individuals with disabilities."

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 872-1800.

Jeff Koon Lecture @ Crystal Bridges
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will welcome internationally-acclaimed artist Jeff Koon for a special book signing and lecture on July 11.

Koon is known for his unique sculpture work, including the stainless steel piece "Hanging Heart" which is displayed the Crystal Bridges' restaurant, Eleven. According to the museum, Koon's "ironically monumental reimaginings of everyday subjects such as inflatable toys, and his appropriations of commercial imagery have been exhibited worldwide." The museum will host a book signing following the lecture.

The lecture will be held in the Great Hall beginning at 7 p.m. Cost is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. Visitors  can register online or by calling Guest Services at 657-2335.