’Tis the Season
Arkansas’s outdoor activities don’t shut down just because the temperature is dropping, and no place brings the outdoors and the holidays together like the greater Searcy area. Check out the duck hunting in nearby Bald Knob (White County) and Augusta (Woodruff County), then take in the splendor of Christmas in Searcy’s lights and decor, which earned the community recognition in Southern Living magazine as the best in Arkansas. It all starts with the courthouse lighting Nov. 20.
The calendar below is but a sample of other events, races and celebrations happening from one end of The Natural State to the other. Dates and details are subject to change, so make sure you check in with organizers before making plans.
Tell us about your outdoors event! Send details to Dwain Hebda, editor, at dwain@arktimes.com.
Check out Searcy's courthouse, lit up for the season.
PHOTO : ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS HERITAGE AND TOURISM
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Be sure to check out these family friendly community festivals to get yourself into the holiday spirit.
NOV. 17 LIGHTS OF THE OZARKS in Fayetteville
NOV. 18 NORTHERN LIGHTS HOLIDAY FESTIVAL in North Little Rock
NOV. 20 LIGHTS OF THE DELTA in Blytheville
NOV. 22 WHITE RIVER WONDERLAND in Batesville
NOV. 26 DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING in Fort Smith
DEC. 1 CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS in Eureka Springs
DEC. 8 CHRISTMAS PARADE in Dardanelle
Nov
22: TURKEY TROT FOR HEROES in Rogers
Prep for the feasting ahead by sneaking in a 5K on Thanksgiving in Rogers. The Turkey Trot for Heroes benefits Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, an organization that assists veterans and first responders to enjoy the healing power of the outdoors.
runsignup.com
24-25: WINGS OVER THE PRAIRIE FESTIVAL in Stuttgart
Experience the largest outdoors-themed festival anywhere in the Mid-South in the Rice and Duck Capital of the World! Highlighted by the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contests, the festival also offers a variety of entertainment and attractions, including a carnival and midway, food and shopping. Check out the Duck Gumbo Cookoff or strut your stuff in the 5K and 10K races. All that and more are ready to be enjoyed.
stuttgartduckfest.com
Dec
2: LOVIT TRAIL MARATHON in Mt. Ida
It’s December. It’s cold. It’s free. What more could you want? Run the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, a single track foot path with no significant creek crossing ― just you, the woods and 26.2 miles. And yes, you read right ― no application or entry fee to participate, just register (please) and run.
runarkansas.com
16-17: RAID THE ROCK in Little Rock
One of the most unique adventure races in Arkansas, Raid the Rock offers two course options: an 8-hour intermediate course and a 24-hour advanced course. Each course requires advanced navigation and a variety of racing skills on foot, on wheels and more. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!
raidtherock.com
5: ARKANSAS DUCK DERBY in Conway
Get your quack on for a good cause! The Derby will start with a morning hunt pairing teams of four with landowners and experienced hosts throughout the region. That evening, enjoy a celebration banquet on the campus of UCA featuring live and silent auctions, raffles, great food, entertainment and the crowning of the winning team. Benefiting Conway Regional Health Foundation.
conwayregional.org
6: ATHENS BIG FORK TRAIL MARATHON in Mena
Rugged terrain and friendly folks make this the ideal way to kick off your new year. In high demand every year, the Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon and 17 Mile Blaylock Creek Fun Run are the perfect way to start your 2024.
