Hays Days draws large crowds

Bella Vista’s first attempt at a citywide festival was a success, for the city and for the Bella Vista Animal Shelter.

The seventh annual Arkansas State Championship Wiener Dog Races, a fundraiser for the shelter, brought in $24,047, plus an additional $85.45 from money put into vests the shelter dogs wear at the event.

That’s almost $10,000 more than last year.

The dog races, the city’s Public Safety Day and a car show going on simultaneously Saturday morning and afternoon drew crowds larger than the parking area provided for, Alderman Jim Wozniak said, adding they had to create new parking areas.

The dog racing event and Public Safety Day combined brought in a bigger crowd than each would have individually, he said, and Saturday afternoon’s turnout was three times that of the night before.

The first ever event was held Sept. 6 and 7 on the grounds used for the Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Festival on Arkansas 279.

“The first time you’re going to have some glitches, but there weren’t many,” Wozniak said Saturday.

Funds weren’t yet tallied by press time, but organizer Tom Wooters said charities will receive sizable donations from the event, which benefited area children’s charities such as the Children’s Advocacy Center and the Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA).

Mayor Frank Anderson said Monday he was pleased with the Hay Days turnout, despite high temperatures in the 90s Saturday afternoon.

“I think most people enjoyed themselves even though they fought the heat,” Wooters said, adding next year the event should be planned for later in the year.

Friday night offered a brat-fest accompanied by live music. Saturday’s lineup also included bingo, vendors, children’s games and activities, the Boy Scout’s Rain Gutter Regatta, a barbecue cook-off and more live music.

Angela Deniston said her family has lived in the area for two and a half years, and she had never been to any events such as Public Safety Day or the dog races. She brought her 5-year-old son James to the Public Safety Day tent to be fi ngerprinted, before enjoying the “adventures” of the festival.

Wayne and Nancy Inglis came out for the Wiener Dog Races, as they do every year.

“We’re having a great time!” Sherry Fargo said, while her daughter Sophia and friend Brooklyn worked on a craft project. Her sister Michelle Forgo also came along, and the two came for the Wiener Dog Races but enjoyed the other events at the festival as well.

This year’s races saw Donna Fallin’s Dachshunds Ozzie and Katie Scarlet crowned as king and queen of the event.

“It was awesome, much better than last year,” shelter executive director Deirdre Knight-Matney said. “Next year will be even better. We’re looking forward to it. It was a win for both the Hay Days Festival and for us.”

Anderson said next year he would suggest more signage for the event and maybe staggering those larger events that draw the biggest crowds. Wooters said they will likely open activities for the kids on Friday next year, rather than only Saturday.

Bella Vista Fire Chief Steve Sims said four people sought treatment for heat-related issues. The department set up a cooling tent around 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon and several people came in for relief under the misters, he said. No one was transported or treated for severe injuries.