GRAVETTE -- The city celebrated its 121st birthday in style Friday and Saturday when crowds of people from all over the area gathered in town for a weekend of festivities.
Events were held at Kindley Park, Old Town Park, Pop Allum Park, the Kindley House Museum and Gravette Schools. Though many were drenched by the rains, the brief thunderstorm early Saturday afternoon did little to discourage the celebration.
Activities began Friday evening with sand-volleyball games and a softball tournament at Pop Allum Park.
Events resumed at 6:30 Saturday morning when the Kiwanis Club began serving pancakes and sausage at its annual Gravette Days breakfast. About 350 breakfasts were served and the accompanying silent auction raised about $1,400 for the international Kiwanis effort to fight neonatal tetanus. That means 775 babies can receive inoculations.
Football fans were treated to their first look at the varsity Lions when two Lion teams went head to head at the high school stadium.
About an hour later, at 10 a.m., eight teams lit their fires and started cooking in the second annual Dutch-oven competition on the grounds of the Kindley House Museum.
Thirty-eight vehicles were entered in the car show at Old Town Park, and the weekly farmers' market did a lively business at the other end of the park.
Hidee Duncan and Jacquie Queen, former Gravette Days chairwomen, were honored as co-grand marshals and headed up the noon parade riding in a horse-drawn carriage. Youngsters lined the streets hoping to catch some of the candy and treats thrown to the crowd, and spectators watched as a colorful procession of entries passed by. Parade participants included area fire and police vehicles, the Miss Gravette 2014 contestants, the Gravette Lion marching band, several class reunion floats, business and church entries and several horseback riders.
City councilman Ron Theis welcomed visitors to the park at 1 p.m. and parade prizes were given. First Christian Church won the award for best float, and the Payne Family float was voted crowd favorite. Katherine Tucker, 91, of Gravette, was awarded the certificate for being the oldest person in attendance.
Skies darkened and a heavy rain began to fall about the time of the welcome ceremonies. The park cleared somewhat as several folks scampered for their cars, and the certificate for youngest in attendance went unclaimed because of the rain. The brief storm soon passed, though, and Gravette Days celebrants soon returned for the afternoon activities.
A line of tasters stretched down the sidewalk in front of the Kindley House Museum as Dutch-oven cooking entries were returned to the cooks after the judging. Tasters filled their bowls with samples of the breads, main dishes and desserts prepared by the six experienced entrants and two novice teams and voted Barnyard Cooks of Lincoln, the people's choice winner.
The high school band preformed in Kindley Park at 3 p.m., GHS athletes and members of the 2015 graduating class were introduced and cheerleaders led the crowd in a pep rally.
Twelve baby girls were entered in the pretty baby competition for youngsters from birth to 23 months, and Peyton Toney, 14-month-old daughter of Nathan Toney and Mattie Benedict of Gravette, took the pretty baby honors. Bella Fairchild, age 1, was first runner-up. She is the daughter of Phillip and Marsha Fairchild of Hiwasse.
Three young lads entered the Mister Tiny Tot contest. Josiah Moretto, 23-month-old son of Jack and Veronica Moretto of Gravette, was chosen the winner. Evin Rigas, age 2, was first runner-up. He is the son of Thomas and Marissa Rigas of Gravette.
Brinley Estep, 2, was named Miss Tiny Tot from among the 15 pretty lasses entered. She is the daughter of Derek and Breana Estep of Fort Smith. Four-year-old Isabella Alexander, daughter of Trent and Whitney Alexander of Gravette, was first runner-up.
Four young ladies competed for the title of Miss Gravette 2014 and 17-year-old Megan McAfee was chosen the winner, receiving her crown from Miss Gravette 2013 Skyler Pierce.
Joe Giles and the Homewreckers closed out the evening with a lively performance on the stage in Kindley Park. This four-member, award-winning band from Fayetteville entertained the crowd with a variety of music before their final song at 10 p.m.
Additional Photos can be viewed at http://www.eagleobserver.com/photos/galleries/2014/aug/13/gravette-days-2014.
General News on 08/13/2014