Come out and enjoy the day in Downtown El Dorado at May on Main. This third annual event, presented by Main Street El Dorado, will be held Saturday, May 6th, starting at 11am on the Square in Downtown El Dorado. This festival is a collaborative effort with the Mayhaw Festival, which begins at 8am on Jackson Street.
"We are so excited for the return of May on Main. It was so much fun last year! We are once again collaborating with our friends over at the Mayhaw Festival, which begins that morning at 8am. The two festivals together give everyone a full day of fun, food, music, shopping, and another reason to experience our beautiful downtown with all it has to offer," said Beth Brumley, executive director of Main Street El Dorado.
May on Main will be a fun-filled day with live music, a poker run, games, kid's activities, crawfish plates, AND MUCH MORE! Admission is FREE to the festival, with some activities requiring a small fee.
Poker Run Sponsored by El Dorado Metals
The El Dorado Metals Poker Run will begin at 11am, with registration starting at 9:45am. The poker run will start from the Northeast corner of the Murphy USA parking lot on Jefferson St. at the Mayhaw Festival. The last bike out will be at 11:45am, and all bikes must return by 3:15pm to May on Main Festival on Elm Street.
Early registration is going on now through April 21st at Noon to have a guaranteed shirt. Registration is $30 per driver (includes a FREE T-shirt) and $20 per passenger (if the passenger is playing a hand). You can pre-register at mainstreeteldorado.org or calling the Main Street El Dorado Office at 870-862-4747. Day-of registration will be held from 9:45am - 11am at the northeast corner of Murphy USA HQ parking lot on Jefferson St at the Mayhaw festival, cash only on day-of. $1,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the riders with the best poker hands, including $500 for first place at 4pm at the Courthouse.
Fun Zone Sponsored by Roseburg - El Dorado MDF
Festival goers will have their pick of fun events and attractions that will fill downtown El Dorado. Kids will have a blast with Gelly Ball, a rock-climbing wall, archery, kids petting zoo & more! There will be Big Wheel races for the kids at 2pm. No entry fee is required to enter the Big Wheel Races, but kids need to start registering at 1pm on Jefferson Street.
The Baggo Competition registration also begins at 1pm with the tournament starting at 2pm. Registration is $10 per person. Prizes and Divisions (adult and children) based on participation.
Great Food
Enjoy the best festival food in the region and access to all our wonderful Downtown restaurants. Goodwin's Etc. will be cooking Crawfish and Shrimp plates for $25.00 as a fundraiser for Main Street El Dorado, indulge in corn dogs and funnel cakes, or cool off with a King Kone sno cone!
Live Music on Jefferson Street Courthouse Stage
Live music will be playing all afternoon on the square featuring the region's best acts! It all starts at 12:30pm with Erick Meadows, Joel Woollen, and Cavin Kemble. At 4:30pm, gather on Jefferson Ave in front of the Courthouse for Showdown at Sunset. Relive all the excitement as actors portray historical events from 1902 on the courthouse square. Also, the South Arkansas Arts Center will be giving a sneak peek performance of their summer production, "Newsies."
Beer Garden
Something for everyone! We will have drinks to cool you off and wash down the yummy festival food. Soft drinks and water will also be available.
Lots To Do
In addition to the Poker Run and Kid's Fun Zone, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Start the day at the Mayhaw Festival from 8am - 2pm at the Newton House on 510 N Jackson, just a few blocks from downtown. Enjoy this unique event and pick up your own jar of Mayhaw Jelly!
Take a ride on the Queen City Train from 11am - 2pm. Board the train in front of PJs Coffee, ride around Downtown El Dorado to the Mayhaw Festival and back. ALL FREE!
Enjoy a wonderful Horse and Carriage ride around El Dorado from 1pm-7pm. Randall Clark Farms will be providing the rides for a small fee.
After Showdown at Sunset, head out to the Union County Fairgrounds for South Arkansas Soul Fest presented by Mr. Mike Productions.
To learn more about May on Main or register for an event, visit mainstreeteldorado.org. You can also call the Main Street El Dorado office at 870-862-4747.
Sponsors for this year's event include El Dorado Metals, Mac's Tree Service, Lapis, Roseburg-El Dorado MDF, Red River Credit Union, Cadence Bank, Hepco, Block-R Barnyard, Lawrence Electric, South Arkansas Historic Preservation Society and the El Dorado A&P Commission.