Third Thursday activities go on despite the heat

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND
Kim McDougal, (right), owner of Local Bliss at 121 Main Street S.E. in Gravette, shows off a colorful USA tee-shirt in her display during the Third Thursday event Thursday evening, June 16, on Gravette Main Street. McDougal showed several clothing items, jewelry, homemade soaps, books and other gift items at her booth. She has been working on setting up displays inside the store and says she is only awaiting final inspections and hopes to have her shop open to the public soon. — Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Kim McDougal, (right), owner of Local Bliss at 121 Main Street S.E. in Gravette, shows off a colorful USA tee-shirt in her display during the Third Thursday event Thursday evening, June 16, on Gravette Main Street. McDougal showed several clothing items, jewelry, homemade soaps, books and other gift items at her booth. She has been working on setting up displays inside the store and says she is only awaiting final inspections and hopes to have her shop open to the public soon.

GRAVETTE -- Gravette's third Thursday event on June 16 featured several activities despite the evening's oppressive heat. Main Street businesses stayed open late and cold drinks at Gravette Nutrition and ice cream and bottles of cold water at Lili's Bubble Waffle were selling especially well. A snow cone booth was also doing a lively business.

Face painter Alaina Carlton was painting eye-catching designs on many youngsters' faces and members of the Old Town String Band were entertaining listeners with music and song while selling tickets for a handmade quilt and a banjo to be raffled on Gravette Day. The Gravette Public Library stayed open until 7 p.m. and registration was open for its children's summer reading program.

A couple of newcomers to the Gravette Main Street business scene were on hand. Ruby Jackson, of Rogers, opened her MIRA Home home decor business and served strawberry punch to visitors browsing in her shop. Kim McDougal, of Local Bliss, set up a sidewalk display of clothing and accessories, jewelry, homemade soap, books and other gift items.

Nicole Jowers welcomed visitors to her family's Cajun restaurant, Lagniappe Bistro and Market, and Gentry artist Lydia Seiden returned to exhibit her colorful paintings.

Kimberly and Craig Honchell, owners of Fat Chop Creations in Bella Vista, were first-time exhibitors and displayed several examples of their custom printed shirts, tote bags and mugs, key chains, candles and other gift items.

Chamber secretary Jowers said eight vendors canceled their plans to participate because of the hot weather. Jowers invited everyone to attend next month's event on July 21.

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Kimberly Honchell and her husband Craig welcome visitors to their booth on Gravette Main Street during the Third Thursday event Thursday evening, June 16. The Honchells, from Bella Vista, were first time exhibitors at the event. Their business, Fat Chop Creations, sells a variety of crocheted and sewn items and offers custom printing on shirts, cups, tumblers, signs, pillows, license plates, bags and blankets. They can be reached at [email protected] or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Face painter Alaina Carlton paints a colorful design on Katey Stark's face during Third Thursday events on Gravette Main Street Thursday evening, June 16, Owen Thurlo, wearing the Spiderman mask Carlton had painted on his face, looks on. The face painting service was one of several booths set up for visitors' enjoyment. Main Street businesses had late open hours and other activities included merchandise vendors, an art exhibit, snow cone sales and performances by the Old Town String Band.