3rd Year for the Mountain View Iris Festival May 1-2, 2020. Hosted annually the first weekend of May
Invites You to Enjoy Iris Blooms, Gardening Events, and Music on the Square
Mountain View, Arkansas
A dream, becoming a blooming reality! Our dream was to cultivate and protect an array of tall bearded iris varieties in our beautiful Ozark community of Mountain View, Arkansas. On this Third Annual Mountain View Iris Festival weekend May 1-2, 2020, people will gather to view some 200 plus varieties of tall bearded irises. The colors delight the eyes, while the month of May in the “comfort zone” of Mountain View will soothe the soul and warm the hearts and minds of visitors! Visitors of all ages are welcome and all events are free.
And did you say music? We remain the Folk Music Capital of the World and would be happy to share the blessings of Ozark mountain music! In addition to our local music venues, we have a treat in store for visitors. The Carousel Organs of America will rally on the courthouse square for the second year. They travel from across the US to Mountain View bringing special mechanical music to play some of the “Happiest Music on Earth.” This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to view and listen to the mechanical organs. Visitors of all ages will get the chance to step forward, play a song and smile. We challenge you to enjoy this music without flashing a smile! Don’t miss out on seeing the Carousel Organs and the folks who come to play music for you. There are no guarantees they will return to Arkansas next year, so come out to experience their special brand of musical hospitality!
Friday events include the carousel organs, iris garden tours, plant sales, Mountain View merchants open with arts and crafts selections, Friday night live music on the courthouse square at 7 pm, dancing on the courthouse square, food vendors on the square, and local restaurants open.
Saturday events include the Mountain View Iris Society’s Iris Show and photo contest, carousel organs on the courthouse square, iris garden tours, plant sales and gardening booths. There will be a children’s art activity, “Painting Iris on Canvas” beginning at 10 am, followed by the children’s parade of art (materials furnished). Children may participate in gardening activities, dance, and music on the square. Mountain View merchants will be open featuring arts and crafts selections. For Corvette fans, the “Corvette Posse of Central Arkansas” will be on hand on the west side of the courthouse square. At 4:00 pm, have your lawn chair set up on the courthouse lawn to enjoy Band 358’s blend of folk, country, and bluegrass. Move your chairs to the street for a dance beginning at 7:00 p.m. featuring the “Zyndall Raney Band.” Food vendors will be available and local restaurants will be open. Thanks to the sponsors of the Third Annual Mountain View Iris Festival, Mountain View Chevrolet, Citizens Bank, and the City of Mountain View. For event details visit our website mountainviewirisfest.com.
While visiting our Ozark region, be sure to check the Ozark Folk Center and Blanchard Springs Caverns for hours of operation. Go to yourplaceinthemountains.com for lodging and additional travel information.
Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.
Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.
After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.
In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.
She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.
Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current publicity chair.
In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.