The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute - University of Arkansas System

Bountiful Arkansas Weekend To Celebrate Local Foods

PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN, Ark. (June 8, 2010) – Although Winthrop Rockefeller championed many areas of need during his 20 years in Arkansas, he focused largely on agriculture – a cause to which he devoted himself for the remainder of his life. His leadership and philanthropy brought agriculture and education together in a common forum.

Keeping his legacy in mind, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute will host the third annual Bountiful Arkansas event Friday, July 16, and Saturday, July 17, on Petit Jean Mountain. The Institute is situated on what was once part of Governor Rockefeller’s homestead and model cattle farm.

Bountiful Arkansas is designed to give the public an opportunity to celebrate Arkansas’ rich agricultural heritage by learning about and tasting food grown in The Natural State. A variety of educational workshops, booths, practical demonstrations, expert-led garden tours and tomato tastings are planned.

Horticulture workshops on beekeeping, rain gardens, green gardening, grafting, and growing fruits and vegetables will be available throughout the weekend. In addition, culinary classes for children and adults will focus on cooking with seasonal fruits and garden-fresh vegetables. Other activities include:

• keynote addresses by Chris Olsen of Botanica Gardens in Little Rock and Janet Carson of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service;
• food-related film screenings by the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute;
• an art exhibit and sale featuring garden and agricultural art by Arkansas artists; and
• an interactive kids’ village featuring three areas – a farm, a market and a school – as a way to teach children about the foods they eat.

Space is limited for the keynote sessions and workshops, so advance registration is required for these activities and is recommended for the tomato tastings. Register online at LiveTheLegacy.org or by calling 501-727-5435. Local food will be served at the Institute’s River Rock Grill during lunch and dinner, and overnight accommodations are available at the Lodge and Conference Center. Call for room and meal reservations; check in at the front desk.

About Winthrop Rockefeller Institute

In 2005, the University of Arkansas System established Winthrop Rockefeller Institute with a grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust. By integrating the resources and expertise of a statewide university system with the legacy and ideas of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller, this educational institute and conference center creates an atmosphere where collaboration and change can thrive.

The Rockefeller Institute offers a variety of workshops, seminars, public lectures, conferences and special events. Program areas include agriculture and environment, arts and humanities, economic development, and policy and public affairs. To learn more, call 501-727-5435, visit LiveTheLegacy.org or stay connected on Twitter and Facebook.