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Ozark Medieval Fortress
Lead Hill, Arkansas.
between Springfield, Missouri
and Little Rock, Arkansas.

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Press Release

Stone Carving Contest

Saturday April 30, 2011

Due to severe weather conditions Saturday April 23, the contest has been postponed Saturday April 30.

Antoine de Saint Exupery, the author of the classic story The Little Prince, has said that “a rockpile ceases to be a rockpile the moment a single man contemplates it….” So what should that rockpile become? A cathedral? A castle? A horse? Maybe even a tulip? That’s right! The stones at the Ozark Medieval Fortress are not only for building a castle wall. They also provide a popular activity for visitors where wannabe masons can experience the medieval art of stone carving.

On Saturday, April 30, 2011 carvers young and old are invited to participate in the first ever stone carving contest at the acclaimed “Castle in the Making” in Lead Hill, Arkansas.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing throughout the day until 3:00 p.m., visitors to the castle can try their handat carving a one-of-a-kind stone souvenier. Novices will be given instructions from the castle’s very own stone masons and then allowed to work in the stone carving hut to complete their artwork. No experience is necessary…just the desire to carve your own piece of medieval history!

The contest will be divided into youth (up through age 15) and adult (16 and over) divisions with prizes awarded to the the top three artists in each category. It will be judged on site by, Gene Brantley, longtime artist, instructor and owner of “The Gallery” in Harrison Arkansas. Also judging will be, Joe Golden, former Executive Director of the Ozark Arts Council in Harrison, Arkansas. First Prize is a lifetime pass to the Ozark Medieval Fortress, second prize is a season pass to the fortress for the 2011 year, and third prize is a stonecarving kit made by the castle artisans.
Entry fees are $18.00 for adults, $9.00 for children (up through age 15) and $6.00 for the participation of the stone which becomes a personal souvenier of your visit. Winners will be announced between 3 and 5 p.m.

To complete the quote by St. Exupery, “a rockpile ceases to be a rockpile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.” At the Ozark Medieval Fortress the image may very well be a cathedral, but it may just as easily be a tulip. It’s all in how the artist sees it.

Ozark Medieval Fortress is located about halfway between Little Rock, AR, and Springfield, MO, close to Harrison, AR or Branson, MO. GPS coordinates 36.436, -93.062.

Open Wednesday – Sunday. The site may be closed by severe weather conditions. Check Website (www.ozarkfortress.com) for operating dates and hours.

Gift shop and picnic facilities available on site.  Ideal destination for families, field trips, and group tours.
Activities: subject to availability.

For more information, call 870-436-7625

Advance reservations highly recommended for groups. Visitors can book on line.

For Journalists

For more information, photos, or to be added to our press list, contact Mardie Sachse.
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