A bewer 'Old': Organizers of Van Buren festival hope to breathe life into 31st annual event
Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/WhatsUp/65027/
If things go well, the Old Timers' Days Arts & Crafts Festival in Van Buren won't feel so ... old.
It's the goal of The Old Town Merchants Association to make the event feel fresh, young and hip, said Barbara Little, president of the volunteer organization that is responsible for putting on the event.
As the group prepares to host the 31st annual festival, which will take place on Main Street in downtown Van Buren through Sunday, it hopes to inject new, fun things to see, do and hear.
Little is especially excited about a Saturday night appearance by Riverbilly, a contemporary country group from Little Rock. Free music has always been a part of Old Timers' Days, but Little says this year's featured entertainment better represents the direction her group would like to take the festival.
"They [Riverbilly] are vibrant, they've got energy, and that's about where we are right now," she said.
Of course, no festival that bills itself as Old Timers' Days can forget the history that helped forge it. Re-enactors will stage mock gunfights and will walk up and down Main Street in Old West regalia.
Another big draw is the actual arts and crafts elements. More than 200 vendors -- probably closer to 250, Little said -- will inhabit the 300 to 800 block of Main Street, which will be closed to vehicle traffic. Vendors from eight states will be present at the festival. About 40,000 people attend the festival, making it the largest annual event in Van Buren.
Also taking up ample space is a carnival, which Little said encompasses nearly an entire city block. Other attractions include pony rides, a rock climbing wall, an appearance by Strike, mascot for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball team, and more.
New this year is a photo contest. The festival's organizers will award the best photos taken at the festival by presenting savings bonds to the winning photographers.
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad will also offer a special Mother's Day ride from its depot. On the excursion, which departs at 11 a.m., mothers will receive a 50-percent discount on tickets.
All in all, it's shaping up to be a fun, fresh weekend, Little said.
"There really is something for everybody, and it's Mother's Day weekend, so it's family fun," she said.