SULPHUR SPRINGS -- The annual Independence Day celebration at Sulphur Springs attracted a large crowd again this year as many former residents returned for the popular event. Activities, planned for young and old, kept the crowd entertained throughout the day and into the evening.
The day began with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Sulphur Springs Special Events Committee. Serving of pancakes, sausage patties, bacon and eggs, coffee and orange juice began at 7 a.m. and many enjoyed the hearty breakfast. Donations were accepted for funding city events and improvement projects.
Registrations were accepted beginning at 8 a.m. for the annual fishing derby. Youngsters, 16 and under, signed up and were allowed to fish until noon. Prizes were given for longest fish in three age groups.
Trace Knox, 4, son of R.J. and Tenishia Knox of Sulphur Springs, won the award for the 0-5 age division with an 8 1/2-inch fish. He received a backpack filled with fishing gear which was sponsored by the Sulphur Springs Library. Evan Carter, 11, won the 6-11 age division with a 16 3/4-inch fish; and his brother, Hunter, 13, won the 12-16 age division with a 16 1/4-inch fish. The Carters, sons of Joe and Sheri Carter of Gravette, received tackle boxes and Ugly Stick fishing rods donated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Registration for the car show began at 10 a.m. and vehicles, both old and new, were driven into the park during the morning. Trophies and plaques were presented in several divisions. Mindy Leteff, of Noel, Mo., received the plaque for "Cleanest Ride" with her 2013 Dodge Charger V6 AWD 4-door sedan SE, one of only 11 made with these options. A full report on the car show will be printed later.
A children's beauty pageant was held at 11 a.m. Emsley Carr, 10 months old, of Gravette, won the 0-1 age group. Gracie Baker, 16 months, of Gentry, was the winner in the 1-2 age group. Corbin Carlton, 3, of Gravette, and Ella Beauford, 4, of Sulphur Springs, won the 3-4 age group; and Whitley Vore, 6, of Gravette, won the 5-6 age group. Each winner received a crown, a sash and a wand.
Adelina Ramos, 11, and her sister, Isabella, 9, of Sulphur Springs, were winners in the greased-pig race and received a packet of Amazeum tickets. Two more rounds of the contest were held, with Jaden Ramirez and Blain Middleton, both of Sulphur Springs, capturing the greased pig. Both received Subway prize certificates.
Two junk vehicles donated by Got Junk? recycling of Noel, Mo., served as the "money car" and a vehicle for the car bash. Entrants crawled around inside the "money car" searching for currency totaling $100. Each was allowed to keep the bills they found. Others paid to be allowed to take a giant sledgehammer and bash the second car.
Bounce houses were filled with youngsters and others enjoyed taking rides on the Partytime Ponies owned by Jack and Julie Johansen of Farmington. Food trucks offered a variety of foods, including Asian food, barbecue, kettle corn, corn dogs and tamales, soft drinks and lemonade. Other vendors were selling a variety of gift items, crafts and cosmetics. The Friendly Neighbors Club conducted a cakewalk and winners chose from a variety of cakes, cookies and other delicious baked goods.
The Sulphur Springs museum was open for special extended hours, and several visitors toured the museum and browsed through its extensive collection of Sulphur Springs historical memorabilia. Tour participants were entered into a raffle for a Sulphur Springs history book and a woven throw with a Sulphur Springs park scene.
The Rockhouse Road band, composed of northwest Arkansas musicians Bart O'Neil on guitar; Johnny Hudson, guitar; Dwane Kirby, guitar; Darrell May, bass; and Chris Bryant, drums, performed during the afternoon. Later in the afternoon John Estep, of Gravette, set up his karaoke machine and he and several other singers entertained. A street dance was held following the fireworks.
A spectacular fireworks display was presented after dark and many folks were heard to "Oooh" and "Aaah" as each firework ascended and burst against the evening sky.
Community on 07/04/2018