Posted on July 18, 2011
Beginning July 21, the Fun After 5 Festival will present six weeks of Thursday night family activities in Basin Spring Park. This year’s events invite families to “Go Dance, Go Big Top, Go Chalk, Go Read, Go Play and Go Green,” according to Jacqueline Wolven, director of Eureka Springs Downtown Network, which is producing the festival. All Fun After 5 events run from 5-7 p.m.
Wolven said the festivities are part of an ongoing effort to “let the region know that not only is Eureka Springs open late, but there are fun things to do downtown all year long.”
“Go Dance” with Angelo Yao and Ozakwaaba, an African dance and drumming troupe, turns the park into a dance party July 21. Kids and adults alike will relish the rhythms and dance moves of the 8-piece group. The night is a celebration of local musicians, the park, and the downtown of Eureka Springs, Wolven said.
July 28 is “Go Big Top” night, which Wolven describes as a circus-themed evening when everyone can experience the magic of Eureka Springs. Music in Motion, a DJ from Fayetteville, will provide music as hula hoopers of all ages, jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers, face painters and others make merry in the park.
“Go Chalk” on Aug. 4 will provide kids with the chance to draw while their parents relax and enjoy the beauty of the downtown park. The downtown will also be decorated with chalk art created by local artists and youth groups, adding to the fun of strolling the streets around the park.
Reading and writing will be cause for celebration Aug. 11, when Go Read brings Clifford the Big Red Dog to the park. This evening is a collaboration between the Downtown Network and the Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library. Book making, stories, and a poetry open mic will highlight the evening. Local authors represented by Eureka Thyme Gallery will be available to sign their books, and NWAMotherlode.com will be on hand to share about blogging and talk about their resources for mothers and families in Northwest Arkansas.
On Aug. 18, “Go Play” will find Northwest Arkansas baseball mascot Strike representing the regional baseball team and supporting sports teams of Eureka Springs.
Demonstrations, dribbling competition and a fundraiser for Youth Sports in Eureka Springs will complete the evening.
The festival ends on Aug. 25, when a collaboration of ArkansasHealers.com and NWAGreenZine.com present “Go Green,” an evening featuring recycle materials crafts, spiritual readings, chair massages, and an exploration of the water of Eureka Springs.
Wolvern added, “in addition to creating fun events in the park for everyone to enjoy, we are showcasing our shops, galleries and restaurants. This festival is about bringing people downtown to explore and participate in events for the whole family. “
More information is available at www.facebook.com/eurekaspringsdowntownnetwork.
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Posted on July 18, 2011
EUREKA SPRINGS- Athletes from more than 15 states will be converging on Eureka Springs next month to vie for the title of “The Eurekan.”
The three-day event will consist of a sprint-distance triathlon on Friday afternoon, Aug. 12; road bike tour rides and races Saturday; and running races Sunday, according to Event Director Bruce Dunn of All Sports Productions.
Not only the name of the festival, “The Eurekan” is the honorary title to be conferred on any athlete who completes the challenge of the triathlon, 100-mile ride, and 10K run.
Friday’s triathlon begins at 3 p.m. at the Holiday Island marina. After a 300-yard swim in Table Rock Lake, the athletes hop on bikes and race ten miles down Hwy 23 to the County Courthouse on Main St. From there, a two-mile run on scenic city streets completes the race.
Early Saturday morning, three bike races of different lengths begin at 7 a.m., and bike tour rides of varying distances and routes take off through the surrounding countryside.
Sunday, the One-mile Fun Run/Walk and the 5K and 10K runners hit the pavement at 8:00 a.m. and traverse the city’s Historic Loop. The awards ceremony, which follows the runs, will feature a video and a photomontage of the weekend’s activities.
Event promoters nationally are seeing a “tremendous increase in all types of non-traditional sports,” said Dunn, “and that category includes the event planned for The Eurekan.
This increase is expected to continue, and Dunn anticipates the Eureka Springs event will grow annually as well. His company’s goal, he added, is to produce races of the highest standards, which are locally, regionally and nationally recognized events with a festival-like atmosphere.
Athletes can participate in any of the Eureka Springs events separately, or can sign up for The Eurekan Challenge, the strenuous combination of triathlon, 100-mile ride, and 10K run.
Unlike most racing festivals, the finish line will be the same for all races, and will be located on Main St., in the heart of the city.
The resort-like atmosphere of the city is expected to appeal to athletes and their families in attendance, as well as other vacationers, who will be able to follow the action.
The natural beauty of the area, pristine lakes, lightly traveled roads and varying terrain will all contribute to the experience of the event participants.
Dunn points out people are looking for the next challenge, and The Eurekan, he said, falls in the category of an Ultimate Challenge. He said athletes signing on for the event are very enthusiastic about this unique format.
He also noted athletes’ families don’t often have a reason to travel with them. Holding the event in a tourist town means non-participating family members can enjoy Eureka Springs and its attractions. Detailed race information, course maps, registration, sponsor and volunteer information will be posted at www.eurekasportsfestival.com.
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Posted on July 18, 2011
The Lifelong Learning and Activity Expo, to be held at the John Q. Hammons Convention and Exhibit Center in Rogers, Aug. 16-17 is seeking businesses from Eureka Springs and Carroll County. Expo director Howard Foy said he anticipates close to 10,000 visitors to the show, and said the expo is directed at local families.
“The Expo,” Foy added, is “all about enhancement of mind, body and spirit,” for all ages, and will include approximately 100 exhibitor booths showcasing education, health, entertainment, Christian family education and other categories.
Foy said businesses may sell tickets, books, arts and crafts, CDs and other items to cover show expenses.
Booths are 10×10 with a skirted table and two chairs; the cost is $500 for the two-day event. Complimentary food and drinks, and a VIP room for breaks, will be available during the show.
Deadline to register is July 1. Online registration is available at www.llcnwa.com (select the EXPO tab) or at 479-926-8550 and 479-381-9828.
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