Programming for Jacksonport State Park from Friday, May 8 – Saturday, June 6, 2015 is as follows:

 For more info contact Jacksonport State Park,  205 Avenue St., Newport, AR 72112, 870-523-2143 

Ask for Interpreters Vicky or Matt for further information.

 

NOTICE: Interpretive programs subject to change without notice

            due to occasional circumstances beyond our control.

Friday, May 8

6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Reptiles of the River’s Edge
Jacksonport is too far north to have alligators on the river’s edge, but there is an abundance of other reptiles that live here. From snakes to lizards to turtles, the environment of the river’s edge is just right for healthy, happy reptiles. Meet with a park interpreter to learn how to recognize the harmless reptiles, and how to tell the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes. Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

Saturday, May 9

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p..

Making Native American Pinch Pots
Archeologists tell us that all Native American peoples made clay pinch pots to use as storage containers. Join a park interpreter at the picnic area to make and decorate your own authentic pinch pot to take home with you.   Meeting place: Picnic Area
Admission: Free

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Watersheds of War: Melodies Along The River
Join one of our park interpreters to learn about the history and heritage in song that the soldiers brought with them to the civil war encampments that dotted the area. Through these traditional and martial melodies we will discover that these brave young men were hard-working, everyday folks that we can share a connection with even today. Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

Sunday, May 10

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Butterflies and Blooms
Butterflies and blooms just go together! Join a park interpreter at the Tunstall trailhead to learn how to find, observe, and identify the butterflies that live on, or migrate through Jacksonport State Park. Meeting place: Tunstall Trailhead
Admission: Free

Friday, May 15

6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Civil War Medicine
Meet a park interpreter at the campground to discover how 19th century residents took care of their own medical needs. The medicinal uses of local herbs will be discussed, especially the Civil War years when commercial remedies were scarce. Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

White River Hunters and Trappers
Hunting and trapping served an important role on the White River and to Jacksonport’s economy. Join a park interpreter and learn what animals were hunted and trapped in this area and see some of the special techniques used to do it. Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

Saturday, May 16

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Snakes of the Alluvial Plain
Join a park interpreter and learn about the different snakes that inhabit the Delta region of Arkansas and their important role in the ecology of the region. We will also discuss some of the common misconception about snakes and possibly have a live snake join us. This activity is part of our National Kids to Parks Day celebration. #kidstoparks Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Civil War Weapons
Come see a demonstration in black powdered weapons that were used in the Civil War. Join a park interpreter to learn how these weapons were used and fired and some of the famous Civil War fighters that used these Confederate weapons. This activity is part of our National Kids to Parks Day celebration. #kidstoparks Meeting place: Picnic Area
Admission: Free

Sunday, May 17

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Endangered Arkansas
Many animals in Arkansas and around the world face an uncertain future. Learn about those in our area and how by helping an endangered species, we are helping ourselves as well. Meeting place: Picnic Area
Admission: Free

Friday, May 22

6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Birds of Prey
Explore the super powers of birds of prey and learn how they survive in the wild, and then take a walk to the end of the swim beach to see if any are active. Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

Saturday, May 23

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Flags of the Confederacy
Do you know the national flag of the Confederacy? Was there more than one national flag of the Confederacy? Join a park interpreter to discover the different flags of the Confederacy and how they influenced the state flags of today.   Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Civil War Songs
This musical telling of the Civil War includes songs that shaped this period of strife. The program covers all the ups and downs of not just famous battles and generals, but the everyday citizens that endured the Civil War’s hardship. Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

Sunday, May 24

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Make A Fish Fossil to Take Home!
Sometimes small fossils of ancient creatures can be found in the rocks along the White River here at Jacksonport State Park, but you can’t take those home with you. Meet with a park interpreter today and make a fish fossil that you can take home. Choose your favorite fish and we’ll show you how to do it! Prepare to get your hands dirty!  Meeting place: Picnic Area
Admission: Free

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Snakes of the Alluvial Plain
Join a park interpreter and learn about the different snakes that inhabit the Delta region of Arkansas and their important role in the ecology of the region. We will also discuss some of the common misconception about snakes and possibly have a live snake join us. Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

Friday, May 29

6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Nature Hike
Join one of the park interpreters for a moderate nature hike on the Tunstall Riverwalk. Learn about the natural surrounding of Jacksonport and some of the ways it formed the town’s history. Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Nature Jeopardy!
This is the opportunity for you and your family to be in the “hot seat!” Bring your entire family to this exciting game and challenge your brain on every aspect of the nature of Jacksonport. Meet with a park interpreter at the campground to discover just how intelligent you are about the wildlife of Arkansas. Are you smarter than your kids?   Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

Saturday, May 30

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Wings & Water Hike
When it’s May in Jacksonport the park is aflutter with the bright vivid colors of wild wings. From Monarch butterflies to Gold Finches to the iridescent hues of the Wood Duck, they are all here in May. Meet with a park interpreter to revel in the beauty of flashing wings and sparkling water along the Tunstall Trail. Bring water, sturdy walking shoes, and binoculars if you have them. Insect repellent is also suggested.   Meeting place: Campground
Admission: Free

Sunday, May 31

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Feeling Froggy!
Visit with a park interpreter to learn more about the wonderful world of frogs and toads. How are they the same, and what are their differences? Frogs help control the insect population and are a good food source for larger animals. Hop through the frog life cycle and all the special things that make frogs so ribbit worthy!   Meeting place: Picnic Area
Admission: Free

Friday, June 5

4 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.

34th Annual Portfest Festival
Start your summer with a bang at Portfest with the excitement of concerts and fireworks. Friday and Saturday nights will be musical concerts with a fireworks display on Saturday night. During the day, Saturday’s entertainment is the carnival rides, children’s activities, bass tournament, craft and food booths and many more activities. The gates open at 4 p.m., the carnival opens at 6 p.m., Riverbilly at 7 p.m., and the Marshall Tucker Band at 8:30 p.m.  Meeting place: Picnic Area
Admission: $15 in advance, $20 at the gate, children 6 and under free

Saturday, June 6

6 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

34th Annual Portfest Festival
Start your summer with a bang at Portfest with the excitement of concerts and fireworks. Friday and Saturday nights will be musical concerts with a fireworks display on Saturday night. During the day, Saturday’s entertainment is the carnival rides, children’s activities, bass tournament, craft and food booths and many more activities. The gates open at noon.  6 a.m.  Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament  10 a.m.  Horseshoe Pitching Tournament 12 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Free Family Attractions 1 p.m.  Carnival Opens 7 p.m.  Little Texas 8:30 p.m.  Josh Thompson 9:45 p.m.  Fireworks Extravaganza Meeting place: Picnic Area
Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the gate after 4 p.m., kids 6 and under free