Fri - Mar 05
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
7p.m. – “Little Brother” – Have you ever thought about how people survived before there were stores to buy what they needed? Come to the amphitheater to learn about how the Cherokee used parts of a deer to get what they needed to survive. |
Sat - Mar 06
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Bassmaster Weekend Series Fishing Tournament
Lake Dard State Park Contact Porter Trimble 256-230-5628 |
Sat - Mar 06
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
10a.m. – Pioneer Play – Learn some of the fun and exciting ways pioneer children passed the time. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center.
2p.m. – Nature Tales – Why should an armadillo never cross the road? Because he may never get to the other side! Come to the kid’s corner of the visitor center to hear a story about what might be taught in an armadillo school.
5p.m. – What’s Your Cover – Sometimes it’s hard to see why some animals are feathered, while others are furry. Why some are scaled, while others are skinned. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about some of the body coverings you and I see when living in Arkansas. Get ready to touch and feel to learn! |
Sun - Mar 07 -- Tue - Mar 09
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Governors Conference
Eureka Springs, AR Contact 501-682-1120 form more information. |
Sun - Mar 07
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Lake Dard State Park
10a.m. – Soap Making – Join a park interpreter in the classroom and learn how to make soap. Making soap was a necessity before there were corner stores. Now it is a hobby.
3p.m. – Busy as a Beaver – Everyone is familiar with the phrase, “busy as a beaver”, but how did beavers get the reputation of being such hard workers? Meet a park interpreter in the amphitheater to learn more about these water-loving mammals. |
Sun - Mar 07
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CenturyLink High School Competition & Exhibit
Arkansas River Valley Arts Center 1-3 pm Contact 479-968-2452. |
Fri - Mar 12
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Lake dard State Park 479-967-5516
6p.m. – GPS Scavenger Hunt – Join a park interpreter in front of the visitor center to get started. Navigate your way around the park to find clues to your final destination. It will be an expedition of discovery. Be sure to bring a GPS unit if you have one, if not you can work from the clue to find your way |
Sat - Mar 13
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Kappa Sigma Bonanza Fishing Tournament
Lake Dard State Park Contact Chris Yates at 479-495-9786 |
Sat - Mar 13
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
11a.m. – Bird Beak Buffet – You can learn a lot about a bird by just looking at their beaks. Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater to see the different ways birds use their beaks to eat.
2p.m. – Nature Tales – Join a park interpreter in the children’s corner in the visitor center as we join a Wood Frog on his adventures throughout the year. Following the story there will be an interesting activity.
3p.m. – Turtles Lost and Found – Did you know that just by looking at the body of a turtle, it can tell you where it lives? Join a park interpreter in the orientation room of the visitor center to learn about some of the turtles found here in Lake Dardanelle.
4 p.m. – Spider Hider –What has eight legs and eats bugs? Discovery some of the fascinating things spider do. How they make their homes, find food, and even which ones are dangerous to us. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center and learn about these amazing creatures.
6p.m. – Hidden Creatures – We humans wear camouflage on a daily basis to blend in while hunting, and sometimes just for style. But, animals have to have camouflage to survive in the wild. Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater to see some pictures of these animals doing what they do best, blending in with nature, and see if you can spot all the hidden creatures in the pictures! |
Sun - Mar 14
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
9a.m. – Nature Journals – Ever wish you had a picture of something you saw but didn’t have a camera? Well nature journals are a sure way to have that picture and never have to get a picture printed. Join a park interpreter in the classroom of the visitor center and learn how to capture the memories without a camera.
3p.m. – Lake Cruise – Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the new state park tour boat. Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley throughout this 1 hour cruise. There is no fee for the tour, but space is limited. We will begin boarding 15 minutes before the tour, at the boat dock near the south boat ramp. Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. (Weather permitting |
Tue - Mar 16
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
11a.m. – Native American Games – Have you ever wondered how Native Americans spent their free time, back in history, way before this area was a state park? Are you curious about how their hunting skills were perfected? Meet a park interpreter in front of the visitor center to learn some of the games Native Americans developed, played, and perfected. All ages welcome!
2p.m. – Lock Tour – As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. Take advantage of one of these great opportunities by joining a park interpreter on our park tour boat and get a unique view of the lake and how we benefit from it. We will motor down to the Corps of Engineers- Dardanelle Lock and Dam and see how it all works. Space is limited, so sign up early. The tour is free, but you will need to call 479- 967- 5516 and register ahead of time. |
Wed - Mar 17
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
10a.m. – Bald Eagle measure Up – The winter months give us the opportunity to see more eagles than normal, as we get migrating eagles in from the north. These amazing birds are incredible not only for their beauty and speed but for their size as well. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center and discover how you measure up to an eagle.
1p.m. – Kayak Tour – The weather is warming up, and we’re going to see what’s emerging on the banks of Lake Dardanelle. We’ll be paddling our kayaks through some seldom closely seen shoreline of this beautiful 34,000 acre lake. Sign up at the visitor center (479-967-5516) at least one day in advance. The fee is $12 for adults, $6 for children 6-12 years old, 5 years and under ride free when with an adult. Please specify when you sign up if you want a tandem (2 person) or solo kayak.
2p.m. – All Tied up – By learning basic knot tying skills, you can learn to set up your campsite quickly and efficiently. Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn how to tie a few basic knots that will come in handy on any outdoor adventure.
4p.m. – Who goes there? – There are many creatures that call Lake Dardanelle home. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to discover who they are and what clues they leave behind as they move about. After looking through the clues we will head down the trail and see if we discover any new clues and find out, who goes there?
8p.m. – Night Vision – Explore the night life here at Lake Dardanelle. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater, and discover some of the tricks nocturnal inhabitants of the park use to get around at night. |
Thu - Mar 18
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Advertising & Promotion Commission Board Meeting
1 pm at the Chamber of Commerce. 479-967-1762 |
Thu - Mar 18
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
10a.m. – Nature’s Paint Box – Nature provides us with many great things ranging from food, to shelter materials, to beautiful views, but it also provides useful materials to captures those views. Painting is an age old activity, used for many reasons, hobby, body art, decorating everyday items such as pottery. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center, we will explore some of the items you can use to create paints and we will try them out as well.
1p.m. – Call of the Wild – Some animal calls are very familiar while others are rather vague and when they’re all mixed together, it can be difficult to pick them out. Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn the difference between many of the animal calls you hear in Arkansas.
4p.m. – Melodies from our Past – Ozark folk music shares the stories of the everyday lives of the people who first settled this area. What better way is there to understand our heritage than by listening to some of these songs? Meet a park interpreter in the visitor center classroom to hear about this unique form of music and to learn how to take it home with you.
7p.m. – Dutch Oven Cooking – Campfire food always seems to taste the best, and it is not difficult as long as you know what you are doing. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn about basic Dutch oven cooking, share recipes, and try a taste of campfire cuisine. Bring blankets or chairs to sit on |
Fri - Mar 19
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3rdannual Beaux Arts Academy
Friday, March 19 7:00 P.M.
Russellville Country Club
Three artists and a Patron of the Arts will be inducted into the Arts Center’s Third Annual Beaux Arts Academy in a banquet-style ceremony at Russellville Country Club.
Visual Artists—Gloria Garrison
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Bill Garrison
Performing Artist– Ken Futterer
Patron of the Arts-Donna and Mac Van Horn
We are committed to making this one of the most coveted awards and the most prestigious and memorable annual arts events designed to increase the honor and visibility of area artists and their wonderful works.
The awards are dedicated to the advancement of all art forms, encourage excellence in art and recognize and show respect and honor to the many deserving, enormously talented artists in the River Valley. It is loosely patterned after the Academy Awards with the presentation award being a piece designed and created by Winston Taylor. The award is being called Beaux.
An opportunity to sponsor and present one of the four awards is $250. You can also sponsor a VIP table for your party or to pay tribute to an honoree. Tables for 10 are $400.00. To set together reservations are required.
Call the Arts Center at 968.2452 to reserve tickets on your credit card or mail a check with your ticket order to Post Office Box 2112, Russellville 72811. |
Fri - Mar 19
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
10a.m. – Lock Tour – As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. Take advantage of one of these great opportunities by joining a park interpreter on our park tour boat and get a unique view of the lake and how we benefit from it. We will motor down to the Corps of Engineers- Dardanelle Lock and Dam and see how it all works. Space is limited, so sign up early. The tour is free, but you will need to call 479- 967- 5516 and register ahead of time.
3p.m. – Forest Excursion – Explore the forest; we will look at some of the many products that come from the forest. We walk past trees every day, but we don’t always realize how much we depend on them. We aren’t the only ones who need trees though. Trees are important to numerous creatures in the forest as well. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater and take a forest excursion adventure.
7:30p.m. – Fireside Stories – Telling stories is a centuries old tradition created for pleasure, as well as to pass down the history and oral traditions of an area or group of people. Meet a park interpreter at the fire ring across from the visitor center to hear some stories, share some stories, and enjoy the fire light. Be sure to bring your chair or blanket. |
Fri - Mar 19
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Beaux Arts Academy
The 2009 inductees will be honored at Beaux Arts Academy Friday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. at
Russellville County Club. Reservations are required due to limited seating. Tickets are $40 per
person for the banquet and award presentation. Tickets can be reserved with a credit card by
calling 479-968-2452, by mailing a check to River Valley Arts Center, Post Office Box 2112,
Russellville 72811, or picked up at River Valley Arts Center, 1001 East B Street, Russellville |
Sat - Mar 20
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CASA Fishing Tournament
Lake Dard State Park Contact Robert at 479-880-1195 |
Sat - Mar 20
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
9a.m. – Talking Turkey – Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater as she explains the importance the wild turkey had to the Native Americans who traveled through and settled this area. Learn how historical Native American uses for the turkey differ from the uses of today. Discover why turkey, is not just for dinner.
11a.m. – What’s the Buzz – Honeybees are very intelligent insects that work together in a complex society to make the sweet treat that humans have learned to love. Meet a park interpreter in the orientation room in the visitor center to learn how these busy bees do their jobs.
2p.m. – Nature Tales – Discover what one young girl’s favorite thing about spring is and how she enjoys it. Meet a park interpreter in the children’s area of the visitor center, she will read you a story and there will be a fun filled activity afterwards. Come prepared to get dirty; the activity is an age old pastime for kids.
3:30p.m. – Geocaching 101 – GPS units are not new, but some of their uses are. Geocaching is a relatively new activity that blends technology with outdoor activity. Through experiences in finding geocaches people get a chance to get out in nature and enjoy and appreciate our great resources. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater and discover a new way to enjoy nature.
6p.m. – Creatures of the Night – Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater and learn what animals come out when we go to sleep. We will talk about some of Lake Dardanelle State Park’s nocturnal residents. We will be outside so dress for the weather |
Sun - Mar 21
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
10a.m. – Corn Husk Dolls – Before there was plastic, there was corn. It had many uses, and one of them was toys. Join a park interpreter in the classroom as we teach you how to make a cornhusk doll.
3p.m. – Lake Cruise – Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the new state park tour boat. Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley throughout this 1 hour cruise. There is no fee for the tour, but space is limited. We will begin boarding 15 minutes before the tour, at the boat dock near the south boat ramp. Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. (Weather permitting) |
Tue - Mar 23
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
9a.m. – Kayak Tour – The weather is warming up, and we’re going to see what’s emerging on the banks of Lake Dardanelle. We’ll be paddling our kayaks through some seldom closely seen shoreline of this beautiful 34,000 acre lake. Sign up at the visitor center (479-967-5516) at least one day in advance. The fee is $12 for adults, $6 for children 6-12 years old, 5 years and under ride free when with an adult. Please specify when you sign up if you want a tandem (2 person) or solo kayak.
2p.m. – In-seine Adventure – What all lives in the Lake besides fish and turtles? Well, here is your chance to find out. We will meet at the kayak beach next to the visitor center. We will seine for macro-invertebrates and see who is living in the lake. Come prepared to get wet and wear water shoes |
Wed - Mar 24
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
10a.m. – Letterboxing Stamps – Letterboxing is an activity that has been around for centuries. All it takes is a journal, stamp, clues, and a compass. Come to the classroom to learn about letterboxing and make a personalized stamp of your own.
1p.m. – Nature’s Edibles – Ever wonder what there is in the forest to eat. What did Native Americans eat? Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater and she will introduce you to some of nature’s edible treats.
3p.m. – Arkansas Traveler – Lake Dardanelle is the site of many unique events in history, and the Arkansas Traveler is one that has molded Arkansas Folklore for years. The painting is thought to have been painted from the banks of this very park. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to discover the interesting history and sentiment that accompany this famous painting.
4:30p.m. – Great American Camper Quiz – Meet a park interpreter in the classroom to see how in tune you are with the natural world. We’ll be testing your skills about furs, tracks, and some mystery items! Bring your whole family, and see how much you know!
7p.m. – Packing Primer – Tonight we will learn some of the necessities for hiking and backpacking. We will learn basic safety measures. There are so many wonderful places to hike and see amazing sites in this great state. A backpacking trip is a great and inexpensive way to spend the day. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for your packing primer. |
Thu - Mar 25
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
9:30a.m. – Birding Basics – Bird watching is a hobby for all ages. To get started you only need the 3 B’s: Binoculars, a Bird book, and Birds. Lake Dardanelle has plenty of birds, so come out and meet a park interpreter in front of the visitor center and learn just how easy bird watching can be.
11a.m. – The Stories of Lake Dardanelle – Meet a park in the grassy area across from the visitor center, to hear some stories of the River Valley as the sun sets on Lake Dardanelle. Bring blankets and chairs to sit on the grass, as you see these stories come to life right before your eyes!
1p.m. – Lock Tour – As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. Take advantage of one of these great opportunities by joining a park interpreter on our park tour boat and get a unique view of the lake and how we benefit from it. We will motor down to the Corps of Engineers- Dardanelle Lock and Dam and see how it all works. Space is limited, so sign up early. The tour is free, but you will need to call 479- 967- 5516 and register ahead of time.
3p.m. – Fun with Fur – You can learn a lot about an animal just by looking at its fur. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to examine animal furs and learn about some of the mammals that make Lake Dardanelle State Park their home.
7p.m. – History in a Bag – Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Well, you can! All you need is your imagination. Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater to play a game that will take you back to the early days of Arkansas’ history |
Fri - Mar 26
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
11a.m. – Dutch Oven Cooking – Campfire food always seems to taste the best, and it is not difficult as long as you know what you are doing. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn about basic Dutch oven cooking, share recipes, and try a taste of campfire cuisine. Bring blankets or chairs to sit on.
1p.m. – Nature Items Scavenger Hunt - Join a park interpreter at the visitor center. We will see how many of the items on her list you can find in the park. There will be some interesting things on her list, so bring your thinking cap, be ready to get creative with your answers and let’s go nature hunting.
2p.m. – Know Your State – How well do you know the history and folklore of Arkansas? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for this fun quiz game where teams will compete for prizes. All ages welcome!
4:30p.m. – Fish Prints – Lake Dardanelle’s fishery is healthy and diverse, and we’ll be using inspiration from these scaled creatures to make some beautiful creations. Meet a park interpreter on the back deck of the visitor center to do some fishy art.
7p.m. – Owl Prowl – Join a park interpreter to learn about our silent hunters that come out when the sun goes down. We will meet at the amphitheater. We will talk about some of their unique features and then walk the Meadowbrook Trail as we try to catch a glimpse of these stealthy raptors. |
Sat - Mar 27
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5th Annual ATU Invitational
Lake Dard State Park Contact Christy Austin at 479-880-6044 |
Sat - Mar 27
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Lake Dard State Park 479-967-5516
10a.m. – Lock Tour – As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. Take advantage of one of these great opportunities by joining a park interpreter on our park tour boat and get a unique view of the lake and how we benefit from it. We will motor down to the Corps of Engineers- Dardanelle Lock and Dam and see how it all works. Space is limited, so sign up early. The tour is free, but you will need to call 479- 967- 5516 and register ahead of time.
11a.m. – It’s All in the Details – What do you see when you look at a tree? What do you see when you look at a bird? Often there is more to something than you will notice on your first glance. Join an interpreter at the amphitheater and hike down the Meadowbrook Trail to take a second look at some things we see every day.
2p.m. – Nature Tales – Join a park interpreter in the children’s corner of the visitor center. We will discover some of life’s many lessons with the help of some frogs. Following the story there will be a fun activity.
3p.m. – Wearable Water Cycle – Discover the many stops a drop of water makes on its journey through the water cycle. The possibilities are endless. Join a park interpreter in the classroom and dive into this incredible journey.
4p.m. – Focus on Fish – Why does Lake Dardanelle have such a healthy bass population? The health of this fishery is partially, due to the good conservation practices of the staff at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater where she will talk about fish and how we can better care for them by learning about and understanding their habits.
6p.m. – Going Batty – Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about the only mammals that can fly. Come prepared to see how you compare to these nighttime creatures! |
Sun - Mar 28
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Lake Dard State park 479-967-5516
10a.m. – Buzzing Builders – We have all seen different kinds of wasps’ nests, but have you ever thought about the reasons for their unique construction? Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center. Learn about these small structures, and to make one of your own.
2p.m. – Spring O – There are many creatures that live in and around Lake Dardanelle, and the wetlands that surround the lake create the perfect homes. We will learn about the wetlands and the creatures that call them home. We will explore the park and discover how many we can find. Join a park interpreter in front of the visitor center to start your adventure |