Once again, Mother Nature is awakening from a long winter nap, and the trees and flowers are bursting with spring colors to make her feel welcome. On Saturday, May 12, (Mother’s Day weekend) join the community of Fairfield Bay, the Van Buren County Master Gardeners, BBQ cookers, carshow enthusiasts and a host of local artisans, as we celebrate the start of spring with a BIG all-day family festival. Spring comes into full bloom at beautiful Ed Leamon Park in Fairfield Bay.

Free and open to the public. Bloomin’ in the Bay is a celebration of spring featuring the popular 15th annual Van Buren County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, local artisans and vendors, food booths, a kids play zone, and new for this year, learn which plants to put out to create your very own butterfly garden. As Fairfield Bay has been named as the first Monarch City in Arkansas – a real feather in our cap – we will feature plants guaranteed to attract these beautiful creatures. 2018 marks the third consecutive year that Bloomin’ in the Bay will be held in conjunction with an afternoon taste and music experience: Blues & BBQ, will be from 11 to 4 p.m. once again bringing the ultimate backyard BBQ experience to beautiful Ed Leamon Park, featuring some talented backyard BBQ Maestros competing for a $1,000 prize. Cruisin in the Bay will have upwards of 100 of beautiful cars, both classic and late model, that are sure to inspire stories of youthful adventures.

“These three festivals are a perfect way for use to kick off spring and show what all Fairfield Bay has to offer,” says Mayor Paul Wellenberger. “Our city is thriving, and we just love hosting these events, making new friends, and sharing in the bounties that we’ve been given.”

Blooms, Bulbs, and Bushes: 15th Annual VBC Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale (9am-4pm)
Browse the booths filled with a wide variety of plants, including herbs, perennials, annuals, shrubs, native plants, hostas and trees, all locally grown and selected specifically to thrive in this area. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the rose garden and fairy houses. Keep your eyes open – you just might see a real fairy!  Sprinkled throughout the morning, along with games for kids, are self-guided nature hikes and more than 30 vendors offering unique wares and sage outdoor advice.

Fairfield Bay Named Arkansas’ First Monarch City
Fairfield Bay is honored to be named a Monarch City – the first in the state of Arkansas! To help us celebrate, special guest Ruth Andre will be sharing tips, advise for plant choices, and other information so you, too, can attract monarchs, as well as other species of these beauties to your own butterfly garden. Wings up!

The smell of BBQ is Intoxicating…
As you make your way through all the beautiful plants, you’ll notice the smell of BBQ smoke getting stronger. The third annual Blues and BBQ pairs award-winning flavors with music that will be sure to have your toes tapping and your heart thumping. “We are thrilled to watch how this festival has grown,” says Dan Feuer. “Each year we see new entries, and get to sample some of the best barbeque in Arkansas.” Music starts at 10 and continues throughout the afternoon, so be sure to bring some chairs, grab your friends, and just hang out in our great big backyard BBQ.

And, OH, the Cars! Crusin’ the Bay – a hundred classic cars
After enjoying the blooms in the park and the amazing BBQ from Blues & BBQ, be sure to check out Cruisin’ in the Bay car show, hosted by the Fairfield Bay Chamber of Commerce – over in the Fairfield Bay Mall area, within walking distance of the blooms and BBQ. “Just walking through these cars will turn any grownup back into a kid again,” says Heather Dunn, Chamber Director. “Some of these cars bring back memories of cruising down back road with friends back in the day. What fun!”