LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Families continued their family tradition or started new ones at the Historic Arkansas Museum's 45th Annual Christmas Frolic and Open House, Sunday, December 2, 1 - 4 pm. Since 1967, the Frolic has delighted kids and grown-ups alike, teaching them the Virginia Reel in the museum's Hinderliter Grog Shop (c. 1826), the oldest standing building in Little Rock. The Frolic was free and open to the public.
Guests to the 45th Annual Christmas Frolic and Open House enjoyed all the great things they've come to expect each year-frolicking with the Arkansas Country Dancers in the Hinderliter, hot cider and ginger cake in the 1850s Log House Farmstead, demonstrations by the Early Arkansaw Reenactors Association, children's pioneer games, art projects for the kids and they even had a chance to meet 19th century Arkansans in their own homes. Guests were able to see a blacksmith at work in the museum's Blacksmith Shop on the Log House grounds. Father Christmas was on the historic grounds offering peppermint treats to the visitors who have been good this year.
Music at the Frolic included Northwest Arkansas vocal group Sugar on the Floor, playing in the museum's galleries and Lark in the Morning, playing Celtic music on harp, fiddles and dulcimers. Fiddler Ricky Russell played throughout the afternoon, the Arkansas Country Dance Band accompanied the dancing and visitors were treated to holiday songs sung by roaming carolers.
In addition, guests were able to participate in holiday crafts, make reindeer food, thread popcorn and cranberries for decoration, compete in sack races, walk on stilts and learn how to create pomander balls from apples and cloves.
The Museum Store, stocked with fun and educational toys, games, instruments, books and Arkansas-made arts, crafts and music, was open for holiday shopping during the event. Free gift wrapping was available. All store proceeds supported the museum's activities and programs.
Historic Arkansas Museum is an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, which was created in 1975 to preserve and enhance the heritage of the state of Arkansas. Other agencies of the department are Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and Old State House Museum.
(source: Historic Arkansas)