News Release

Buffalo National River hosts second weekend of events celebrating the park’s 50th anniversary

Date: May 27, 2022
Contact: Cassie Branstetter, 870-365-2744

Harrison, Ark. – Buffalo National River’s second weekend of 50^th anniversary celebratory events is coming soon. From June 9 - 12, 2022, the park is celebrating how the Buffalo River inspires creative artistic endeavors. All are invited to participate in the free activities listed below.    

• 9-11 p.m., Thursday, June 9, 2022: A Night at the Kenda Drive-in. Short films and videos by filmmakers of all ages and experience levels will be featured on the big screen at the Kenda Drive-in in Marshall. Films will focus on the Buffalo River’s history, beauty, recreation, and art. 
• 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, June 10, 2022:  Music, Words, and Images of the Buffalo River. Join the Lucky Star Farm Artist in Residence Program for an evening of music, readings and storytelling about the land, the people and the imagery of the Buffalo River. The event will take place at the Buffalo Point Amphitheater. This variety show features music by zydeco musician Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes and the folk art duo of Donna and Kelly Mulholland of Still on the Hill; a historical reading on the Rush Ghost Town by author Alison Moore; stories of the Ozarks by photographer and writer Don House, photographer and writer Sabine Schmidt; and textile imagery of the river by Cate McCoy.
• 2:30-9 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2022: Music Festival at the Tyler Bend Pavilion. Free outdoor concerts featuring National Park Radio, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes and the Sunspots, Sycamore, Will Gunselman, and Still on the Hill. Bring water, your lawnchairs, blankets, and dancing shoes! Parking will be limited, please carpool. Please do not bring glass bottles. This event is supported by the Buffalo National River Partners.  
• 2 -3 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 2022: Dance performance by the Chinelos Morelenses Unidos en Arkansas at the Ozark Campground pavilion. The Chinelos Morelenses Unidos en Arkansas, a Mexican American dance group from Springdale, will perform fast-paced traditional dances while wearing colorful and elaborately decorated costumes. The dances’ origins lie deep in the Mexican state of Morelos, dating back more than two centuries. The dancers will speak about the inspiration they gather from nature and the Buffalo River area.

These events are a part of a series of special event weekends scheduled throughout 2022 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Buffalo National River. Buffalo National River was originally designated by Congress as public land in 1972 to conserve the unique scenic and scientific features of the area, while preserving as free flowing an important segment of the Buffalo River for the enjoyment of future generations. 

Preparation for and presentation of these events are made possible by the hard work and volunteerism of many park and community partners, including Buffalo National River Partners, the Kenda Drive-in, and Lucky Star Farm.  

For more information about these and other 50^th anniversary events, please visit https://www.nps.gov/buff/getinvolved/50th-anniversary.htm and the park’s Facebook and Instagram social media pages. Please note that events are subject to change due to weather.  



 

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About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s more than 420 national park units and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.