I’ve really enjoyed my time as Miss May 2017. Thank you again to Arkansas Women Bloggers for giving me this wonderful opportunity and I’m honored to be in the company of so many fantastic bloggers. It means the world to me. I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite Arkansas State Parks blogs, will subscribe, and share our blogs that connect with you.

What’s it Like to be Scarlett? 

This blog was so much fun to put together. As with most of our blogs, this was created out of collaboration. I had the idea to have a “dress off” with my colleague and see who could get all those layers required in 19th-century fashion on first. So, we shot a video of this difficult challenge. I was surprised how hard it was! I edited it in black and white and sped it up with some fun Benny Hill-like music.

Billy Nations, the supervisor of interpretation at Historic Washington State Park, did one of the things he does best: interpret history in a way that connects with the audience. People often glamorize 19th-century dress and he breaks down what it would really be like to be Scarlett O’Hara. This blog is loaded with facts and history about the 19th century, but Billy makes it relevant to today.

Vlog: Chalk Up Buttercup, We’re Climbing at Mount Magazine 

Armed with a GoPro and determination, I set out to shoot my first video blog for Arkansas State Parks. There are a few things I would do differently and it’s way too long, even with some fast-forward action, but it’s still one of my favorites. People want an authentic experience. They crave an opportunity to explore and go on an adventure. If you fast forward, make sure you check out me reaching the top, exhausted and a little frightened!

This vlog still gets a great response and I’m excited to share my Mount Magazine State Park rock climbing adventure with you.

What is a Park Interpreter? 

We have an amazing team of park interpreters. We know your free time is valuable, and we want to help you make the most of your schedule, so we offer a diversity of interpretive programs and events to help you make memories of a lifetime. Park interpreters help you connect in a meaningful way. Kelly Farrell, our chief of interpretation, takes a look at the role of a park interpreter in this blog.

Vlog: Unexpected Challenge at Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park 

Meg Matthews takes a look at how an interesting problem at Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park that turned into a family affair.