On Saturday, September 27, the little town of Cushman, invites you to step into a celebration of heritage, mines, and small-town pride. This year’s Cushman Miners Day launches with a festive parade at 10:30 AM, winding its way through town to kick off a day packed with music, family fun, and a nod to the town’s rich mining roots.
A Glimpse into Cushman’s Mining Legacy
Cushman’s story is inseparable from manganese mining—a vital economic driver for the region. The town emerged in the mid-1880s when significant deposits were discovered in the surrounding areas of Independence and Izard Counties. Investors like the Keystone Mining Company and the St. Louis Mining Company brought large-scale operations to Cushman, then known as “Minersville,” and helped turn it into a booming shipping point on the newly completed Iron Mountain Railroad line.
By World War I, Cushman was contributing to the national war effort—Italy even sent 900 soldiers to mine manganese while a young Herbert Hoover surveyed the fields for the U.S. government Though demand waned after World War II, Cushman’s mining legacy laid the foundation for the community it is today: resilient, proud, and ready to celebrate its past.
What to Expect at Miners Day 2025
This year’s festivities offer something for everyone:
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10:30 am Parade: Classic floats, horses, and vintage vehicles set the tone for a day of community celebration
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Live Music: Local bands such as Generations and Spring Mill Revival bring tunes that’ll get your toes tapping.
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Food & Craft Vendors: From festival snacks to homemade sourdough bread and artisan crafts—shop local, taste local.
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Kids’ Activities: Bounce houses, water slides, and more keep little ones entertained.
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Adult Fun: Test your balance on a mechanical bull, score big with giveaways, or try your luck at the gun raffle.
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7:00 PM Street Dance: As the day winds down, dance the evening away with a live set from The Groove Vault.
This vibrant event isn’t just a festival—it’s a tribute to Cushman’s mining heritage and the tight-knit community that grew from it.
Plan Your Visit
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Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
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Start Time: 10:30 AM (Parade)
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Location: Cushman, Arkansas
Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for fun, or just passing through, Cushman Miners Day offers a memorable experience rooted in both the past and present. Immerse yourself in the legacy of Arkansas mining and join a celebration that honors community spirit in every parade float and handshaken hello.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.