The annual Hobnob at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area fundraiser, hosted by the Friends of Hobbs on Saturday, will help support the park's education and public programs. The casual event will feature dinner, music, live and silent auctions and a door prize.

The park and conservation area east of Rogers includes the land where a sawmill was operated by Peter Van Winkle in the mid-19th century. The site consists of more than 12,000 acres purchased by the state of Arkansas in 1979. The state's largest park features trails, hunting, camping, a guest speaker series, Arkansas' only public outdoor shooting range, workshops and children's education programs.

A day camp slated for 9- to 12-year-olds, set for June 25-27, will include nature programs, crafts, games, live animals and hikes.

Upcoming speakers in the park's guest speaker series include Dayton Steelman on July 19 speaking on "Insects that Suck"; Don Wells on Aug. 9, "In the Presence of Elders"; Dan Skoff on Aug. 16, "Tornadoes"; and Nancy Glover McCartney on Aug. 31, "Passing of the Pigeon."

The Friends of Hobbs nonprofit organization formed in 2003 to help support park education programs, help with park improvements, build public support through fundraising and volunteering.

-- CARIN SCHOPPMEYER

[email protected]

NAN Our Town on 06/19/2014