November 24, 1936

The first World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest was held on Main Street in Stuttgart (Arkansas County) in connection with the Arkansas Rice Festival. It originated because of a dispute that arose over who was the best duck caller. There were seventeen contestants, and the winner of the event was given a hunting coat valued at $6.60. The competition, which has become a national and international event, is now held every Thanksgiving weekend in Stuttgart. In 1947, the committee began awarding cash prizes. Preliminary contests are held in thirty-eight states and in Canada, and the first-prize winner receives a prize package worth more than $15,000.