After a five-year hiatus, ROCKtoberfest returns from Friday, Sept. 29, to Sunday, Oct. 1, to benefit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge with a weekend concert production in Eureka Springs.
ROCKtoberfest for Freedom Field will help Turpentine Creek build an all-new habitat for 35 new animals coming from Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Fla. The expense of the move and the building of dens is expected to be more than $2.5 million.
Carole and Howard Baskin of Big Cat Rescue contributed $1.8 million for the project, leaving a difference of $700,000 for Turpentine Creek to raise.
A tradition that started in 2014, ROCKtoberfest features independent performers representing different genres of music and entertainment.
North Arkansas Performing Artists Coalition, a nonprofit organization, is the event producer and licensed to operate KBHQ-FM Radio in Harrison, also known as “Ozarks QROCK.” The station’s mission is to promote independently produced music and those who perform it, while supporting music programs in schools.
In fulfilling this mission, NAPAC works to support the mission of other nonprofits through its community radio station.
The event will be held at the Eureka Springs Adventure Park, a privately owned 150acre adventure park. Proceeds from ROCKtoberfest will benefit Turpentine Creek and NAPAC.
Located just south of Eureka Springs, Turpentine Creek has rescued abandoned, abused and neglected big cats for more than 30 years. The nonprofit has assisted in the placement of more than 500 animals during that time.
Turpentine Creek recently announced it would receive the 35 animals from Big Cat Rescue, an animal sanctuary whose efforts helped to shut down entertainer Joe Exotic’s Big Cat attraction in Oklahoma. That operation was featured in the Netflix series “Tiger King.”
Animals coming to Turpentine Creek include tigers, bobcats and servals.
In 2022, the Big Cat Public Safety Act was passed, banning private ownership and public interactions with big cats. With successful passage of this legislation, the Baskins decided to end their animal shelter operation and will focus on conservation efforts.
For more information on ROCKtoberfest, visit qrockfm. com/events or call 870741-0081.
