The staff of the Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Department have been busy putting the finishes touches on the return of a citywide celebration, Jamboreeka, on Sunday, July 2, celebrating Independence Day and the city’s 144th birthday.
The event kicks off at 4:55 p.m. Sunday at the Lake Leatherwood ball fields with a welcome from Sam Dudley, Eureka Springs parks director and a 90-minute performance from band Los Roscoes. Those interested can go on a nature hike led by Eric Fuselier from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Following, there will be an e-bike and bike raffle at 7:15 p.m.
Musical group Sprungbilly will perform from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. before members of Opera in the Ozarks sing the National Anthem leading up to the fireworks show, set to start around 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
While enjoying the entertainment, attendees can also visit food and beer trucks and a concession stand. There will also be a dunk tank and waterslide and vendor tents for event sponsors.
“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Dudley said. “We’ve raised a lot of money through sponsorships. I know there’s been a little bit of talk around town that we’re spending a lot of money on this event, and we are. But, we’ve recouped almost all of it with either monetary donations or in-kind donations.”
For example, Dudley said Steve’s Septic of Berryville agreed to donate port-a-potties for the event free of charge to the city, while other sponsors helped donate usage of the dunk tank and water slide.
Jamboreeka T-shirts will be also be for sale for $20 or $22 with proceeds going to help fund the event. The shirts depict Bigfoot on a bike carrying an oversized firework.
Those attending Jamboreeka are encouraged to utilize free trolleys that will be in operation because of limited parking.
Individuals can park their cars and catch the trolley at the city’s Transit and Welcome Center at 137 W. Van Buren, Planer Hill Park at 177 S. Main Street and the transit’s downtown depot at 60 S. Main Street.
Overflow parking will also be at the main Lake Leather City Park with limited parking at the location of the live music, food and fireworks at the park’s ballfields just off Highway 62.
Funding for the fireworks show was approved by city council, the parks department and from the city advertising and promotion commission.
OTHER WEEKEND EVENTS
The holiday and city birthday won’t just be on Sunday, but will encompass the entire long weekend.
On Friday, June 30, Melonlight Dance Studio will host Salsa Night at Basin Spring Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, musical group March to August will perform at the park with Drumming in the Park to follow from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Following Jamboreeka on Sunday, July 2, Basin Spring Park will be the site of more celebrations on Monday, July 3 with band Brick Fields playing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. followed by Skye Pollard from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
First Line, featuring Daniel Redmond, will play in the park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 followed by a celebration and birthday cake to honor Eureka Springs’ 144th birthday.
