48th Annual Jonquil Festival March 18-20

One of the best festivals in the area, the 48th Annual Jonquil Festival, is slated for March 18-20, 2016 in old Washington State Park, Ark.

As you walk these grounds each year, you're reminded of the early settlers who planted some of the thousands of jonquils that surround this quaint little community. More than 150 arts and crafts vendors from nearby and faraway make the pilgrimage every year to display and sell their latest crafts in what has turned out to be one of the largest events in southwest Arkansas.

In addition, there will an antique car show, Civil War re-enactors, local and regional musicians performing bluegrass, folk, gospel and country music. Make sure you take part in some of the historic guided tours of the park and visit some of the historic structures in Old Washington like the old 1874 Hempstead County Staircase, blacksmith shop and grounds where James Bowie had his famous knife made on his way to Texas to fight in the historic Battle of the Alamo.

And when you get hungry, you can enjoy a southern style home cooked meal in Williams Tavern Restaurant. Also, for those shoppers walking around there will be plenty of food vendors selling everything from BBQ, hamburgers, corn dogs, gator on a stick and more. Two of my favorite snack foods I have to get every year is the fresh made pork skins and homemade kettle corn.

The 48th Annual Jonquil Festival will be open Friday and Saturday from 9AM-5PM and on Sunday from 9AM-4PM. The festival is free with the only cost being a $5 parking fee. And there will be a additional fee for some historic tours and surrey rides. For more information call 870-983-2684 or visit their website.

This three-day festival signifies the arrival of spring. Old Washington is a short drive from here. From Texarkana, take I-30 east for 30 miles to Exit 30 at Hope and follow the signs.