GENTRY -- Though billed as the 102nd annual Freedom Festival in Gentry, the July 4th celebrations appear to go back even further in Gentry's history, with a first in 1896 or before. But one thing is certain: the annual festival continues to grow and each year promises to be bigger than ever.
This year's festival -- which kicks off at noon on Saturday, July 4th, in Gentry City Park, with some events starting earlier in the day -- certainly ranks up there with top-notch entertainment.
The featured entertainer of the evening is Chris Lane, an up-and-coming country singer from Kernersville, North Carolina, where he began to play live shows after his college baseball career ended. According to Lane's website, over the last few years, Chris has played more than 500 shows, opening up for Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Chris Young and Brantley Gilbert, among others. Lane has also been featured on Lee Brice's "The Otherside Tour" and will continue to be on select dates with Florida Georgia Line throughout the year. He signed with Big Loud Mountain and is currently recording his first extended play recording with producer Joey Moi. His show is set to begin at 8 p.m. on the stage in the park.
Leading up to Lane's performance will be a returning band, the ShotGunBillys, an Arkansas band which performs a blend of energetic country and rock in its own unique style. The ShotGunBillys website describes the band's music as "revved up, down home, rockin' Southern country music that is as honest as a hard week's work." The band takes the stage at 6:40 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m., Gentry performer Kaylin Cripps and her band will provide the entertainment. Cripps performs a blend of country, rock and gospel and is popular throughout northwest Arkansas and beyond.
The day will also include softball tournaments, which will be ongoing throughout the day; an all-day car show, with awards presented at 4 p.m.; a little Miss and Mister Gentry pageant at 4 p.m.; inflatable rides for the children; and an outstanding fireworks display at dusk.
The Gentry July 4th celebration was officially sanctioned as a Gentry celebration by city ordinance in 1913, but the celebration really goes back to the city's very beginnings.
The day was celebrated in Gentry from the earliest records. For example, the June 26, 1886, issue of the Gentry Journal included this notice: "A celebration at Gentry, Benton County, Ark., under the auspices of the Populist Party. The committee in charge invites each and every one, irrespective of party, to be present and enjoy the day with them. Come with your baskets well filled. There will be good speakers and good music, both vocal and instrumental. Plenty of amusement for all. Don't fail to attend this celebration...."
The June 22, 1900, issue of the Gentry Journal-Advance included this notice: "Grand Celebration at Gentry July 4! -- The biggest celebration in the history of the city will occur on the above date. Better speakers, more attractions and the Fireworks display in the evening will be grand and spectacular, and will be worth coming 50 miles to witness. Come and enjoy life for (the) day."
Another turn of the century Journal-Advance issue included the following agenda for the July 4 celebration: 9 a.m. -- March to grove, headed by the Gentry Band; Song by choir; Prayer by Rev. G.A. Deitrich; Address of welcome by R.J. Maxson; Music by band; Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Miss Ellie Perkins; Song by choir; Address by Hon. P. A. Rogers (name is unclear); Music by band; Dinner; 1:30 p.m. -- Band music; Address by Prof. Plank (first initials unclear but possibly M.N.); Song by choir; Address by Dr. Henry Harwell; Music by band. The notice continued to say: "There will be many amusement features and attractions, the most important, perhaps, will be the tight rope walking feats by the celebrated Prof. Harris (last name unclear) which will take place at 4 p.m.; and the grand, magnificent and dazzling pyrotechnical display at night. Come early and avoid the rush." Another ad in the same issue said 10,000 people were expected and at least half of Benton County would be in Gentry for the July 4 celebration.
So, again this year, the city continues its celebration of Independence Day in grand fashion, with fun and entertainment for all. Each year builds on the year before in an attempt to make the celebration bigger and better than ever.
Perhaps the biggest differences between the early celebrations and those of the Gentry Chamber of Commerce sponsored festivities of today are a lack of local bands and choirs performing patriotic music, the absence of political speeches and the omission of a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
General News on 06/10/2015