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AUTUMN IN THE OZARKS ---
A PALETTE OF COLOR,
FESTIVALS & OZARKS FUNby B.W. Lusk
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The Ozarks is a special place at any time of the year. The scenic beauty, its majestic mountains and the wilderness waterways are just a few of the things that support the area's reputation as such a special place. But the real treat that is often overlooked by many fall travelers looking for places to visit, is the transition that takes place during this time.
On a given morning, you go out the door and you find yourself aware that the leaves have begun to change colors; the greens are not quite so green and there are traces of crimson peeking through. Then you spot the yellows as the sun begins to reflect across the horizon. You notice the leaves are starting to fall to the ground. Just the moment causes you to pause and take a deep breath of the fresh air before you take on the day. It's such a motivating experience that you are left energized and ready to get going.
Of course, most vacationers look to visit in the late spring and summer. But there are so many things happening in the fall that the Ozarks just beckon you to take advantage of the season for a second getaway. The area has a number of worthy offerings to make it a real bonus time. These offerings range from weekend festivals and events to contests and shows to day trips through the back roads of the region.
And speaking of festivals and street parties, communities throughout the region use this time of the year to celebrate their heritage, the year's harvest or any other excuse to get together and have some fun. There are all kinds of music, ranging from banjos ringing to bobby-soxers and rock'n' rollers dancing on the squares.
Two notable events include the Annual Turkey Trot Festival in Yellville, Arkansas, in October, and Mountain Home's Mountain Mania, also in October.
The first event is sponsored by the Yellville Area Chamber of Commerce and includes live entertainment throughout the festival. There are games and booths for children, an art show and the Turkey Trot Parade (North Central Arkansas' largest), led by the Grand Marshall and the reigning Miss Turkey Trot and Miss Drumsticks. Food and crafts booths are located around the Courthouse Square. And not to abandon its namesake, the National Wild Turkey Calling Contest and the National Wild Turkey Federation Auction will be held on Saturday, the second day of the festival.
The second event mentioned is Mountain Home's Annual Mountain Mania BBQ Championship and Fall Festival. An annual event the barbecue championship cookoff has been proclaimed by Governor Mike Huckabee as the Official State Barbecue Championship for Arkansas. It also features entertainment on outdoor stages, a 5K Run 'R' Roll Race and the Hill N’ Hollows Quilters Guild Quilt Show and Sale.
For the outdoor enthusiasts, there are some great hunting ventures including an annual Elk hunt in September & December. And of course, some of the best deer hunting around. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission manages a Christmas Holiday Deer Hunt that occurs in December. And don't even begin to think that's all of it. Fall is a great time for fishing, hiking, and camping and for more eclectic forms of fun such as caving ( also covered in this group of articles), the Christmas Lights Tours and a number of annual crafts shows throughout the region. For the latest information on events in the region, visit our Calendar of Events page.
Some information in the article has been supplied from Arkansas Game & Fish Commission stories and are used with permission. All rights reserved. ©1998-2004 B.W. Lusk - May be used with written permission and reciprocal link to ShopTheOzarks.com. For more information, contact B.W. Lusk.
