BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. - Festival In The Park happens Saturday, July 21, at Walker Park in Blytheville and brings a new tradition to a popular venue in the city.
Festival organizer Keith Michaels says the Festival is based around raising money for local charities in Blytheville. “Festival In The Park is going to be a fun summertime event with a little something for everyone with a common theme of raising money for local charities right here in Mississippi County,” said Michaels. “The day is going to feature several events with all the money from those events going right back into three or four local charities that help people in Blytheville. Plus, it’s going to be a great venue in Walker Park in the Grove.”
Taste of Blytheville will feature samples from local restaurants. “We’re trying to really put an emphasis on local businesses, talent, organizations, churches and individuals during the festival and Blytheville definitely has a great selection of local food,” said Michaels. “We’re in the process of inviting the restaurants out to set up a booth for free and hand out samples.” Armbands will be sold for $10 to sample from the Taste of Blytheville restaurants. “Blytheville has needed an event like this to showcase our food for a long time,” said Michaels. “And, if we can raise some money for local folks who work right here in our community, I think it’s great.” Restaurants who want to participate should contact Discover Blytheville on their website at www.discoverblytheville.com. “We’re trying to contact everyone and need some help spreading the word,” said Michaels.
The H&R Block Talent Showcase is going to be held in the beautiful gazebo in the park and will feature local talent with a grand prize of $200. “We’re looking for local talent to come out and compete,” said Michaels. “I know we have a lot of talent in our churches and this is a great time to showcase people right here at home.” If you would like to enter, please take a video and introduce yourself and where you’re from then show us your talent. Post the video to Facebook or Twitter with #festivalinthepark. Up to 10 acts may be selected from the entries. If you don’t have access to social media, you can still enter by contacting us on our website. The contest is open to anyone in the area. “We want to encourage all ages and all talents to come out and share your talent with us,” according to Michaels. Second place prize is $100 and third place is $50.
“The Discover Blytheville Great Scavenger Hunt will literally help folks discover Blytheville,” said Michaels. The scavenger hunt will send participants to local businesses and attractions where they will take a selfie and post to their Facebook page. “You can stay up to date on the details of the scavenger hunt and all the other activities by searching for Festival In The Park on Facebook and follow our event,” said Michaels. “We’ll be posting details on everything there.” Teams of four will compete for a grand prize that will include the items they’re searching for as well as a grand cash prize. You can also follow @discoverblytheville.
A Car, Truck and Bike Show with Poker Run is planned for the day. “We’re inviting all the modified vehicles and classic cars and trucks to come out and join us and show off,” said Michaels. “And, from what I’m hearing, we’re going to have an excellent bike show with a Poker Run.” Car, truck and bike enthusiasts, local clubs and owners are encouraged to join us at Walker Park on Saturday, July 21.
The Ironworx Gym Ultimate Tug O’ War Competition will feature teams competing for a cash prize, and, of course, ultimate bragging rights. “The challenge has been laid down,” according to Michaels. “We’re looking for area police departments, fire departments, gym rats and overall he men to compete for cash and for their pride.” Get your teams together and register by contacting Ironworx Gym or by downloading the registration forms at www.discoverblytheville.com.
Kids will enjoy several activities, including pony rides, water slides, and bouncy houses. A Corn Hole Tournament is being arranged, plus there will be food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. Bring your kids in their swimsuits because the city is including admission to the pool with the purchase of an all-day armband for the water slides, bouncy house and pool for just $10.
We’re also looking for a local group to sponsor a 5k Run/Walk that morning in the park. Groups interested in sponsoring the event and coordinating it should contact Discover Blytheville on the website or by phone at 870-278-2621. And, we need volunteers to help with the event.
“We would like to say a big thanks to a lot of folks for helping us make this possible to the community, including our banner sponsor Southern Bancorp,” said Michaels.
If you want to be a vendor at Festival In The Park or set up a retail or information booth, please visit Discover Blytheville at www.discoverblytheville.com. Booth space is free for church groups, civic clubs and charitable or non-profit organizations. Deadline to get registered is July 15, 2018. #discoverblytheville #festivalinthepark
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