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News • Arkansas • United States • 2011-05-29

June Events Taking Place in Central Arkansas

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Note to the Print and Broadcast Media:

In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: [email protected] or 501-682-7606.

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“The Last Ride,” a movie depicting the last few days of the life of country music legend Hank Williams, Sr. opens the 2011 Little Rock Film Festival. “The Last Ride” was shot in the state by director Harry Thomason, an Arkansas native. From June 1-5, various locations around Little Rock host all types of film: narratives, documentaries, and shorts from around the world. Also part of the event are panel discussions, workshops, youth programs and parties. Cash awards are presented to the top films in each category. Visit www.littlerockfilmfestival.com for a complete list of what all will be shown along with locations and additional information. Or phone 501-205-0400.

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Learn how to make American Indian works of art by attending the 1st Friday Crafts June 3 at Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park. On the first Friday of June, July and August, park staff explores various Native American arts and crafts. During this session, those attending make dream catchers and arrowhead necklaces. All materials provided. Space is limited; reservations required. Hours are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and activities take place in the park visitor center. Toltec Mounds is located at 490 Toltec Mounds Road in Scott. Admission is $5. Visit http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/toltecmounds/ or phone 501-961-9442 for additional information.

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Want a fun way to spend a Friday evening? Don’t miss Jacksonville’s Splash Zone & Friday Nite Flick on June 3. You can have an extended evening swim at Splash Zone then enjoy a showing of the movie Shrek Forever After beginning at sundown. Splash Zone hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Concession stand available until 9 p.m. Splash Zone admission is $4 per person, $1 for the slides; the movie is free. Everything takes place at Pleasure Park, 201 Martin Street. Visit www.cityofjacksonville.net/parks or call 501-982-0818 for more details.

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If you are age 15 and younger, you can enter Pinnacle Mountain State Park’s Kids' Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 4. Bring your parents down to the Environmental Education Pond for this free fishing contest. Additional activities include how-to-fish clinics and casting contests plus free snacks and awards. Prizes are given away during the event from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a special one for the biggest fish. Bring your own bait and tackle. Everyone with a valid fishing license is welcome to fish after 11 a.m. The park is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road in west Little Rock. For more information, contact the park by calling 501-868-5806.

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If you’re a cyclist of any skill level and like to ride for a good cause, then make note of The Ranch Ride, taking place June 4 in Conway. It features a course for every skill level: Family Fun Ride for families and casual riders; Distance Ride for those who ride regularly for fitness; and the Advanced Rice, featuring great scenery, rolling hills and a couple of shot climbs. Those participating in the last ride need to be trained and in good shape since the route goes to Mount Vernon and back. A family friendly party awaits finishers. Proceeds benefit the Soaring Wings Ranch which provides children who have been the victims of unfortunate circumstances hope and healing through a loving family environment. Registration is at The Village at Hendrix. Visit www.theranchride.com or phone 501-514-0641 for more information.

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The Argenta Community Theater is hosting the 1st Annual Curtain Call for a Cause on June 9 in North Little Rock. An evening of entertainment includes a cocktail reception, a silent auction of original objects of art, an elegant dinner, and a variety show produced by the theater's co-founder and artistic director, Vincent Insalaco. Monies raised will provide art supplies and library materials for the Children's Center and Adult Training Center, playground and therapy garden supplies for the preschool, and computers/software for the programs and services provided by AEDD (Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled, Inc.) for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Arkansas. The event is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and tax-deductible tickets begin at $100 per person. Visit www.aeddinc.org or phone 501-666-0246 for additional information. The theatre is located at 405 Main Street in North Little Rock.

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Kids of all ages are invited to take part in Woolly Hollow State Park’s 27th Annual Fun Day - Kick Off to Summer in Greenbrier, June 10. A day of old-fashioned games and contests includes sack races, paddle boat races, and water balloon toss, just to name a new. The park offers free swimming and paddle boating for the day. Admission is free and it takes place at the park swim beach. Phone the park at 501-679-2098 for more information.

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A classic “whodunit” takes the stage June 10-26 as the Arkansas Repertory Theatre presents “The 39 Steps.” The Rep describes it as “a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have ‘The 39 Steps.’ This two time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters, all played by a talented cast of 4, and amazing feats like a chase atop a Flying Scotsman train, a bi-plane crash, and a death-defying finale in London’s Palladium theatre.” Visit www.therep.org or phone 501-378-0405 to order tickets or for more details. The Rep is located at 601 Main Street in downtown Little Rock.

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The Old State House Museum and Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock are celebrating the state’s Septaquintaquinquecentennial with two events in June. Not sure what that means? Well, it’s another name for 175th birthday of Arkansas’s statehood.

The first event takes place Saturday, June 11 with joint living history demonstrations, “175 Years of Arkansas Statehood.” Activities begin at the Historic Arkansas Museum with living history demonstrations highlighting everyday life in Little Rock at the time of statehood. Visitors can participate in dancing, military drills, and 18th century chores from 9 am to 12 pm.

At noon the focus shifts to the Old State House as participants and visitors walk over from the Historic Arkansas Museum. Once there, a 26-gun salute and the raising of a 26-star U.S. flag (for sister states Arkansas, the 25th admission, and Michigan, the 26th) takes place.

A Methodist camp meeting, a recreation of a 1830s trial, and the election of the first government officials for the new state of Arkansas are other activities. The Arkansas History Commission and State Archives will display Arkansas’s original 1836 Constitution. A performance of the period play, “The Blue Devils,” on the front lawn of the Old State House concludes the day. Admission to the celebration is free. For more information visit www.oldstatehouse.com or phone 501-324-9685.

Arkansas will have a Birthday Bash on June 15, the state’s actual birthday, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Old State House. Held in the historic 1885 House of Representatives Chamber, the celebration includes a cocktail party with food and drink, entertainment, and a silent auction of Arkansas gifts and events. Arkansas artist Pat Matthews will paint a picture of the Arkansas Flag on-site, which will then be included in the auction.

Tickets for Arkansas’s 175th Birthday Party are $75 per person. For more information contact Sammye Johnston by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling 501-664-1879.

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Asian Festival 2011, a cultural celebration, is June 11 at the Mosaic Church, 6420 Colonel Glenn Road in Little Rock. Health, business, and employment workshops take place along with a martial arts demonstration, a kids’ game area; hula hoop and jump rope contests, shopping, a silent auction, and entertainment. Ethnic foods offered include Indian, Philippine, Vietnamese, Korean, Si Lankan, Indonesian and Mexican. Admission is $3 for adults; children age 12 and under, senior citizens 65 and up, plus active and retired military and law enforcement and firefighters are free. Visit http://arasianfest.com/ or call 501-244-2490 for more information.

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The evenings of June 11 and 12 are going to be busy Pinnacle Mountain State Park. An Evening Kayak Float is offered Saturday, June 11 while Sunday, June 12 brings Sunset on the Mountain.

A park interpreter leads the way as you explore the Big Maumelle River, experiencing possible sights and sounds of bats, coyotes, deer, owls, beaver...and maybe the elusive alligator. No prior paddling experience is required; participants should be comfortable around water. The $35 per person fee includes use of boats, paddles, and lifejackets. Advance payment is required. Meet at the Big Maumelle boat launch.

Sunday brings the opportunity experience a sunset from the top of Pinnacle Mountain from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The park interpreter-led hike up the park’s West Summit Trail is a family event, offering the chance to be active while learning safe hiking techniques for nighttime. Participants should dress in layers for the cool temperatures and wind conditions at the summit. Study shoes, plenty of water and a flashlight are strongly encouraged by park officials. Meet at the West Summit Trailhead. For more information on either of these events call the park at 501-868-5806.

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Get a jump on celebrating Independence Day as the Little Rock Wind Symphony "Presents A Stars and Stripes Celebration" on June 11. An annual salute to the red, white and blue, the 7 p.m. concert features marches, patriotic songs, Broadway tunes and free ice cream. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a concert on the grounds at MacArthur Park, 503 E. Ninth Street in downtown Little Rock. Additional information is available by phoning 501-666-0777.

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Looking for something for your kids to do this summer? Check out the Summer Arts Blast Camps, June 13-24 at Wildwood Park for the Arts in west Little Rock. The camp uses the arts to help children grow academically and socially. Licenses teachers lead students through literary, culinary, visual, musical, theater, and horticultural arts in the beautiful park setting. Both camps are from 9 a.m. - noon. Elementary school age rising 1st - 5th, can sign up for first week or both weeks. Those who complete the full two weeks of camp will present a stage performance showcasing the children’s experiences. For more information contact Wildwood Park for the Arts by calling 501-821-7275.

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A different type of summer activity, an Archeology Day Camp, is offered by Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott, June 14-16. Campers ages 8-12 learn excavation and laboratory techniques and participate in a variety of fun archeology-related programs and Native American crafts. Lunch, drinks, and snacks are provided. Reservations and advance payment are required. Admission is $50. Contact the park at 501-961-9442 for additional details.

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Become a nature detective by attending Nature Explorers Day Camp 1 at Pinnacle Mountain State Park from June 14-17. The activity is designed for ages 7-10 and features four days of hikes, visiting with live animals, nature programs, and more. Advance registration and payment of $75 is required. Space is limited to the first 10 campers. Pinnacle Mountain State Park is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road in west Little Rock. Call 501-868-5806 for more information.

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Jacksonville’s 14th Annual Youth Fishing Derby is a great way to introduce your kids to fishing. Dupree Park Lake is where the June 18 event takes place for those ages 15 and under. Prizes will be awarded. Regulations and additional information is available by calling 501-982-0818. Registration is 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. with the event beginning at 8 a.m. Visit www.cityofjacksonville.net/parks for more information.

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Welcome the arrival of summer the way Native Americans did by attending the Summer Solstice Celebration June 18 at Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park. An array of family oriented outdoor activities is offered including how to use a primitive-style weapon, learn a popular American Indian game, create a pinch pot, arrowhead necklace and other crafts. At 6 p.m. the staff archeologist presents a program on the alignment of the mounds with the summer solstice sunset. A special guided tour of the prehistoric mound site follows at 7 p.m., ending with observation of the sunset over Mound B. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for ages 6-12 with under age six admitted free. Meet at the park visitor center. For more information visit http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/toltecmounds/ or call 501-961-9442.

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Woolly Hollow State Park’s Adventure Day Camp is a great way for your kids to spend a week this summer. Dates are Tuesday, June 21 to Thursday, June 23 in Greenbrier. Purpose of the event is to introduce those ages 7-9 to nature. A variety of activities are scheduled including hiking, camping skills, kayaking, crafting, nature programming. Through these programs, participants discover the basic principles of biology, ecology, and conservation. Supervision is provided by the park interpreter and trained volunteers. Spaces fill up quickly so register early. Contact the park for a registration form and further details. All gear, materials, and some meals included in the $75 fee. For more information phone 501-679-2098.

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The Wilderness Explorers Day Camp at Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers those ages 11-13 the opportunity to explore the surprising wilderness in west Little Rock. From June 21-24, attendees take part in canoe/kayak floats, extensive hiking, and survival skills. The camp ends with an overnight camping opportunity Wednesday night including dinner provided by park staff. Advance registration and payment required. Admission is $100. Call 501-868-5806 for additional details.

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The largest amateur bass fishing tournament in the country, the 12th Annual Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza, is June 24-26 on the Arkansas River. The event covers 300 miles of eligible fishing from Fort Smith on the western border to Dumas on the eastern border, the entire length of the river within the state’s borders. Anglers can choose to fish one, two, or all three days of the tournament. Guaranteed total prize is $100,000. Entry fee to fish is $80 per day. Additional prizes awarded in various categories. For more information contact the Arkansas Hospitality Association at [email protected] or 501-376-2323. Visit www.arkansasbigbass.com for online registration and other details.

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If you’re a collector of Moon and Star Pattern Antique Glassware, then make sure you have June 25 on your calendar. The Society of Moon and Star Glassware is holding its annual collectors show and sale at the Holiday Inn Presidential in downtown Little Rock. The “moon and star” glassware dates to the 1880s and is still made today. Collectors love the distinctive pattern and brilliant red, amber, green, blue and crystal colors. The organization, which is also holding its convention during the show, has approximately 120 members nationwide. For additional information visit www.moonandstarglassclub.com/ or phone 501-517-4620.

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The Central Arkansas Nature Center invites you to delve into the world of pollinators during National Pollinator Day, June 25. The day-long celebration explores this special group that we rely on in our day-to-day lives. A variety of activities for all ages is offered. The center is located in the River Market District of downtown Little Rock. Visit www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com or phone 501-907-0636 for more information.

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Adventure sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss two events scheduled for North Little Rock’s Burns Park: the XTERRA Dawg Dayz Off-Road Triathlon and the 3-Legged Dawg Mountain Bike Race. Dates are June 25 and 26.

Dawg Daze, a multisport event with both triathlons and duathlons, features an 880-yard swim, 10-mile mountain bike ride, and a four mile run. Starting time is 8:15 a.m. with awards presented at 11 a.m. The short track race is at 2 p.m. in the park’s BMX area. Sunday brings the 3-Legged Dawg Mountain Bike Race day, beginning and ending at the BMX track. Competitions start at 8 a.m. with an awards ceremony at noon. The 3-legged Dawg Race is part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series.

Visit www.dltmultisport.com for a detailed schedule, registration and other general information or call 870-246-6686. Burns Park is located at Exit 150 off I-40 in North Little Rock.

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