The Walking Trails

We are quite lucky to have miles of paved walking trails in Siloam Springs.  The trails wind themselves to the local parks, past schools, around John Brown University, and right through the middle of Downtown.

While the trails are a great for an evening run or a fast-paced morning walk, they are also quite nice for a slow nature hike on a sunny afternoon.

We recently met up with a few friends and set off looking for nature's treasures.  We stopped to smell the wild flowers.

And had a snack on one of the newly installed benches.

And then we found something quite exciting!

A turtle had decided to use our trails for his afternoon jaunt!

For more information on the walking trails complete with a map to help make your exploration plans, click here.

See you on the trails!

--Karyn

Errand Fridays

For whatever reason, Fridays seem to be our errand days.

I load up my boys and head Downtown to take care of business.

We usually start with a visit to Arvest.  My boys know Friday is popcorn day at the bank!

We drop our letters in the mailbox in front of the old post office.

We head up Broadway Street to pay our utility bill.

And we finish our morning with a treat at the Cafe on Broadway.

Living near Downtown makes errand day easy and fun!

--Karyn

Fall Vegetables at the Farmers' Market

There are only a few more weeks left to visit our Farmers' Market.

Last week we picked up lettuce, butternut squash, and turnips.  We roasted the Cheney Farm turnips in olive oil and sea salt at 425 for about 30 minutes, and then we ate them!

Head down now for some fall veggies.  The market is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7am-1pm.

--Karyn

Enjoying the Leaves

Glimpses of fall are appearing Downtown...

 It's time to head Downtown, grab a pumpkin spice latte and enjoy the view!

I think October is Siloam Springs' prettiest month.

--Karyn

Second Saturdays

Did you make it to any of the last Second Saturdays events?

We only made it to one event: Dawn Denton's book signing at Books on Broadway.

(Photo credit: Dawn Denton)

My two boys enjoyed listening to Ms. Dawn read her book about Ruby and Rocket the hummingbirds.

Dawn's next book in the series will be out this spring and I'm sure Books on Broadway will host another event.

Even though Second Saturdays are over for the season, there's always something going on Downtown.  Head on down!  Maybe we'll see you there...

--Karyn

Helicopter Rides

The Cafe on Broadway has a new attraction!

As if the scones weren't enough of a reason to spend a Saturday morning Downtown, there is now another reason: a helicopter ride!

That's right!  A helicopter in our very own Downtown!

The helicopter will make appearances on special occasions and random Saturdays.  We were lucky enough to be at the cafe on one of those occasions.  The boys had fun, and I had an extra minute or two to enjoy my coffee!

Keep an eye out, and you could be lucky enough to get the next ride...

--Karyn

Zinnia Alley

It's been a long time!  My family and I have been in and out of town quite a bit this summer.  Now we're back and gearing up for fall!

We've enjoyed getting to know our small town all over again.  On one of our treks Downtown, we stopped by what our family refers to as Zinnia Alley.  I have no idea who plants the seeds each spring, but the flowers that pop up during the summer are beautiful!

And I think I need to develop better camera skills!  These pictures don't quite do the posies justice.

As always, there's lots going on Downtown.  A new shop is being created on University Street, Fratelli's has a new menu, the Cafe on Broadway now has a helicopter, Books on Broadway has a book signing for a local author coming up, the Library is kicking off their fall activities, The last Second Saturday is happening in the park this weekend, and the list goes on!

The weather is cooling off and it's time to head Downtown!

--Karyn

Dog Day of Summer

Main Street's 2nd Annual Dog Day of Summer

Start planning a dog costume now! Dog Day of Summer is next Saturday and will kick off with a Doggie Parade down University and Broadway Streets starting at 9:30 am, followed by Doggie Contests in the park--Cutest Dog, Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Dog/Owner Look-Alike, Ugliest Dog, and Best In Show. Dog vendors and trainers will be on hand, as well as the Siloam Springs Animal Shelter with dogs ready for adoption. Registration starts at 9 a.m. in City Park. Cost to participate is $10 per dog. All proceeds go to Main Street Siloam Springs, Inc. Thanks to our sponsors, Arvest Bank and Simmons Pet Food!

We'll see you there!

--Karyn

Kid's Day

Whew!  It's hot around here!

I think the heat has me feeling behind in a few areas of life--this blog included!

July's Kid's Day at the Farmer's Market was a fun success!

My friend Jenny was kind enough to share some of her pictures.

Tug-of-war with a bit of water

The play-dough table

Bouncing in the bounce house

And the Farmer's Market Artist Contest

What fun!

And now back to trying to stay cool...

--Karyn

Lily the Cat

Have you ever noticed Broadway Flowers has more than just flowers in their window?

On our evening walks, my boys have noticed a kitty in the window.  The other day we stopped to introduce ourselves.  Her name is Lily and she is very sweet.

It was very nice to meet you, Lily!  I'm sure you'll see us again soon.

--Karyn

Kid's Day at the Farmer's Market

7/19/2010 UPDATE: Please note the date has changed.  Updated information is below.

It's time for another Kid's Day @ the Farmer's Market!

10am on Tuesday, July 27th

Bounce House

Play-dough table

Coloring and painting table

and more!

Last month's was great fun!

We'll see you there!

The Heritage Festival in Pictures

I've been in and out of town this summer and have missed a few events.  The Annual Heritage Festival was one of them.  One of our readers, Michelinda Smith, was kind enough to share her pictures with us.  Here are a few of my favorites...

The Pow-wow.

Farm fresh vegetables for sale.

One of the tractors on display.

Items from the Confederate Army on display.

These boots are seven inches long and belonged to a 15-year-old boy.

I thought the glass eyes were especially interesting.

Thanks for sharing your pictures with us!

I hope to attend the Festival next summer.

--Karyn

PS: I'm bound to miss a few more Downtown events, so please send pictures my way.

Flowers at the Market

Oh, how nice it's been to have a break in the heat!

Even though the forecast says it's to be a bit warmer tomorrow, it still will be a nice day to head to Farmer's Market.  The flowers are so pretty this time of year.

--Karyn

An Event at Local Flair

Local Flair Art Gallery is hosting an event titled "100 Faces of Uganda"  Here's what gallery owner Christina Drake has to say about the event:

"This Art show is one of a kind! Or 100 of a kind.... Freedom Rodriguez has painted 100 Ugandan orphan faces on the covers of used & discarded childrens books. This event will offer the books for sale and all proceeds go to the Art Ministry of Freedom and Nancy Rodriguez who are with Operation Mobilization. Please attend this event and show your support for the Arts and how God can use these paintings to further His Kingdom. For more info on "100 Faces of Uganda, please visit http://omartslinkrodriguez.wordpress.com/2010/06/24/100-faces-of-uganda-tour/

I look forward to seeing everyone there!"

--Karyn

Fishing Derby Recap

About a month ago (on Saturday, June 5th) my family and I attended the Siloam Springs Fishing Derby. 

Lots of people lined the banks of Sager Creek in hopes of taking home a fish.

And proud parents snapped pictures of the catches!

We didn't catch anything this year, but next year my boys are determined to catch "huge fish"!

--Karyn

Heritage Festival

Did you attend the Heritage Festival?  My weekend was packed full of too many things, and I didn't make it downtown.  If you went and have pictures to share, please email them to me (my email can be found near the top right corner of the blog) and I'll put them on the blog for all to enjoy.  I've heard it was a good time!

--Karyn

Nutrition Programs at the Farmer's Market

Tomorrow is another Farmer's Market day!  It's a good thing--my fridge is looking rather bare.

I wanted to mention two programs available to qualifying individuals and families.  Both of these programs offer vouchers which can be used for produce at the Siloam Springs Farmer's Market.

The first program is the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program through the Office of Human Concern.  Seniors can pick up a application form at the Siloam Springs Senior Activity Center.  Qualifying seniors are eligible for $50 in coupons.

The second program is through the Arkansas Department of Health.  Mothers qualifying for the WIC may also qualify for the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.  More on that program can be found here.

See you at the market!

--Karyn

Fresh Pesto-Cooking from the Market

Lately there has been lots of basil at the Farmer's Market.  It's perfect for summer pasta dishes.  Fresh pesto simply tastes like summer!

With the weather heating up, it seemed like the perfect time to make a big batch of the tasty green sauce.  We stirred some into pasta for dinner last night and put the rest in our freezer for future use.  My mouth is watering thinking of eating pesto all year round...on pizzas, more pasta, layered with cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a mid-winter cracker spread...YUM!

Here's my recipe.  I think it came from a long ago issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine.  Adjust the ingredients to your personal tastes--it's quite user friendly.

Fresh Pesto

(One recipe makes enough for 3/4 pounds of pasta.)

• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Whirl all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

*For a recipe variation, I swap out the basil for arugula and the pine nuts for walnuts.  While not as kid friendly, I like this more grown-up version just as well.

It's just as easy to make one batch as it is to make seven, so that's what I did.  I put the extra batches in freezer-safe containers.  When we're ready for more pesto, they can easily be thawed in the fridge.

And now I'm headed off to enjoy last night's left overs.  YUM!

--Karyn

Kid's Day at the Farmer's Market

Yesterday morning was Kid's Day at the Siloam Spring Farmer's Market.  I think it's safe to say everyone had a GREAT time!

There were sponge relay races...

...over-and-under-bucket relays (my boys were on the winning team, by the way!)...

...and balloon tosses.

The water games kept us cool so we still had some energy left for the play-dough table.

The table full of supplies to make potato people was especially fun!

And the grand finish: A Farmer's Market Scavenger Hunt!  The kids ran around to different vendors finding the market items on their list.

What a fun morning!  Thanks to the Farmer's Market for planning a great morning!

Heritage Festival

This coming Saturday, June 26th is the 5th Annual Siloam Springs Heritage Festival hosted by the Siloam Springs Museum.  Festivities begin at 9am and continue through 8am.  Historical re-inactments, arts, crafts, food, pow-wows, and music are just some of the scheduled festivities. Click here to find out more information.

Kid's Day

Kid's Day at the Farmer's Market!

It's happening this coming Tuesday, June 22nd and the fun begins at 10am.

There will be a bounce house, a play-dough table, a coloring table, sponge races, and more!

Come for your veggies and stay for the fun!

--Karyn

And the winner is...

...Fratelli's!

Yesterday was the Strawberry Recipe Contest at the Farmer's Market, and Fratelli's Nutella Pizza with Strawberries took home the blue ribbon.

But more importantly, everyone at the market had an opportunity to taste the yummy winning recipe.

Here is Tom (he made the pizza) accepting his ribbon.

Have you tasted the Dessert Pizzas at Fratelli's?  If not, head down there right now. You'll be glad you did!

--Karyn