
Ozarks At Large


Becca Martin Brown of NWA Newspapers says that one of the local stories that changed the state of the local entertainment scene this year was the closing of the Goodfolk House, but the familiar concerts will be reborn as the Pickin' Post Concert Series, beginning December 29 with Fred Eaglesmith.
For well over a century the Gibson family has been making baskets in northwest Arkansas. We recently spent an afternoon with Terry Gibson, a fourth-generation artisan, learning how the baskets are created.
Last month, the relatively new University of Arkansas Ballroom and Latin dance club took to the floors of the Ohio Star Ball, the largest ballroom dancing competition in the nation. Christina Thomas attended one of the clubs meetings. She spoke with members of the team, including one who won best newcomer international in waltz and tango.
The Last Night celebration will send the old year out with fireworks and a pig drop. Yes, a pig drop.

Two of Ozarks at Large’s own go into the Firmin Garner Performance Studio to send us into the weekend with holiday cheer.
Our history doctor, Bill Smith, is back for another edition of We’re History. Today he examines the lengthy relationship between aviation, daredevils and advertising. And, yes, he has a northwest Arkansas connection.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Friday, August 23, 2013
On this special Roots Festival Edition of Ozarks from the Fayetteville Public Library, the Del McCourry Band, Iris DeMent and Joe Crookston play some tunes for our live studio audience. And we learn about the burgeoning craft brewery scene in NWA and more.
Author Michael Downs talks about his book “The Greatest Show” which is a collection of short stories based on the 1944 Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus fire.
To listen to more of this conversation, click here.
“Hartford Circus Fire, 1944” by Curtis Eller
Last autumn, Arctic Snowy Owls began to move south of their usual winter range. The brilliant white-feathered raptors, with five-foot wingspans, flew as far south as Hot Springs. Our essayist Joe Neal describes an encounter with the bird. His latest book “In the Province of Birds, a Western Arkansas Memoir,” is published by Half-Acre Press.
Jodi Beznoska from Walton Arts Center discusses upcoming Walton Arts Center programming.
The University of Arkansas’ Full Circle Campus Food Pantry came in second in a nationwide contest launched by the White House called “Campus Champions of Change Challenge.” Representatives from the pantry will visit the White House tomorrow to be honored for innovation and determination.
Tomorrow’s events will stream live at www.whitehouse.gov. Students will also tweet about their experiences at their Twitter page @UAFullCircle.
The River Valley Food Bank in Fort Smith now has a new logo, and a new facility.
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Humble Pie