April events in the Arkansas River Valley‏

The 5th annual Big To Do on 22 is Wednesday, April 11-Saturday, April 14 along Ark. 22 from Dardanelle to Barling. Sellers find a spot along the highway and set up for sales. Buyers search for sales on and off the highway along the route. Watch for signs, get the local newspapers and stock up on the best bargains of the year from antiques to "another man's treasures." For more information contact the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce at 479-963-2244 or visit www.ParisArOnline.com.

The Booneville Open Cow Pasture Pool is set for Friday, April 13-Saturday, April 14. Participants play golf in a cow pasture. It is a two-man scramble that takes place behind the GMF building on Ark. 10 W of Booneville. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 479-675-2666 for more information.

Spend a weekend discovering the colorful heralds of spring during Petit Jean State Park’s annual Wildflower Weekend on Friday, April 13-Sunday, April 15 near Morrilton. Join park interpreters for wildflower walks, talks, and evening presentations. Contact the park at 501-727-5441 for a schedule of events. Visit www.petitjeanstatepark.com for more information about the park.

The 4th annual Heritage Festival on Saturday, April 14 celebrates Fort Smith's diverse culture and exciting history through music, art, tours of historic locations, and a living history on Garrison Avenue. Take the bus and explore the heritage trail in downtown Fort Smith. Admission is free. For more information, call 479-782-5074.

The 25th annual Spinach Festival in Alma is set for Saturday, April 21. Festivities take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Main Street. Festival-goers can enjoy arts, crafts, food, entertainment, and spinach eating and growing contests. The event is free. Visit www.almaspinachfestival.com or call 479-632-4127 for more information.

Hear the history of rock and roll on Saturday, April 21 at the Arkansas Best Corporation Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith. "The History of Rock & Roll" is a unique, energizing presentation of rock and roll styles from its beginning to current trends. Composed by local jazz great, Don Bailey, the work will feature the Fort Smith Symphony along with Don and Terri Bailey, Gary Hutchison, Shane Bailey and others. Depending on seating, admission is $30-$35 for adults and $15-$20 for students. Visit www.fortsmithsymphony.org or call 479-452-7575 for more information.

The 13th annual Taste of the Ozarks is Thursday, April 26 at the North Franklin County Fair Building in Ozark. The event takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is a showcase of Ozark's businesses and restaurants. For more information, visit www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com or call 479-667-2525.

A weekend of fun for the whole family, the 8th annual Fourche River Days takes place Friday, April 27-Saturday, April 28 on the courthouse square in Perryville. The event consists of food vendors, local restaurant dining, live entertainment, car and truck show, mechanical bull, washer toss, laser tag, historical museum exhibit, and fireworks. Admission is free. Visit www.fourcheriverdays.com or call 501-889-1571 for details.

Chateau Aux Arc’s annual Bloom-N-Blues Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 in Altus. Enjoy a day of food, live music, wine and games. Vendors sell arts and crafts. Call 800-558-9463 or visit www.chateauauxarc.com for more information.

Charleston Arkansas Springfest, in its second year, is set for Saturday, April 28. Festivities include a car show, arts and crafts, children’s activities, barbecue and music. The free fun takes place on Freedom Road. Visit www.aboutcharleston.com or call 479-965-2269 for more information.