How to Attend the War Eagle Craft Fair

Nestled in the rolling hills of Northwest Arkansas, the War Eagle Farm and Mill is a nostalgic step back in time. This scenic, Ozark hideaway has hosted The War Eagle Craft Fair each fall since 1954. With close to 200,000 attendees, War Eagle continues to be the Ozark's leading craft fair. Enjoy the best in handmade craft artisans and take home some unmatched country treasures.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Plan ahead for your trip to The War Eagle Craft Fair. Check the official website for the date, usually mid-October. The fair runs Thursday through Sunday, with gates opening at 8:00 AM and closing at 5:00 PM, except for an early 4:00 PM closure on Sunday. Admission and parking are free.

2. Book hotel reservations early for your visit to Northwest Arkansas. The Ozarks is a very popular tourist area, and accommodations fill up quickly. The village of War Eagle is located 13 miles east of Rogers, Arkansas. The closest hotels can be found on Beaver Lake, in Rogers, or in Eureka Springs.

3. Chart your travel to War Eagle from your point of origin. It is best to avoid the narrow War Eagle River bridge due to the large number of tourists on the road. Instead, approach the War Eagle Millyard where the fair is held from the south, using U.S. 412 and AR Hwy 303.

4. Enjoy the amenities of the fair upon your arrival. An efficient parking team will guide you in and out of the grounds. A free guidebook of exhibitors and two information booths will provide direction for your shopping adventure. You will find a conveniently located first aid station, plenty of restrooms, a complimentary package checking service and lots of refreshments and food stands. Be sure to visit the exhibit building, as well as the numerous tent-covered booths.

5. Experience all the exceptional craftsmanship the fair has to offer as you move from booth to booth. Use your guidebook to become familiar with what is available as you buy gifts and items for your own home. The broad array of arts and crafts will include woodcrafts, quilts, stained glass, leather items, jewelry, clothing, holiday items, wreaths and floral arrangements, potpourri, pottery, paintings and other art work, tole painting, folk art, candles and soaps, furniture--something for everyone.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes for a lot of walking. Bring strollers for small children.
• Plan to leave your pets at home. Only dogs trained for medical assistance are allowed.
• Check the weather before you go. In October, it can be quite warm during the day, yet cooler in the evening.
• Apply as an exhibitor if you are quite accomplished in your field of handcrafted items. Click on "Exhibitors" on the War Eagle Fair website to download the application form. Be prepared to write a description of your handcrafted goods, enclose a few photos or choose the option of sending some samples (either non-returnable, or include return postage). Decision notices and returned photos will be sent within 45 days in your stamped, pre-addressed envelope.

Resources

• Check the official War Eagle Craft Fair website for fair dates and details.
• While at the fair, visit the historic War Eagle Mill and the Bean Palace Restaurant.