5 Events for Weekend Fun: American Taekwondo Championships, Peachfest and More
This weekend in central Arkansas offers a little something for everyone! Support adoption at a family-friendly BBQ; watch Taekwondo masters battle for titles; treat your furry friend to an outing at Sherwood's Dog Park and more! Here are five events for family fun for the weekend of July 12-13.
1. ATA World Expo & Championships 2014 at Statehouse Convention Center: American Taekwondo enthusiasts come to Little Rock for training, competition and fellowship. Though the week-long event begins Monday, July 7, the highly anticipated Tournament of Champions will take place on Friday, July 11. Students will compete in divisions based on age and belt rank. They will demonstrate their skills in traditional forms, weapons, sparring, creative and ATA-Xtreme open-hand forms and weapons, and combat weapons sparring. On Saturday, July 12, the Opening Ceremonies begin at 8 a.m. Saturday starts with the dynamic team competitions. The Team Demo and Sync competitions always bring out high-flying tricks and flips. A pass for the three days (July 11-13) is $10. July 7-13. For info: (501) 804-6524, ATAOnline.com/Worlds.
2. 10th Annual Families Are Special BBQ Bash at First United Methodist Church in North Little Rock: Families Are Special, Inc., a non profit adoption agency, hosts its 10th annual BBQ Bash on July 12. Enjoy delicious BBQ and ice cream while bidding on live and silent auction items. Don't miss emcee Craig O'Neill and the chance to win a grill. Proceeds will benefit average income Arkansas families who wish to adopt children in foster care. Since 1993, the organization has helped place over 737 children in permanent, loving homes. Today there are over 560,000 children in the U.S. Foster Care system and FASI is committed to help place many more of these children with their forever families. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 12. $10, children ages 5-12 $5, children under 5 free. For info: (501) 758-9184, ArkansasAdoptToday.com.
3. Sherwoof Dog Day at Sherwood Dog Park: First Arkansas Bank & Trust's mascot, Cash the Dog, will be on hand to welcome guests to a morning of fun in the sun. Pooches and their human pals will enjoy contests, dog adoptions, portraits, hot dogs, and "Smooches for Pooches!" Contests include largest & smallest dogs, best costume and best trick. Funds raised at this event, organized by Sherwood Young Professionals, will assist the Sherwood Animal Shelter purchase a mobile adoption unit. 9 a.m.-noon July 12. For info: (501) 833-0476. FREE!
4. Little Rock Parks & Recreation Youth Football League Free Clinic at Central High School: The youth football program sponsored by Little Rock Parks & Recreation hosts a free clinic for players between the ages of 6-11. For more information about the clinic, including the hours of the event, contact Michael Harris at (501) 918-3975. July 12. For info: LittleRock.org/ParksRecreation. FREE!
5. Guy Peachfest at Guy City Park: The third annual celebration features carnival rides, a rodeo, live music, skeet shooting, a horshoe tournament, mini tractor pulls, lawnmower races, karaoke contest, a kids zone and more. Don't miss the Peach Cook-off and the festival finale -- a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Activity prices vary. July 11-12. For full schedule of events: GuyPeachfest.com.
For more weekend events, browse our full online calendar here.