Eureka Springs, AR – In honor of the origin of the city and the water still flowing under and through it, the city of Eureka Springs will celebrate its springs June 8-10, with activities designed to entertain people of all ages and interests.

According to Paula Koch, one of the coordinators, “The springs are our history and our future, and people come here to see them. It’s time to honor them.”

Long before white settlers came to the area, Native American lore spoke of a healing spring in the narrow valley that is now downtown Eureka Springs. The settlers spread the word, and from that spring – Basin Spring in Basin Spring Park--and its reputedly healing waters, a town and a busy spa and tourism industry grew.

The town’s population has dwindled since its birth in 1879, but its popularity as a vacation destination has continued to grow, with numerous spas keeping the healing tradition alive. And the springs are more beautiful than ever, thanks to the tireless work of Parks and Recreation Master Gardener DonE Allen.

Over the years, however, the quality of the springs’ water diminished, and they are no longer potable.

In 2005, the Springs Committee of the Parks and Recreation Commission was founded with the purpose of educating the public about the springs, exploring the sources of contamination, and perhaps finding a way to clean up the waters. Their studies indicate that the waters of Magnetic Springs are the least polluted, and could even be potable again with far Infrared treatment.

In the meantime, the springs continue to be peaceful, beautiful places to rest, picnic, meditate, or be married. The festival will celebrate the springs, as well as provide education about them.

Celebrate the Springs! begins officially Friday, June 8, with a reception at Keels Creek Winery and Gallery, 3185 E. Van Buren,  5:30-7:30 p.m. The Eureka Springs Historical Museum, 95 S. Main, will present a historical photo exhibit of the springs beginning June 8 and open all three days of the event.

Saturday, June 9, a processional begins at 9 a.m., winding from Crescent to Harding, Sweet and Basin Springs, coordinated by Ben Helmer from St. James Episcopal Church. Songs and blessings will be offered by various local churches, and the public is welcome to attend.

At 10 a.m., the springs mascot, Willie, representing the rare Williams crayfish (found only in parts of Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri) will welcome visitors to Basin Spring Park. Activities at the park will include Create Your Own Springs Shrine with Ralph “Mr. Shrine” Wilson, who will provide materials (participants are invited to bring springs-related objects to incorporate); a plastic model of  groundwater by the Kings River Watershed Partnership for viewing; a rain garden demo; educational displays from the Illinois Watershed; book signing by Kate Cooper and June Westphal; Michelle McDonald impersonating Carry Nation, who found a spring hidden within the limestone bluff across from her home; and an educational exhibit by the Springs Committee.

At 2 p.m., renowned musician John Two-Hawks will offer songs and a blessing in a performance entitled Mni Wakan- Sacred Water.

Lorri Carter and the Geocache Ambassadors will be in the park all day, talking about caching the springs.

Also on Saturday, from 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., harpist Beth Stockdell will perform at Sweet Spring; artist Julie Kahn Valentine will demonstrate plein air painting at Harding Spring; Gardener DonE Allen will greet visitors at Crescent Spring; and Jake Allen will share Springs Tales at Upper Basin Spring. Docents will be available at all the above locations to answer questions and talk about the springs.

That evening is also Second Saturday Gallery Stroll, 6-9 p.m., featuring art with a springs-related theme at select galleries downtown.

At 6 p.m., Angelo Yao will lead a drumming session in Basin Spring Park, in honor of the springs. The public is invited to bring drums, rattles or other noisemakers, and join in.

Sunday’s highlight is an all-day springs geocaching event led by Lorri Carter and the Geocache Ambassadors, beginning at 9 a.m. with a Meet and Greet.  At the same time, photographer/naturalist Chris Fischer and Geologist Jim Helwig will lead Walking the Springs, an experience for people who want to view selected springs and explore the flora and geology while having ample opportunity for photographing these unique wonders.

 For further information, contact Paula Koch at paulakoch@gmail.com.