Family Fun Day set Saturday

GRAVETTE -- This Saturday, April 19, will be a special Family Fun Day in Gravette, with activities being planned to entertain old and young alike. The Gravette Public Library, the Historical Museum and Ozarks Community Hospital are holding special free events.

All three activities start at 10 a.m. They will continue for several hours to give visitors time to "take in all the show."

The library is presenting its annual Renaissance Festival in Old Town Park, rain or shine. Activities will be held throughout the day until 5 p.m.

"We will be having singing, period music, sword fighting, black smithing and period food demonstrations," said Steve Oler, who is heading the project. "There will also be face painting, craft vendors, a bounce house and animals from the Wild Wilderness Safari in Gentry. A visiting royal court will be present to knight children during the afternoon. There may even be some period dancing and a magician. Food will also be available."

Museum Exhibits

The museum, located in the historic Kindley Home on Charlotte Street, just east of the Civic Center, will hold its third annual "My Collection" exhibit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the exhibit hall adjacent to the period-furnished home which will also be open. There is no admission fee.

"This year's special exhibits will feature dolls, tools, Look Magazines, vintage Fisher Price toys, bugs and even smoking pipes," said Steve Mitchael, one of the organizers.

"This exhibit is the museum's way of promoting the hobby of collecting by providing a place where others from Northwest Arkansas can exhibit their private collections."

There will be a people's choice award given to the exhibit chosen by visitors. A barbecue lunch fundraiser for the museum will be available, provided by the Bank of Gravett.

OCH Easter Event

Of special interest to children of all age groups will be the Ozarks Community Hospital's "Easter Egg Stravaganza."

Activities will start at 10 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m., with all kinds of free fun events: egg decorating, face painting, crafts, games, food, a bounce house, a petting zoo and a special appearance by the Easter bunny. Egg hunts for separate groups will begin at 10:30 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

"Those who wish to help may drop off candy (preferably no chocolate) and small egg stuffers to the hospital front entrance by Thursday," said Morgan Black, OCH spokesperson.

Gravette Farmers' Market in Old Town Park will also be open. The market is open each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with all kinds of goodies, veggies and craft items.