April in Arkansas' Timberlands

Ecore de Fabre: An American Colonial & Early North America Event is April 7-8 in Bluff City. In 1783, a French trader named Fabre settled on a bluff above the Ouachita River and called the settlement “Ecore Fabre,” which is the present city of Camden. In honor of the French trapping days, White Oak Lake State Park in Bluff City is hosting the third Ecore de Fabre. Meet reenactors demonstrating the presence of the French trappers in this part of Arkansas during the 1780s. Discover history through demonstrations of spinning, weaving, cooking, candle making, rope making, musket shooting, clothing making, river trading, fire starting, tomahawk throwing, and a battle demonstration. For more information visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or call 870-685-2748.

The 21st annual Hogskin Holidays Festival & Cook-Off is April 13-14 in Hampton at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds. This family-oriented event celebrates the legend and heritage of Calhoun County and its people. The festival includes a Pork BBQ cook-off, racing pigs, a children's tractor pull, arts and crafts, a quilt show, a vintage car show, a tractors show, a parade, rodeo, and more. For further information visit www.hogskin-holidays.com or call 870-798-2100.

Video Games Live is April 14 in El Dorado at the Municipal Auditorium. Created by the game industry, this show is performed by the South Arkansas Symphony with choir combined with synchronized lighting, video, live action and audience interactivity. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information check out www.southarkansassymphony.org or call 870-862-0521.

Explore the life and times of the famed, and longest-term president, Franklin D. Roosevelt April 14 via Ed Asner as "FDR" at the Perot Theatre in Texarkana. This new production has sold out in New York and Florida. For more information visit www.trahc.org or call 903-792-4492.

Join a park interpreter on a trail hike and learn how surrounding plants can be used for your benefit during Edible Plants of Logoly State Park April 21 in McNeil.  Participants receive handouts and an edible plants book. Admission is $25. For more information visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or call 870-695-3561.

A Harness and Driving Workshop is April 21 at Historic Washington State Park in Washington. The course covers the basics of safe harnessing and driving mule teams. Cost of the course is $50 and registration is required. An Introduction to Forging Workshop is also being held at the park April 21-22. Join the park smiths at the James Black Forge, home of the Bowie knife, for a hands-on class covering the basic operations of blacksmithing. Cost of the course is $50 and materials and tools are supplied.  For more details on either of the two classes, visit www.HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com or call 870-983-2684.

The 32nd annual Fordyce on the Cotton Belt Festival is April 23-28 in Fordyce at the Courthouse Square. The festival includes entertainment, a parade, model trains, a rodeo, a 5K, a car show, arts and crafts, a quilt show, the Redbug Reunion Rally and more. For more information call 870-352-2055.

The Battle of Jenkins Ferry is April 28 in Sheridan at the Grant County Museum. The day will feature re-enactment activities from this battle fought April 29-30,1864 in the area that is now Grant County. For more details visit www.grantcountymuseumar.com or call 870-942-4496.