Arkansas’ Pioneer Frontier Village Ready for Jonquil Festival

Arkansas' Premier Pioneer Frontier Village in historic Washington State Park is gearing up for its 55th Annual Jonquil Festival March 17-19, 2023.

The Jonquil Festival is just a 45-minute drive from Texarkana and this festival signifies the beautiful spring season with rows and rows of blooming jonquils all over the state park grounds.

In addition, to thousands of jonquils, there are a variety of activities for all ages including a 5K Run, arts and crafts, tours of the historical buildings, food vendors, a classic car show, and plenty of live entertainment, music, and a karaoke competition.

If you have never been to this quaint little village in the Arkansas countryside you are in for a real treat. Did you know that this area was once known as the Southwest Trail where Davey Crockett, Sam Houston, and James Bowie once passed through on their way to fight in the infamous "Battle at the Alamo" in Texas? This is where James Bowie came to get his knife forged at the Blacksmith Shop which later became known as the famous Bowie knife.

Blacksmith Shop

1874 Courthouse

The 1874 Courthouse is the centerpiece of this charming community where artisans from all around the state and country set up and sell a variety of crafts and unique items you can't find anywhere else. There is also a gift shop located inside the courthouse and if allowed you can tour the top-floor courtroom.  It's like going back in time!

Old Post Office

Make sure you stroll down the street to get a photo in front of one of the oldest post offices west of the Mississippi River, established on Feb. 14, 1820

The old gymnasium is home to more arts and crafts during the festival and make sure to tour or see the other historical buildings such as the old schoolhouse, candle shop, and churches.

If there ever was a town that came to life out of a Norman Rockwall painting Old Washington is the place. Don't be surprised if you see people greeting you from some of the homes in period clothing dating back to that era in time.

If you ever wondered how Old Washington got its name, named after U.S. President George Washington to honor him on his birthday on Feb. 22, 1824.  Officially christened in 1965 as a state park it remains listed on the National Register of Historic Places today.

Williams Tavern

One of the most popular places to eat in Old Washington is Williams Tavern where they serve up a good old-fashioned home-cooked country buffet.

The 55th Annual Jonquil Festival is certainly worth the drive no matter where you are traveling from. It's one of my favorite places to go this time of the year.

Free Admission

The admission is FREE but there is a parking fee.

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