8th ANNUAL BIKES, BLUES & BBQ...
The world’s largest non-profit bike rally again sweeps the streets of Fayetteville! Kicking off Oct. 3, more than 350,000 visitors will descend on Fayetteville to enjoy a jam-packed weekend. From the Arkansas State Championship BBQ contest to music from Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Bikes Blues & BBQ has something for everyone to enjoy!

Bikes, Blues & BBQ Festival Returns Oct. 3-6
Set in the cultural capital of the region, Bikes, Blues & BBQ brings bike enthusiasts, local flavor, BBQ champs, great music, cool bikes and more than 150 distinctive vendors together. A custom bike show and the Parade of Power allow participants to actually become part of the event! Two stages will be host to more than 40 national bands throughout the weekend, and the Fayetteville Firefighters will host a Poker Run.

As a non-profit event, Bikes, Blues & BBQ annually donates a portion of the proceeds to area charities. In 2006, more than $150,000 was donated.

For more information, visit http://www.bikesbluesand bbq.org or call the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau at 1-800-766-4626.

FALL SPORTING EVENTS...
Fayetteville will host two sports and fitness events this fall that promise plenty of entertainment for the whole family. First is the AAO Sports Experience Sept. 8 at the Randal Tyson Indoor Track Center. It will be followed Oct. 13 by the Chile Pepper Festival, one of the country’s premier cross-country events.

AAO Sports Experience to Offer Family Sports, Fitness Fun Sept. 8
The Arkansas Athletes Outreach will premier its new festival for all ages Saturday, Sept. 8, with more than 20 interactive sports activities and games, plus more than 20 different fitness and health booths and demos promoting sports, fitness, health and wellness in a fun, interactive environment.

Set from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Randal Tyson Indoor Track Center, it is all under one roof, but divided into three exciting zones: The Sports Arena, The U.S. Nutrition Fitness Zone and The Extreme Sports Park. Admission is $2 per person or $10 per family.

Activities include gladiator joisting, laser tag, extreme rock climbing, dodge ball, dance, boxing, golf, a mechanical surfboard, baseball speed pitch and micro racing.

AAO was established in 1990 on the University of Arkansas campus as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to develop Razorback athletes into “Champions for Life.” A vital part of the Arkansas athletic tradition, AAO is staffed by former collegiate athletes who provide opportunities for players who foster spiritual growth, character development, leadership training and positive role modeling.

Chile Pepper Festival Features Oct. 13 Races
The Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival will celebrate its 19th anniversary Oct. 13, attracting more than 3,500 runners and 4,000 spectators from across the country to compete in amateur, collegiate, high school and junior high races. Last year the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival 10K Open run was for the RRCA Arkansas State, Southern Region and National Cross Country Championships. Proceeds from the race support northwest Arkansas high school cross-country teams. Award winning Chile Pepper t-shirts are popular souvenirs at what has become a popular community event.

Visit www.chilepepperfestival.org to learn more about one of the largest cross country festivals in the nation including detailed race information, the event schedule or to download an entry form for the Open race and walk.

FAMILY FUN IN FAYETTEVILLE...
The Town Center is famous for its annual Haunted House and 2007 is no exception! Adults and children alike will enjoy the thrills of scary creatures and shrieking moments.

Town Center Hosts Annual Haunted House
In celebration of Halloween, the Fayetteville Town Center staff will open its doors to entertain the community. Entry fee is just $8!

The Schedule for the 2007 Haunted House is:
Friday, Oct. 26 -7:00 p.m. to Midnight
Saturday, Oct. 27 -7:00 p.m. to Midnight
Tuesday, Oct. 30 -7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 31 -7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

For more information, please call the Fayetteville Town Center at (479) 587-9944.

IT'S A CULTURE THING...
Interested in the Arts or want to experience a bit of history? The Fayetteville Arts Festival wraps up the summer with a two- weekend celebration of the visual and performing arts. The following weekend, the 4th Annual Butterfield Stagecoach Commemorative Ride will take place on Sept. 15 & 16 in Northwest Arkansas, stopping at various historic spots along the way.

Fayetteville Arts Festival, Aug. 31-Sept. 2 / Sept. 7-9
The Fayetteville Arts Festival is one of the region’s fastest growing premiere arts events, offering a unique experience for artists and patrons. This two-weekend festival exhibits visual and performing arts created by artists from all over the country.

The visual arts festival begins Aug.31 and goes through Sept. 2, and the performing arts showcase is Sept. 7, 8 and 9. All art booths are located inside the Fayetteville Town Center in a gallery-like, air-conditioned setting.

For additional information on the Fayetteville Arts Festival, call the Fayetteville Downtown Partnership at 479.571.3337.

4th Annual Butterfield Stagecoach Commemorative Ride
The 4th Annual Butterfield Stagecoach Commemorative Ride is the most historic ride in Arkansas. Perfect for a family outing, this ride through historic Washington & Benton counties lets you follow in the wagon tracks and hoof prints of the Butterfield Stagecoach route.

This two-day venture begins on Saturday, Sept. 15, and ends on Sunday, Sept. 16. Travelers will visit historic places such as the Fayetteville Square and Farmer’s Market, the Headquarters House on Dickson St. and the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks. Cost is $30 for both days, in which four meals will be provided, and $15 for a single day of riding. All riders will receive a complimentary bandana.

For more information on the historic ride on the Butterfield Stagecoach route, please visit www.heritagetrailpartners.com. Advanced registration is suggested.