HARRISON, Ark. – An open invitation is issued to attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Buffalo National River, America’s first National River. To celebrate this historic milestone, the park is planning a series of event weekends in 2022. The preparation and presentation of these events is made possible by the hard work and volunteering of many park and community partners, including Buffalo National River Partners, Buffalo River Historic Prison and Museum, Arkansas Master Naturalists, and Lucky Star Farm.
Buffalo National River Superintendent Mark Foust says, “The creation of the Buffalo National River was the first of its kind. We would love to see our communities and park visitors this incredible park and what it was, and will be, would celebrate. Please join us as we share the river, its resources and its history all year round. Just like the park itself, the festivities offer a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy. “
The Buffalo National River was originally designated as public by Congress in 1972 to preserve the region’s unique scenic and scientific features while preserving an important stretch of the Buffalo River as a free flowing river for future generations to enjoy.
The planned event weekends in 2022 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo National River are:
• History weekend February 26th – March 1st, celebrating the rich cultural history of the area and the creation of the park.
• February 26: Oral History StoryCorps event. Buffalo National River Oral History – StoryCorps Archives Collect oral stories from those who have stories to tell about their experiences on the river or about how the National River was formed in 1972. Place will be announced
• February 26: Lecture on the geological history of the area at Buffalo Point.
• February 27: A presentation in the St. Joe High School Auditorium on current and historical tribal connections to the Buffalo National River. Coordinated by Bob King of the Buffalo River Historic Jail and Museum
• March 1: Science Symposium at North Arkansas College with an opening ceremony for the anniversary year and a birthday cake celebration.
• 9-12 June Art in the Park Weekend, which celebrates the way the Buffalo National River inspires artistic endeavors.
• June 9: Student Film Festival at the Kenda Drive-in.
• June 10: Folk Story Telling Night at Buffalo Point Campground Amphitheater. Coordinated by Lucky Star Farm
• June 11: Tyler Bend Music Festival featuring artists demonstrating traditional Ozark musical traditions and how the river inspires modern creations. Hosted by Buffalo National River and Buffalo National River Partners.
• June 12: Chinelos Morelenses Unidos en Arkansas, a Mexican-American dance group from Springdale, will perform at Steel Creek and share the inspiration they get from nature and visiting the Buffalo River area.
• 8.-9. October Park RX Weekend: Celebrate the natural resources of the Buffalo National River and the health benefits they offer.
There is a photo geocaching scavenger hunt all over the park throughout the weekend.
• October 8: “Yoga in the Park” with yoga teachers at the Steel Creek and Buffalo Point campsites.
• October 8th: Moon Party at Tyler Bend Pavilion, a program to observe the moon with telescopes and discuss the meaning of the night sky.
• October 9: Naturalization Ceremony at the Ozark Campground Pavilion where 15 new US citizens will be naturalized.
Note: Events may change due to COVID-related requirements or weather. The Buffalo National River encourages everyone to check the park’s website www.nps.gov/buff and the calendar of events for the most up-to-date information.
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