Water-powered hydroflight performances, a barbecue competition, activities for children and live music are just a few of the events featured at this year’s White River Water Carnival.
The 74th annual carnival will take place from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 16 at Riverside Park in Batesville.
Admission is free, but there is a $10 fee for all-day access to the Kid Zone.
Kyle Christopher, tourism director of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, said the water carnival will offer something for all ages and interests.
This year, the event will feature the Kansas City BBQ Society Arkansas State BBQ Championship, he said.
“Teams from all over the country will compete for the grand prize at Riverside Park. A food-truck festival will complement the BBQ competition with a wide variety of interesting menu options,” he said.
Christopher said food vendors will include The Patty Wagon, T’s Boxed Lunches, Crossfire BBQ, A&B Cajun Connection, Dry Creek Concessions, Gigi’s Cupcakes, The Fun Food Factory and Tropical Sno.
“Interest in food trucks both locally and in the state has really exploded,” he said. “In the last year or so, we have had at least five begin doing business in Batesville. With the introduction of Food Truck Fridays this summer at Riverside Park, local residents have really embraced [the food trucks].”
Christopher said vendors will also sell candles, jewelry, arts and crafts, clothing, saddlery and more.
The MDA Firetruck Pull, which will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the River City Cruisers Car Show will kick off the carnival at 10 a.m.
The popular Kid Zone will return at 11 a.m., he said, featuring a Bounce House Extravaganza consisting of a large collection of bounce houses.
Christopher said Team Aquafly of Austin, Texas, will perform at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and will present an LED show at 8:30 p.m.
“Aquafly is one of the largest hydroflight show teams in the world with more than 20 dedicated professionals riding all types of hydroflight devices. Hydroflight features personal watercraft carriers that push pressurized water up a 60-foot hose that splits into multiple jet nozzles that create lift for the device and the rider,” he explained.
Team Aquafly is sure to amaze viewers, he said, and members have entertained audiences all over the world.
Christopher said live musical performances by Keith Symanowitz and Lockhouse Orchestra will being at 4 p.m.
The annual White River Water Carnival Parade will take place at 5 p.m. and make its way down Chaney Drive along Riverside Park until it reaches Pioneer Drive, said Michele Parsley, leader of the Parade Committee.
She said the theme for the parade this year is The Tacky Tourist.
“This is a change from previous years, and the hope is that moving the parade to later in the day will help keep the little kids out of the heat of the day,” Parsley said. “This also puts the parade in position to be more of a headline event and allows families to come for the parade and stay for the other evening events.”
Parsley said Wally the White River Water Monster mascot will be the grand marshal of the parade.
“The image of Wally has been around for a couple years, but this year, he has come to life with the new mascot costume,” she said.
The parade will be presented by Citizens Bank, Parsley said, and will feature local businesses, civic groups, cheerleaders, bands, dance teams and more.
“We might even find Santa Claus being a tourist in Batesville on the day of the parade,” she said.
The carnival is free and allows families who aren’t able to afford a trip to a theme park to still have a great time and make memories together, Parsley said.
The event is presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Christopher said, and activities and entertainment will be provided at the carnival by a variety of sponsors.
Christopher said Independence County is Arkansas’ best-kept secret.
“Based firmly in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Independence County’s progressive and trendsetting culture have created a welcoming atmosphere for a wide variety of visitors and future residents,” he said.
“The White River Water Carnival is one of Arkansas’ longest-running festivals. In an effort to always keep things fresh and exciting, the chamber has consistently introduced new attractions to the carnival,” Christopher said. “Everything from glow runs and world-renowned magicians to this year’s main attraction, Aquafly, the White River Water Carnival is always bringing something new for guests to enjoy.”
Staff writer Kayla Baugh can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or kbaugh@arkansasonline.com.