Stone Bank Makes Donation to Ozark Folk Center State Park

For Release – August 17, 2021
Media contact: Keith Symanowitz, [email protected], (501) 269-3852

(MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ark.) – Stone Bank presented a $10,000 donation to Arkansas State Parks to help fund music programming at Ozark Folk Center State Park.  The community bank’s donation helps sponsor two music festivals this summer and fall, as well as Ozark Highlands Radio, a weekly public radio program and podcast produced at the state park.

From left to right: Arkansas State Parks Director Grady Spann, Stone Bank Chief Executive Officer Marnie Oldner, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst

Ozark Highlands Radio’s reach has grown significantly over the past three years.  The hour-long program, which celebrates the unique musical culture of the Ozarks, currently reaches a weekly audience of 600,000 through a network of 104 radio stations across 32 states and received the award for “Podcast of the Year” at the Arkansas Country Music Awards.

“It’s a program we’re very proud to sponsor,” said Stone Bank Executive Vice President Kirby Williams. “It fits our dual mission of supporting the communities where we live while communicating with the audiences we serve.  We’re looking forward to our expanded relationship with the Ozark Folk Center and the impressive programs they offer.” 

The locally-owned bank, which has its roots in Stone County, now offers branches across Arkansas and has sponsored local musicians, artisans, and events in the county seat of Mountain View under the direction of its chairmen J.T. and Kevin Compton since 2014.  Compton’s family history stretches back five generations in Stone County, so the partnership with Ozark Folk Center is a natural fit. 

Stone Bank sponsored the state park’s first major music festival since early 2020 at its 1,000-seat indoor music venue, Ozark Highlands Theater on Aug. 6-7.  The Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Music Festival featured local and nationally acclaimed bluegrass bands and the Skillet Restaurant served up its famous fried chicken. Live music, delicious Southern food, and handcrafted arts are on tap next. The Stringband Music & Arts Festival is on Oct. 15 -16, and features incredible old-time musicians The Tillers and the hard-driving Hogslop Stringband, just to name a couple. Tickets are limited. Reserve yours and see the full lineup at OzarkFolkCenter.Ticketleap.com.

“We’re thrilled to see live music return to the Craft Village and music theater after its long absence due to the pandemic,” said Ozark Folk Center State Park Music Director and Ozark Highlands Radio Executive Producer Daren Dortin.  “I’d like to send a heartfelt thank you to Stone Bank for supporting our music program and helping to keep Ozark music and way of life alive.” 

About Ozark Folk Center State Park

The Ozark Folk Center State Park, located in Mountain View, Arkansas, is open seasonally for you to explore the culture of this beautiful region. The mission is “to perpetuate, present and promote the Ozark way of life in an educational and enjoyable manner.” The Craft Village has over 20 Craft Artisans demonstrating and teaching their arts and is home to the nationally recognized Heritage Herb Garden. The park celebrates its folk music roots through Ozark Highlands Radio, a nationally syndicated radio show, live music in the Craft Village, special musical events, and concerts. Relax and enjoy your stay at one of our 53 cabins nestled in the woods and award-winning Southern cuisine at the Skillet Restaurant. Also available on-site is a conference center and meeting space for groups of all sizes. To learn more information about upcoming events, register for craft classes, or book a cabin for your next retreat, visit OzarkFolkCenter.com.