More than Meets the Eye: River Valley Festivals
by Ruthie Qualls
The River Valley is home to unique festivals and events that honor and highlight some of the most important things that locals hold dear to their hearts: a rich history, supporting local business, and most importantly fellowship amongst the community. While each festival is focused on a different subject, the idea of a supporting community is ever-present. To enjoy everything the River Valley has to offer, read about the upcoming festivals in the area below.
Johnson County Peach Festival
The Johnson County Peach Festival is one of the most notorious events. Being that it is the oldest festival in the state, the fame is well deserved. Starting on July 18, the Peach Festival will celebrate its fifty-first year. During the event, downtown Clarksville will be lively with peach celebrations as visitors from all over come to celebrate with the community. To truly take in one’s peach roots, one can participate in the peach eating contest or the peach pit spitting contest. To view the full schedule of events visit the official festive website or give their Facebook page a LIKE.
Photos from Google
Altus Grape Festival
July 26 and 27 marks the 41st annual Altus Grape Festival. Local vendors will have booths set up in the Altus City Park, as local musicians provide entertainment for the attendants. When in Wine Country, be sure to participate in the authentic grape stomping competition as well as the grape pie eating contest. To learn more about this homegrown event, visit the official Facebook page.
Photos from Google and Facebook
Peacemaker Festival
The Peacemaker Festival, located in Fort Smith, continues to grow more popular each year. The festival spotlights crowd favorite country music artists who highlight their country roots on stage to captivate concertgoers. The viewers can enjoy two full days of county music starting on October 11. While musicians will attract a crowd, the riverfront view allows the participants an authentic River Valley concert experience. To see the lineup visit the official website for the 10th annual Peacemaker Festival.
Photos from Google
Frontier Day Festival
In Paris, one will be taken back in time as they experience how the River Valley was centuries ago. The 45th Annual Frontier Day Festival offers wagon rides, reenactments, and box turtle races to experience some of the best River Valley pastimes. Taking a trip to the Paris Town Square on October 5 will be like walking alongside our ancestors of generations before. Unlike the frontier days, we have modern technology, so be sure to check out the Frontier Day Festival Facebook page.
Photos from Facebook
Poteau Balloon Fest
The Poteau Balloon Fest is one of the most active festivals in the Oklahoma area. This event is unique to the area as it attracts visitors from all around, especially since it starts in the peak of fall, on October 18 and 19. Hot air balloons will take flight throughout the day making the event magical as they soar through the sky. Those attending the event can go on monster truck rides, helicopter rides, and enjoy a carnival adventure. Experiencing the 17th annual Poteau Balloon Fest will be a memory one will never forget. To learn more about the Poteau Balloon Fest, visit the website.
Photos from Google