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The City of El Dorado Springs was incorporated on July 20, 1881. Each year in July, on the weekend closest to the 20th, the town holds a Picnic downtown to celebrate the founding of the town. It is believed that this celebration began in July 1882 and has been held every year since that first picnic.

There is no doubt the Picnic has evolved over the years. Early Picnics had orators, parades and processions, and fireworks at night. The municipal band played and there is usually mention of a merry-go-round. Some years mention foot races, tug of war contests, sack, and wheelbarrow races. Sometime in the 1950s, the Picnic was moved to the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday closest to July 20 rather than on the actual day of the 20th.

Modern Picnics have a full-size carnival, local and out-of-town vendors that sell food and other items. The municipal band plays each evening. There are a number of local entertainers on the schedule. Friday and Saturday evenings have Nashville quality entertainment. Some recent entertainers have been Sammy Kershaw, Exile, David Ball, Chely Wright, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, B J Thomas, and LoCash Cowboys.

The Picnic also features a wide variety of games for the kids. The games take place in the morning in the park. Typical games include turtle races, sidewalk art, frog jump, hula-hoop contest, tennis shoe toss, and water balloon toss. There is also a lip-sync contest on Saturday afternoon. On Thursday evening, there is a talent show contest. Finally, everyone has fun watching the kids try to catch pigs during the greased pig contest on Saturday morning.

The Picnic is more than just a celebration of the founding of the town. It is a community event that brings the town together. People that have moved away plan their vacations around that date. During the Picnic, there are at least 13 high school classes that hold their reunions that weekend. Everyone comes together for the largest social event of the year.

The 2024 Picnic will be on July 18, 19, and 20. Check back closer to Picnic time for a schedule of events. 

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