Cushman Miners Day, a beloved local tradition, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The celebration kicks off with a lively parade featuring horses, classic and rustic vehicles, side-by-sides, emergency vehicles, and floats. Candy will be handed out along the parade route to bring smiles to all the children in attendance.
Following the parade, the festivities continue with entertainment, food, and craft vendors around the community pavilion. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., local musicians will take the stage to provide entertainment. This year’s lineup includes performances by The Natural Disasters, Landen Wilf, Kourtlynn Sutton, and more.
Children can enjoy a variety of activities such as bounce houses, water slides, and balloon animals, while adults can take part in giveaways, test their skills on a mechanical bull, or enter a gun raffle.
A Tribute to Cushman’s Past and Present
Cushman Miners Day is more than just a day of fun; it’s a tribute to the small town’s rich history. According to committee member Sydney Franks, “Cushman Miners Day is a celebration to honor our small town’s history along with our present and future.”
Historically, Cushman was known for its manganese mining industry, a major economic driver for the region in the early 20th century. The town later gained recognition for its scenic beauty, with tourist attractions such as Penter’s Bluff and Blowing Cave drawing visitors from across Arkansas. However, when the Cushman School closed, the community felt the loss of a central gathering place. Miners Day stepped in to fill that void, becoming a cherished annual event that brings residents and visitors together to celebrate the town’s past, present, and future.
“While our town is small, our hearts are big,” Franks said. “When our beloved Cushman School closed its doors, Miners Day became so much more important. It became our way of having that community feeling without the school to pull us together!”
Over the past four years, Cushman Miners Day has expanded significantly, now attracting over 2,000 attendees annually. “All are welcome no matter where you’re from! We look forward to seeing you all!” Franks added.
Evening Festivities
Although the daytime activities wrap up at 3 p.m., the fun doesn’t stop there. A night-time street dance will take place from 7 to 10 p.m., featuring a performance by Rewind, a band that has entertained audiences across Arkansas. The mechanical bull will return for the evening crowd, and a few food and drink vendors will be on hand to keep the energy up.
Cushman Miners Day is organized by local volunteers who make up the Cushman Community Events Committee. The event is entirely donation-based and depends on support from local businesses to ensure its success.
With a strong mix of history, community spirit, and entertainment, this year’s Miners Day is shaping up to be another memorable celebration for the Cushman community and beyond.