What:
Wings Over the Prairie is one of the oldest and most visited festivals in Arkansas. The first National Duck Calling Contest was held on Main Street in Stuttgart, Arkansas, on November 24, 1936. It’s been held there ever since and has grown to an annual attendance of over 60,000.
Besides the World Championship Duck Calling Contest (it really is a big deal), you can visit a carnival midway, see cook-offs, crafts, lots of hunting gear for sale, dances, commercial exhibits, and collectibles. Mack’s Prairie Wings, a local sportsman’s paradise, normally has their sports gambling tent during the event, click to discover more about the local gambling scene.
World Championship Duck Calling Contest:
The World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest is the longest running calling contest in history. First prize in 1947 was $1,000 cash. Today, the prize package is worth more than $15,000.
In order to compete, a caller must win a preliminary calling contest that is sanctioned by the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce. Stuttgart’s Chamber has a list of winners since 1936. The first winner was from Greenville, MS, and there have been winners from all over the USA. In 2017, the winner was Logan Hancock from Monticello, AR.
I don’t know how much “world” championship there is. Only USA residents have won. I have seen callers from Canada at the festival.
When / Where::
The festival is typically held in late November when the ducks are moving into Stuttgart. It’s held downtown on Main Street. Wings Over the Prairie normally spans two weekends, with the second weekend being more geared towards the public.
More Info / Live Broadcast:
Check out Stuttgart’s Chamber of Commerce. They broadcast the World Championship Duck Calling Contest live on the Internet every year.
For more information on Southeast Arkansas, check out our Southeast Arkansas Visitor’s Guide
