6th Annual “Boati Gras” Celebration on Greers Ferry Lake

Join the Mardi Gras fais do-do on Greers Ferry Lake – Saturday April 28th

Take one part Zydeco, a pinch of Creole, and a whole mess of fun and laughter, and you’ll end up with the best party on the lake! Laissez les bon temps rouler – “let the good times roll!” Come join Fairfield Bay Marina, Lacey’s Marina, and the Krewe of Jesters as we celebrate Boati Gras, an explosion of color and good times on the water.

Throw me somethin’ Mister!
The water celebration begins at 2pm, with the colorful and exciting boat parade kicking off at 3:00. All sorts of boats from around Greers Ferry Lake will be arriving, decorated in their finest green, gold, and purple. The parade will be led around the marina by the FFB tugboat, tossing beads and trinkets to those along the route. The public is welcome to bring their own Krewe, decorate their own boats and participate!

Boati Gras will have authentic Cajun food of beans and rice, music, dancing, awards, and a party on the dock that’s sure to go until the sun goes down. Beads will fly, ducks will bob around, laughter will be heard, and a general fun atmosphere – led by the Krewe of Jesters.

“Kicking off the summer lake activities with Boati Gras is a no-brainer,” says John Conry, Fairfield Bay Marina Manager. “We’re all one big Krewe here, and this year we’re partnering with Lacey’s Marina to make this festival the best one yet.”

For more information, or to gather your own Krewe and boat, contact the Fairfield Bay Marina at 501-884-6030. It’s all good clean fun on the lake, and it’s free to participate. Start your own Krewe and be a king (or Queen) yourself.  It’s good to be King!

Schedule of Events (“fun times”)

1:30-2pm – Gathering at the dock (Fairfield Bay Marina)
2pm – Fun, Fol-de-Rol & Fleet regalia with the Town Crier and the 2017 King of Krewe Jesters and his loyal subjects
~ Second-line band escorts the Royal Personage & entertains the loyal subjects
~ Introduction of His Royal Highness and Court
~ A few words of Wit & Wisdom from His Royal Jesterness
~ His Most High Jesterness leads the crowd in a line-dance
~ The Town Crier tells us all what’s really going on (because only he really knows)
~ The Blessing of the Fleet
~ The Cleansing of the Fleet
~ Kleenex and kazoos are other merrymakers are given out the King parades his subjects to The Boats!

3pm – On with the Parade!
~ The Boati Gras Boat Parade begins where beads, rubber ducks and candy come ashore. Merriment ensues!
~ Jambalya and Mardi Gras Fare – not to be missed –by the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Men’s club.

Following the Parade –
Awards of all types – fit for any King (or Queen). 3 categories: best spirit, most creative & best overall. The traveling Boati Gras trophy goes to the marina with the boat winning best overall

~ 5pm – Festival Boati Gras music to dance the night away

#letthegoodtimesroll, #FFBBoatiGras

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!”

Fairfield Bay, Arkansas’ Premier WaterSport Festival
“Surf the Bay” – Making Waves Yet Again

Summer Celebration showcases more Adventure Sports with
FREE: Wakesurfing, FlyBoarding, Kayaking & Tubing

Come enjoy the BEST Water and Music Festival in Arkansas!
— Come by land or by water —

Fairfield Bay is making waves yet again this summer when they bring some fun extreme and family sports events to the North Shore of Greers Ferry Lake, returning with the wildly popular WakeSurfing, FlyBoarding, Paddle Boarding and Kayaking, plus, family-fun Water Slides where you can “ride the wave”. Plenty of NEW water toys to try, exciting watersport and vendors and family fun.

This June 16th, step into the summer sun and out into the clear fresh water and take your turn at “Surfing” the big waves or “Flying” above them in a water-powered jet pack, known as FlyBoarding. If you’ve ever wanted to try some of the latest watercraft, check out the Versa Boards and the new pontoon paddle boat, or try your hand at the Hobi eclipse. Ask about the exciting Craig Cat – only one on Greers Ferry Lake!

“Surf the Bay” will be held at the Fairfield Bay Marina. Free and open to the public, this water and music festival welcomes visitors of all ages to grab a board, jump a wave or “fly”. Join the crowds in watching the professionals showcase their craft, or sign up and participate in some of the most popular and unique adventure sports in the country: WakeSurfing and FlyBoarding. Or get the kids our tubing for some family fun. If the waves get too extreme, take a shuttle out to Sugar Loaf Mountain Island and hike your way up to breathtaking panoramic views.

WHAT TO DO AT SURF THE BAY?

• Need Adventure? Give WakeSurfing a Go!
Join Futrell Marine and Fairfield Bay Marina as they bring WakeSurfing to the clear water of Greers Ferry Lake. It’s the only way to catch big waves in a fresh water lake. Fun big waves, no rope, and no hard falls! This fast growing sport is getting everyone from 8 to 80 in the water with its three to four feet swells. Watch the pros or join in yourself. Futrell Marine will also be on hand to show off a few of the fastest, most exciting watercraft on the lake. These boats will be set up to let participants experience the thrill of WakeSurfing and WakeBoarding, as well as skiing and kids’ tubing.

• You Can Even FLY! – Now FREE to try!
Ever wanted to try FlyBoarding? Now you can! Come out and watch as iFlyH2O demonstrates the newest and most exciting extreme water activity. “Surf the Bay” was the first place ever to showcase FlyBoarding over freshwater. Don’t miss this! “Come out, and strap yourself to a jetpack, and “fly” above the water like an action hero from a movie,” says Rich Mcgahan from iFlyH2O. “It’s truly like nothing you’ve ever experienced – and one you won’t ever forget. It’s probably the most fun you can have on the water! And it is easier than you may think. Most people pick it up rather quickly. Our certified instructors will be at “Surf the Bay” to teach those interested.”

Try something new this year? Get into the only Craigcat on Greers Ferry Lake. It’s compact, easy to maneuver and fast – perfect for those who want fish, cruise the lake, or just relax in a way that’s sure to be like none other. Rentals are available, along with pontoons, kayaks, jet skis, eclipses and more. Find the perfect water toy to enjoy the lake.

• Try the Popular Paddle Boarding
If the waves get too extreme, make a real splash and try the popular sport of stand up paddle boarding (SUP). There’s the new Versa Boards at the Marina, where with one board it’s both a Stand up paddle board or a kayak – offering a great way to take advantage of the water and get a fun workout at the same time. Or grab a Kayak for more classic paddling fun with Little Red River Outfitters who will be on hand to help get you started.

“Surf the Bay” is free and open to the public. All events and activities will be held at the beautiful Fairfield Bay Marina on the North Shore of Greers Ferry Lake. “This year’s Surf the Bay will be the biggest one yet,” says Fairfield Bay Marina Manager John Conry. “This year, crowds will have the opportunity to enjoy all our new equipment, including our Craigcat, jet skis, Hobie Eclipses, and pontoon boats, as well as try their hand at stand-up paddleboarding, flyboarding and wakesurfing.”

Live Music keeps the summer fun rolling
Back to Rock the dock will be the extremely popular Zac Dunlap Band playing from 5p-7p, sponsored by Bud Lady Fishing. This band was recognized by the 2018 Arkansas Country Music Awards with an incredible four nominations – Song of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Music Video of the Year and the highly coveted “Entertainer of the Year”. So you best not miss this amazing band to cap off a great day.

“This event is growing with each year,” says Rocky Nickles, General Manager of the Fairfield Bay Community Club. “Fairfield Bay is becoming the best place to come and enjoy Greers Ferry Lake. Families come from across the state to see what we’re all about here, and we’re super excited to have events like these to showcase the lake and all we have to offer. I can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend.”