MOUNTAIN VIEW — The Arkansas Bean Fest and Championship Outhouse Races will take place Thursday through Saturday.
Now in its 29th year, the festival draws thousands to the small Ozark town for handmade crafts, music, pinto beans and cornbread, and the spectacle created by the outhouse racing teams.
The Beanie Weenie Dog Show will take place at 5 p.m.
Thursday on the courthouse stage.
The Artisans Market on the Square will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on the east side of the courthouse square on Peabody Avenue. The street will be blocked to traffic, allowing visitors to mingle among artisans’ booths while listening to music.
Scheduled music programs will be presented on the outdoor stage at the courthouse on Friday and Saturday. Impromptu music groups will spring up around the area throughout theday and play into the evening hours.
The bean pots will be fired up early Saturday morning, and pinto beans will be served with cornbread at noon.
The parade of outhouses will begin at 1 p.m. on Main Street, with the entrants making their way one block south to the raceway on Jefferson Street. The judging for the Most Original Outhouse and Best Costume will take place during the parade.
The races will get started around 1:30, and several heats will be held to determine the final winner in two divisions.
The Ozark Folk Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for visitors to watch craft demonstrations and listen to traditional music. Free shuttle service will be available from the Ozark Folk Center to the court square from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, and visitors are encouraged to park at the Ozark Folk Center and ride the shuttle downtown.
The Arkansas Junior RodeoAssociation will hold the AJRA Finals on Saturday and Sunday at the Stone County Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena.
The junior rodeo will be at 7 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m.
Sunday.
The young riders will receive saddles, buckles and other awards based on points accumulated throughout the year.
For more information about the event or the Mountain View area, visit the Mountain View Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.YourPlaceintheMountains.com or call the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce at (888) 679-2859.
For more information about Ozark Folk Center activities, visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.
com.
Three Rivers, Pages 133 on 10/23/2011