Siloam Springs Dogwood Festival

DOGWOOD FFESTIVAL 2018 • 9 Thank y Siloam Springs! WINNER Annual Dogwood Festival set for success By Dave Woods NWA Democrat-Gazette Y ou can tell that Katelyn Coon gets excited when she talks about the Dogwood Festival. "I'm so ready for it to get here," the Director of Events for the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce said. "What makes it fun is the area coming together. All of the different vendors coming from all over the country make it special. We have vendors from Colorado to Chicago that are coming to the 2018 Dogwood Festival. That makes it fun to see what they specialize in with their crafts and the products they are bringing." The 44th Annual Dogwood Festival, Siloam Springs' signature event, returns the weekend of April 27th through 29th to Downtown Siloam Springs. Crowds top 30,000 and brings visitors from around the region and country. In her first year of organizing the event, Katelyn is highly optimistic. "We have people from all over the country coming to exhibit. People will come out from all over the area to enjoy the festival," she explained. "They just come out and see what the vendors have to offer. All the vendors specialize in something different. We have people who do wood working and pottery, and we have vendors that make fudge and kettle corn." While the craft and food vendors, and those who come to sell their specialty products, are a big part of the family friendly event, the entertainment organized by the festival's volunteer staff is a big draw. "The entertainment is always fun because it is always local," she said. "There are bigger names this year and it brings out the community. Everyone loves to listen to them." It may be her first year organizing the event, but it's certainly not Katelyn's first Dogwood Festival. As a Siloam Springs native, it's been a part of her life for many years. "One of my favorite memories is going to watch friends perform on the stage," she said. "It was always fun to watch the community get behind the performers. That, along with going to the KidZone and getting funnel cakes and turkey legs. Those are just some of my favorite memories. There are so many." The Dogwood Festival is specifically designed to bring visitors into the community and to provide an event that is geared to families and family fun. The long-loved KidZone does just that. "The KidZone provides fun for all ages," she noted. "This year we have activities for toddlers to teens and adults. It's a great way for the community to get together. We have all new KidZone vendors who create fun obstacles for kids to compete with each other on. And, we have helicopter rides." All of these different things, Katelyn said, bring her community together. "The Dogwood Festival introduces people to Siloam Springs," she added. "I believe Siloam Springs is very special. We have a lot to offer Northwest Arkansas, the region and the country." 44-years strong Children enjoy the 2016 Dog- wood Festival's KidZone. Patrons enjoy food from Carsten Concessions

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