Tourism agency markets Arkansas events
by April 23, 2009 10:22 am 73 views
Just in time to start planning for May, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism recently issued several press releases about events around the state.
State tourism officials have said they will be more proactive in 2009 in terms of highlighting local and regional tourism and cultural events. Tourism expenditures statewide in 2008 totaled $5.572 billion, up 9.09% over 2007. The state figures also show that more than 23.81 million business and tourists visits in 2008. However, statewide collection of a 2% tourism tax generated $12.005 million for the tourism trust fund, up 3.8% over 2007 collections. But that is below the conservative 6% estimate.
One approach to boost tourism revenue is to capitalize on the downturn in the economy by selling Arkansas as a state that “has a lot to see and do” but at an affordable price, officials noted at a recent tourism conference.
The Parks & Tourism Department also provides updated information on things to do around the state.
May events highlighted by the state agency include:
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Conway’s 28th annual Toad Suck Daze, May 1-3
Headline entertainment includes Little Big Town, Robert Randolph and The Family Band and Jars of Clay. Additional athletic events, a super star competition, a car show, Doe’s Tamale Eating Contest, parades, pageants and the ever-popular Stuck on a Truck are also scheduled. The World Famous Toad Races, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, round out the festival. For more details, e-mail [email protected] or phone (501) 327-7788.
32nd annual Riverfest, Memorial Day Weekend in downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. Headliners include Willie Nelson, Heart, the B52s, Little River Band, Buddy Guy and Trout Fishing in America. Also performing will be 3 Doors Down, Jason Aldean, Hinder, Flyleaf, and Heads of State featuring Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant. Link here for more details. www.riverfestarkansas.com
ARKANSAS DELTA
Dermott hosts the 26th annual Crawfish Festival on May 15-16. The two-day festival also features nightly live music, a street dance, children’s rides, arts and crafts. Link here for more details.
SOUTHERN ARKANSAS TIMBERLANDS
The Peak to Peak Poker Run will take riders from Queen Wilhelmina State Park to Mount Magazine State Park on May 30. The Ride beings at 9 a.m. from the lodge at Queen Wilhelmina. The winding route through the mountains will take riders from the state’s second highest peak to the tallest. Contact (800) 264-2477 for more information.
ARKANSAS OUACHITAS
Murfreesboro hosts the 36th Annual Diamond Festival May 22-23 at Courthouse Square. There will be arts and crafts, food vendors, children’s activities, a 5K run, tournaments, live music, a pet show, parade, and more. The area is known for its tremendous geological diversity and is home to Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only diamond site in the nation open to the public. Call (870) 285-3131 for more information.
The Spa City will overflow with music May 31-June 13 during the 14th Annual Hot Springs Music Festival. More than 200 international musicians will present 20 concerts and 250 free open rehearsals of symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, chamber music, oratorio and opera. Link here for more information.
ARKANSAS OZARKS
Eureka Springs Blues Weekend is May 28-31 at venues all over town. Some of the confirmed acts include, Guitar Shorty, Hubert Sumlin & The Buddy Flett Band, Joe Louis Walker, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, EG Kight, and Candye Kane.
ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY
Madness in May, a four-wheel drive competition, will take place on May 22-24 at Byrd’s Adventure Center in Ozark. Drivers compete on mountain climbs, rock crawling, barrel races, and mud runs. Byrd’s boasts one of the most challenging four-wheel drive obstacle courses in the nation. The course is host to one of the competitions in the nationally known Ramsey "Top Truck Champion Series," and the annual Rockcrawlers 4×4 Club’s "Rocktoberfest" event. Link here for more info.
The Old Timers’ Day Arts and Crafts Festival in Van Buren will be May 9-10 on the historic Main Street. Six blocks of Van Buren’s Main Street will be closed to traffic to provide space for more than 200 exhibitors from seven states. A children’s carnival and variety of food and entertainment will be available. Link here for more details.