Plan to celebrate the Second Annual “Native American Day” in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on Friday, September 13, and Saturday, September 14. Friday, the Mountain Man Rendezvous will set up an 1820’s fur traders’ encampment in Rand Park (AR Highways 5 and 56). People in costume will cook over open fires and sleep in tents. Vendors will offer beans and cornbread meals as well as Native American and pioneer crafts. During the day Saturday, the Rendezvous continues with black powder gun demonstrations and tomahawk throwing. Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Park revisit Ozark traditions with “Music Around the Fire” and “Stories Around the Fire.”
Saturday, Exploring Izard County’s “The Trail of Trees” Road Trip visits twisted and bent trees that many believe Native Americans and early settlers manipulated to mark trails and point out creeks and springs. The tour ends about 11:00 a.m. at the Calico Rock Museum. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. events on Main Street (AR Highway 5 at the White River) include Native American dancers and drumming. Vendors include Native American fried bread tacos and Native American and other local craft items. The Calico Rock Museum presents “The Birth of the Ozarks” exhibit of Native American crafts and culture. This year, the exhibit has been expanded to include a Native American shelter. Also that day, there will be live music at the Rand Park pavilion. Up the road, the Pineville Fire Department (AR Highways 223 and 177) hosts its Annual Barbeque fundraising event.
At 3:00 p.m. Native American descendants and others are invited to join the “Walk of Remembrance” honoring those who traveled the “Cherokee Trail of Tears” which crossed a few miles north of Calico Rock in 1838. The “Walk” will travel from the Museum to Rand Park.
All events and demonstrations are free to the public.
“We have room for more craft vendors,” said Museum Executive Director Gloria Gushue. “We are especially looking for anyone offering Native American products.” Spaces are available for $25.00 each.
For more information or to reserve a vendor space, contact Gushue at 870-297-4129 or ggushue@gmail.com or visit http://www.calicorockmuseum.com/index.htmlTo sign up for the “Trail of Trees” Road Trip go to www.exploreizard.blogspot.com
