Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Cinnabar Days Planned At Amity

The Amity Community Development Association (ACDA) is soliciting participating in the community's first annual festival, Cinnabar Days.

The three-day festival, which celebrates the quicksilver or mercury mining boon in the Amity area in the 1930s and 40s, will be held October 13, 14 and 15 at the former Amity School property on South Hill Street.

From 1931 through 1948 numerous mining companies purchased or leased land in Clark, Pike and Howard counties in an effort to harvest the reddish ore. Numerous mining shafts and retort, or smelting plants, still dot the hills around the Amity-Kirby area.

According to festival coordinator Joe May, the event will feature county, bluegrass and gospel music, craft venders, old time craft demonstrations, a parade, a race car show, games for children and adults, a talent showcase, a costume contest for children and adults, wagon rides and other features.

Local entertainers wishing to perform are encouraged to contact the ACDA committee AT P.O. Box 171, Amity, AR 71921.

The committee is now taking applications for booth space at the event. Space for nonprofit organizations is free. Regular booths are $25 each. Food booths are $125 each. Business sponsors are also being sought. Sponsors will be mentioned in the program and on a large sign at the main stage.

A costume contest is planned for Saturday. Contestants should be dressed as a miner, farmer or cowboy.

A talent showcase and bluegrass show is planned for Friday evening. The committee hopes to use local talent as much as possible.

An antique car show and race car display will allow locals and others to display their antique cars, race cars or antique engines.

The committee hopes to have a historical display of the mining industry. Several former miners have come forward to provide information about the operations. At least one former mine owner from the 1930s has been contacted.

Applications are available at The Standard office in Amity; the Bank of Amity, Amity City Hall or in Glenwood at radio station KWXI, or by calling 342-5007 during normal business hours.