My name is Evan Mulloy, and I am a 2025 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas. I majored in family and consumer science, and I have a minor in marketing. My hometown is Stuttgart, Arkansas.
Arkansas is no stranger to hosting iconic festivals throughout our great state and this fall, one festival will be celebrating its 90th anniversary. The World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival is a classic Arkansas festival that takes place every Thanksgiving weekend in downtown Stuttgart. The festival will take place on Nov. 28-29.
Attractions at the Festival
There is something for the whole family. Duck calling contests, shopping, vendors, food trucks, downtown restaurants, carnival rides and a beer garden are just some of the attractions for the festival goers. Additionally, there is The Great 5K and 10K Duck Race sponsored by Baptist Health and the Duck Gumbo Cook-Off sponsored by Michelob Ultra and Ludwig Distributing Company held on Saturday, Nov. 30th. Some of the national sponsors for the festival include: Mack’s Prairie Wings, Ducks Unlimited, Benelli, Winchester, Mossy Oak, Saracen Casino & Resort, Drake Waterfowl, Sitka, Dos Primos Tequila and Tito’s Vodka. For more information regarding the full schedule of this year’s festival visit here.
History of Wings Over the Prairie Festival
The first Wings Over the Prairie Festival was held Nov. 24, 1936, in downtown Stuttgart. In 1947, the first prize for winning the World Championship was $1,000. Today, winners take home a prize package worth over $25,000. There are 65 qualifying competitions held across the country with the winners qualifying for the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart.
Additionally, there is also a Women’s World Championship, Intermediate World Championship, Junior World Championship, Senior World Championship, Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest and the Champion of Champions. The only woman to ever win the title of world champion was Pat Peacock of Stuttgart, winning back-to-back titles in 1955 and 1956. In addition to winning two world championships, she won the 1960 Champion of Champions title. To learn more about the history of the festival, visit here, and to see a list of the all-time world winners and Champion of Champion winners, visit here.
Tradition-rich Festival
The World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival not only crowns a world champion in duck calling, but it also unites an entire community for a weekend of celebration. The tradition-rich festival held on Thanksgiving weekend dates back to 1936 and has attracted tourists from across the country and around the world for 90 years. Duck calling is a staple in the community as you can expect to hear the sound of duck calls in the stands at Stuttgart Ricebirds football games, whether they are playing at home or away.
The festival represents the unique culture of Stuttgart. The duck calling championships, carnival rides, unique local shopping staples such as Mack’s Prairie Wings and Chêne Gear, retail vendors, downtown boutiques, beer gardens, food trucks, local restaurants, 5K and 10K Duck Race, and the Duck Gumbo Cook-Off create a memorable weekend for the most seasoned hunter or for those looking for a fun and unique weekend getaway.
LEARN MORE
To learn more about The World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival, visit the official website. You can also contact the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce at (870)673-1602 or visit their website. Make sure to follow the official FaceBook page for the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival at and follow the official Instagram page at @Stuttgartduckfestival.