Twenty-fifth Mayhaw Festival planned for May 6
EL DORADO — The South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society, Inc. has announced that the 25th anniversary celebration of a “humble little berry and a touch of South Arkansas history,” will be held during the 2017 Annual Mayhaw Festival set to be held from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on May 6 on the grounds of the Newton House Museum, according to Jack Wilson, business manager of the SAHPS. This year’s Mayhaw Festival is being sponsored by First Financial Bank.
The 2017 Mayhaw Festival will kick off with the Annual Murphy USA 5K/10K Mayhawlin’ Run at 7:30 a.m. and will wrap up at 4 p.m. with “tons of fun for the whole family throughout the day. All activities will occur around the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society which includes the grounds of the Newton House Museum and the old ECCEL buildings along Jackson and Faulkner Streets, located in the Murphy Hill District. For every ones’ safety, Jackson Street (between Peach and Sheppard Streets) and Faulkner Street (between Jackson and Madison Streets) will be closed from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on May 6,” Wilson said.
“Start the festival out right by taking a bite out of the ‘guest of honor’ during the Mayhaw Jelly Biscuit Breakfast, beginning shortly after the Mayhawlin 5K/10K Run, then enjoy a day of Newton House Museum tours, live music, a vintage market of hand-crafted, homemade goods created by artisan vendors, lawn and garden vendors, quality food vendors, and the ‘Park & Shine’ antique car and bike show,” he said.
This year’s festival will include a “Kid’s Jam” play area with lots of activities such as: rock climbing, face painting, bounce houses, obstacle courses, blacksmithing demonstration, rope making, an art contest, a petting zoo and more. “Don’t forget to pick up a jar or two of that truly Southern treat, Mayhaw Jelly. Each hand-crafted batch of jelly is made from scratch, using locally sourced fruit and a traditional recipe passed down through generations and created in the kitchen of the Newton House Museum,” Wilson said.
“There’ll be dancin’ in
the street when our roster of musicians take to the main stage and fill the air with music for your listening and dancing pleasure. This year’s band lineup will feature Mama and the Outlaws (formerly Roses & Revolvers) kicking us off from 8 until 10 a.m. Then it’s the return of the Haley Creek Boys as they take the stage from 10 a.m. until noon. The Shapiro Brothers will keep the beat moving from noon to 2 p.m. and the Captain Ledge Band will close the festival out with their special mix of jams from 2 until 4 p.m.,” Wilson said.
The “Wing Ding” cook-off and classic car competition normally hosted during the Mayhaw Festival will be held as separate events this fall, according to Wilson. More information on both events will follow in the future.
“Again our title sponsor for the 25th Anniversary Mayhaw Festival is First Financial Bank and additional sponsors include Murphy USA, Systems Contracting, United Insurance Agency and Noalmark Broadcasting,” he said.
Check out the 2017Annual Mayhaw Festival on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society’s website for regular postings, registration forms and updates, Wilson said.