Mission Statement
The Ozark Moonshine and Music Festival preserves our Arkansas moonshine heritage through education and celebration, in order to provide hope and healing to children.
Arkansas Non-Profit EIN: 92-2998382
Vision Statement
Our organization uses events and outreach to honor the cultural pathways of Arkansas’s unique past, in a way that empowers and enriches our future.
We help support the vital outreach of dedicated volunteers who stand up for abused and neglected children in central Arkansas. We also support regional CASA programs through outreach events across the state.
As a partner of the Arkansas Distillers Guild, we promote the craft distillers who carry on the legacy of spirit manufacturing and who consistently distinguish our region through excellence and innovation.
Our annual festival is a premier event uniting both of these goals, bringing the community together as we welcome new visitors in a celebration of the folk artists, musicians, makers, and merchants that continue to shape our identity.
By 2027, we will be the #1 live music festival in Arkansas, making a larger financial impact statewide for abused and neglected children, and leading the path for Arkansas distillers to become a nationwide brand.
Board of Directors
Rod Corley, Founder
Ginger Simpson, Chief Executive Officer
Wilba Thompson, President
wilba@ozarkmoonshinefest.org
Melody Neubauer, Vice-President/Hospitality Co-Coordinator
info@ozarkmoonshinefest.org
Linda Duncan, Treasurer
Tess Fletcher
Secretary/Volunteer Co-Coordinator
volunteers@ozarkmoonshinefest.org
Kaleb Swenson
VP Revenue /I.T. Support
Lacy Bradford, HR & Compliance
lacybradford@gmail.com
Dawn Williams
Manager, Van Buren County Fair
Member, Van Buren County Fair Assoc.
Syrena Price
Promotional Director
George McIntosh
Logistics Coordinator
Sherry McIntosh
Board Member
Timeline
Retrace the history & growth of a vision for community
2022
Following the pandemic, a Van Buren County team organizes with a goal of building a series of unique cultural events promoting local heritage and community outreach.
2022
Organizers partner with the Arkansas Distillers Guild to celebrate the economic & community impacts of the craft spirits industry
2022
Nov. 4 & 5: First annual festival held in Fairfield Bay shopping center parking lot, featuring country music headliner RICKY SKAGGS.
(Over $16,000 raised for Children’s Advocacy Alliance)
2023
Ozark Moonshine & Music Festival files for official 501(c)3 non-profit status
2023
Festival launches Outreach Program to partner with distillers & children’s advocacy programs around the state
2023
Nov. 3 & 4: Second annual festival in Fairfield Bay features double headliners, MARTY STUART & RHONDA VINCENT
(Over $17,000 raised for Children’s advocacy alliance)
2024
July 25: Festival moves to larger venue in county seat, announces new partnership with Van Buren County Fairgrounds
2024
Oct. 2: Festival awarded prestigious “Community Ties” grant from Union Pacific
2024
Nov. 1 & 2: Third annual festival in Clinton, AR features country music sensation LONESTAR ($25,000 raised for Children’s Advocacy Alliance)
2025
Nov. 1: Fourth annual festival in Clinton, AR features ascending country singer/songwriter RUBY LEIGH (as seen on “The Voice”)
