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News • Arkansas • United States • 2011-08-19

September Events Taking Place in Central Arkansas

Kerry Kraus, travel writer

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Tweet line: Check out September Events in Central Arkansas: http://tinyurl.com/3n3t5zc

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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There’s still plenty of locally grown fresh produce available in September at the Certified Arkansas Farmers Market. Located in the heart of historic North Little Rock, the market is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. until noon at Main and 6th Streets. It is located on the River Rail Trolley route and has an abundance of free parking. For more information visit www.ArkansasFood.net or call 501-758-1424.

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The Sandwiching in History Tour of Winfield Methodist Church takes place Friday, Sept. 9 in downtown Little Rock. Learn the history of theld Methodist Church at 1601 S. Louisiana St. in the Quapaw Quarter. The congregation of the Spring Street Methodist Church constructed its first building in 1871 at the corner of 12th and Spring streets. By 1889, a new building was completed at 15th and Center streets, and the church’s name was changed to Winfield Memorial in honor of former pastor Dr. Augustus R. Winfield. In 1921, the church commissioned renowned architects Charles L. Thompson and Thomas Harding, Jr., to design a new building at 16th and Louisiana. The Gothic Revival-style church was finished in 1926. In 1988 a group of church members moved to a location in west Little Rock, taking the Winfield name with them. The striking building is now home to the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church. The tour is free and participants are encouraged to bring their lunch. Visit www.arkansaspreservation.org or phone 501-324-9880.

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Some of central Arkansas’s finest chefs and restaurants take center stage at the 14th annual Wine and Food Festival, Sept. 9. The garden-filled grounds of Wildwood Park for the Arts provide a festive backdrop for the grape stompers and roaming musicians that transport guests to wine country. Over 150 specially selected wines and artful edibles are available for sampling. Admission is $75 per person and hours are 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The park is located at 20919 Denny Road in west Little Rock. Visit www.wildwoodpark.org or phone 501-821-7275 for more information.

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Come learn the basics of sweep rowing during the Arkansas Boathouse Club\'s Discover Rowing seminar, Sept. 9-11, in North Little Rock. According to organizers, “This class should be thought of as a chance to discover sweep rowing for adults using 4-person or 8-person boats.” It covers the basics of the sport while keeping it fun. The seminar must be completed before participants are able to use the club’s equipment. The minimum class size 4 students and with 12 being the maximum. Everything takes place at the North Little Rock club house at the north shore base of the I-30 Bridge. Hours are 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday and Sunday. The street address is 224 South Locust St. on the river side of the sea wall. Phone 571-215-3759 for more information.

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Have fun while doing something special for Mother Earth by taking part in Conway’s EcoFest, Sept. 10. A packed day of activities includes local food, activities, and music with learning about the many environmental issues of our daily lives. Activities include a cardboard car derby, a cooking show, kite flying, visiting with animals, and watching a butterfly release. There are interactive exhibits on green building, energy, natural resources, recycling, transportation, a marketplace, and organics and agriculture. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Laurel Park, 2200 block of Prince Street. Visit www.conwayecofest.com or phone 501-472-0901 for more information.

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You won’t lack for anything to do in Scott on Sept. 10. Activities are taking place all through the small community. The historic Ashley-Alexander House is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Right down the road, tours of the 1906 All Souls Church will be given from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park, located across U.S. 165, hosts its 20th annual Antique Tractor & Engine Show, featuring hit-and-miss engines and pre-1960s tractor exhibitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A presentation on the Civil War in Scott and guided tours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Scott Plantation Settlement. The program includes a review of the seven original postings for the Little Rock Campaign, including the Battle of Ashley’s Mill, which took place in Scott. A 2:45 p.m. flag ceremony depicts the transfer from Confederacy to the United States.

Outdoor events at Plantation Agriculture Museum are free; museum admission is $3 for adults, $2 ages 6-12. Events at Scott Plantation Settlement are $3 for adults, $1 ages 6-18, under age six free. For more information contact the state park at 501-961-1409 and the settlement at 501 227-7699.

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Conway hosts the 15th annual Toad Suck Triathlon Fest Sept. 10-11 at Lake Beaverfork. The triathlon consists of a 1.5K-open water swim, a 40K-bike ride and 10K-run. Also taking place is the CAT Sprint Triathlon, a 500-yard swim, a 15-mile bike ride and 3.2-mile run, part of Arkansas\'s Premier Triathlons. There is an entry fee for participants. Visit www.dltevents.com to register or for more information.

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Bicyclists should be excited about the upcoming Bike MS Arkansas: Ride the Rock 2011, Sept. 10 and 11. According to organizers, it is the first event in Little Rock to use both the Big Dam Bridge and the new Two Rivers Bridge. The 150-mile bike ride covers two days, beginning and ending at the River Trail station in downtown North Little Rock. September 10 registration begins at 7 a.m. with the ride starting at 8 a.m. The Saturday trip goes to Williams Junction in Little Rock, approximately 80 miles. Sunday check-in is at 7 a.m. followed by a 7:30 a.m. start at Williams Junction. Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Toyota, benefit the National MS Society, Arkansas. Visit www.bikemsarkansas.org or call 501-663-8104, ext. 35304 for more information.

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Popular songstress Dionne Warwick appears in concert Sept. 13 in Conway as part of the University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances. “Her stunning four-decade career has firmly established her place as an international music legend,” is how sponsors describe Warwick. Since “Don’t Make Me Over” began to climb the charts in 1962, multiple Grammy awards, movie roles and publishing credits have followed. A pioneer among female African-American musicians, she was the first of her peers to boast a dozen consecutive Top 100 hit singles from 1963–1966. Songs like “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Message to Michael,” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” are among her many classics. Visit http://uca.edu/publicappearances/nostalgia-series for ticket information or phone the Reynolds Performance Hall box office at 501-450-3265.

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A wide variety of activities awaits those who attend the 35th annual Sherwood Fest, Saturday, Sept. 17. The family oriented event combines musical entertainment, a pancake breakfast, a =chili cook-off, performances by various dance organizations, and a cute kids contest, plus bounce houses, a rock climbing wall and kid’s crafts. Numerous vendor booths will be on-site at Sherwood Forest, 1111 West Maryland Avenue. Visit http://sherwoodfestar.com or phone 501-833-3790 for additional information.

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Greenbrier is holding its first Great Outdoors Expo, Saturday, Sept. 17 at the City Event Center. The show highlights hunting, fishing and camping. Door prizes, demonstrations, activities for kids, concessions, and information and products for all your outdoor needs make up the event. You can even try your hand at archery or skeet shooting or learn to tie your own fly fishing lures. The latest boats and ATVs will be displayed. Admission is $5 for adults, free for ages 12 and under. The City Event Center is located at 5 Lois Lane. For more information call 501-679-6362.

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The Lester Flatt Memorial Park is where the 24th annual Bluegrass and Gospel Jammers Jamboree is held, Sept. 19-24. Everyone is invited to come play, take part in jamming sessions, and sing-along. The park is located in the Otto community near Vilonia. Phone 501-835-2451 for more details. Admission is free.

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September 24 is the date for the 6th annual Big Dam Bridge 100. The race, which starts on LaHarpe Blvd. in downtown Little Rock, features scenic cycling trips ranging from 15 to 100 miles. Participants will roll through Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle, Mayflower and Conway. The finish line in North Little Rock’s Argenta Arts and Historic District at Main and 5th Streets is where FinaleFest takes place. The Wyndham Hotel hosts an expo. Entry fees are $25 for 16 miles; $40 for 100. Spectators are free. Visit www.TheBigDamBridge100.com or phone 870-246-6686 or 501-603-0113 for more information.

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Join the Little Rock Zoo for Breakfast with Small Carnivores Sept. 24. Café Africa, housed in the Works Projects Administration-era big cat house, is where participants will enjoy a breakfast buffet while listening to the zoo keeper chat all about small carnivores. Seating is limited and prior reservations are required. The meal begins at 8 a.m. The zoo is located at #1 Jonesboro Drive in War Memorial Park. Admission is $12.95 for children and $16.95 for adults that are zoo members; non-members are $16.95 for children and $21.95 for adults. For more information call 501-661-7218.

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If you missed the inaugural World Cheese Dip Championship in 2010, which was an overwhelming success, then take note of the date for the second edition: Saturday, Sept. 24. From 1 p.m.-7 p.m. come celebrate Arkansas\'s culinary export to the world. Feast on all-you-can-eat cheese dip then vote for your favorite. You can watch the live broadcast of the Arkansas vs. Alabama football game, and enjoy live music and kids having fun. Other foods will be available for sale. Everything takes place at Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium, I-630 and Fair Park Blvd. Proceeds benefit the Harmony Health Clinic. There is a $10 general admission fee with ages 10 and under free. Visit www.cheesedip.net or phone 501-993-7502 for more information.

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For over 20 years, the residents of Bryant have been welcoming the coming of autumn with their annual Fall Fest. The 24th edition takes place Sept. 24 in Bishop Park. Over 14,000 attend this family friendly festival which features a duct tape boat race, a watch party for the University of Arkansas Razorback football game versus Alabama, live entertainment, and food vendors. A splash contest, a pet race, a go-green parade, crafts, business booths, art, kidzland, and a fishing derby are also slated. Visit www.bryant-ar.com or call 501-847-4702 for additional details.

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“Living Local, Buying Local” is the theme for Heifer Village Family Day, Sept. 24. A mini-market featuring local farmers and vendors will offer fresh produce and demonstrations. Visitors will learn how to make a “what’s in season” wheel illustrating the fruits and vegetables available in Arkansas and when they can be obtained. There will also be opportunities for interactive gardener chats and “The Life of a Tomato” obstacle course depicting the path of a tomato you grow versus a commercially grown one. The Root Café will present food preservation, the Green Corner Store will display items from local artisans, and Heifer Ranch showcases their community-supported agriculture program. Animal ambassadors from The Ranch will be in attendance. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heifer Village in downtown Little Rock. Visit www.heifer.org/heifervillage or call 501-907-8800 for more details.

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Did you ever wonder if bats really suck human blood? Or get caught in our hair? Is it fact or fiction? You’ll learn the answers to these questions and more by attending Pinnacle Mountain State Park’s Bat Watch, Sunday, Sept. 25. From 7 p.m.-8 p.m. come watch the bats emerge with a park interpreter as a nature guide, and discover why their airborne acrobatics are so beneficial to humans. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to walk through low brush and tall grass. Meet at the park’s Environmental Education Pond. For more information phone 501-868-5806. Admission is free.

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