RISON - Organizers of the Cleveland County Jakes Day sponsored by the Cleveland County Cutters & Strutters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has announced that the 2024 event is moving to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Rison.
John Varnell, a member of the Jakes Day Planning Committee, met with the Cleveland County Fair Board last week about making the move and the board approved. Varnell said the 2024 Jakes Day will be held March 2.
For the past several years, Jakes Day has been held at the Old Turkey Farm Hunting Club off Mt. Elba Road south of Rison. Last year, about 550 people attended the event, creating parking and space issue which prompted moving the venue. Some people had to park along the side of Mt. Elba Road and make nearly a quarter-mile walk to get to the activity area.
Varnell said the new location at the fairgrounds will provide much more convenient parking, and allow for more overall space for activities.
Jakes Day is an event that aims to get youth interested in exploring the outdoors. Activities at some of the past Jakes Day events has included recognizing wildlife, learning how to use firearms, taxidermy, ATV safety, trapping and much more. In addition, youth attending the event have a chance to win anything from guns to fishing poles to hats and other items.
The Cleveland County Jakes Day has traditionally been one of the largest Jakes Day events in Arkansas. Varnell said they will be promoting the 2024 Jake Day as a regional event, hoping to attract people from surrounding counties. The Cleveland County Jakes Day Committee is currently raising money to fund next year's event. Any business or church group that would like to help and/or have a booth at the event is encouraged to contact one of the following committee members: Brett Davis (870) 313-2857; Jimmy Edmonds (870) 715-4557; or John Varnell (870) 718-3268.
Also, Varnell said they are accepting donat...
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