Fairfield Bay will celebrate the start of spring on Saturday, May 11, with a big, all-day family festival at Ed Leamon Park.

Bloomin’ in the Bay begins with the popular 16th Annual Van Buren County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, local artisans and vendors, food booths, a kids play zone, a free Mother’s Day craft and so much more. The event, free and open to the public, is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2019 marks the fourth consecutive year that Bloomin’ in the Bay will be held in conjunction with an afternoon food and music experience. There will be 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.

Fairfield Bay was named the first Monarch City in Arkansas. Special guest Ruth Andre will share tips, advice for plant choices and other information to attract monarchs, as well as other species to a butterfly garden. In addition, individuals can purchase Milkweed grown through the Clinton High School greenhouse project to help feed Monarchs.  

Blues & BBQ will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., once again bringing the ultimate backyard barbecue experience featuring talented grill masters competing for a $500 cook-off prize. 

The Third Annual Blues and BBQ pairs award-winning flavors with music. “We are thrilled to watch how this festival has grown,” says Dan Feuer, Blues & BBQ event director. “Each year, we see new entries, and get to sample some of the best barbecue in Arkansas. Plus, the music just has everyone jumping. 

“Bands start at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the early evening. New for this year is a street dance. So bring some chairs, grab your friends, and get ready for one great big backyard party.”

The day will wrap up with a new street dance featuring the popular Zac Dunlap Band.

Plus, Cruisin in the Bay will have nearly 50 beautiful classic cars. The event is hosted by the Fairfield Bay Chamber of Commerce.

“Just walking through these cars will turn any grownup back into a kid again,” said Jackie Sikes, chamber director. “Some of these cars bring back memories of cruising down backroads with friends back in the day. What fun!”

“These three festivals are a perfect way to kick off spring and showcase all beauty and recreation Fairfield Bay has to offer,” said Fairfield Bay Mayor Paul Wellenberger. “And this year, we have even more springtime freshness to be celebrating with the NEW Cobblestone Inn and Suites. Sixty-three rooms will be waiting for you to come spend your next weekend in Fairfield Bay. Our city is thriving, and we love hosting family events, making new friends, and sharing in the bounties that we’ve been given.”

For more information, go to VisitFairfieldBay.com.