MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — The Arkansas Ozarks Outdoor Expo makes its debut this weekend at the Baxter County Fairgrounds, offering two days of activities, vendors, and live entertainment with a focus on the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Proceeds from the event will benefit foster care services statewide.
Event founder and director Phillip Johnson explained the expo's mission to promote area attractions such as the Twin Lakes, White River, Buffalo River, and local hiking and cycling trails. The free event will showcase local and national vendors selling products and services for outdoor enthusiasts.
Activities are set to begin Saturday morning with a fun run and walk along the Arkansas State University trail. Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Propel and Gatorade. Among the highlights is a Saturday evening performance by 7th Street, a Harrison-based band, which will offer a free public concert.
Proceeds from the expo will support Connected Families, a foster care organization active in all 75 Arkansas counties. The group collaborates with the Division of Children and Family Services to advocate for children in the state’s foster care system and match them with vetted homes. Johnson stressed the importance of the cause, citing over 4,000 children currently in need of foster care in Arkansas, with fewer than 1,000 homes available.
The Arkansas Ozarks Outdoor Expo will run Saturday and Sunday at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. For more details, visit the event website or contact organizers directly.