Week of Thanksgiving
The week of Thanksgiving has always been a very busy week in my home town of Stuttgart, Arkansas. This past weekend opened duck season in Arkansas. Stuttgart is known as the Rice and Duck capital of the world. Hunters from several stakes make their way here for this seemingly popular sport. Personally, I don't see any sense getting up before the crack of dawn just to be out in a duck blind; usually it is cold and most of the time it rains.
This is such a big thing, they even have a beauty contest, the Queen Mallard contest. Tuesday they start closing Main street to set up all the carnival rides, vendors and tents for arts and crafts and merchandise vendors. You wouldn't believe it, but there is even a World Champion Duck Calling contest that starts on Friday after Thanksgiving Day and runs through Saturday night. Friday night there is the Sportsman's Dinner and on Saturday morning there is a duck gumbo cooking contest that draws a huge crowd.
I have never gone to any of these events except the carnival. That was the high light of my year, outside of Christmas of course. I loved the rides, especially the Tilt o Whirl and the Scrambler. I don't like heights, so I never rode the Ferris wheel. All of my friends would gather downtown on Wednesday, armband day. You could buy an armband for a certain price and ride all the rides that you wanted. I still remember the smells of popcorn and cotton candy filling the air. Of course, Thanksgiving Day was always spent at Grandma's and Grandpa's house for the Thanksgiving celebration. Boy, could my grandma cook. I think she made every type of pie that she knew of and didn't have a written recipe one. They were all in her head. She didn't use standard measures like I was taught. No, It was a handful of this and a pinch of that.
These are some of my growing up memories. I still go downtown if it's not raining and look around. The sound of duck calls fills the air. I run into old classmates that are home for the holiday and we reminisce a bit. Now, however, I will introduce my granddaughter to the sights and scenes of the carnival. She's still a little small to ride any of the kiddie rides just yet, but I can't wait to see her eyes open wide at this new event that she will have memories of.
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Memories are always great things to have. When you can share them with your grandchildren, your children, other people in the family and with friends, it becomes a rewarding experience for all those to listen to. Have a happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving.
Sounds like great memories. Now you will be making some with your granddaughter. Memories are the best gift of yesterdays.
Happy holidays,
David
What treasured memories. Know you're looking forward to a wonderful week with your family. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving, dear friend!
Christine
Good evening my dear friend, sounds like having a blast. I personally would love to go, the possibilities of brand new excitement gives me goosebumps. Your granddaughters my friend, are going to be overjoyed for your presents. Thank you for sharing this wonderful event with us. May your holidays be all that you want them to be, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
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It sounds like a lot of fun and very warm memories. Queen Mallard beauty contest and World Champion Duck Calling contest seem out of reality! :)
I hope your granddaughter will enjoy these festivities too.
~ Julia
The duck calling contest is taken pretty seriously. It is opened to all ages youth to adult men and women. Every five years they have what they call the Champion of Champions where past winners of the World championship compete against one another. Duck season in Stuttgart brings in most of the businesses annual income.
Charlotte
Fantastic! I bet businesses are thriving during this time!
Happy Thanksgiving to you!