Family Fun Draws Crowd

Springdale and Fayetteville are ready to kick off the Northwest Arkansas tourism season with their annual festivals, FeatherFest and Springfest. Hoping for sunshine, the Springdale chamber of commerce will sponsor its downtown event April 27-29, and Fayetteville will host Springfest on Dickson Street April 21.

FeatherFest generates an estimated $2.1 million with 60,000 people spending an average of $35, said Shannon Devitt, the chamber’s director of community development. The third annual festival will have 51 retail and nonprofit booths and 16 food vendors.

Musical events for FeatherFest include local acts such as The Cate Brothers and Ultra Suede, as well as national performers such as Shenandoah and Iron Butterfly. Tyson Foods Inc. and SunCom will sponsor the musical performances, and the chamber will also spend about $50,000 toward entertainment this year.

Springfest, a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Pride in Dickson Street merchant’s association and the Downtown/Dickson Street Enhancement Project, will also host several musical acts.

Pride in Dickson Street President John Gilliam estimated the one-day affair will attract 10,000-15,000 people. Expenses for the day should total $4,000-$6,000, Gilliam said, and he expects the festival to break even.

“The object is to celebrate Dickson Street,” he said.

About 100 retail, food and political booths are reserved for Springfest. Twelve local music groups are scheduled to appear, including Cherry Brooks and the Last Chance Band and Jori Costello. Many of the bands volunteer their time for the festival.