BANKS, Ark. — Opening day of deer season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for one of South Arkansas’s most anticipated traditions — the 39th Annual Buck Fever Festival in the City of Banks.
Hosted by the Buck Fever Festival Committee, this annual celebration takes place during opening weekend of rifle season and brings the community together for a full weekend of food, fun, and festivities.
Keeping local youth involved, the festival will kick off during the youth hunt weekend on Nov. 1 with several exciting competitions. This year, not only will there be a Chili Cook-Off offering a $100 prize for the best chili and the popular Cornhole Tournament, where the winning team will take home $500, but there will also be a Trunk or Treat event with a prize for the best-decorated trunk, a costume contest for all ages, and a coloring contest for youth. Young hunters can also participate in their own Biggest Buck and Doe Contest, with $250 awarded for the largest buck and $100 for the largest doe.
Activities will continue on Nov. 6 with an optional pageant practice from 6 to 7 p.m. The annual Buck Fever Pageant will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, for ages 0–4, accompanied by a variety of food vendors ready to serve the crowd.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, festivities will begin at 10 a.m., featuring an array of vendors and a Children’s Corner where kids can enjoy jump houses, games, face painting, and more. The annual Cake Walk will begin at 10:30 a.m., the Cutest Dog Contest at 11 a.m., and the parade will start at noon. The parade will feature plenty of prizes, including $300 for Best Float, $200 for Best Overall Entry, and cash prizes for all other divisions. (No entry fees required.)
Following the parade, everyone is invited to gather under the big tent for the Fish Dinner at 12:15 p.m., where the 3rd Annual Banks All-Class Reunion will have a designated table. Visitors can also enjoy baked goods, arts and crafts, and additional food vendors throughout the day.
Entertainment continues that afternoon with the Talent Show beginning at 2 p.m., featuring a $250 grand prize. The Antler Idol competition offers up to $1,000 in total prizes, with a People’s Choice prize of $500 and a Judges’ Choice prize of $500.
At 6 p.m., an awards ceremony will recognize winners from the day’s events, followed by the Buck Fever Pageant for ages 5–21. The Miss Buck Fever contestants will not only be competing for the title but also for a $4,000 scholarship from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Pageant entry deadline: October 25.
Pageant forms received by October 25 will not be subject to a late fee. A $10 late fee applies to any forms submitted after October 25, with a final submission deadline of November 1. Entries may be dropped off at Johnny’s Radiator Shop in Warren or submitted via PayPal and email at buckfeverfestival35@gmail.com
The Biggest Buck Contest continues Saturday evening from 6–8 p.m., with prizes of $250 for Biggest Buck, $100 for Biggest Doe, and $50 for Youth Biggest Doe. (Harvest tags must be dated November 8.) Winners will be announced after the pageant, along with the quilt and rice bran drawings.
On Sunday, Nov. 9, the weekend will conclude with a free chili and soup lunch at 12:30 p.m., followed by praise and worship led by Dusty Jester at 1 p.m. Organizers invite everyone to come as they are, enjoy good food and fellowship, and celebrate another blessed opening weekend of deer season at the Buck Fever Festival.
See the full Schedule of Events and Festival Brochure Below:
