Ozark Folk Center facts for kids
The Ozark Folk Center is a special state park in Mountain View, Arkansas. It's like a living history museum! Its main goal is to keep the unique culture and traditions of the Ozark Mountains alive. It shares these traditions with everyone who visits.
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History of the Ozark Folk Center
How it Started
Long ago, people worried that the old ways of the Ozark Mountains were disappearing. So, in 1962, the University of Arkansas helped local artists and musicians. They formed a group called the Ozark Foothills Crafts Guild. This group started with just 30 members. Soon, it grew to more than 300 skilled artists and musicians.
In 1963, the guild worked with local groups and Bessie Moore. She was a big supporter of education. Together, they started the first Arkansas Folk Festival. About 15,000 people came to this festival! It became a yearly event. In just a few years, nearly 100,000 people visited Mountain View for the festival.
A Permanent Home
Because the festival was so popular, the guild realized they needed a permanent place. They worked with the local government. They got money from the United States Economic Development Administration. This money helped them plan a craft center in Mountain View.
Before the center opened in 1973, the state of Arkansas saw how important it was. The state decided to make it part of the state park system. This meant the center got more money and support. Today, the Ozark Folk Center also creates a radio show. It's called Ozark Highlands Radio and is heard across the country.
Explore 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 float down the Buffalo National River. Or, you could enjoy trout fishing on the White River. All these fun spots are close to the Folk Center.
Music in Mountain View
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. Visitors are always welcome to listen to these free concerts. Many people bring their own chairs to relax and enjoy the music. You can usually find food and drinks sold by vendors in the square too.
