Category Archives: Holidays

Heritage Month – Oakland-Fraternal Cemetery

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LR National Cemetery portion of Oakland Fraternal Cemetery

LR National Cemetery portion of Oakland Fraternal Cemetery

Since the focus of Memorial Day is to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, today’s feature is the Oakland & Fraternal Historic Cemetery Park. It was established in 1862 when the City of  Little Rock purchased a 160-acre estate in order to accommodate the Civil War dead. Through the years, this 160-acre estate has been carved into seven distinct cemeteries: Oakland, National, an eleven-acre Confederate, a one-acre Confederate, Fraternal, Jewish Oakland, and Agudath Achim. Today, 108 acres of the original 160 remain as burial grounds. The cemeteries have seen more than 62,000 burials since the first in 1863.

Oakland-Fraternal now includes over 10,000 monuments and sculptures on its 92 acres. As the public cemetery for over one hundred years, the cemetery is representative of Little Rock’s social fabric. United States Senators and Congressmen, Governors, Mayors, merchants, doctors, and educators are all interred in Oakland-Fraternal.  The cemetery is actually comprised of seven different cemeteries which are collectively known by the name “Oakland-Fraternal.”

The National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. The remaining cemeteries were listed on the National Register in 2010.

Fireworks, Fun, and Fantastic Music wrap up 2015 Riverfest today

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Riverfest fireworksRiverfest goes out with a bang today featuring the First Security Bank Fireworks at 9:00 p.m. prior to the headline entertainment. Music will be simulcast throughout Riverfront Park and broadcast on The Point 94.1.

The Miller Light/AFCU Stage starts with the First Baptist Church Vessels of Praise at 1:15.  Life Skills for Youth goes on stage at 2, while the Arkansas All Star Cloggers take the stage at 2:45.  The afternoon session also includes Charlotte Leigh (3:30), The Roosevelts (4:30), and Backroad Anthem (6:00).  Sam Hunt will play from 7:30 to 9:00, followed by the fireworks.  At 9:30, Jake Owen will close out the festival on this stage.

On the Bud Light Stage, the afternoon session includes Weakness for Blondes (1:45), The Irie Lions (3:15) and House of Shem (4:45).  The evening kicks off with Galactic featuring Macy Gray at 6:15.  Big K.R.I.T. plays at 8pm.  Following the fireworks, Girl Talk takes the stage at 9:45pm.

The Stickyz Stage gets started at 1:30 with Big Still River.  Dead Soldiers follow at 2:45, and John Paul Keith is on at 4:00.  Adam Faucett & The Tall Grass go on at 5:15.  The evening music starts with Leopold & His Fiction at 6:30.  Hot Buttered Rum plays at 7:45.  Following the Fireworks, George Porter Jr. & His Runnin’ Pardners are the final act on this stage for Riverfest 2015.

The Yarnell’s Kidzone Stage lineup includes:

  • 1:15 pm    The Kazoobie Kazoo Show w/Rick Hubbard
  • 2:15 p.m.    Break Shop Bump’n
  • 3:00 p.m.    FreezeFest Ice Cream Eating Competition
  • 3:15 p.m.   Kenya Safari Acrobats
  • 4:00 pm    The Kazoobie Kazoo Show w/Rick Hubbard
  • 5:00 p.m.  FreezeFest Ice Cream Eating Competition
  • 5:15 pm    Break Shop Bump’n
  • 6:00 pm    Kenya Safari Acrobats
  • 6:45 pm    The Kazoobie Kazoo Show w/Rick Hubbard
  • 7:45 p.m.  FreezeFest Ice Cream Eating Competition
  • 8:00 p.m    Break Shop Bump’n
  • 9:00 p.m.    Fireworks
  • 9:30 p.m.    DJ Dev

A full day of fun and music today at Riverfest

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Riverfest2015_tstDay TWO of Riverfest is full of music on four stages as well as many other activities.

Miller Light/AFCU Stage

Little Rock School of Dance starts the day on the Miller Light/AFCU Stage at 11:30, followed by I CAN! Dance (12:15), KidSmart (1pm) and O’Donovans School of Irish Dance (1:45pm).  At 2:30, Kyla Horton performs followed by Stephen Neeper & The Wild Hearts (3:30) and Adam Hambrick (4:45).

At 6pm Ben Rector goes on stage.  Robert Earl Keen takes the stage at 7:45.  The final act of the night is Kip Moore at 9:30.

 

Bud Light Stage

Things get going on the Bud Light stage at 11:30 with the winning band from Rock ‘n’ Stroll.  Then at 1pm, Brothers & Company are next.  They are followed by American Lions (2:15), Recess (3:30) and 40 Oz to Freedom (4:30).

At 6pm Sister Hazel takes the stage.  Bone Thugs ‘n’ Harmony are next at 8pm.  The evening lineup ends when 311 goes on stage at 9:45.

 

Stickyz Music Stage

At 12:30, the People’s Republic of Casio Tones starts the day on the Stickyz Music Stage.  They will be followed by Open Fields (1:45), Move Orchestra (3:00), Ghost Bones (4:15) and Bobgoblin (5:30).

The Whigs claim the stage at 6:45 followed by Vinyl Thief at 8:15.  Mansion on the Moon goes on at 9;45.

 

Yarnell’s Kidzone Stage

  • 11:30 pm Little Rock Zoo Creature Feature
  • 12:15 pm The Kazoobie Kazoo Show w/Rick Hubbard
  • 1:15 p.m. FreezeFest Ice Cream Eating Competition
  • 1:30 p.m. Little Rock Zoo Creature Feature
  • 2:15 pm Break Shop Bump’n
  • 3:00 p.m. Kenya Safari Acrobats
  • 3:45 p.m. FreezeFest Ice Cream Eating Competition
  • 4:00 p.m. The Kazoobie Kazoo Show w/Rick Hubbard
  • 5:00 p.m. Break Shop Bump’n
  • 5:45 p.m. Kenya Safari Acrobats
  • 6:30 p.m. FreezeFest Ice Cream Eating Competition
  • 6:45 p.m. The Kazoobie Kazoo Show w/Rick Hubbard
  • 7:45 pm Break Shop Bump’n
  • 8:30 p.m. DJ Dev

Ruff on the River Goes Red, White and Blue!

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ROTR_FBRiverfest presents the 4th Annual “Ruff on the River Pooch Parade” to be held on Saturday May 23, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.  This year’s theme is Red, White, and Blue! Dress up your pooch in a patriotic theme. Ruff on the River and Riverfest want to give back to animal organizations in need. What better way than to get the community together for some fun while giving back to others.  This years proceeds recipients are as follows:  All About Labs, Little Rock Animal Village and C.A.R.E.

The registration “PAWTY” and the start of the parade will take place on the lawn of Heifer Village for the 2015 festival. The parade will start at 9:30 a.m. If you did not pre-register, you may register on site for $35 with festival admission included for the entire weekend! The “PAWTY”starts at 8:30 a.m. and immediately following the parade will be the Weenie Dog Derby for all short legged dogs.  There are three different sized categories for the short-legged dog races.1) Beenie Weenies – Measures no more than 8″ in height. 2) Hot Dogs – Measures 9-12″ in height. 3) Summer Sausage – Measures over 12″ in height.  Join our celebrity judges as they give away top prizes at the Winners Circle and introduce the recipients of our proceeds and the winners of the best costume contest!

Each Pooch registration includes one human escort. Additional human guests can walk with the pooch member by purchasing an additional escort pass. Escort passes can be purchased at the registration “PAWTY”.

Registration for additional human companions and the Weenie Dog Derby will take place the day of the event for $5.

Your registration fee benefits C.A.R.E., All About Labs and Little Rock Animal Village.

Riverfest kicks off today with Sheryl Crow, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, Kris Allen, Gaelic Storm

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2015 Riverfest SquareRiverfest is a celebration of visual and performing arts that is held annually over Memorial Day weekend on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock. Riverfest is the largest single event in the state of Arkansas with a rich 38-year tradition. Approximately 250,000 festival-goers attended the 2014 event, with an estimated economic impact of $33 million on the community.

Tonight things get going with performances on four different stages.

On the Miller Lite/Arkansas Federal Credit Union Stage (the amphitheatre), Sheryl Crow will headline at 9:30.  Arkansas’ own Kris Allen will play from 8 to 9.  Just Sayin’ will just kick things off at 6:30.

The lineup for the Bud Light Stage includes: STARSET at 6:30, The Pretty Reckless at 8 and Halestorm at 9:45.

On the Stickyz Stage, The Salty Dogs will start at 6:30. At 8, Swampbird will take the stage.  Gaelic Storm will end the evening at 9:30.

The Yarnell’s Kidzone Stage will feature: The Kazoobie Kazoo Show w/Rick Hubbard at 6:15, Break Shop Bump’n at 7:15 and DJ Dev at 8pm.

3rd annual Summer Suppers schedule announced by QQA

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Curran HallThe Quapaw Quarter Association has announced their third annual Summer Suppers schedule.

Colors at Curran

Sunday June 14 – 5:00 PM; Curran Hall

Bring the family, meet Uncle Sam and visit Historic Curran Hall for a southern picnic to celebrate Flag Day. The Little Rock Visitor Foundation recently acquired the original 1859 square grand piano that belonged to the Woodruff family and sat in Curran Hall from the 1860s to the 1990s. Come take a look and listen to Arkansas music from the past 150 years.

MENU: BBQ, traditional summer side dishes, beer, and ice cream

HOSTS (Little Rock Visitor Foundation and Board of Directors): Aaron Ruby, Lauren Bridges, Joanne Hinson, Shannon Treece, Larry Carpenter, Brendan Monaghen, Jim Montgomery, Jim Rule, Barry Travis, Carolynn Coleman, Cherry Light, and Jason Campbell.

Limited to 100 people. Cost is $20 a person.

 

Sunset at the Fountainebleau

Saturday June 20 – 6:00 PM; Rogers House, 400 West 18th Street

Revisit Miami Beach in the 1950s with the glamour and fun of the tropics and the cuisine of Little Italy Complete with bocce ball on the lawn and a Bellini bar poolside. Cocktail hour music provided by Dino, Frank and Sammy.

 

MENU: An Italian Feast! Antipasto, salad, pasta, featuring homemade bread and sausage a la familia Dalla Rosa, finished off with a themed dessert bar. Gluten-free and vegan options available, so everyone can join the fun!

 

HOSTS: Jilly Judy and Mark Brown, Karen Form, Harry and Robin Loucks, Michelle and Rick Harper, Sandy Griffith, Stuart and Hillis Schild, Laura and Ed Sergeant, Marcella and Marvin Dalla Rosa, Karol Zoeller, and David and Alex Robinson

 

Limited to 100 people. Cost is $75 a person.

 

 

 

Third Annual Welcome to the Gayborhood

Saturday June 27 – 6:30 PM; Sam Scull House 2300 State Street

 

Come to a relaxing evening in a speakeasy atmosphere at this 1914 Craftsman style home. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres from Trio’s and a dessert bar by Chef Ted. Libations this year are presented in consultation with noted mixologist Spencer Janson and include a Moscow Mule bar, white sangria (vastly improved recipe), give and really good tonic, iced tea and bourbon and possible more! There will be non-alcoholic alternatives, also. Gay people have always been a large part of historic preservation. Meet several of them and learn something about gay history. Casual dress because of the heat, but no heels please! Enjoy the food and drink. Guests are encouraged to tour the entire house and enjoy the vast art collection.

 

HOSTS: Ted Holder and Joe van den Heuvel

 

Limited to 35 people. Cost is $75 a person.

 

Stone’s Throw Brewing Beer Dinner

Wednesday, July 29 – 6:30pm; Southern Gourmasian, 219 West Capitol

 

Spend the evening at Southern Gourmaisian’s new downtown brick and mortar location for dinner pairing unique dishes from the king of the Little Rock food truck scene with beers and ciders brewed by Stone’s Throw Brewing. Chefs Justin Patterson and Pat Beaird will prepare five courses of Asian-Southern fusion cuisine to pair with six different artisanal brews. Chefs and brewery representatives will be on hand to talk about each pairing and chat over dinner.

 

HOSTS: Stone’s Throw Brewing, Southern Gourmasian, Ashli Ahrens and Kelley Bass, Shana and Soloman Graves, Gabe Holmstrom, John Herzog, Kathy McCarroll, Jarrod Johnson, and Rhea Roberts

 

Limited to 50 people. Cost is $50 a person.

  

Hognado! at The Joint in Argenta

Friday August 7 – 6:30 PM; Crush Wine Bar, 318 Main & The Joint, 301 Main, NLR

 

Begin your evening enjoying historic Argenta with appetizers and libations at Crush Wine Bar before heading to The Joint for an 8 p.m. show. HOGNADO! Is The Main Thing’s first disaster comedy, about a super-sized storm system that cuts the Natural State a new one! See how Arkansans adapt and survive when a giant tornado swoops up the last remaining wild hogs in the Ozarks and hurls them at Little Rock at 180 miles per hour.

 

HOSTS: Greg Nabholz, John Gaudin and Corky Patton, and Cheddy Wigginton

 

Limited to 25 people. Cost is $40 a person.

On Armed Forces Day – Visit the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

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Today is Armed Forces Day.  It is a good day to visit Little Rock’s museum devoted to Arkansas’ military heritage.  Located in the historic Arsenal Tower in MacArthur Park, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History honors the Arkansans who have served in the armed forces.  Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms and other military items that vividly portray Arkansas’s military history at home and abroad.

The exhibits include:

  • From Turbulence to Tranquility: The Little Rock Arsenal
  • Capital In Crisis and Celebration: Little Rock and the Civil War
  • Alger Cadet Gun
  • Camden Expedition
  • David Owen Dodd
  • Through the Camera’s Eye: The Allison Collection of World War II Photographs
  • By the President in the Name of Congress: Arkansas’ Medal of Honor Recipients
  • Conflict and Crisis: The MacArthur- Truman Controversy
  • Duty, Honor and Country: General Douglas MacArthur
  • The Sun Never Sets on the Mighty Jeep: The Jeep During World War II
  • War and Remembrance: The 1911 United Confederate Veterans Reunion
  • First Call – American Posters of World War I
  • Undaunted Courage, Proven Loyalty: Japanese American Soldiers in World War II
  • Vietnam, America’s Conflict

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is a museum of the City of Little Rock.  It is led by executive director Stephan McAteer who works with the MacArthur Military History Museum Commission.  The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.