The population of Perryville, AR, swelled by several thousand October 1 for the first Arkansas Goat Festival held since the Coronavirus pandemic was declared in 2020. The quirky event, a long-standing tradition in this tiny central Arkansas community located only about an hour from the state capital of Little Rock, was expected to attract up to 8,000 visitors, according to organizers.

Seemingly, there is something for everyone at the Goat Festival — goat parades, of course — with animals “au natural, in costume, baby goats, and “big guys” — milking booths, goat playgrounds, and petting pens. A “Nannies at Night” lingerie show was also on the schedule! Goats are required to be leashed or tethered, but “mingling” is encouraged.

It was a perfect day for an outing. With scores of vendor booths, live music, and dozens of food trucks, it’s the kind of local folk festival that we love, one of the great American traditions that we hope never disappears from America. You can bet we’ll have it on our calendar for next year! There are other events like this, in Arkansas and elsewhere around the country, and they’re all worth visiting! Check out other Arkansas festivals planned for the rest of 2022.

There’s nothing like a day trip to a unique local celebration to add flavor to life and open your mind and your heart to new fun and adventure!