March along the Arkansas Delta

Arkansas’s own The Jazz Cats take the stage at the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff as part of the “Live at Five” music series on March 2. The group plays venues throughout the area and includes Wendy Parhom on keyboard, Dr. Ron Wise on sax and clarinet, David Yarbrough on bass and tuba, and Bob Murphy on guitars and vocals. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Log on to www.artssciencecenter.org or phone 870-536-3375.
Take to the kayak for a scenic guided tour of Cane Creek Lake on March 10 as Cane Creek State Park in Star City hosts an Afternoon Kayak Tour. If you’re looking to experience the lake in a different way, try the park’s Sunset Kayak Tour offered on March 17, with the waters bathed in the beautiful colors of an Arkansas Delta sunset. Tour participants must not have kayaking experience but should be comfortable around and in the water. A brief paddling lesson is given before the beginning of the tour. Reservations are required and the $15 adult admission ($10 for ages 12 and under) includes kayak rental, lifejacket, paddle and guide service. Check out www.ArkansasStateParks.com to learn more or phone 870-628-4714.

The Lower White River Museum State Park offers a String Quilting Workshop on March 10. In the early the 20th century, Arkansans would often use strips of leftover fabric to fashion string quilts. During this workshop, participants will learn more about the process and try their hand at making a string quilt. The $10 fee includes all materials. Contact the park at 870-256-3711 for details.

Legendary country music artist Earl Thomas Conley performs at the Grand Prairie Center in Stuttgart on March 10. Conley, an award-winning songwriter and singer, was the first artist in history to have four #1 records from a single album. Tickets range from $15-$39. Log on to www.pccua.edu or call 870-673-4201 to learn more.

Enjoy a week of programs aimed at discovering the beauty and history of Lake Chicot when Lake Chicot State Park in Lake Village offers Spring Break at the Park on March 16-25. Activities include lake and levee tours, bird watching, hiking, and various nature programs. The majority of the programs are free with the exception of the lake and levee tours. Contact the park at 870-265-5480 for details.

Have a piece of pottery or an interesting object that puzzles you? Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin offers an Artifact and Fossil ID Day on March 17. Archeologists will be on hand to provide insight (not appraisals) on identification and age of objects and artifacts. To find out more, log on to www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Parkin Archeological State Park at 870-755-2500.

Soap is one of those necessities that most people take for granted. Learn how our ancestors made the household item when Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould offers a Soap Making Workshop on March 17. Participants learn the cold-process method and make soap to take home. Contact the park at 870-573-6751 for detailed information.

Spend a beautiful evening paddling and gazing at the stars when Lake Poinsett State Park in Harrisburg offers a Kayak and Dinner Cruise on March 24. Paddle around beautiful Lake Poinsett and then enjoy a scrumptious Dutch oven dinner on the lakeshore, followed by a glow-in-the-dark astronomy adventure. The fee for the program is $15. For details, contact Lake Poinsett State Park at 870-578-2064.

Learn more about outdoor cooking when Delta Heritage Trail State Park near Helena-West Helena hosts an Introduction to Dutch Oven Cooking presentation on March 24. Hear more about using the cast iron utensil, its care and ways to prepare tasty treats for the entire family. The park will host a beginners’ Dutch oven cooking workshop in April. For more information, contact the park at 870-572-2352.

Archeologists often “piece” artifacts together like a puzzle to understand the history of past cultures. Hampson Archeological Museum State Park in Wilson presents Prehistoric Puzzles on March 24. Staff and participants examine the conservation process and piece together some “artifacts” in this kid-friendly program. Admission is free. For more information, contact the park at 870-655-8622.

Enjoy a morning of fishing with your young angler at the Junior Fishing Derby being held at Cane Creek State Park in Star City on March 24. Youngsters ages 15 and under will compete for small prizes. Bring your pole for a morning filled with fun! The fishing derby starts at 8 a.m. and participants will meet at the park’s visitors center. For more information, visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone 870-628-4714.

Native Americans in Arkansas used knapping to create primitive weapons. Explore this technique as Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin offers a Flint Knapping Workshop on March 31. Advanced registration is required. The $20 workshop fee includes flint and a knapping kit. Contact the park at 870-755-2500 for more information.

Basket weaving is a great way to calm stress caused by a hectic lifestyle. It’s also a wonderful way to make gifts and décor accessories. Join Crowley’s Ridge State Park for an Easter Basket Weaving Workshop on March 31. Participants learn the process of basket weaving and make their own Easter basket to take home. The $25 fee includes all materials. Learn more by calling the park at 870-573-6751.