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The Ozark Backwoods Challenge is taking a break in 2024 and ArkanSTOL is planning a different event in its place. ArkanSTOL announced Tuesday that the challenge will take a one-year break, returning in September 2025. In place of the challenge, ArkanSTOL said Byrd's Adventure Center is hosting an alternative backcountry aviation event in Arkansas.
The executive team said they have recognized the need to recalibrate to ensure future growth, taking time to develop a more sustainable growth model. The team elected to take a one-year pause, but fans will not be left without a fun backcountry event in the year-long absence. The challenge will return Sept. 25-27, 2025 with "rejuvenated event dynamics." In place of the challenge, Byrd's Adventure Center is hosting a new backcountry event on Sept. 27-29.
"The Byrd's team is very proud of ArkanSTOL and all we have accomplished together the last four years," Byrd's Adventure Center Owners Pam and Zen Boulden said. "We would like to thank everyone who has come out and supported the event and all the volunteers, organizers, sponsors, pilots, vendors and spectators for their incredible hard work. An amazing community of aviation lovers has been built and we are excited to continue the journey with the Byrd's Backcountry Adventure team creating a new aviation event to be held in 2024. Details coming soon. Hope to see you there."
The ArkanSTOL Ozark Backwoods Challenge started as an idea discussed around the campfire and grew into a unique aviation event for adventurous aviators. The 4th annual event, held Sept. 27- Oct. 1, 2023 took place in the scenic Ozark Hills and Mulberry River in Arkansas. The event included STOL competitions, STEM presentations, family-friendly activities and live Arkansas Bluegrass music.
While the Ozark Backwoods Challenge takes a break in 2024, STOL enthusiasts in the region can still enjoy a weekend of fun with the new event. Byrd's Adventure Center is planning an exciting weekend in place of the challenge. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ArkanSTOL STOL Competition (@arkanstol)
"ArkanSTOL and Byrd's Adventure Center remain committed to creating world-class aviation programs and highlighting the unique skills of backcountry flying in the Ozark Mountains," Co-Founders of ArkanSTOL John Young and Rusty Coonfield said. "We would like to thank our entire ArkanSTOL family for their continued support!"