20th Annual Buffalo River Elk Festival kicks off in Jasper

This Friday and Saturday is the 20th Annual Buffalo River Elk Festival in Jasper. The festival is one of the premier craft fairs and outdoor sporting events in Arkansas and celebrates the reintroduction of elk to Newton County.The Buffalo River Elk Festival features numerous ozark artisans presenting handcrafted items in the Art Walk. The Art Walk is located at the 100 block of West Church Street (just west of Highway 7). Festival-goers are also invited to check out the Nelms Gallery, which is also located on that block.

The festival will be featuring a Dutch oven cook-off. The “Premier Dutch Oven Cook-off of Arkansas” has contestants dress in old west style costumes and cook over hot coals. Once the judging is complete the winners are announced and festival goers enjoy samples the contestants have prepared.

There will also be numerous kid events at the festival. The Kid’s Fishing Derby is available for children under 12. The Arkansas Game and Fish will be there hosting educational and fun projects. Hog Wild of Hot Springs will also have inflatables, a rock wall, and trackless train at the First Assembly of God Church.

Nature Photographer William Rainey will be hosting a photography seminar Saturday afternoon at 3:00. The seminar will help aspiring photographers learn numerous tricks of the trade.

The festival will host the Elk Calling Contest for contestants of all ages. An elk permit drawing will also be held each hour starting at noon on Saturday.

Jasper Kiwanis is sponsoring a 5K run in the Boxley Valley, Saturday morning at 8:00. Registration begins at 7:00 at the Ponca Elk Education Center. The cost for the event is $30. Prizes and awards will be given out at the Elk Festival Stage a 12:30.

The festival features numerous musicians throughout both days. Donald Payne, an impressionist, will take stage at noon Friday. At 12:15 Ronnie Long and Friends will be performing. The group Brother James takes the stage at 4:15. Friday night at 6:30 “Mr. Entertainment’ Doug Scallion will begin his show. The headliner group for Friday night, The Little Buffalo River Band, will kick off at 8:30.

Saturday’s musical showcase will start at 11:00 in the morning with Unashamed Bluegrass Band. Donald Payne will be performing again at 12:15. Staymore will be taking the stage at 3:15 and the Hedley Lamar Band will perform at 4:30. Saturday night will open with The Crumbs. Whistlin’ Dixie will be closing the festival Saturday night and kicks off their performance at 8:30.

For more information on the Buffalo River Festival visit www.buffaloriverelkfestival.com.

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