Volume 2 Issue 24 Published monthly by the Arkansas River Valley Tri - Region Association June 2005 State Archives to Open on Saturdays Reprinted from Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism  The Arkansas History Commission and State Archives will be open on Saturdays, beginning June 4, for convenience of those who can't come during regular weekday hours. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and staff, including either an archivist or librarian, will be on hand to assist researchers and visitors. "We've had a lot of demand from the public for Saturday hours," said Wendy Richter, the new state historian who took office on May 16. "We are aware that it is difficult for some people to visit the archives during the work week, especially those from out-of-town. Being open on Saturdays will make the information more accessible to the public, whether they're doing genealogical or historical research, or both." A treat is in store for those who have never visited the archives, located on the second floor of the Multi-Agency Complex building at One Capitol Mall, west of the State Capitol Building. The areas open to the public represent a microcosm of both American and Arkansas timelines. The oldest documents owned by the agency are French Louisiana records purchased from France that cover the time frame 1680 to 1800. Some of the other early papers on file include " Matrimonios De Blanco," which loosely translated is "White Marriages," those that took place at "Poste de Arkansea" from 1791 to 1840. These files, along U.S. Census, county, church, and military records, are mostly accessible on microfilm. A couple of Arkansas historical gems on view in the offices that are sure to thrill the history buff include Edward P. Washbourne's original Arkansas Traveller painting, and the original 1912 Arkansas flag design submission by Willie Kavanaugh Hocker of the Altheimer community. An interesting note missed by most is that the original flag did not include the state's name. A mock-up of the winning entry to which Arkansas has been added hangs below the original. Another popular exhibit is one of authentic Civil War currency, which is available for viewing by appointment. Portraits of well-known personages that had that had an impact on the state, such as Henri de Tonti, plus famous Arkansans like Albert Pike, line the walls. A rotating exhibit of artifacts owned by the Commission can be viewed just outside the office's main entrance. For more information, contact Wendy Richter at 501-682-6900 or e-mail wendy.richter@arkansas.gov. Directions on how to reach the offices can be found on the official History Commission Web site: www.ark-ives.com   Reprinted from Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism There are 100,000 reasons why no one has ever heard the winner of the annual Arkansas Ford Dealers Big Bass Bonanza fishing tournament complaining about "the one that got away." As in the five previous years, the winner of the 2005 tourney to be held June 24-26 will be taking home $100,000. Lurking somewhere in the river's roughly 300 miles between Fort Smith and Dumas is a big bass that will earn the top money prize in the nations' largest amateur fishing contest, which this year will be conducted over three days rather than two as in previous years. Of the 2,888 anglers from 23 states who competed in last year's event, Brian Gorman of Hampton took home the $100,000 with a 6.68-pound largemouth he landed in the river near Dumas. In all, more than $300,000 (based on 3,000 entrants) is expected to be awarded during the tournament, which is being produced by the Arkansas Hospitality Association in cooperation with its major sponsor, the Arkansas Ford Dealers. For information on the designated registration sites (and other tournament information) or to request entry forms, phone toll-free 1-800-472-5022 or 501-376-2323 if in Little Rock. Requests may also be faxed to 501-376-6517 or sent by e-mail to aha@arhospitality.org. Entries can be submitted via the tournament's web site at www.fordbigbass.com. Mount Magazine International Butterfly Festival Set for June 24-26 Reprinted from Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism Visitors can explore the magical world of butterflies, and learn about butterfly identification, life cycles, gardening, and photography during the 9th annual Mount Magazine International Butterfly Festival set for June 24-26. Presenting seminars and guided hikes will be Lori Spencer, entomologist and science education director for the festival, and Don Sikons, an interpreter at Mount Magazine State Park. Their programs will focus on the Diana Fritillary, the 'Showcase butterfly" at the park. In addition to the Diana Fritillary, the park provides habitat for over 95 recorded butterflies. Under the right conditions, visitors may see 30-plus butterfly species during the festival. Tim Ernst and Janet Carson will be featured speakers. Ernst, a wilderness photographer specializing in Arkansas landscapes, will present programs on Saturday, June 25, only. That evening his featured program will "Arkansas, Wild and Free." Carson, horticulturist with the University of Arkansas Extension Service, will present gardening programs, in addition to her radio show, throughout the weekend. Visitors will also be able to enjoy four different food vendors, door prizes, and a "Bug Jar Raffle." All activities are free. An arts and crafts show will be held simultaneously at the bottom of the mountain in Paris. Mount Magazine State Park is located 19 miles south of Paris, and 10 miles north of Havana on Ark. 309. For a detailed schedule of events, contact the park at 479-963-8502 or visit the web site, www.butterflyfestival.com. J.F.K's Convertible Now on Display at Museum of Automobiles Reprinted from Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism Former President John F. Kennedy's 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible is now on display at The Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton. Kennedy's convertible is the second presidential car on display at the museum with the first being Clinton's 67 Mustang. "We're very fortunate to have it on display," said Buddy Hoelzeman, director of the museum. For more information phone 501-727-5427 or visit web site www.museumofautos.com BLAST INTO SUMMER! AN END OF SCHOOL PARTY! The Kids Activity Committee of the Arkansas River Valley Arts center is planning Blast into Summer! as the June children's activity on Sunday, June 5, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Committee chair Jeri Cox and member Karla Stanton remind parents that children can be dropped off or they can bring their children and grandchildren while they attend the Local Photography Exhibit Opening Reception in the art gallery. There will also be active games and an art project. Cox and Shaw have had a background check, which Arts Center staff lists as "important" when working with children. Refreshments will be soft drinks, popcorn, and ice cream cones. The reception and all activities are free of charge and open to the public. For more information on this event, contact Betty LaGrone 479-968-2452 CONGRATULATIONS TO SUBIACO ACADEMY!!! THE JUNE ISSUE OF SOUTHERN LIVING HAS A FULL PAGE ARTICLE WITH PICTURES ABOUT SUBIACO. THE NAME OF THE ARTICLE IS "A QUIET GETAWAY" Calendar of Events Dardanelle June 4: National Trails Day Mount Nebo State Park Visitor Center. Volunteers will work on a special trail maintenance project, and be rewarded with ice cream social. Admission: Free June 30-July 3: 54th Annual Mount Nebo Square Dance Mount Nebo State Park. Square dancers from across the Southwest gather to celebrate Independence Day. Join in on the heel-stompin, toe-tappin fun in the large pavilion in the campground each evening. July 30: Mount Nebo Remembers Day Mount Nebo State Park Pavilion. Help record the history of the mountain before and after it became a state park. Admission: Free For more information on the above events call 479-229-3655 or email mountnebo@arkansas.com Russellville June 4: Crappie USA Regional Tournament Fishing tournament pavilion. For more info call Lake Dardanelle State Park at 479-967-5516 June 4-5: Central Pro-AM Fishing Tournament Fishing tournament pavilion. June 11: Fishers of Men Bass Tournament Fishing tournament pavilion. June 18: Wal-Mart BFL Fishing Tournament Fishing tournament pavilion. For more information on the above tournaments call Lake Dardanelle State Park 479-967-5516 or email lakedardanelle@arkansas.com July 4: 14th Annual Community Fireworks Display Old Post Road Park. Display begins at 9:15 p.m. Call 479-968-1272 or visit website www.eteamz.com/rsvlparksdepartment. Admission: $3.00 per car donation. Paris June 24-26: Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival Mount Magazine State Park. Mount Magazine is famous for its butterfly species. For more information, call 479-963-8502, or email mountmagazine@arkansas.com June 25: Paris Rhythm -N- Rock Fest North Logan County Fair Grounds. Featuring "Cross Canadian Ragweed", "No Justice", and "Lucero". Gates open 5:00 p.m. the first band goes on at 6:00 p.m. For more information contact Paris Area Chamber of Commerce 479-963-2244 Clarksville Foothills Arena June 2 and 3: Stran Smith Calf Roping School 9 am. June 11 and 12: Team Roping 8 a.m. For more information on the above events call 479-497-2688 or email foothillsarena@centurytel.net June 21-24: 64th Annual Johnson County Peach Festival Town Square. For more information contact Ken Medeiros 479-754-9152 or visit website www.jocopeachfetival.8m.com. Admission: Free events; pageants $6 June 14: World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Clarksville High School Fine Arts Center 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and are available at the Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. For more information call 479-754-2340. Morrilton June 11: Mountain Fishing Derby Petit Jean State Park. Fishing is one of America's favorite pastimes. See if you can reel in a lunker on Lake Bailey or Lake Roosevelt. Open to kids ages 16 and under. For more information call 501-727-5441 or visit website www.petitjeanstatepark.com. Admission: Free June 14-18: 47th Annual Petit Jean Car show & Swap Meet Museum of Automobiles, Petit Jean Mountain. Car parts, arts and crafts, antiques and much more to be sold by about 975 swap meet vendors. For more information contact Buddy Hoelzeman 501-727-5427. Admission: Free July 4: July 4th Fun and Games Day Petit Jean Mountain. Observe our nation's birthday with an abundance of activities. For more information call 501-727-5441. Admission: Free Altus July 4: 4th of July Celebration Altus City Park. Music, food, sack races, women's skillet throw, turtle races, and fireworks display. For more information contact Jennifer Brown 479-468-4684 or visit website www.altusarkansas.com. Admission: Free Centerville Dragway June 4: SL/TNT + Mopars June 5: Bracket & Mopars Invade Centerville. Sponsored by Hagans Dodge in Morrilton June 11: SL/TNT Real Street June 12: CLOSED June 18: SL/TNT EFI Shootout June 19: Double Points June 25: SL/TNT June 26: 300' ATV Dirt Drags Only July 2: SL/TNT HOT Street Showdown July 3: Summer Bracket Showdown July 9: SL/TNT Outlaw July 10: ??? July 16: SL/TNT PRO Street Begins July 17: Points/Awards 2nd Half July 23: SL/TNT Imports Only July 24: 300' ATV Dirt Drags Only July 30: SL/TNT/Arkansas Z Club Show July 31: Points + Fast Ford Bracket For more information on the above events call 479-576-4001 or email cvdrag@arkwest.com