BANKS, Ark — The City of Banks is busy making preparations for the 35th annual Buck Fever Festival, held annually during the opening weekend of deer season. This year’s headlining band is Tilluride, a country band with rock roots from Texas. Festivities begin Friday, November 12th at 6:30 pm with pageants for boys and girls under age four. On Saturday, November 13th, beginning at 10:00 am, vendors from throughout the state will be in Banks to sell a variety of items from home decor to delicious treats. The Big Buck Contest features a $250 prize for the biggest buck deer. The big buck and big doe contests will continue until Saturday evening.
The festival’s parade begins at 12:00 pm noon and includes competitions for best ATV, tractor, classic car, antique car, male horse rider, female horse rider, best bicycle, and best hunting-themed float. The best overall entry will receive a $150 cash prize. The Buck Fever Parade Pageant and Cutest Dog Contest will also be held within the parade. Catfish dinner fundraiser tickets can be purchased in advance for $12.00; plates will be available from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. The second evening of pageants will begin at 6:30 pm and conclude with an awards ceremony for the day’s competitions. The Baggo tournament will begin at 8:00 pm with a $250 prize for the winning team. A bonfire will keep guests warm as Tilluride hits the stage.
Links to forms, payment links, and a schedule of events can be found on our Facebook page, @BuckFeverFestival. Pageant, parade pageant, dog contest, Baggo, and parade entry forms can be dropped off at Johnny’s Radiator & More by the deadline, November 5th. Forms are also available at Banks City Hall, along with the 35th anniversary shirts. Raffle tickets are available for a chance to win a camouflage quilt or a GATR 70 cooler. The City of Banks invites everyone to join us in celebrating 35 years!