Happenings this weekend along U.S. 62 traveling west include the 42nd Annual Arkansas Apple Festival in Lincoln and The Junk Ranch and Junk at the Mill in Prairie Grove.
Thousands of visitors are expected to come through the area for the annual events.
In addition, antique shops, flea markets and vintage stores will be open along U.S. 62B going through Prairie Grove. Lincoln has its share of similar stores also.
Food, music, arts and crafts vendors, booths with junk, vintage and repurposed items and kids' activities can be found for those looking for fun ways to spend their weekend in western Washington County.
Junk at the Mill
The weekend starts Thursday with the fourth Junk at the Mill, which runs Oct. 5-7 at Washington County Milling Co., 501 S. Mock St., in Prairie Grove.
Marcus Nall, owner of Washington County Milling Co., said he sponsors Junk at the Mill to bring in people to see the building, which is the only remaining flour mill structure in Prairie Grove.
Nall revived the building as a new event center for special occasions.
"Our main goal is to be an event venue," Nall said. "The more people who see the uniqueness of it, the better. We want our community to be able to experience the mill."
Junk at the Mill will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The event offers free admission and parking. Paid parking also will be available on nearby property. Nall expects to have 40-50 vendors offering vintage, furniture, junk and repurposed items. Food also will be available.
Arkansas Apple Festival
The 42nd Arkansas Apple Festival opens Friday morning and runs through Sunday afternoon, Oct. 6-8.
Russ Laycox and his wife, Rainy, have been helping with the Apple Festival since its first year in 1976. They lived in Dallas for a short time and even then, he said they continued to do their part from the state of Texas.
"We just love it," Laycox said. "Rainy and I love it. We think it's good for the Lincoln community. It's great family entertainment and we always strive for that."
Visitors to the Arkansas Apple Festival can enjoy food, music, vendor booths and kids' activities. Admission is free. The festival has free parking and also has some paid parking that benefits school groups.
The Junk Ranch
The Junk Ranch is held on 36 acres of pasture land at 11195 Centerpoint Church Road in Prairie Grove. It is held twice a year and this is the third annual fall event.
The fair is open for early shopping from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday Oct. 6. Saturday's shopping hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 on Friday, which includes Saturday's entry or $5 on Saturday. Parking is free. Kids 12 and under are free.
The Junk Ranch is described as a "down-home country venue" that features repurposed, vintage, jewelry, salvage, boutique and handmade items, plus lots more. Live music and food trailers also will be on site. Many of the vendors travel from out of state and and offer unique one-of-a-kind items for sale.
General News on 10/04/2017