This summer, Cherokee Village is throwing a birthday bash you won’t want to miss! The Village is celebrating its 70th Anniversary, and the community is rolling out the red carpet for locals, visitors, and anyone who wants to experience the heart and soul of small-town Arkansas.
The festivities begin on Friday, June 20, with a magical evening under the stars at Town Center Plaza. At 8:30 p.m., settle in with lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and maybe a little popcorn for a showing of the beloved Disney classic Lady and the Tramp on a giant outdoor screen. It’s the perfect way to kick off a weekend of celebration—sweet, nostalgic, and completely free!
But that’s just the beginning.
On Saturday, June 21, the Town Center Plaza transforms into a lively hub of activity from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a special expanded edition of the Spring River Farmers Market. This isn’t your average Saturday market—this is a community-wide celebration! Alongside your favorite local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts, there will be live music on the FNBC Center Stage, setting the tone for a day filled with energy and local flavor. Kids will have a blast in the Kid’s Zone, complete with a bounce house and family-friendly fun, while food vendors serve up delicious bites to keep everyone fueled and happy.
Adding to the festivities, local civic clubs, organizations, and churches are invited to join the celebration by hosting booths. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community, learn more about the people and causes that make Cherokee Village shine, and share in the spirit of togetherness that has defined this town since its founding.
Established in 1954 and officially launched in June 1955, Cherokee Village was Arkansas’s first planned recreational community. Seventy years later, it’s still going strong—a place where neighbors become friends, nature is never far away, and every summer is packed with memories waiting to be made. This year’s anniversary is more than just a milestone—it’s a celebration of the vision, heart, and hometown pride that have kept this community thriving for seven decades.
Best of all? Admission to both events is absolutely free.
So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and head to Cherokee Village for a weekend that honors the past and celebrates the future. Whether you’re watching a movie under the stars or dancing along to local music at the farmers market, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For more details and updates, visit DiscoverCherokeeVillage.com and join us in making history, one joyful memory at a time. Happy 70th, Cherokee Village!
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.