The Road Less Traveled
WINSLOW, Ark. - First-time student filmmakers Brooke McNeely Galligan and Gary Morris-Mansee have made a film about Old Highway 71 and the rural town of Winslow. The documentary is a 20-minute film about the Winslow community and the businesses in the area that have survived after they lost a lot of their business when Interstate 540 opened in 1999. The film is a peek into the way of life in the small town nestled in the valley of the Boston Mountains.
Bryan Hembree lends his voice to narrate the film and his music with the local folk band 3 Penny Acre livens up the story. The band created an album about the old highway and agreed to let the filmmakers use the songs in their film.
Old Highway 71 runs through Winslow, which is nestled in the Boston Mountains. Many shops and motels used to line the road, in the highest and most rugged peaks of the Ozarks. Only a few family owned businesses remain along the scenic bypass. What was once a bustling highway is now the road less traveled.
The town went from being a popular tourist destination in the 1920's to a retirement town for all types of people. Now, the residents work together to keep their community alive by having multiple events during the year and meeting places on the weekends.
Watch the film and get to know the people who remain on Highway 71. Later, take an afternoon to make the scenic drive to Grandma's Cafe for lunch or Ozark Folkways to see items made by regional artists.
The premiere will be Thursday August 23, 2012 in the Community Room at the Fayetteville Public Library. It is part of the Roots Festival the band 3 Penny Acre puts together every year.