We are thrilled to announce our first annual Paw Paw & Fall Foraging Festival, hosted in the charming little town of Chester, AR. Nestled in the Boston Mountain Region of the Ozark Mountains, this festival celebrates the history of the largest edible fruit native to North America, the Paw Paw (also known as the poor man’s banana or hillbilly banana), along with other wild edibles such as elderberries, muscadines, and persimmons.
Paw Paws are a delicacy that few have tried but many are curious about. Come out and enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast from 8 AM to 11 AM at the Farmers Market Pavilion (120 Wright St, Chester, AR 72934). Vendors will be set up at the Farmers Market, and The Garden of Eden will have a fall foraging-themed table.
After the market, head across the street to stop by the Beard & Lady Inn at noon to enjoy a delicious grandma’s table-style lunch of beans and cornbread, provided for free of charge by Shelley, the founder of the Boston Mountain Heritage Society. While you're there, delve into the fascinating history with a visit to our 1887 Apothecary, which produces herbal products sourced from the Ozark Mountains. Expect a short and sweet Paw Paw presentation from Eden.
One of the day's highlights will be the exciting “Papaw Pageant,” where we will joyfully crown the Papaw King! Contestants will be judged in three categories:
1. Seed Spitting Contest (measuring both distance and accuracy)
2. "Sunday Best" attire
3. Wise Words (each contestant will have 2 minutes to share their life wisdom)
Judges will award points for each category, and the contestant with the highest score will earn the prestigious title of PaPaw King. To enter, participants should be old enough to be grandfathers and have a few character-defining wrinkles!
Starting from 8 AM and running through 3 PM, the day's events also feature:
- Local Vendors
- Foraging Sessions
- Ozark Native Plant Talks
- Wine & Mead Making Classes
- Cornhole Tournaments
- Games like Horseshoes, Foosball, and Hillbilly Golf
This Festival will be free to all, Donations are greatly Appreciated to help it grow and continue for years to come!
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