Lots of April fun in Central Arkansas

One of “Good Morning America’s” legal analysts and substitute anchors, Dan Abrams, appears live on April 5 in Conway. Abrams is also the founder of MEDIAite, a news and opinion web site, and a former general manager of MSNBC and NBC News chief legal correspondent. His career path includes NBC News general assignment correspondent, regular contributor to “NBC Nightly News,” “TODAY,” and “Dateline NBC.” Abrams has reported on all of the highest-profile cases of the past decade. In addition to his television work, Abrams has also had articles published in, among others: the New York Times, American Lawyer, and The Yale Law and Policy Review. He also writes a monthly legal column for Men’s Health. Abrams appears at 7:30 p.m. in Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 general admission and can be ordered online. For more information, phone 501-450-3406.

It’ll be a day full of great bargains on April 7 and Greenbrier holds is Spring Community Yard Sale and Pancake Breakfast. This indoor sale features a pancake breakfast from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. for $5. Hot dogs will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds from food sales benefit a local charity. It all takes place at the City Event Center, 5 Lois Lane. Admission is free. Phone 501-679-6362 for more details.

Enjoy a beautiful day on the Arkansas River with the Easter on the River lunch cruise, Sunday, April 8. The Arkansas Queen riverboat is setting sail at 1 p.m. The menu includes a garden salad, roasted pork tenderloin, queen’s chicken, scalloped potatoes, Southern-style green beans, corn and dinner rolls. The captain’s dessert, iced tea, water and coffee completes the offering. Other beverages are available for purchase. Boarding begins at 12:30 p.m. with expected return time of 3 p.m. Admission is $32.50 plus tax per adult; one child under 10 eats free with each paying adult; price for ages 3-10 is $18.95 plus tax. More information is available by visiting www.arkansasqueen.com or by calling 501-372-5777.

The 2012 Romance in the Rock Slam Jam Conference is April 11-15 at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Little Rock. The event brings together authors and readers to promote literacy and empowerment among all people. It unites readers and writers of Black romance for literary activities, workshops, entertainment, and a free book signing for the attendees and open to the public. The keynote speaker is Gwyneth Bolton. Registration is $300 for individuals, $275 for group members. The Doubletree is located at 424 West Markham. Visit www.romanceslamjam.org or phone 501-563-3274 for more information.

Have a “Ragin’ Cajun” good time during CARTI’s 8th annual bash of the same name, Thursday April 12. The River Market Pavilions are where the New Orleans-style crawfish boil with all the trimmings takes place. All proceeds benefit Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute cancer patients. Tickets are $35. Visit www.carti.com or phone 501-296-3429 for additional information.

Over 90 authors are on the docket for 9th annual Arkansas Literary Festival, April 12-15 in Little Rock. Among those scheduled to appear are Hope Coulter, Jay Russell, Roy Blount Jr., Kevin Brockmeier and Gwyneth Bolton. Activities take place throughout Little Rock and North Little Rock including the Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library campus, and venues in the River Markets and Argenta Arts districts. The agenda includes a mix of sessions, panels, special events, performances, workshops, presentations, opportunities to meet the authors, book sales and signings. Most events are free and open to the public. Visit www.arkansasliteraryfestival.org for a complete list of events, authors and entertainers appearing or phone 501-918-3098.

The community of England invites you to its 9th annual Celebration, Saturday, April 14. Downtown’s Foster Park is where there will be a live band, a carnival, food, games and crafts. There will also be merchandise booths, exhibits, zumba dancing, an art show, and tours of the Wagon Yard Museum. In case of rain, festivities will be held April 21. Admission is free. Additional information is available by phoning 501-842-3831.

Join MS of Arkansas on Saturday, April 14 in an effort to raise $85,000 for research and programs into this disease. Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is chronic and often disabling, attacking the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. Meet at the Riverfest Amphitheatre in the River Market. Admission is free. Visit www.walkmsarkansas.org or call 501-663-8104 for more details.

If you love orchids then make sure you have April 14-15 on your calendar as the Arkansas Orchid Society hosts its show and sale. The 2nd Presbyterian Church at I-430 and Cantrell Road is where the activity takes place. You’ll be able to see orchids from all over the world, buy orchid supplies, and view the winners. Judging takes place Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 14th and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the 15th. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://web.me.com/jerrynalice/Orchid_Site/SHOW_%26_SALE.html or call 501-835-7164.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra composer of the year, Michael Tork, is featured in the organizations Masterworks VI Concert: Desert and Sea. Performances are in Robinson Center Music Hall on Saturday, April 14 at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. Special guest is Alexej Gerassimez on the marimba. Selections include Wagner’s "The Flying Dutchman," Torke’s "Concerto for Marimba 'Mojave,'” and "La mer" by Debussy. Ticket prices range from $14 to $52. Visit http://www.arkansassymphony.org/concerts/desert-sea/ or phone 501-666-1761 for additional information.

A sure sign of spring is the opening of the Certified Arkansas Farmers Market. During the month of April, the outdoor shopping venue awaits visitors from 7 a.m. to noon. Located across from the Argenta Market in North Little Rock’s historic district, it is also on the River Rail trolley route. An abundance of free parking is available. Check out the latest in locally grown produce and other items at the corner of Main and 6th Street. Visit www.ArkansasFood.net or phone 501-379-9980 for details.

One of the most enduring musical groups in America, The Oak Ridge Boys, is appearing Monday, April 16, in Conway. A long line of hits, including “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” and “Fancy Free,” will have you singing right along. The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of country hits and a #1 pop smash. They have earned Grammy, Dove, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Tickets range from $10 to $40 for the 7:30 p.m. concert in Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus. Visit www.uca.edu/reynolds or call 501-450-3406.

The picturesque Lester Flatt Memorial Park is the site of the 12th Annual Jammers Jamming Family Fun Week. Dates are April 16-21. Visitors are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in for old-fashioned bluegrass and gospel jamming sessions. There will be opportunities to meet talented musician and hone your craft. The park, which includes a pretty little lake and a full-service RV campground, plus an area for tents is located off Ark. 107 near Vilonia. Visit www.lesterflattmemorialpark.com or call 501-835-2451 for additional details.

You'll be able to witness the rugged life of early explorers and trappers that lived in frontier Arkansas during the early 1800s at Woolly Hollow State Park. On April 20-22, the Mountain Man Rendezvous will feature re-enactors dress in traditional period attire and camp in authentic lodges and tents. Demonstrations include the crafts, games, and survival skills needed during the era of the fur trappers. Meet at the historic Woolly Cabin. Admission is free. The park is located at 82 Woolly Hollow Road in Greenbrier. Phone 501-679-2098 or email woollyhollow@arkansas.com for further details and a program schedule.

Help raise funds to fight heart disease during the Central Arkansas Heartwalk 2012, Saturday, April 21. Everything takes place at the Northshore Riverwalk in North Little Rock. The program begins at 8 a.m., followed by the walk at 9 a.m. More information is available by visiting www.heart.org or by calling 501-379-1180.

The Moscow Festival Ballet presents Romeo and Juliet on Thursday, April 26 in Conway. The dance company was founded under the leadership and vision of legendary principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, Sergei Radchenko. It has completed two European tours and has also performed with great success in Turkey, Greece, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong. Combine William Shakespeare’s classic play, Tchaikovsky’s haunting music and the amazing dancers, and end result is an experience the whole family will enjoy. Tickets range from $10 to $40. The Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA Campus is where the curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.uca.edu/reynolds or phone 501-450-3406 for more details.

Catch Your Dreams on Saturday, April 28 at Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott. Many believe that dreams are messages from the spirit world. Good dreams pass through the dream catcher and bad dreams are caught in the web. Learn about traditions and techniques of American Indian dream catchers in this family oriented workshop. Everyone makes and takes one home. All materials are provided. Advanced reservations are required; admission is $10. Phone the park visitor center at 501-961-9442 to get more information.

Celebrate National Astronomy Day on Saturday, April 28 at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in west Little Rock. Park interpreters and members of the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society lead such activities as solar viewing in the afternoon, special indoor programs, and searching the night skies through telescopes from 9 p.m.-10 p.m. Clouds permitting, the evening's telescopic sights include several planets, the moon and other celestial objects. Contact the park for a detailed program schedule for the family friendly event. Admission is free. Phone 501-868-5806 for more information.

If you’re ages 15 and younger, you’re eligible to come try your luck during the Kids' Fishing Derby April 28 at Woolly Hollow State Park near Greenbrier. Held on Lake Bennett, trophies will be awarded in three age groups for first, second and third places, and overall largest and smallest fish caught. Bring your own bait and tackle, plus a lawn chair and picnic to make a day of it. Parents can assist their children but the kids must do their own fishing. Meet at the swim beach; admission is free. Additional information is available from the park at 501-679-2098.

With apologies to The Beatles, strawberry fields are not forever so you need to make sure you don’t miss Cabot’s 10th Annual Strawberry Festival, April 27 and 28. The Cabot Community Center is where local strawberry growers show off the best of their crop for all to taste and purchase. A carnival is open Thursday and Friday, 6 pm.-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vendor booths are open 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The festival pageant is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be games and entertainment for the whole family. The center is located at 508 N Lincoln in Cabot. Admission is free. Visit juniorauxiliaryofcabot.com/strawberryfest.html or call 501-628-4044 for more information.