Fireworks, entertainment draw crowds

GENTRY - With near perfect weather and a fireworks display which was bigger and better than ever, the crowds at Gentry’s Freedom Festival also surpassed those of previous years, with an estimated 6 to 7 thousand on hand for the July 4th fireworks display.

With events and things to do increasing all day long, numbers continued to grow after the morning races and softball tournaments got under way. And, by the time of the evening concerts and fireworks display, finding an open spot for a lawn chair on the grass was getting a little harder to do.

All-in-all, everything went well, according to Bev Saunders, director of Gentry’s Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the annual event.

Saunders said the crowd was great, the fire department did a great job of purchasing and setting off this year’s fireworks display, and the police department did a good job of policing the park and preventing troublesome incidents from occurring.

Many commented favorably about the inclusion of “How Great Thou Art” among the patriotic music played during the fireworks display, Saunders said. Some said, “only in Gentry, Arkansas!” Saunders added.

Chase Rice, evening performer, said he loved the crowd in Gentry. He later posted on his Twitter account, “Gentry, Arkansas, home of America,” Saunders said.

The day included a fun run and 5K run in the morning, softball tournament games all day, a car show with cars and trucks lined up all around the circular walk, tractor and wagon rides, entertaining wrestling, tiny-tot pageant, talent show, concerts by Kaylin Cripps and her band and by Chase Rice and his band, and numerous other rides, booths and activities.