Arkansas Samboree 1

Arrived here Thursday afternoon.  It seems most everybody was here already, we were #s 203 and 204 of 218 rigs.  We were parked on the grass by the wagon master. Had trouble leveling and moved to the blacktop and still could not get level.

Thursday evening entertainment was put on by one of the Arkansas chapters.  The theme this year is Riverboat Gambler and the skit was several acts about gambling and the riverboat.  There was audience participation for some of the songs.  Several of the group played piano, guitar and banjo and all were dressed for their parts.  There were jokes and gags and even a plot.  One lady came out with signs for each act, just like in days gone by.  It was very clever and you could tell a lot of thought went into the production. I wish I would have brought my camera.  I usually take it everywhere but not this time.

Friday night the Mayor of Fort Smith and Chamber of Commerce supplied dinner for all of us (over 400 people).  Dinner was fried fish and/or chicken, cole slaw, pickled green tomatoes, hush puppies.  There was peach and apple pie a la mode.  At 6:30 the entertainment for the evening began, it was a Christian vocal group (eh, would have liked anything else), then drawings for door prizes. 

Saturday we had ice cream.  We thought it would be the usual a cup or cone.  It was a whole pint of vanilla.  It was really great but couldn’t finish so it’s in the freezer.  After that it was time for the turtle races.  Sherry and I were just going to observe but were asked to play.  We didn’t win but had fun anyway.  As I write there is a large group playing Samgo (Bingo).  At 4 p.m. they are offering a Mass.  This is the first time we have had a Mass at a Samboree.  A non-denominational service is offered Sunday morning.

Have no idea what the evening entertainment will be tonight.  There will be drawings afterwards.  They have far fewer prizes here than New Mexico. 

In the morning we will break camp and head for Crater of Diamonds State Park we will spend time on Monday digging for diamonds to recoup the cost of our trip.  Then we will be heading north toward home.  We are all tired of being on the road although we have had a great time.  Six weeks is a long time.