Tag: Events & Shows

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The Ouachita Highland Games and Mountain Market

On a whim, my husband and I decided to check out the Ouachita Highland Games and Mountain Market while we were in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The games were held at Cedar Glades Park. We enjoyed driving along the quiet road through the forest. The well placed signs led us to the event with ease.

People of all different ages attended, and a good number of people were wearing their kilts. Queen Mary of the Scots and her court were dressed in period attire.

We enjoyed watching the athletes compete in the highland games (Braemar Stone, Open Stone, Heavy Weight for Distance, Light Weight for Distance, Heavy Hammer, Light Hammer, Caber, Sheaf Toss, Weight Over Bar). There was a bleacher at one of the events but I would bring a picnic blanket or some lawn chairs next time.

There was food, beverages, Scottish-Irish music, and plenty of merchants. There were booths selling drinking horns, metal crafts, jewelry, gemstones, clothing and more.

Favorite Shoppes

Medieval Romance Crystals

There were several wonderful jewelry booths, but Medieval Romance Crystals was my favorite. This mother and daughter team love what they do and their designs are beautiful.

I bought some drop-style earrings that this talented, ten year old designed.

Rainbow Obsidian earrings (left); Amethyst earrings with matching wire wrapped amethyst ring

They also have intricate beaded earrings, and sell necklaces, crystals, gemstones, candles and more. They have an online shop, but it only shows a fraction of what they have. You can see more of their jewelry on their Instagram page.

Northman Horns

Want to drink like a viking? You can with your very own drinking horn! This booth sold drinking horns (with or without a holder), horn mugs, and blowing horns. They also sell clothing online.

I did not see viking drinking horns for sale on Northman Horns’ online store, however, KelticKaravan Etsy Shop sells them:

Large 24oz Viking Tankard Drinking Horn Mug image 1
KelticKaravan – Large 24oz Viking Tankard Drinking Horn Mug
Viking Ship Drinking Horn Scrimshaw Beer Mug Stand and Holster image 1
KelticKaravan Etsy shop – Viking Ship Drinking Horn Scrimshaw Beer Mug Stand and Holster

Odin’s Horn

Howard Allman, Blacksmith

My husband and I were both drawn to Howard’s booth. We appreciated the beauty and quality of his work. These handmade grill tools will be the perfect gift for a couple of family members who love to grill. Howard also does custom work. His contact information is below:

Howard & Kathy Allman

PO Box 1865

Hot Springs, AR 71902

(501) 276-7542

[email protected]

Overall, this was a fun event. To stay informed on future Ouachita Highland Games, follow their Facebook page.

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Cirque du Soleil – OVO Show

Cirque du Soleil OVO Circus Show

We watched the Cirque du Soleil OVO show, and it was an amazing experience! OVO is a circus show about insect life. Performers wear beautiful costumes representing a diverse array of insects as they play, find love and interact with each other.

This was our daughter’s first Cirque du Soleil show and I was curious how much she would enjoy it as a preteen. She absolutely loved it! She was captivated by the amazing acrobatics, the gorgeous costumes and the comedic element. Although she enjoyed the whole show, she was most impressed with the spider that was able to do a chin stand!

Circus performer doing a chin stand

The show lasted about two hours (including a 20-minute intermission), which was the perfect amount of time for us to fit this show on a weekday. We had an early dinner at home, attended the show, and was back before bed time.

Cirque du Soleil OVO Tickets

Cirque du Soleil OVO will perform at Rio Rancho Events Center (Rio Rancho, New Mexico) from March 3, 2022 to March 6, 2022. Then they will perform at Microsoft Theater (Los Angeles, California) from March 17, 2022 to May 1, 2022.

You can book your Cirque du Soleil OVO tickets here.

Tip: Remember to review the event center’s policies (e.g., mask policy, bag size policy, etc.) prior to attending the event to avoid any surprises. Check to see if there will be any additional fees for parking and bring money for concession stands and souvenirs. You can also take photos as long as you do not use a flash so feel free to bring a camera too!

Cirque du Soleil OVO crickets performing acrobatics on trampoline and airmat

OVO Souvenirs

OVO also sells merchandise at the show and online. My daughter chose the OVO wood water bottle. If you want to preview the merchandise selection before the show, check out their online store.