OFF DUTY LIFE >>09-26-07

Wild Duck Festival this weekend in Trumann

The 25th Annual Wild Duck Festival runs through Saturday at the Trumann Sports Complex in Truman. There will be a carnival, music, food, crafts, gift items, competitions, senior softball games, karaoke and beauty pageants. Admission is free. For more information visit http://cityoftrumann.com.


Pumpkin patch opens

Hidden Valley Farm Fall Harvest Pumpkin Patch is open today through Oct. 28 at 719 Ferncliff, south of Chenal in Little Rock. Hidden Valley is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week and is suitable for kids of all ages.

There is an old-fashioned pick-your-own pumpkin patch, hayrides, funny scarecrows, corn stalks, Indian corn, gourds and more. Professional photography is available as well as photo opportunities. Admission is $2 per carload on weekends only. Other days are free. For more information visit http://hiddenvalleyfarm.com.
Haunted attraction in Eureka Springs
The Fourth Annual Raycliff Manor Haunted Attraction begins today and runs through Nov. 3 at 132 Huntsville Dr., Hwy. 23 in Eureka Springs. The Victorian/Gothic themed attraction has 22 rooms of heart pounding scares with a high shock factory, terrifying special effects and illusions. Admission is $13. For more information visit www.eurekascreams.com.
Oktoberfest hikes

Join a hike leader Oct. 6 for a trail walk in the tradition of a volksmarsch to celebrate the Arkansas Oktoberfest sponsored by the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. At 9 a.m., join a hike leader for a 5-mile aerobic hike. A shorter interpretive ranger guided hike will begin at 9:30 a.m. Admission is free. For more information visit www.nps.gov/hosp/


Wing Ding Oct. 6

The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce has announced that the ninth Annual Wing Ding Festival is Oct. 6 at Dupree Park in Jacksonville.

There will be arts and crafts, food, kids events, inflatables and music. Gates open at 9 a.m.
Admission is free. For more information visit www.jacksonville-arkansas.com.


Terrapin Derby slated

The 77th Annual Lepanto Terrapin Derby and Festival is Oct. 6 on Main Street in Lepanto. There will be a carnival, crafts, food, prizes, parade, turtle race and a street dance with a local band.

Admission is free. For more information call 870-930-6427 or e-mail cityoflepanto@yahoo.com.


Maumelle Family Fest

Maumelle Family Fest at Lake Willastein Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the gate.

They can be purchased at the Maumelle Community Center, Harvest Foods, Summit Church, First Methodist Church, Cedar Heights Baptist Church and Maumelle City Hall. The festival will have: The state’s largest Animal Petting Zoo, pony rides, Carnival Rides and Games, Magic shows by Randell Eller, Jamal the Clown, Fishing contest, Bongo Willies Drums, US Air Force and Army presentations, a Screening of The Wizard Of OZ on a large screen with concert sound, golf games, Boat Show, Great Foods, and an appearance of the 501st Legion of Storm Troopers from STAR WARS.

All this plus live music on Stage featuring: Latture, Olive and Iron, Tony Witt/ Elvis impersonator, Parker Branch, Josef Hedinger, Cara Martin, Heather Bennette, Patrick Hall / American Idol, Performances by the Maumelle Stars, Gymnastics Team, Dance Academy and a special showcase of the winners of the Little Rock Star Search by Windsong Performing Arts Center.

More attractions are being added. Tickets go on sale on August 20 at all locations.