2016 Cotter~Gassville Chamber of Commerce - Annual Banquet

Thanks Tommy Hagan for being our photographer, don't know what we'd do without you. A great time was had by all at the 2016 Inaugural Banquet for the Cotter Gassville Chamber on the night of January 22nd. Thanks to all who made it happen and to all who were there. Catering provided by Mikal Mershon and our DJ was Sidney Royer.  And thank you to the Cotter VFW.

May 1st, 2021

Cotter fishing is incredible no matter whether you are spin fishing or fly fishing.    The opportunities to not only catch a boat load of fish, but also try your hand at catching a wall hanger are bountiful.   The world record brown trout was caught in Arkansas, and many of our state records were caught right here on the White and Norfork Rivers.  From cold water fisheries, such as the White and Norfork Rivers to warm water sheds like Crooked Creek, Buffalo River, Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake, fishing options are limitless.  Click here to see the dam generation schedule for the White and Norfork Rivers!

Cotter, Arkansas in general is one of the most beautiful, quiet, safe and relaxing places in the state to dwell.  Arkansas is after all called the Natural State and it doesn't take but a drive through Cotter to see why the state is called that.  Northern Arkansas is home to the rolling Ozark Mountains and waterways both natural and man made that bring hundreds of thousands of people to the area each year to bask in its sun and fun.  The town offers all of the things that a small town should and then some.   Come visit us or take part in some of our annual events!    

Click here for Cotter's upcoming events.

Cotter has a steep history of railways, pioneers and heritage dating back well before the towns inception in 1905.  From locomotive steam lines of the early 1900's and the old ferry used to cross what is know known as the White River, to the fishing town it is today, Cotter has numerous historical sites that are interesting to learn about.  Here are a few images of Cotter's past!

The Cotter Trout Festival has been going on for years and is always a sure bet when it comes to fun, food, appealing music and entertainment.   Usually the first week of May, the Trout Festival is held in Big Spring Park and allows an opportunity for Cotter citizens and the surrounding region to come and enjoy two fun filled days along the White River.   With vendors, art work, face painting, food, drinks, fishing and nonstop music, it’s hard to find a better place to enjoy a weekend then right here in the Ozarks during that time.  Festival days are Friday and Saturday. Friday finds the vendor set up ready to go and ends with a "Quick Draw" by the PLEIN AIR artists followed by BBQ and music. Saturday may start off with a parade in the morning followed by park fun in the afternoon like the fish fry and the kids fishing derby.   The fun doesn't stop at dark as music typically trails on into the evening continuing on.   There are many different kinds of vendors that participate in the event and plenty of things that will appeal to you from a shopping and educational standpoint.   Even though we had to cancel the 2020 festival, we are looking forward to having a great one in 2021.  Be sure to check our calendar for announcements when 2021 is scheduled.  Booth space will be available, and it's a great way to showcase your business.

Big Spring Park has been a staple for fun in Cotter since it was found in the late 19th century.  Today, it is used by many for swimming, relaxing, playing in the park, festivals, events, picnics and boat ramp launching.  Big Spring  pumps thousands of gallons of cool spring water up from the ground creating a pool for kids to rope swing into and adults to soak comfortably in the hot summer sun.  Big Spring trickles downstream about 3/4 of a mile until it reaches the White River and this stretch of water provides an excellent catch and release area for children under the age of 16 to try their hand at learning the art of fly fishing.  The Park itself rests just underneath the historic Cotter bridge and has a baseball diamond, sand volleyball court, playground, resting benches, a pavillion, plenty of river frontage to relax by and a 2 mile hiking trail along the river.   The park is the perfect family atmosphere for both young and old as it provides a place for our local citizens and travellers alike an exciting place to wash away the worries of the hustle and bustle of life.     

Each year our future explorers and adventurers, both boys and girls, get involved with the outdoors by racing canoes down the White River.  Starting at Bull Shoals Lake Dam the racing teams usually arrive in Cotter at the 18 mile mark where they are greeted by the next team members ready to push the next leg of the race eventually ending over 100 miles downstream.  When the teams arrive in Cotter it is custom for the Cotter Chamber of Commerce and its volunteers to be there cheering them on and provide snacks, drinks and watermelon.  This year the turn out was tremendous.   Click here to see the 2013 Canoe Race Video!

The Annual Shawnee Supreme Boat Trout Invitational is held at Cotter's Big Spring Park in March of each year. The Trout Invitational is a one day fishing tournament, where both skilled and novice, two person teams come together to compete. The teams come to not only test their fishing skills against the competition, but have a chance to be around other anglers who share the same passion all while enjoying friendly food, drinks, prizes and the opportunity to win a current Year Vintage Supreme River Boat with all the bells and whistles! To enter, please fill out your registration form and send back to Cotter-Gassville Chamber of Commerce with a check or money order to P.O. Box 489 Cotter, AR. 72626 – 489

"Business After Hours" is held to highlight your business to the community and other business owners in and around the area.   Once you have registered as a member of the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce, you may request the next available date for a business after hours at your business location.  This is always a great way to meet other Cotter Chamber members while enjoying food, beverages and tours of the business holding the event.  

Each year the Cotter Chamber of Commerce holds their annual banquet and appreciation dinner to bring together our members and celebrate.   This event has been suspended during the COVID-19 Pandemic.