I am telling ya'll the truth here. If ya'll can make it to Mt.View (contest or not) you all need to head out there. It is a GREAT place one that is very dear to my heart. There is more music per capita than any other place I have been. I love that place and in my heart it is like my adopted hometown. The people are great, the music is great, the art is great, man I could go on and on. Make sure you head down to the court square. To me that is where you become captivated by this place. It has a charm that has been lost by so many other communities in the US. Everytime I go I get upset when I have to leave. I laugh and tell people that I could live in a ditch in MT.View and be happy. As nice and hospitable as the people are there though I know that would never happen. I don't care if it's the Thumbpicking weekend or the Bean Fest (man I wish I could make that this year) or just a weekend getaway Mt.View Arkansas is a destination every mudcatter has to make. I promise you will leave planning your next trip back. My girlfriend and I had not even pulled out of town and we were already talking about when we were coming back. That is the way it happens everytime I go and no matter who is with me. If you cn make it to this treasure trove of folk life do yourself a favor and make it. If you can;t tell I love the place.
cya
JT