COMMUNITY
Staff Report
Celebrate Culture and Community This Month
Northwest Arkansas’ cultural vibrancy is a testament to the hearts of those who call it home. Today, the region celebrates a flourishing arts scene, rich culinary traditions and everyday customs from cultures that were born here as well as those that took root along the way. Three festivals this month will celebrate the history and diversity of Northwest Arkansas and its people.
International Festival
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is hosting its eighth annual International Festival on Sept. 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. This vibrant event celebrates the diverse cultures that enrich the local community.
Attendees will be treated to captivating cultural and traditional dance and musical performances on the Great Lawn, hosted by bilingual emcee Papa Rap. A global culinary journey awaits with a variety of food trucks and vendors offering delicious international cuisines. The garden will be dotted with booths showcasing arts and crafts, cultural displays, and unique items for sale. Additionally, experts will be available to provide valuable resources for immigrants, refugees and other marginalized communities.
This festival is part of Welcoming America’s Welcoming Week from Sept. 13-22, a nationwide initiative that unites immigrants, refugees and native-born residents to highlight the significance of welcoming and inclusive communities for collective prosperity.
Tickets are on sale until the day before the event. Day-of tickets will be available should capacity allow. Follow BGO on Facebook for more information. (Photos courtesy of Botanical Garden of Ozarks)
For more information, visit www.bgozarks.org.
Harvest Festival​
Historic Cane Hill will present the 2024 Harvest Festival on Sept. 21. The Harvest Festival is one of the longest-running community events in Northwest Arkansas, offering visitors an engaging experience combining history, Ozark culture, and a natural setting with modern amenities and entertainment.
Visitors to the festival can enjoy breakfast, food trucks, live music, an Arts and Eats market, sorghum pressing and cooking demonstrations, craft demonstrations, tours of historic buildings, a quilt show, a live pie auction, and a kids zone with free activities from Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, the University of Arkansas Entomology Department and more.
The Cane Hill Harvest Festival kicks off with a Country Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. Festival activities begin at 8 a.m. and run until 3:30 p.m. Festivities are held on the grounds of Cane Hill College.
Tickets to the festival are $5 for adults; kids ages 12 and under are admitted free. Breakfast tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under. Bundled breakfast and festival admission tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under. Historic Cane Hill members get two free adult admission tickets, and membership may be purchased online or at the festival. Tickets are available at the entrance gate or may be purchased online. Parking is free. (Photos by Russell Cothren)
For more information,
visit www.historiccanehillar.org.
Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Heritage Festival
Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Heritage Festival on Sept. 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. The festival will return to Northwest Arkansas Mall this year, taking place in the west parking lot, near JCPenney.
The Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Heritage Festival happens during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. This free, family-friendly event offers a variety of educational and entertainment offerings including arts and crafts, a children’s area (with two soccer tennis courts), authentic Hispanic food, dance lessons, exhibitors and vendors, and live musical performances from local and regional artists.
The purpose of the festival is to provide a unique opportunity for accessing the arts, culture and recreation of Hispanic/Latino/Arkansans/Americans, while improving the overall quality of life for all people in Northwest Arkansas. This is achieved by celebrating the many contributions and history of this important population base.
One hundred percent of net proceeds generated by the festival will stay local. Funds will be reinvested in Hispanic/Latino-related community education efforts and used to support future festivals, further building upon Northwest Arkansas’ reputation for acceptance, diversity and hospitality.
In addition to the festival, there will be a soccer tournament Sept. 28 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bobby Hopper Park in Springdale. To participate, contact Jose Sosa at Jsosa@fnscold.com. (Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce)