30th annual Steamboat Days

From 30th annual Steamboat Days Website:

The History of Steamboat Days

It all began in 1986 when the Des Arc Mayor, Merlin Hendricks, called a group together and initiated a Sesquicentennial celebration on the occasion of a statewilde observance of Arkansas' 150th birthday.

Des Arc's vital link to the outside world in the early days were the steamboats that docked regularly linking Des Arc to steamboats and the rivers as its lifeline. Thus "Steamboat Days" was selected as the name and the

celebration that become an event inspired by pride and community spirit.