Volume 2 Issue 19 Published monthly by the Arkansas River Valley Tri - Region Association January 2005 The Tri-Peaks Region Reprinted from www.arkansas.com   The Arkansas River Valley is also referred to as the Tri-Peaks region because it contains three popular mountaintop state parks. Mt. Magazine State Park, the highest point in Arkansas and one that affords spectacular vistas, rises from the Arkansas River Valley near Paris to an elevation of 2,753 feet above sea level. The park offers hang gliding, rappelling, camping, hiking trails and a visitors center opened in 2002 that features interpretive exhibits on the area's history and flora and fauna. Construction of a 90,000 square-foot lodge and conference center got underway in 2004. For more info call 479-963-8502. Mt. Magazine In Dardanelle, Mt. Nebo State Park is a Civilian Conservation Corps-built park with cabins, tennis courts, a swimming pool, campsites, a visitors center, a hang gliding area, group pavilions and 14 miles of hiking trails. For more info call 479-229-3655. Mt. Nebo In Morrilton, Petit Jean State Park is the flagship of the state parks system. The park encompasses 2,658 acres of rare natural beauty- an abundance of unmarred woods, ravines, streams, springs, spectacular views and interesting ecological formations preserved almost as French explorers found them 300 years ago. In addition to cabins and the park's Mather Lodge, it has a restaurant, swimming pools, campsites, boating, fishing, several hiking trails and the spectacular 95-foot Cedar Falls. For more info call 1-800-264-2462; or visit their website at www.petitjeanstatepark.com. Petit Jean State Park   News Release Event: Eagle Awareness Days Location: Petit Jean State Park Date of Event: January 15 and 16, 2005 Contact: Lori Anderson, Park Interpreter (501) 727-6512 In 1782, a meeting of the founding fathers of our nation, our first congressmen, met to decide on a national emblem. A majestic looking bird was chosen. A representation of enormous strength, and long life, the vote was counted, deciding that a bald eagle would become synonymous with the United States of America. Throughout the years, the bald eagle has been both loved and hated..and almost disappeared. In 1963, there were only 417 known nesting pairs of bald eagles in the continental United States. The quick decisions of the American people to protect this treasured bird were successful with nearly 8,000 bald eagle pairs in the continental US today. On January 15 and 16, 2005, Petit Jean State Park will be holding our annual Eagle Awareness Weekend. For two days you can learn about this flying symbol, as well as other birds of prey. A special guest will be in the park on January 15 for a live bird of prey program. Throughout the weekend, 4 car caravans will leave from the park and travel to Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge to try and find bald eagles that are spending the winter here. On Saturday evening, you can also take part in an "owl prowl" where we will attempt to call in another bird of prey, the owl! All events this weekend are free and open to anyone who wishes to participate. For more information, contact the park at (501) 727-5441 or email at petitjean@arkansas.com.   January 2005 Calendar of Events Jan. 2-30: The Expressive Stroke Subiaco- An exhibition of calligraphic paintings and ceramics of Charles Pearce, one of the world's foremost exponents of the Burgeoning School of Abstract Expressionist Calligraphy. Opening reception Jan 9, 2-4 p.m. Gallery open Sundays, 2-4 p.m. Contact: Claudia Dersch at 479-963-6358 or visit website www.subi.org. Admission: Free Jan. 15-16: Eagle Awareness Week Morrilton- Petit Jean State Park…The variety of programs offered includes field trips to Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge to see wintering bald eagles along the Arkansas River. Call 501-727-5441 or visit website www.petitjeanstatepark.com. Admission: Free Jan. 9: Exhibit Opening Russellville- Arkansas River Valley Arts Center...An exhibit opening Reception for Russellville Porcelain Artists exhibit from 1:00-3:00 p.m. November 19-February 18, 2005: Elvis; Grace and Grit Hot Springs Convention Center...Contact Steve Arrison at 501-321-2277 or 800-772-2489 Jan. 7-9: Show Biz National Talent Dance Competition Hot Springs Convention Center Contact Sharon Faith 972-681-7177 Jan. 7: Gallery Walk Downtown Hot Springs... Time: 5-9 p.m.. Call 501-624-0550 for more info Jan. 8: Miss, Miss Teen, and Little Miss Greater Hot Springs Pageant Hot Springs Convention Center...Contact Katie Tejcek 501-321-1234 Jan: 15-29: 12th Annual Southwest Region V Arkansas Art Educators Student Show The Fine Art Center of Hot Springs...Contact Nan Wayne 501-624-0489 Jan. 17: Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration Hot Springs Convention Center...Contact Lovenia Hicks 501-624-5652 Jan. 21-23: 40th Annual Tri Lakes Coin Show Hot Springs Convention Center...Contact Gene Johnson 501-624-0074 Jan. 21-23: Hot Springs Sports & Boat Show Hot Springs Convention Center Exhibit Halls A, B, & C...Time: Fri. 2-9 p.m, Sat. 9 a.m-8 p.m, Sun. 11 a.m-6 p.m. Contact Mark Lovell 901-854-6589 Jan. 21- April 16, 2005: Oaklawn Live Horse Racing Oaklawn Park 501-623-4411 or 800-OAKLAWN