Get ready for a new festival coming to the City of Washington, Arkansas in Spring 2022.

It's the first James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 9 AM  to 5 PM.  Join in the fun as this festival will celebrate and honor James Black, the bladesmith who according to history made the very first Bowie Knife for Jim Bowie in Washington, Ar..

The festival sponsored in part by the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Foundation and Historic Washington State Park, will take place at several venues throughout the City of Washington. From the James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades to the W.P.A. Gymnasium to the Washington Pavilion, and over to the midway area by the Hempstead County Courthouse.

Deneka Peniston
Deneka Peniston
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According to the press release, the festival will include History Channel’s ‘Forged in Fire’ judges Doug Marcaida and Mastersmith James Neilson.

UAHT
UAHT
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Marcaida and Neilson will judge a Bowie Knife cutting competition, facilitate a workshop, and conduct demonstrations. Three former ‘Forged in Fire’ champions will participate in the festival – Ricardo Vilar of Nashville, Shawn Ellis of Mountain View, and Allen Newberry of Lowell.

You will also see the story of Jim Bowie’s travels played out and the importance of the Bowie Knife. Plus there will be other arts and crafts vendors and artisans with their arts and crafts for sale.

Photo by Chris Chow on Unsplash
Photo by Chris Chow on Unsplash
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There will also be exhibits, workshops, period music, a knife show, plus a knife cutting competition and more. Plus, there will also be food vendors there with great food for purchase.

Fun For The Kids Too!

Ridofranz
Ridofranz
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Bring the kids, there will be plenty for them to do too. There will be a Kids’ Corner where they'll learn about heritage crafts and they will receive a free wooden replica Bowie knife while supplies last.

Applications are still available for heritage art crafters and bladesmiths. Contact Mona Still at (870) 648-5084 or Dolly Henley at (870) 703-4826 for more information.

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