May events in the Arkansas River Valley

Head to Altus on May 4-5 for the 34th annual Altus Springtime Gala. Held in the City Park, festivities include arts and crafts, food, a 5K run, talent show, and live entertainment. For more information, call 470-209-5308.

Enjoy the Airing of the Quilts on May 5 in Greenwood. New quilts will be displayed at the Old Rock Gymnasium and Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church will 75-to 100-year-old quilts will be on display at the Old Jail Museum. Admission is $5. Call 479-996-2962 for more information.

Dance the night away at the 10th annual "A Night in the Caribbean" set for May 5 in Fort Smith. great food, including Bahaman-basted roast pork by Chef Mickey Sellard and a cascading chocolate fountain with a variety of fruit and other goodies for dipping. A variety of items will be auctioned and you can dance to the music of Grupo Salsabor from Tulsa, Okla. An open bar will be available throughout the night. Special corporate tables are available for businesses or groups of eight, with special party favors. Call the Kistler Center at 479-785-4677 for more information and reservations. The cost is $60 per person.

Kids ages 10-13 are invited to have an Aquatic Conservation Experience, also known as ACE Camp, on May 11-12 at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville. This is a two-day, one-night camp is for kids interested in water resources and all the opportunities they have to offer. Participants will learn about the lake and its inhabitants through supervised, fun-filled activities such as kayaking and more. The fee of $65 includes meals, activities, and a T-shirt. Advance registration is required by calling 479-967-5516.

Van Buren’s Old Timer's Days on May 11-13 is an arts and crafts festival held annually on Historic Main Street. Six blocks will be closed off to provide space for more than 200 exhibitors from more than seven states. A variety of food and entertainment and a children’s carnival will be available. The event is held rain or shine and features a Friday night concert. Saturday and Sunday will have arts and crafts plus entertainment. For general information call Barbara at 479-410-1024. For vendor information call Patty at 479-410-3026.

Join the Central Arkansas Mountain Pilots (C.A.M.P.) to watch and learn as they hang glide throughout the weekend of May 12-13 during the 13th annual Spring Fling Hang Glider Fly-In at Mount Nebo State Park in Dardanelle. Talk to the pilots in the morning as they set up, then watch in the afternoon as they soar through the air. Due to the sport's high dependence on weather and wind, no times are announced for the flying. However, weather and wind permitting, the pilots will fly Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Admission is free. Call 479-229-3655 for details.

Co-sponsored by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, the 2012 Arkansas Preservation Conference takes place May 16-18 in Fort Smith. Conference topics range from statewide preservation issues and Arkansas's architectural history to historic neighborhood and commercial district revitalization. Visit www.preservearkansas.org or call 501-372-4757 for more information.

Featuring the famous “Fried Dill Pickles,” the 21st annual Picklefest in Atkins is May 18-19. It is comprised of pickle juice drinking and pickle eating contests, arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, rodeo, parade, and beauty pageants for boys and girls. Admission is free. Call 479-970-5801 for more information.

Head to Mount Magazine State Park near Paris on May 18-20 for a weekend packed with programs and activities geared toward women. The Women in the Wild program features gear demonstrations, talks, activities and classes designed to give women a chance to explore outdoor options. Admission is free. Visit www.MountMagazineStatePark.com or call 479-963-8502 for details or to register.

The annual event, Mustangs on the Mountain, takes place May 27 at The Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton. Mustangs from 1964 to present are displayed on the parking lot of the museum. All year models welcome. Door prizes awarded. Visit www.museumofautos.com or call 501-727-5427 for more information.