The streets of downtown Eureka Springs were alive with energy and imagination this past weekend as the Artrageous Parade marched through town, filling the air with music, laughter, and a vibrant celebration of creativity. Hosted by the Eureka Springs School of the Arts, the annual parade brought together artists, performers, community groups, and local businesses in a spirited display of art in motion.
The Artrageous Parade is more than just an event; it is a symbol of unity, a gathering that blurs the lines between locals and visitors, encouraging all to partake in the joyous celebration of artistic expression and community spirit. The event has long been a favorite local tradition, welcoming all ages to enjoy an afternoon of visual delight and playful pageantry and highlighting the beginning of the town’s May Fine Arts Month. Parade-goers lined Spring Street to take in the bold costumes, handcrafted floats and impromptu performances that define the Artrageous experience.
A couple hundred lucky parade-goers were treated to special parade throws that included tiny works of art created by area K-12 students, local artists and volunteers. The entire event is made possible through support from the Eureka Springs Arts Council and local businesses sponsoring the parade.
Kelly McDonough, executive director at ESSA, expressed her delight at the turnout and community support of this year’s parade.
“It’s inspiring to witness the way the community comes together for the Artrageous Parade, with parade entries that seem to be more creative and incredible every year, generous support from local businesses, and hundreds of people of all ages contributing tiny works of art to throw to parade-goers as mementos of the day,” McDonough said. “The parade is an annual tradition that truly spotlights the unique, quirky, creative and welcoming spirit of Eureka Springs.”
Parade entries were judged by Connie Evans, KJ Zumwalt and Jim McEvoy, who evaluated participants based on creativity, originality, and spirit. The judges had an incredibly difficult task ahead of them as there were many, many entries deserving of recognition! This year’s winners are:
• First Place: SUP Outfitters
• Second Place: The Butterfly Brigade (Mark Hughes, Steve Beacham and Friends)
• Third Place: The Humpty Dumpty Float (Stephen Feilbach and Friends) While these entries were recognized for their standout presentations, the parade as a whole was a celebration of artistic expression and community collaboration. Every participant contributed to the joyful, one-of-a-kind atmosphere that makes the Artrageous Parade a cherished part of Eureka Springs life. In Eureka Springs, the Artrageous Parade is not just an event; it’s a testament to the town’s enduring love for the arts and an open invitation for all to join in the celebration of creativity, diversity, and community.
ESSA is proud to support and foster the arts in all forms, and the parade is one of many ways the organization connects with the community through creativity and joyful expression.
For more information about the Eureka Springs School of the Arts and upcoming events, visit www. essa-art.org.
