2010 = Fun at the Crater of Diamonds State Park

By Margi Jenks

This column is devoted to announcing the special events that we will be hosting in 2010 at the Crater of Diamonds State Park.  Some are our usual annual events, some are revivals of previously well-attended events, and some are events that we think will be fun and hope that our visitors will enjoy.  The events listed below and marked with an “*” have a limited number of participants. Visitors who wish to attend will need to call or email the Park to reserve their spot.

*Bird Watching and House Building Workshop

          Saturday, March 6^th, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Salvage Challenge High School Recycling Contest

          Tuesday, May 4^th, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

*Wire-Wrap Jewelry Making Workshop

          Saturday, May 22^nd, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Crater Gem and Mineral Show

          Saturday, June 5^th, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

*Teacher State Parks Resource Workshop (sign-up thru Dawson Co-op)

          Tuesday, June 8^th, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

John Huddleston Day

          Saturday, June 19^th, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Independence Day Pool Party

          Saturday, July 3^rd, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

*Photography in the Park

          Saturday, July 10^th, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Crater Concert Series

          Saturday, July 17^th, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

          Saturday, August 14^th, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

          Saturday, October 2^nd, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

*Bat House Workshop

          Saturday, August 21^st, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Great Crater Cleanup

          Saturday, September 11^th, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

*Earth Science Day for Middle School Students

          Tuesday & Wednesday, October 12^th & 13^th, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Making Memories Fall Family Festival

          Saturday, October 23^rd, 3:00-9:00 p.m.

We hope that this list sounds as fun for you as it does for us.  So, mark your calendars and watch this column for details about each event.  If you have questions, please send an email to me at margaret.jenks@arkansas.gov or call the interpretive office at 870/285-3116.

Search area last plowed:  October 21, 2009, Total diamonds so far in 2010 - 4

Diamonds registered January 4th to January 10^th (100 pts. = 1 carat):

January 2 - David Anderson, Kent City, MI, 1.31 ct. white

January 4 - Chad Johnson, Murfreesboro, AR, 7 pt. white, 8 pt. yellow, 13 pt. white