Jamming possums in ‘Quartz Crystal Capital’

             Every Saturday evening from May through October folks gather in the Mt. Ida town square to enjoy free performances of bluegrass, gospel and country. This small Arkansas town known for its quartz crystals also attracts visitors for the weekly Frontporch Stage concerts.

            And then there’s the possum, the town animal so to speak.

            The Frontporch created “Possums Unlimited” wih possum products to help raise money for the non-profit that runs the show.

            “Possums Unlimited is sort of our version of Ducks Unlimited seein’s how we ain’t got no ducks,” the organizers explain on their web site.

            They also elect a possum queen and hold a coronation picnic. The only requirements are you must be a Montgomery County resident and have a good sense of humor.            

            Be sure and visit on Sept. 28 for the annual Possum Picnic with music by The Acousticatz with special guests from Texas.

            Mt. Ida is located about 35 miles west of Hot Springs on U.S. 270. In addition to the FrontPorch and possums, Mount Ida offers rocks shops and places to dig for its famous crystals, plus sits near the western end of the 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita and is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. The natural beauty of the surrounding mountains offers plenty of opportunities to swim, fish, sail, hike, bike and camp.

            Accommodations range from in-town motels like the affordable Royal Oak Inn to the nearby Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa that rents everything from full houses to motel rooms and offers a wide variety of amenities including water sports, houseboat rentals and the Turtle Cove Spa.