Saturday is coming...

Saturday is going to be a fun day Downtown!  

It's Second Saturdays!

Things get started with Kids' Day at the Farmer's Market.  Along with the bouncy house and other kid-themed activities, there will be some pygmy goats to pet.  Sounds fun to me!

For those of you who head to the Farmer's Market simply for vegetables, parking can be a bit tricky on special event days.  Here's a tip: Get there before 9am; the market opens at 8, so you'll have an hour to shop.  Besides, it's cooler and there is more to choose from.  When the park starts filling up with the kiddos, head to one of the Downtown cafes for a morning coffee and pastry.

I'm quite sure the shops up and down Broadway and University Streets will have Second Saturday specials, so remember to stop in.

The day will end with a Second Saturdays concert in the park.  This month fiddler Betse Ellis will headline with an opener from Two Cents Worth.  According to the newspaper, crowds are expected.  Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.  Bring a chair and enjoy the music.  Things get started at 7:30.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Second Saturday Music

This popped into my inbox.  Forgive me for missing the May 12th event.  Never fear there are three more!

Second Saturday Music Concert Series 2012

Kicking off the 10th season of the Second Saturday Music Concert Series May 12th, will be The Old 78’s. Curly Miller and Carole Anne Rose have been playing old time and historic tunes on fiddle and banjo since 1988. Their most recent collaboration with Ray and Melanie Palmer introduces the addition of Baritone Sax, Clarinet, and Banjo-Mandolin to their varied repertoire of Classic Banjo Duets from the Early Ragtime period along with Charleston, Jug Band and Jazz music of the early 1900’s featuring a large collection of old banjos and unique instruments. With sponsorship from Siloam Springs Parks and Recreation and Whitmore Music, the concerts are held at the Twin Springs Park Gazebo on Maxwell street in Siloam Springs. Music begins at 7:30 with Two Cents Worth featuring Kent Beyette’s Ozark jig dancing. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. While there is no admission, donations are appreciated. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move across the street to Sager Creek Arts Center. Performances for the rest of the season will feature The Gallier Brothers from Springfield, Mo- June 9th, Betsie Ellis from Kansas City, Mo -July 14th and Cathy Barton & Dave Para from Boone, Mo -August 11th. For more information, contact Bill Lisk @ 220-2515.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Weekend Plans

School is starting on Monday.  Can you believe it?

It's our last chance to stay up late enjoying the summer evenings.

There's always something going on Downtown, but these two things will help you enjoy the last bits of summer...

Storytime at Books on Broadway

Saturday August 13th 6:00 PM

They'll be reading:
SKYPPYJON JONES--CLASS ACTION
Siamese cat Skippyjon Jones really wants to go to dog school, but his mama won't let him. Inside his closet, he finds himself on the playground of his imagination surrounded by dogs of all kinds. And when a bully sends shiver-itos down the spines of the little yippers, Skippy saves the day and earns the biggest gold star. Full color.

Then grab some gelato at Fratelli's (I hear they've got Extra Rich Dark Chocolate Coverture in the freezer) before heading down to Second Saturdays for music in the park.

Rick Reding and the White River Music Company will be playing some tunes.

Good-bye summer...

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

PS: There are some fun must-have school supplies to be found Downtown, too!  Four Corner's Frame has all kinds of stationery, Amandromeda has vintage clothes for back-to-school clothes, Books on Broadway can order any books you might need to start the semester, Heather Hill Boutique has the perfect hair accessory, and I could go on an on...  Perhaps you'd better just grab a cup of coffee at Pour Jon's and shop for yourself!

Saturday

My family and I have been busy lately.  Hence my absence on the web.  With all the business, we're ready for a break.  Lucky for us, there's a TON going on Downtown this Saturday.  It's time for fun!

Get your morning started with a cup of coffee or tea from Pour Jon's before heading over to the 34th Annual Fishing Derby (begins at 7:30am).  My boys love this annual event.  Stay for Farmer's Market (opens at 8am).  It's Kids' Day this Saturday, so be sure to bring them along.  The scavenger hunt (with prizes) along with other activities begin at 10am.

You'll probably be hot, thirsty, and hungry after playing and picking out vegetables and granola at the market, so head to Cafe on Broadway next.  They've got cold drinks and yummy lunches!

Then it's rest time.  :-)  Stop by the Library and pick up a few books before heading home.

If resting isn't your thing (it's certainly not mine!), perhaps a little shopping is in order...  Amy's Closet, Four Corner Frames, Amandromeda.  Local Flair,  Two Gals Junk, Siloam Flowers and Gifts, and more!

Time for dinner!  Fratelli's or Emelia's are both good choices!  Grab a dessert to go and head out for the evening activities...

*Creative Corner on Broadway is part of a KISS Crop 4 Joplin event.  Visit them on facebook for location and other details.

*There's a play at the Sager Creak Art Center.  The Kitchen Witches is playing this weekend.

*Second Saturday Music is in the park!  Yay for Cobb Brothers Bluegrass Band!

Bodies tired and memories full of fun, it will be time to head for home.  Rest up, though, because there's always something happening on Broadway Street!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Weekend Plans

So much to do this upcoming "Second Saturday" in downtown Siloam Springs! See you there!

 

 

KIDS DAY AT THE MARKET!

• Special musical performance by the KIDDOS at 10 am
• Bounce Castle from 8am - noon
• Bubble Wands & Play-Doh Stations
• WELLFEST! Kids Activities
• Farmers Market will, of course, be open, with a fresh variety of local produce, baked goods, starter plants and local handmade crafts!

WALKS THROUGH HISTORY TOUR

Interactive walking tour of Siloam Springs' Historic Downtown!

Special guest tour guide Rachel Silva is from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.

Co-sponsored by Siloam Springs Museum and Main Street Siloam Springs.

 Meet at 11am in front of the Community Building.

WELLFEST! A Day in Motion

May 14th in Downtown Siloam Springs

Bridges to Wellness announces a call to action for children, families and the community

 WELLFEST! is a celebration of physical activity and the pursuit of great health.  Most importantly WELLFEST! is a collection of fun activities and games to encourage participants to rediscover the joys and benefits of being physically active.

WELLFEST! will include:

·        FamilyFun Challenge course complete with Hula-Hoops, Jumping Jacks, Jump Rope, Hop Scotch, and more

·        5KRun Race and 1 Mile Fun Run through beautiful downtown Siloam Springs
·        5K& 10K Bicycle rides showcasing Siloam Springs
·        Ultimate Frisbee games, where novices can learn the game
·        Fresh Start for those of us who are re-entering an active life and want gentle exercise options such as Yoga, Taekwondo Gentle Calisthenics

·        Culinary Delights. Cooking demonstrations will be held to show participants how greatfood can taste good too!

Events start at 9:00 and wrap up at 1:00. To pre-register go to www.bridgestowellness.org for more information.  Walk, Run, Ride, Skip, or Jump, get here any way you can!

Second Saturday Music

 Twin Springs Park at 7:30pm

Hope you can join us as Fayetteville's Folk Duo, Susan Shore & Michael Cockram kick off the season's first concert!

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music. 


I'll see you Downtown!
--Karyn

Second Saturday Music

I look forward to Second Saturday Music every summer.  My family and I are planning on grabbing a to-go dinner from one of the Downtown eateries before heading over to the park where we'll settle in for a picnic waiting for the music to get started.  It's a fun mid-weekend activity for locals of all ages.  This year's line up looks incredible!  Here's who will be playing:

Saturday, May 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Twin Springs Park

Come hear music from the Gallier Brothers from Springfield, MO. Having performed together fro over twenty years, Les and Gary Gallier are well known and admired among the mountain dulcimer and folk musicians, particularly for their unique playing styles and blend of various music genres.

 

Saturday, June 11, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Twin Springs Park 

The Cobb Brothers Bluegrass Band will take the stage. Fifteen year old Caleb Cobb is joined by his younger brothers, Samuel - age fourteen, and twelve year old Nathan. The Cobb Brothers of Mountain View, Arkansas are regular performers at the Ozark Folk Center, entertaining audiences on a variety of stringed instruments, along with vocals and comedy.

 

Saturday, July 9, 2011, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Twin Springs Park 

Dan Levenson, Pennsylvania native, is a modern-day troubadour in the truest sense. A full-time musician, Dan travels the country with banjo and fiddle singing songs and telling stories of the road, his musical journey and Southern Appalachian roots.

 

Saturday, August 13, 2011, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Twin Springs Park 

The last concert of the season will feature Missouri musicians, Rick Reding and and the White River Music Company. White River Music Company was started by Rick Reding as an outlet for his original music, and to help other musicians in the Ozark Mountain region to have an outlet for their fine music and song creations. Recently, the band acted and performed in the Robert Redford Sundance film festival's Grand Jury prize-winning Oscar-nominated film, "Winter's Bone."

 

The Second Saturdays Music info courtesy of Main Street Siloam Springs.  Their website, including a calendar of events, can be found at mainstreetsiloam.com .

 

See you at the park!

--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

A Few Reminders

There's a Second Saturday Concert in the park tonight.  Matt Brown plays at 7:30.  See the sidebar on the right for details and location.

Make an evening of it and have dinner at The Cafe on Broadway, Fratelli's, or Emelia's before heading to the concert.  (I've seen a sign about Saturday nights being Family Night at Emelia's, but I haven't had time to get the scoop just yet.)

There's also a play at the Sager Creek Arts Center called The Fantastics.  I'm not sure if there are tickets available, but it would definitely be worth a check.

Make your favorite recipe using strawberries and bring it to the Farmer's Market this coming Tuesday morning.  Judging begins at 10am near the Gazebo.  You could be the lucky winner!

Have a good weekend!

--Karyn

Weekend Update

Here's the gazebo in City Park, undergoing some restoration. According to the Herald Leader, the work is being done by Lowe's employees, and High School students of agriculture and mechanics. What a great project! It will be wonderful to see it completed.

Also, I wanted to provide a last minute reminder of the numerous events taking place this weekend. Here are some highlights:

First of all, the downtown Second Saturday tradition will continue on the 14th, with extended business hours and live music in the early evening in front of the old Post Office by Travis Cheney & friends.

Also on Saturday is the Siloam Springs Museum's 40th anniversary party, beginning at 2:00. View the 40th anniversary exhibit and also enjoy some birthday cake. The Rexall Rangers will be performing at the Sager Creek Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. for a fundraiser concert and western supper to benefit the Siloam Springs Museum. The concert and supper are being sponsored by CenturyLink. Cost is $12 for adults; $6 for children 12 and under. The Western Supper is being catered by Suzy's Dogwood Catering and includes: ham and beans, cornbread muffins, sliced tomatoes, onions, iced tea, coffee, water and peach cobbler with fresh whipped cream topping. No reservations are required. If you want additonal information, call the museum at: 479-524-4011 or email: cleessmuseum@centurytel.net

November 15th will herald the official Siloam Springs' Annual Holiday Open House event, with downtown businesses in full swing from 1-4. There are many establishments serving refreshments and offering discounts. I have to put in a special plug for The Cafe on Broadway, as I stopped by there this evening for a preview. I had the most amazing, delicious beverage EVER- the Pumpkin Pie Latte. Mine was iced with soy, and it was like Thanksgiving in a glass. I've long been a fan of fall coffee flavors- like Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but this was like nothing I've ever had before. The cafe is opening at noon on Sunday with their full menu, and there will be a string quartet playing Christmas music, beginning at 3:00. While I'm on the subject... have you heard the news that the Cafe on Broadway now serves their famous paninis all day long? This is big news!

Hope you'll be able to enjoy these great events.

Second Saturday Recap

Photo by Kirk Demarais

Also, I received an e-mail from Beacon Hill Farms with a list of what they will be bringing to the Farmer's Market this week: potatoes, squash, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatillos, peppers, green beans, onions, garlic, lettuce mix, beets, basil, sage, chamomile, dill, kale, leeks, fennel and spinach. The Farmer's Market takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 8-1.

Second Saturday Festivities

Photos by Hope Johnstone

Fun stuff this week

My son and I attended the Summer Reading Program kickoff at the library this morning, only for me to realize that I'd forgotten my camera. So, I'm not able to show the tremendous turnout, and the great fun everyone had making tie-dyed t-shirts on the lawn. My apologies. The good news is that if you missed out today, they will be hosting another tie-dyed t-shirt making party on Friday morning (June 12) at 11:00 am. The library provides all the supplies, so kids three and up can just show up and ..... "Get Creative." (That's the theme of this summer's reading program.)

Also, Books on Broadway has expanded their story time hours for the summer. They will offer a story time every Monday at 10:30 am, and the second through last Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. What a treat! I also noticed their lovely new website- be sure to check it out.

Last but certainly not least, it's time once again for the Second Saturday Music event. From 5:00-8:00 pm on Saturday the 13th, downtown businesses will be open, and horse and carriage rides and concessions will also be available. At 7:30, there will be a free concert at the Twin Springs Park Gazebo, featuring Cathy Barton and Dave Para. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets (and a small donation if you are so inclined.)

Second Saturday Festivities

What a lovely evening! Kudos to all who contributed to the Second Saturday Music and downtown events. I am looking forward to a summer of Second Saturday enjoyment. It was such fun to see the charming horse and carriage clip-clopping its way through the downtown area. Rides were just $5 per person, kids under ten were free.

Many downtown businesses were open late, and I stopped by the Balloon Closet where there were beautiful Mother’s Day balloon bouquets on display. I also stopped by “Oh So Pretty.” The shop was gorgeous, as always, and Joni Peterson, the owner, pointed out some new merchandise. There was a beautiful line of jewelry by Elizabeth Jane, a JBU student. Joni said the line has been very popular, and I can see why- the pieces are special and unique. She also showed me some brightly colored hand-painted bracelets, Tokyo Milk perfumes, and several new inspirational books. The Cafe on Broadway was hopping, and people were visiting other participating businesses as well- Books on Broadway, Jolly Roger Sweet Shoppe, the Baby Habit, Broadway Flowers, II Gals Junk, Local Flair, and Amandromeda. There was even face painting sponsored by the Baby Habit. It was quite an event!

At 7:30, the amazing folk music began at the Sager Creek Arts Center. Usually the Second Saturday music event takes place in the Twin Springs Gazebo, but they wisely moved it indoors after all the rain we’ve had. The concert opened with some lively tunes by Bill & Deanna Lisk, the organizers, and their musical friends. Feet were tapping, hands were clapping… you just can’t sit still during great folk and bluegrass music!


The headliners, Shout Lulu Stringband, performed next, and they were a real treat. Apparently, they often perform at the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market, and it would be worth the drive over to see them. I was enchanted by their obvious love of old-time music. They even looked the part, with Skye wearing a lovely white dress that seemed straight out of the 1920’s. The men also wore vintage-inspired clothing and charming hats. I just love attention to detail.

The music was fabulous! I’m not very knowledgeable about this kind of music, but they performed with such joy that you couldn’t help but be swept up in the magic of it all. They played “Little Moses” by the Carter Family, and also a few songs by a 1920’s group, Pope’s Arkansas Mountaineers, among other tunes. Seth can play two harmonicas at once, and Pete plays a variety of instruments, including bones from a horse! Trust me, you won't want to miss the next Second Saturday music and downtown festivities on June 13th.

Parks & Recreation

After some pretty dreary weather, today's gorgeous sunshine prompted us to hit the streets. It was the perfect Siloam day- 75 degrees, crisp blue skies with a few fluffy white clouds, Sager creek merrily flowing.. The after school traffic was in full swing as we strolled down University. Also, some adorable and tiny ballerinas were arriving for dance class at Sherry's as we went by. I can't think of a cuter sight!

Our first stop was the Siloam Springs Parks & Recreation building on Mt. Olive. I must admit, I've never visited before. We were there to register for Iddy Biddy Soccer, and judging by the numerous calls and in-person visits that took place while we were there, we aren't the only ones ready for the upcoming sports season. Parks & Rec employee Peggy Chipman was very helpful and amazingly calm fielding requests. She said that a lot of people are signing up for softball, swim lessons and buying aquatic center passes.

While there, I also saw a flyer advertising the first of the "Second Saturday Music" events. I am a huge fan of these free, outdoor concerts that take place in the gazebo in Twin Springs Park. My father was visiting from Orlando several years ago, and I took him to a Second Saturday show. It was a peaceful summer evening, with lovely folk music, and children catching fireflies on the lawn. We both agreed that it looked like some sort of movie set depicting the perfect small town.

The first concert will take place Saturday, May 9th at 7:30, featuring Shout Lulu Stringband. Be sure to bring your blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy this great musical gift.
After our visit to Parks & Rec, we spent some time at Bob Henry Park, where we saw preparations for the 35th annual Dogwood Festival in full swing. I'm very excited about the festival, taking place April 24-26. It's one of my favorite things about Siloam Springs. Hope to see you there!