GRAVETTE --The Fourth of July in Gravette promises to be its usual bang-up celebration, with fireworks in the evening at Pop Allum Park, but several other activities will be featured at this year's event.
The day's activities will begin at 10 a.m. with a dedication ceremony for the Gravette "Heroes Wall," a service project sponsored by the local Lions Club. The mural, several months in the making, depicts scenes from Gravette's history and heritage and showcases prominent citizens from Gravette, its agricultural heritage and strong sports program. The mural was installed last month on the front wall at the Mid-Continent Concrete plant at 1012 N. Highway 59. Colorfully painted by the Art II students at Gravette High School, it presents a warm welcome to motorists entering the city from the south.
The popular farmers' market will be open in Old Town Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering a wide variety of locally-grown produce, plants, fresh baked goods and crafts. Long-time vendors Evelyn McGraw and Beth Patton are co-managers of the market and are well-known for the high quality products they provide. Senior farmers' market produce coupons are accepted.
The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its second "First Saturday" event on the Fourth and Chamber president Jodi Moore says it will feature "most all the vendors and activities that we had at our June event." Vendors are scheduled to set up on Main Street at 2 p.m. and will continue selling their wares from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Chamber of Commerce will be selling hot dogs, chips and cold drinks as well as T-shirts. They will also sponsor a raffle with the main prize being a free stay at an area casino. A duo of Sara Brown and Sean Kemp will present a musical performance from 4 to 6 p.m. on the main stage.
In addition to the live music and various food and drink booths, the first Saturday in June offered a bounce house and BB gun range for the youngsters, pony rides, a dance recital and a movie. The kettle corn vendor and others plan to be back and other vendors wanting to set up a booth should call 479-787-8998 or contact the Chamber at [email protected].
Mike von Ree, who is in his 19th year of coordinating the Gravette fireworks display, says this year's show will feature $4,500 worth of fireworks. It will begin shortly after dark, about 9 p.m., at Pop Allum Park. Fireworks will be shot off by members of the Gravette Fire Department.
General News on 07/01/2015