Fun Pickin’

Daily writing prompt

What was the last thing you did for play or fun?

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The Ozarks of Arkansas, a beautiful getaway, has recently found its way into my travels. In fact, I returned from visiting my brother Randy there on December 19, 2023. Two hours north of Little Rock, not far from his home, stands the quaint town of Mountain View, population 2,873, the Folk Music Capital of the world. Drawn to folk music, enthusiasts flock to Mountain View. The town receives much of its revenue through its nearly 300,000 visitors bringing approximately $64 million annually because of its music festivals.

One afternoon, I took a stroll through this lovely town founded in 1873. There, I visited Urban Forge, a beautifully furnished ironworks store with friendly folks who engaged me in casual but caring conversation.

The sound of violins drew me to discover Mountain View Music, a store that has several fine music teachers. The music store has a lovely assortment of stringed instruments, including dulcimers. Want to check out dulcimers? Visit McSpadden Dulcimers in Mountain View. 

Not far from this store is a place called Pickin’ in the Park. All over town musicians bow, pluck, pick, and sing, but Pickin’ in the Park remains a place where thousands travel to enjoy the pickin’ or playin’ along under one of many gazebos. For 60 years, Mountain View, Arkansas has hosted its annual Folk Festival in Pickin’ in the Park.

In the middle of this quiet day in Mountain View, Pickin’ in the Park sat nearly deserted save for a grandmother and her granddaughter. As I carried Randy’s Gibson to a gazebo, the sun glistened off its polished body. It had been some time since I played, but my fingers knew the way, and I played and sang originals, old country songs, and a Christmas carol for an audience of two. As I picked the guitar, I imagined all of those who played there before, and somehow I felt part of them.