Ozark Folk Center facts for kids
The Ozark Folk Center is a special Arkansas state park where you can learn about the past. It's like a living history museum! Located in Mountain View, Arkansas, its main goal is to keep the traditions and culture of the Ozark Mountains alive and share them with everyone.
Contents
A Look Back: How the Center Started
Keeping Ozark Traditions Alive
Long ago, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service wanted to save the old ways of the Ozark Mountains. Many traditional crafts and music styles were starting to disappear. So, in 1962, they helped local artists and musicians create the Ozark Foothills Crafts Guild. This group began with 30 members and soon grew to over 300 skilled artists and musicians!
The First Festivals
In 1963, the guild worked with local groups and a helpful education supporter named Bessie Boehm Moore. Together, they organized the very first Arkansas Folk Festival. About 15,000 people came to enjoy the music and crafts! This festival became a yearly event. In just a few years, almost 100,000 people were visiting Mountain View for it. Because the festival was so popular, the guild realized they needed a permanent place.
Becoming a State Park
The guild worked with the local government to get money from the United States Economic Development Administration. This money helped them plan a craft center in Mountain View. Before it even opened in the spring of 1973, the state of Arkansas saw how important this project was. The state decided to make the center part of the state park system. This meant even more funding and support!
The Ozark Folk Center also creates a radio show called Ozark Highlands Radio. This show is shared across the country.
Fun Things to Do Nearby
Many people who visit the Ozark Folk Center also explore other cool places nearby. You can visit Blanchard Springs Caverns, which are amazing caves. You might also enjoy floating down the Buffalo National River. Or, you could try trout fishing on the White River. All these fun activities are close to the Folk Center.
The town of Mountain View calls itself the "Folk Music Capital of the World." During summer evenings, local musicians often gather in the town square. They play their instruments in small groups after dark. Visitors are always welcome to these free, unplanned concerts. Many people bring their own lawn chairs to relax and listen. You can usually buy food and drinks from vendors in the square during these times.
See also
- List of music museums
- List of Arkansas state parks
