The Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival will be celebrating its 16th year this July at Lake Leatherwood Park. This event is a family favorite with competitive and non-competitive bike racing events held throughout the weekend. Mark your calendar for July 18th through the 20th to be at Lake Leatherwood Park to either get in on the action or cheer on the racers competing in the many events. In addition to the bike races, there are plenty of events for the kids including a short track race, kid’s fun ride, a rodeo and a kid’s XC race.
The festivities will begin on Friday the 18th at 2:00pm with the PBR Downhill and PTD Super D practice with the Phat Tire warm up at 3:00pm. The PBR Downhill is a one way downhill trail with many technical trail features. The Phat Tire Short Track race follows at 5:00pm. The Short Track Race is a short circuit course race geared towards strong sprinters and skilled riders. The Kid’s Short Track Race will be held at 7:30pm at the Lake Leatherwood ball fields. Kids will race two laps around the half mile loop. This event is a favorite because the kids can win prizes for best costume. An awards ceremony for the Phat Tire Short Track finishes the day at 9:30pm at Angler’s Restaurant and Pub. Angler’s Grille and Pub is located on highway 62 in Eureka Springs. This restaurant is family friendly and offers a menu ranging from wings to seafood plates and steaks and burgers.
Bright and early Saturday morning, registration begins at 8:00am for the Super D and DH Duo. The Super D course is a mostly downhill course with one large climb. Racers should wear pads and full face helmets as high speeds can be expected. The events for the rest of the day include the PBR Downhill, Children’s Fun Ride and The Big Town Ride at Inn of the Ozarks. Angler’s Restaurant and Pub will continue to hold awards on Saturday at 2:00pm for the PBR Downhill and later at 7:00pm for the Super D Awards.
Sunday morning, July 20th, the TIMEX race to the Lake XC registration will begin at the City Auditorium at 7:00am. The race will begin at 9:00am at Basin Park and finish at Lake Leatherwood Park around 10:00am. Also at 10:00am is the registration for the Kid’s Rodeo. The rodeo will feature events like bike skills courses, barrel races, slalom, and plenty of food and grab bags for all participants. After completion of the rodeo, all kids will receive an accomplishment award. Finishing the events on Sunday is the Kid’s XC Race. Three age groups will race around the paved path surrounding the ball fields at Lake Leatherwood. Awards will immediately follow with all participants receiving a ribbon and the top three finishers will receive a trophy.
When planning your stay in the area, a stay at one of Eureka Springs luxurious bed and breakfasts is a must. Arsenic and Old Lace Bed and Breakfast is located just two blocks from the Historic District of downtown and offers five guest suites complete with private bathroom. Each room is unique in its offerings ranging from a private entrance to the Patio Room to the 2-story floor to ceiling windows in the Tree Top Suite. Top off your stay with a complimentary breakfast each morning and you have the perfect place to relax and unwind on your weekend retreat.
Photo courtesy of Robert Emperley
