WASHINGTON, Ark. -- Bright sunshine tempered the late-winter breeze Sunday as flower fans and history enthusiasts descended on Historic Washington State Park for the final day of the 55th Jonquil Festival.
Park Curator Josh Williams said residents throughout the region gathered during the three-day event to take in the festival's car show, antique auto engine display and blacksmith demonstration.
"Believe it or not, the antique auto display included more cars from the 1970s," he said.
Williams estimated between 2,000 to 3,000 visited the festival. The main draws were crafts, food vendors and history displays.
The turnout was surprising considering the 2020 and 2021 festivals were canceled because of COVID, he said.
Williams traces the start of the festival to 1968 and the Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation.
"The foundation's organization started working on restoring Old Washington's buildings at about that time," Williams said.