Each Saturday from March to Sept. 3, visitors can take part in “Step Back Saturdays” at the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock.  

   Discover what daily living was like in the pioneer days. Living history programs and tours bring the 1800s to life by explaining the “who, what, when, where and why” of frontier Arkansas. Every month brings a different theme. 

   Tours are on the hour every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., except for noon. The last tour begins at 4 p.m. Admission is $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for children and free for museum members.  

   Call (501) 324-9351 or e-mail info@historicarkansas.org for more information. You can also check the Web site: www.historicarkansas.org.  

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Courtesy of www.Arkansas.com/Media

   For the first time in two years a total lunar eclipse occurred Saturday, March 3. People were invited to watch the eclipse

 at Mount Nebo State Park near Dardanelle.  Optimal viewing was around 6:15 p.m.  The process took more than an hour.  Admission was free. 

   For more information on Arkansas State Parks, visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com.  For more information on Mount Nebo State Park, call (479) 229-3655.

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   March 3 - April 29 marks the dates of the Albine Hinojosa: Extreme Realism exhibit at the Historic Regional Arts Center in Texarkana. 

   A graduate of Texarkana College, Hinojosa studied under Otis Lumpkin and has exhibited in 14 one-man shows. He has paintings in permanent collections at the South Arkansas Art Center, Masure Museum, Louisiana Tech University Art Gallery, Tyler Museum of Fine Arts, Longview Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of American Illustration in New York City.  

   He retired from teaching at Louisiana Tech University in 2000 and paints out of his studio at his home in Ruston, La., where he primarily devotes himself to promoting realism in the art world.  

   For more information on the free exhibit, phone (903) 792-8681 or visit www.trahc.org. 

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   It’s time once again for the Annual Little Rock Marathon, now in its fifth year. This year’s event will be March 4. This rapidly expanding race has quickly become a “must participate” event for runners and walkers across the country. Runner’s World magazine has featured the race for “having the largest finisher's medal in the world” and praised “Little Rock's southern hospitality.” The running and walking tour begins at Third & Broadway downtown and winds its way through historic parts of Little Rock.  

   In addition, there is a two-day expo of all things running and walking at Robinson Center Exhibit Hall prior to race day. The race features the marathon of 26.2 miles, a one-half marathon of 13.1 miles, a two-person half marathon relay, a 5K Family Fun Run/Walk and the Little Rockers Kids Marathon. Entry fees vary.  

   For more information go to www.littlerockmarathon.com or call Geneva Hampton with Little Rock Parks & Recreation at (501) 371-4639, e-mail ghampton@littlerock.state.ar.us.  

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   The South Arkansas Arts Center Photography Show and Competition “The ViewFinder” has been set for the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado. 

   Entries will be on display in the Merkle and Price Galleries March 5-27. An artist reception will be held Monday, March 5 from 5-7 p.m., with an awards presentation at 5:30 p.m.

   There will be a digital photography workshop March 10 at the SAAC. The workshop is $40 for members and $55 for non-members. Class size is limited and registration is required. 

   For more information about “The ViewFinder” and the Photography Workshop, contact the SAAC at (870) 862-5474.

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   Queen Wilhelmina State Park sits atop Rich Mountain, the state’s second highest peak, just outside Mena. The cloud-capped hideaway is rich in both scenery and history and will celebrate its 50^th birthday this year on March 3.  

   The park has been immersed in some interesting history on its way to half-a-century status. In the late 1800s, when railroad expansion was big business in the nation, the Kansas City Railroad was on its way through the state. A group of Dutch investors decided to build an inn here and named the new site after their queen, Wilhelmina. 

   The inn eventually went into ruins but it was rebuilt and still stands in the spot where the original inn was built. It now serves as the park’s main attraction and is known as the “Castle in the Sky.”  

   Visitors find incredible vistas in the 460-acre park and along the well-traveled Talimena Scenic Drive. The park has several hiking trails, including the Ouachita Trail that runs from Talihina, Okla., all the way to Little Rock. 

   Special programs on the history of the state park are slated to take place in honor of the birthday celebration. Plans are still in the works but there will be a birthday party March 3 and a dance/celebration June 16. For more information, phone (479) 394-2863. 

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   The annual Spring Bluegrass Festival is set for March 8-10 at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. Scheduled performers will include Monroe Crossing, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Gone South and The Kati Penn Group.

   The event is sponsored by the Mountain View Bluegrass Association. For a complete list of performers or more information, phone (870) 269-2704 or (870) 269-2542 or visit www.mountainview-bluegrass.com.  

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   Old Davidsonville State Park will host a Dutch Oven Cooking Workshop Saturday, March 10. Participants will see the entire process, from start to finish, and then enjoy a delicious taste of yesteryear – an entire meal cooked over a campfire. After enjoying the meal, participants will be sent home with recipes and a Dutch oven.

   Reservations are suggested. Admission is $25 per person.

   For more information, call Old Davidsonville State Park at (870) 892-4708 or log on to their Web site at www.ArkansasStateParks.com.  

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   Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan will host a Soap-making Workshop Saturday, March 10. Learn the art of making soap usinghocess method.

   Participants will receive soap recipes and bars of homemade soap. Class size is limited and reservations are suggested. Admission is $20 and you’ll need to bring protective clothing. 

   To make reservations or for more information, contact Powhatan Historic State Park at (870) 878-6765 or visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com.  

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   The creatures at Raycliff Manor Haunted Attraction in Eureka Springs have been getting restless since the 2006 Halloween season ended, and they can hardly contain their screams. So, the creators of the haunted castle will open the doors of the attraction two weekends in March for a Scream Break event. 

   Brave Spring Breakers can roam the halls of the manor from 7 p.m. to midnight on March 16, 17, 23 and 24. 

   Once the manor doors slam shut again at midnight of the 24^th, the Eureka Screams Fright Team will begin renovations inside the manor. The plans are to completely revamp a number of rooms and make significant enhancements to the attraction. The changes to Raycliff Manor will remain secret until the unveiling at a future date.  

   For 2007 schedule information, phone (479) 253-7887 or visit www.eurekascreams.com or www.mypsace.com/eurekascreams.  

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   The Great White Way comes to Little Rock on March 16 and 17 with “Three Broadway Divas” in concert. Performing along with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra are Broadway leading ladies Debbie Gravitte, Jan Horvath and Christiane Noll.  

   Gravitte has been called “one of the best voices on Broadway” by the Associated Press and has appeared in such shows as “Chicago,” “Pajama Game,” “Anything Goes,” “They’re Playing Our Song,” “Blues in the Night” and “Zorba” with Anthony Quinn.  

   Horvath has been featured in “The Phantom of the Opera,” where she performed the roles of Christine and Carlotta; “The Threepenny Opera” starring Sting; “Sweet Charity “ starring Debbie Allen, and she sang the lead role of Grizabella in the National Touring  Company of “Cats.”  

   Among the productions Noll has been a part of are “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Grease!” and “Miss Saigon,” plus the international tour of “South Pacific” where she portrayed Nellie Forbush.  

   The evening promises to be a “night of knock ‘em dead showstoppers” and will feature many familiar blockbuster show tunes. Ticket prices are $16, $34, $45, $66 and $70 and can be ordered online at www.arkansassymphony.org. For more information call (501) 666-1761 or e-mail tickets@arkansassymphony.org. Curtain time is 8 p.m. both nights at Robinson Center Music Hall in downtown Little Rock.  

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   A special wine and cheese preview will headline this year's 11^th annual Spring Antique Show at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center Friday, March 16 in Eureka Springs. A $10 admission will allow one to attend the special reception and shop from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. as well as shop Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18.
 

   Forty-three dealers from 14 states will attend this popular spring show as well as antique lovers who come from an average of 20 states. The show will feature a full range of antiques including furniture, glassware, pottery, silver, books, primitives, shabby chic, postcards, advertising, paper, linens, crystal, china, jewelry, vintage clothing, art, kerosene lamps and replacement parts.  

   Regular show hours will be from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday and from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $2.50 and is good for both days. A cash drawing is held at the end of the show, plus a lodging voucher will be awarded to another lucky winner.

   For more information, contact Dave or Jane Baker at (479) 253-7551 or e-mail bakerdj@cox.net.  

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   The Three Days of Syllamo Stage Run will be March 16-18 in Mountain View. All three runs will be held within the Sylamore Ranger District and are 90 percent on single-track trails including the Sylamore trail, Sylamore horse trails and the Syllamo mountain bike trails. 

   Day one is a 50K on the Sylamore trail, including the new section of trail. Full aid stations will be provided at approximately 4-6 miles apart. Day two will be a 50-mile run on the Syllamo mountain bike trail that winds, climbs and descends through the beautiful Sylamore Ranger District including several creek crossings, past scenic vistas and bluffs and through dense forest. Full aid stations will be located approximately 4-6 miles apart. Day three is a 20K on the Syllamo mountain bike trails. Aid will be provided at the halfway point. 

   Race headquarters will be at Blanchard Springs Campground pavilion, and all races will start and end at this campground. 

   For entry fees and more information visit www.runarkansas.com or contact the Mountain View Chamber at (870) 269-8068.  

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   March 17 marks the First Ever 4^th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hot Springs. 

   Live music will be added for the first time. The Sallymacs will play before and after the parade in the area around Bridge Street and Broadway. The celebrity grand marshal for the parade will be Mario Lopez, who was runner-up in the TV series, “Dancing with the Stars.”  

   The parade and accompanying Pub Crawl last year attracted an estimated 10,000 people into the downtown area to watch marchers, floats and bands cover the 98-foot parade route on world-famous Bridge Street, the world’s shortest street in everyday use. 

   For more information, contact the Hot Springs Convention Center at (501) 321-2277 or visit www.hotsprings.org.  

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   Just in time for spring, Mammoth Spring State Park in Mammoth Spring is hosting Bluebird Day March 17. Spend the morning building a bluebird house – and create a wonderful addition to your backyard. Not only will bluebirds add beauty to your surroundings – they have the added benefit of eating insects that are harmful to gardens. Welcome these lovely warblers to your home with a house you made yourself! There is no cost for the workshop, but space is limited and reservations are encouraged.

   For more information or to make reservations, call Mammoth Spring State Park at (870) 625-7364 or visit their Web site at www.ArkansasStateParks.com.  

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   March is Arkansas Archeology Month and this year’s theme is “Arkansas Rock Art.” Programs and guided hikes will highlight Petit Jean’s authentic rock art March 17, which is Archeology Day at Petit Jean State Park.  

   The annual Wildflower Weekend at the park is set for March 30 - April 1. Wildflower walks, demonstrations and evening shows all relate to the celebration of wildflowers. 

   For more information, phone (501) 727-5441 or visit www.petitjeanstatepark.com. Admission is free.  

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   This festival's commitment to showcasing work by emerging and established filmmakers from Arkansas and neighboring states remains strong since it’s beginning in 2002. The Ozark Foothills FilmFest, scheduled March 22 – 25, will showcase a variety of independent films by filmmakers from Arkansas and neighboring states.

   Activities are scheduled at University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and several venues in Batesville. Paying homage to one of the area’s most famous residents – racing legend Mark Martin – this year’s theme is Start Your Engines: Movies about the Racing Life.

   For more information, visit www.ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.org or phone (870) 251-1189.

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   The ringing of steel pounding red-hot steel will be heard around Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park March 24 as it hosts the 15^th Annual Forge Fest. Expert blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft, which was used to create an array of items from everyday tools to knife blades.

   Other activities taking place will be a variety of pioneer games such as marbles, stilts and horseshoes in addition to tours of the museum. The state park museum interprets Arkansas cotton agriculture and plantation life from statehood in 1836 to World War II.

   The outside events are free; admission to the museum is $3 adults and $2 for children. To reach the museum, which is located in Scott, take Exit #7 off I-440, then head south on U.S. 165 five miles to the junction of U.S. 165 and Ark. 161.

   The park can provide additional details at (501) 961-1409 or plantationagrimuseum@arkansas.com.

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   The 17^th annual Eureka Springs Kite Festival is set for March 24 at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. The unique, the tiny, the great and the colorful will take to the air. The sky’s the limit as past participants gather to share stories and show off new and/or champion kites along with those who simply love the feel of launching an honest, old-fashioned, hand-built kite. Kites will fly from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and everyone is welcome to bring a kite.

   This is a perfect family affair, and chairs, blankets and homemade entertainment are encouraged. There will be food and drinks available on the premises.

   The event will be held on the grounds of the Turpentine Creek Animal Refuge located on Ark. 23, 7 miles south of Eureka Springs. Admission is free. For more information, phone Kaleidokites at (479) 253-6596, and visit www.tigers.tc and www.kaleidokites.com.

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   A Medicinal Herb Hike and Workshops will be offered March 30-31 at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. The herb hike in the Ozark hills will be from noon-5 p.m., Friday, March 30. Saturday, March 31 Marge Powell will provide workshops on Healthy Nutrition, Hands-on Tinctures, Ointments, Infusions and Teas. Class size is limited, so register early.

   Admission before March 21 for both days is $55; for the Friday hike $20, for the Saturday workshop $40. After March 21, cost for the hike and workshop will be $75, for the Friday hike $30 and for the Saturday workshop $50.

   For more information, phone (870) 269-3851 or visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com.

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   Exhibitions from a wide variety of horse disciplines and breeds can be seen March 31 during the annual Horse Festival at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Arena in Fayetteville. Nationally prominent trainers and clinicians will be featured as well as local celebrities. Horse-related merchandise will be available as will local equine organizations and groups to answer questions.

   Admission is $10 for adult armbands (includes indoor and all outdoor activities); $5 for children 12 and under. Entrance to the outdoor events only is $5 for adults and free to children 12 and under.

   For more information, phone Kathi Jogan at (479) 575-6300 and visit www.horsefestival.org.

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   Trudy, the Little Rock Zoo’s western lowland gorilla, will celebrate her 50^th birthday March 31, and everyone is invited to take part. Among the activities scheduled for Trudy's Big Birthday Bash! include Keeper Chats at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., special enrichment time with the great apes and close encounters with the Zoo’s education animals. There will be free birthday cake and ice cream for visitors while supplies last and a special gift presentation to Trudy.

   Guests are encouraged to bring Trudy a gift from her wish list, which includes a refrigerator, bottled low-sugar juices, low-sugar whole grain cereals, Kong Toys®, one-half inch clear vinyl tubing, dried fruits, canned fruit in light syrup, low-sugar jams and jellies and low-sodium peanut butter. Trudy sets a good example as a healthy eater.

   Admission is $8 ages 13 and up; $6 for ages 12 to 1; under 1 free. Those 60 and over are $6. The zoo is located at 1 Jonesboro Drive. More information can be obtained from the Web site – www.littlerockzoo.com or by calling (501) 666-2406.