Trumann Chamber of Commerce Past President Rick Gillette (left), Manager Jackie Ross, Secretary Amanda Atkins and Chamber President Larry Rich look over artwork submitted for this year's Wild Duck Festival. Artwork will be selected for use in advertising the festival and for t-shirts which will be sold at the festival. The 2008 Wild Duck Festival will be held Sept. 26-27 at the Trumann Sports Complex. (Democrat photo/Ruth Ann Estes)

The 26th Annual Trumann Wild Duck Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27 at the Trumann Sports Complex. The event is free to the public and will feature a carnival, craft and food vendors, a parade and live music.

"There will be several new events this year along with the old favorites," Amanda Atkins, Trumann Chamber of Commerce secretary said. "We are planning to have live musical entertainment all day Saturday on the outside stage."

Atkins also said Trumann Chamber of Commerce members were being offered the opportunity to showcase their businesses this year.

"We will have booths inside the Trumann Recreational Building for local businesses. These booths will be open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday," Atkins said.

Businesses can reserve their free booth spaces by contacting Atkins at 483-5424. Vendors or entertainers who are interested in being a part of this year's event should call during normal working hours or after 5 p.m. at 870-930-6918. Booth space is available for $30 for crafts and $75 for food vendors.

Those interested in registering for the Saturday parade, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. should call the chamber office or the Trumann Fire Department.

Tickets for the festival's $1,000 give away can be purchased for $1 at the Trumann Chamber of Commerce office, the Trumann Fire Department, the Trumann Police Department or any Poinsettia Club member.

Another change this year at the festival is that the carnival associated with the event will be in town longer.

"The carnival will be operating on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights and all day Saturday this year," Atkins said.

The festival will also host the third annual Horseshoe Tournament being sponsored by Unico Bank and the Trumann Parks and Recreation Committee. First, second and third place plaques will be presented to the winners and cash prices will be awarded in each division. Entry forms are available at the mayor's office or by contacting Tim Collins. Play will be divided into adult division (17 and older) and junior division (16 and younger.) Entry fee is $10.

A car show will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. A pre-registration deadline has been set for Sept. 10. Fees are $20 for pre-registration and $25 for registrations after Sept. 10. One hundred percent of all proceeds will go to the Children's Miracle Network. The car show is being sponsored by the Trumann Wal-Mart Supercenter.

The following awards will be presented; a sponsor's choice award, best of show, best interior, most club entries, best paint, farthest driven and oldest vehicle. The first 50 participants will receive a plaque with a photo of their car. For additional information, call 483-6491.

The Miss Mallard Beauty Pageant, held in conjunction with the festival, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6. The pageant will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Trumann High School Auditorium. Winners of the pageant will ride in the Wild Duck Festival Parade on Sept. 27.

There will be a planning meeting for the Wild Duck Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Old Community House. All individuals who want to assist with the festival should attend.