Fall Festival couldn't have been much better

— Things couldn’t have gone much better than they did at this year’s fall festival in Gentry. The weather was perfect, the entertainment was great and the park was just a pleasant place to be on a fall Sunday afternoon.

The car show had an excellent turnout, with cars parked halfway around the circle walk in the park. And their was no shortage of classics and antiques to view, most restored to pristine condition. For those who wanted to see smoke, a burnout competition provided plenty of it as engines revved and tires spun. And speaking of cars, the cruise nighton Saturday brought out a host of fixed up cars and trucks to Main Street and the parks, too.

Local talent took to the stage during the Sunday afternoon talent show, with prizes awarded to In Unison - comprised of KaylinCripps, Gabby Chronister and Alex Andrews - for the vocal group’s performance of “Little White Church” and to Tiffany Fisher for her singing of “Adonai.”

Following the local talent, the crowds were entertained by magician Joseph Stringer and by Trout Fishing in America, a musical group from northwest Arkansas which performs humorous music for both children and adults.

Wild Wilderness Drive through Safari brought wild animals; Razzle Dazzle Rides, a pony and cart; Tired Iron of the Ozarks, old tractors and a wagon for hay-rack rides; and numerous vendors, food, drinks and other novel items. Children painted pumpkins and let art students paint their faces.

And for more fun, there were inflatable rides for the children, a soccer tournament for wee players and, of course, the new skate park for those who are skilled at balancing on wheeled platforms even while attempting to transverse uneven surfaces.

Skydivers from Skydive Skyranch of Siloam Springs awed the crowds several times by dropping in from more than a mile above under colorful canopy chutes and landing on their feet in an open area of the park.

Downtown, at the library, the quilt show continued, as people came from near and far to see the handiwork of numerous area quilt makers. And Main Street was decorated in fall attire, with Old Glory waving above on each street light.

Wherever they went, local candidates visited with potential voters and sometimes discussed political issues, passing out literature and other items in hopes of gaining the needed votes come election day.

It was a pleasant day, and the festival was good. But above all, and perhaps the best part of the day, was the opportunity to just visit with friends and neighbors who call Gentry home.

News, Pages 9 on 10/13/2010