OZARK FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES SEARCY COUNTY HERITAGE

The Buffalo River Clggers perform at the Ozark Folklife Festival.

NPS photo

News Release Date: October 4, 2016

Contact: Caven Clark, 870-365-2790

TYLER BEND, BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER –Approximately 2,600 visitors joined together at Buffalo National River this weekend for the Ozark Folklife Festival, a heritage event celebrating 100+ years of Ozark culture and the centennial year of the National Park Service. Funding for the event was from the Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative, administered by the National Park Service.

The festival, sponsored by the Greater Searcy County Chamber of Commerce, featured a full lineup of live folk music by the Michael &Jennifer McLain Band, Still on the Hill, Buddy Case, Breez, and several other talents from the Ozarks. Cultural demonstrations included Native American storytelling and flute playing, flint knapping, Ozark burial customs, Dutch oven cooking, mandolin making, folk dancing, blacksmithing, and goat milking. Festival-goers also enjoyed skills workshops at the pickin' square, clogging performances, and traditional Ozark cuisine.

The Ozark Folklife Festival would not have been possible without the support and volunteerism of Buffalo National River Partners, Searcy County Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses and contributors.

 

Blacksmith works hot metal during demonstrations at Ozark Folklife Festival at Buffalo National River.

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Everyone gets in the act during an old fashioned game of Tug-o-War at the Ozark Folklife Festival.

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Folk dancers demonstrate steps for visitors at the Ozark Folklife Festival.

NPS Photo