Festival plans big in Gentry

— Gentry’s Community Fall Festival, sponsored by the Gentry Chamber of Commerce and the Gentry United Way, has grown each year since it was rekindled five years ago.

This year’s slate of events will offer the widest range of activities ever.

“Things are really beginning to shape up," said Bev Saunders, director of the Gentry Chamber of Commerce. "The Gentry Art Club has painted some windows downtown to add to the festivities. Arvest Bank has generously donated funds to provide street light décor which will go up the first week of October. And we are encouraging all Gentry residents and businesses to decorate for fall,” Saunders said.

The Chamber of Commerce will once again offer $100 to the best business/government building display, with judging set for Oct. 8.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will set up a large aquarium display in the park, showing native Arkansas fish. The aquarium will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5. School tours will also be conducted. Representatives from the Game and Fish Commission willpresent the programs and be on hand to talk about the fish and answer questions.

“Everyone is invited to stop by and enjoy the free fish display,” Saunders said.

At 4 p.m., a local 4-H Club will offer barbecue pork sandwiches, with chips and drinks, for $5. The dinner will be served in a pavilion at the park. Tickets are being sold but patrons may also pay at the park.

Friday, Oct. 8, is homecoming for the Gentry Pioneers. The football team will meet the Pea Ridge Black Hawks in the evening.

A homecoming parade is planned for Main Street that afternoon.

The Annual Gentry Quilt Fair will kick off on Oct. 8, as well, and run through Oct. 15, in the Gentry Public Library. This event is a very popular part of the Fall Festival activities. Last year, the Quilt Fair guest book showed more than 600 visitors from 22 states and two foreign countries. The prize money for this event has been donated by McKee Foods. For more information on the quilt show, contact Janie Parks at 936-1498.

On Oct. 9, a Cruise Night will be hosted by Big Buckle BBQ and the Gentry Fire Department. Everyone interested in participating is encouraged to meet onMain Street at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Kevin Crier at 736-2030.

The Fall Festival in Park is set for Sunday afternoon, Oct. 10.

“This will be a great time to take the family to the park for lots of good entertainment, food and fun,” Saunders said.

Bloomfield 4-H Club will once again host the Pumpkin Patch where children can paint and keep their pumpkins.

Talent competition is expected to begin at about 1 p.m., and winners will be announced at approximately 3 p.m. To date, there are 18 contestants. The event is sponsored by Decatur State Bank, Gentry Bank and the Bank of Siloam. For more information, contact Saunders at 736-2358. Prize money is $300 for first and $200 for second place.

McKee Foods Inc. will sponsor Joseph Stringer, a magician, who will be performing from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the park. Mr. Stringer will be mingling and performing at will in the crowd, as well as on stage. McKee Foods will also be selling its 50th Anniversary Special Edition Cookbooks, with the net proceeds going to the Gentry United Way.

At 3:30 p.m., Trout Fishing in America will present a free concert. This group hasbeen nominated for four Grammys for its children’s and folk music. The concert will be on the big stage. They are known as “people who take their fun seriously.”

The Gentry Car Show is sponsored by the Gentry Fire Department. It will be in the north end of the park.

For more information, call 736-9476.

Tired Iron of the Ozarks will show antique tractors and machinery in the south end of the park. The club will also provide free wagon rides throughout the afternoon.

There will also be lots of good food - smoked chicken, roasted corn, cotton candy, funnel cakes, burgers, hot dogs, desserts and more.

Booths featuring games and arts and crafts are planned.

Free booth space is available for arts and craft vendors, Gentry Chamber of Commerce members, political or educational presentations.

A form must be submitted to the Gentry Chamber of Commerce and can be picked up at Gentry City Hall. Anyone needing more information can contact 736-2358.

“I hope everyone will plan to participate in some or all of the events and create some special memories for themselves and their families in our special town,” Saunders said.

News, Pages 8 on 09/29/2010