The Ritz Civic Center in Blytheville will be filled with shrieks of delight on Friday, April 21st at 6:30 PM when The Arts Council of Mississippi County presents Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre with their giant puppet musical version of Alice In Wonderland.         

This is a mammoth musical featuring nine-foot-tall puppets and a live actress. The lead character is played by actress and puppet builder Holli Rubin.  Puppeteer and lyricist Jerry Bickel performs as the giant puppet.  The production also includes shadow puppets, marionettes and hand puppets.    
 
The story begins like this: When Alice escapes her boredom of this world to venture into a dream of another world, madcap high jinks and outlandish adventures are the order of the day.  Lavishly costumed characters and giant puppets whirl, dance and sing on their journey through Lewis Carroll’s land of fantasy.  The heroine learns it takes self-reliance and quick thinking to tame the comic nonsense of the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, and Wonderland’s other unpredictable residents.     

Bits ‘N Pieces Theatre has been creating original musical productions adapted from classic children’s literature for 38 years. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, the company spends most of the year on national and international tour. This season’s touring production has thrilled audiences across the United States and around the world.  This is the ninth year they have brought their magic to The Ritz with rave reviews every year. Previous stories have included Pinky Flamingo based on The Ugly Duckling, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aesop’s Fable, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Rip Van Winkle and Princess Thimbelina.     
Alice In Wonderland is the final event of the 2016-2017 Series presented by The Arts Council of Mississippi County. This fun for all ages live show will be performed at The Ritz Theater at 306 W. Main Street in Blytheville.     

The program will also be presented for five school day performances free for scheduled Mississippi County area school students in K-2nd Grade at no cost to the students or schools.  The school day performances are made available in part by grants from the Mississippi County Community Foundation and Kinder Morgan Foundation as well as the support of Arts Council Patrons and Sponsors.     
For the Friday 6:30 PM performance, adult tickets are only $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door, and children twelve and under are admitted free with an adult.  Clearly this is a great family entertainment value. For more information, call (870) 762-1744, or visit the website www.artsmissco.org.

MEMPHIS, Tn.  – All eligible blood donors are encouraged to give blood and help save lives in March, Red Cross Month. Donating is easier than ever with the Blood Donor App and RapidPass. 

With the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, donors can conveniently schedule and manage donation appointments, access their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards. Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questions online at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass before coming to their appointments. 

“I've always thought it was the right thing to do, to donate when it was convenient for me,” said Lance Ford. “But after my triplets were born premature and needed transfusions in the neonatal intensive care unit, I decided that it was more important to seek out opportunities to donate, rather than just waiting until it was convenient to me. The Red Cross apps and notifications make it very easy to find a location near you, and they are so courteous, respectful and efficient.There is really no excuse not to donate. It's such a small thing that makes such a big difference!”

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month by every U.S. president since 1943 in celebration of the Red Cross volunteers who help those in need by giving their time, money or blood. Join their ranks by making an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities for the month of March:

Mississippi

Leachville
3/20/2017: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 1502 S Main

How to help

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
​
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters;supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Crossis a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 The Springer Theatricals professional touring production of “Route 66” will be presented live on the stage of The Ritz Theater, 306 W. Main in Blytheville on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at 7:00 pm.  It is the fourth program of the 2016-2017 Series sponsored by The Arts Council of Mississippi County.     
     Take a dollop of “Grease” and mix in some “Pump Boys and Dinetttes” along with a generous dose of “Forever Plaid” and you’ve got the high-octane fun of “ROUTE 66”!  Beginning with the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the ‘Main Street of America’ to the California coast with the surf music of the 1960s, this exciting musical revue features 34 of the greatest ‘Rock ‘n’ Road’ hits of the 20th century. Songs include “Dead Man’s Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Beep Beep,” “Six Days on the Road,” “Little GTO,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and many more.  Get your kicks on Route 66 with this smash coast-to-coast hit musical revue.
    

​Join Law Enforcement, area supporters and fans of Special Olympics, Saturday February 11th starting at 12:00pm as they plunge into the frigid waters of the pool at Hampton Inn in Blytheville. Registration begins at 11:30am.  

The Blytheville Polar Plunge benefits the 15,000 athletes statewide participating in Special Olympics Arkansas Sports and Health programming. Signup individually or as a team today so you too can be Freezin for a Reason this season, learn more at specialolympicsarkansas.org.There is a minimum Fundraising goal of $50.00 to plunge, participants earn prizes through fundraising. 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics with more than 100,000 law enforcement participants around the world.   

JONESBORO – The17th annual Delta Awards recognizing tourism achievement in Eastern Arkansas will be presented during festivities Friday evening, Feb. 17, at the Cooper Alumni Center on the campus of Arkansas State University, 2600 Alumni Boulevard.

The evening will begin with a 5:30 p.m. silent auction, followed by the dinner and awards at 7 p.m.   The event is sponsored by Arkansas Delta Byways with support from the Greater Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce.  Centerpieces, designed by students of the Jonesboro School of Art, will be auctioned off that evening. 
   
Arkansas Delta Byways, located on the Arkansas State University campus, is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism as the official tourism promotion association for 15 counties in Eastern Arkansas.  Counties include Arkansas, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett and St. Francis. 

The annual awards event is open to the public.  Tickets are $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight.  For information on ticket availability, contact Gretchen Sacotnik, (870) 573-6751 or by email, gretchen.sacotnik@arkansas.gov.
​
Categories and the finalists are:
 
Media Support Award

• Richard Benson, The Morning Show, KXJK/KBFC Radio, Forrest City, St. Francis County
• Terry Hawkins, Editor, Dumas Clarion, Desha County
• KASU Bluegrass Monday, Craighead and Greene Counties

 
Hospitality Award

• Delta Resort, McGehee, Desha County
• Raymond Willie, Pillow-Thompson House, Helena, Phillips County
• Rhoda’s Hot Tamales, Lake Village, Chicot County

               
Entrepreneur Award

• City Market, Piggott, Clay County
• Edwardian Inn, Helena, Phillips County
• Shelby’s Sweet Corn, Marked Tree, Poinsett County

 
Tourism/Promotion Support Award

• Friends of the Historic White River Bridge, Clarendon, Monroe County
• Lights of the Delta, Blytheville, Mississippi County
• Main Street Helena, Phillips County

 
Festival/Event of the Year

• Big River Crossing, West Memphis, Crittenden County
• Tinkerfest, ASU Museum, Craighead County
• Writing Retreat for Veterans, Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center, Piggott, Clay County

 
Boot Strap Award           

• “Life on the Mississippi,” Delta Gateway Museum, Blytheville, Mississippi County
• Our Lady of the Lake Altar Society Annual Spaghetti Dinner, Lake Village, Chicot County
• Christmas in the Park Lighting Ceremony, Marianna Chamber of Commerce, Lee County

 
Cultural Heritage Award

• Front Porch Blues Bash, Helena, Phillips County
• Parkin Archeological State Park, Cross County
• Seark Concert Association Smarts Program, Monticello, Drew County

                               
Outstanding Member Award, to be announced.
 
Tourism Person of the Year, to be announced.

If you live in Blytheville and need to speak to your City Councilman, here is their contact information: 

-- Councilman R.L. Jones - 870-762--5532 or 501-237-7493,  councilmanjones@sbcglobal.net
-- Councilman John Musgraves - 870-278-6002,  jratmusgraves123@yahoo.com
-- Councilman Stan Parks - 870-740-0002,  srparks@sbcglobal.net
-- Councilman L.C. Hartsfield - 870-740-8113, LCH.BlyCouncil@gmail.com
-- Councilwoman Barbara Brothers - 870-623-2144, bmacadoo16@gmail.com
-- Councilman John Mayberry - 870-762-6263,  councilmanmayberry@gmail.com

The Arts Council of Mississippi County is pleased to announce that two international award winning guitarists will appear in concert at The Ritz Civic Center, 306 W. Main in Historic Downtown Blytheville, AR on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 7:00 PM.  

Petar & Daniel Guitar Duo explores an eclectic repertoire ranging from Spanish, Latin and Balkan to traditional classics.  Their performances include original works aswell as arrangements specifically designed for duo performances.  They have fused their native Serbian and Brazilian cultural heritages to reach not only traditional audiences, but to bring guitar music to that part of the general public that is not so familiar with the instruments’ repertoire and techniques.    

Both musicians are on faculty of Indiana University’s prestigious Jacobs School of Music.  

Petar Jankovicbegan his guitar studies at age eight in Serbia, where he later earned a degree in classical guitar from the renowned Belgrade Music Academy.  While in Serbia, he won two gold medals, a silver medal and two bronze medals at the National Music Competition.  

At age 16, he delivered his first professional performance, and by age 20, the Community College of Belgrade invited him to share his expertise with beginning classical guitar students.  This marked the beginning of a distinguished teaching career that has developed alongside his successful performing career.    

Daniel Duarte is an active performer, arranger, conductor and lecturer who has won several guitar and chamber music competitions in his native Brazil, as well as in Europe and the United States.  His academic and artistic recognitions include the Presser Foundation outstanding graduate music student award that supported his dissertation research and the Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professor of Arts award by Marshall University, among others.    

Tickets are available at The Ritz in Blytheville for $20.00 advanced purchase, and will be available at the door for $25.00 the night of the performance.  Children twelve and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.    

​For more information about this or other events at The Ritz, contact The Arts Council of Mississippi County at (870)762-1744, or visit the website www.artsmissco.org.

JONESBORO, ARK. (Nov. 9, 2016) ---- The American Red Cross serving Arkansas has postponed its 5K walk/run to honor veterans and active duty military members in Jonesboro, Ark. scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12, according to Chapter Executive Director Pam Knapp-Carver.

The event had been scheduled to take place in conjunction with the Jonesboro Veterans Day Parade. Knapp-Carver explained the event has been postponed due to conflicts with military members and veterans who were participating in the parade itself.

The 5K walk/run will be rescheduled sometime around Memorial Day, 2017, Knapp-Carver added.  She thanked everyone who registered to participate in the event, and urges them to re-register when the event is rescheduled.

​The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season.
 
Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months.
 
For blood donor Katie Osorio, giving a little bit of time is worth it because she’s giving someone a chance at life. “Someone’s mother, brother, sister, father or the love of someone’s life has been given back to their loved ones all because I gave something that I could. It takes so little from me and gives a world back to another.”
 
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.
 
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
 AR Cross 
Hickory Ridge
11/7/2016: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Hickory Ridge City Hall, 135 S. Front St
 
Wynne
11/3/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Church of Christ, 916 Bridges_______________ 

​Poinsett 
Lepanto
11/11/2016: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., East Poinsett Elementary School, 502 McClellan
 
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
 
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org orcruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

The Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Candidate Forum at the Blytheville High School Monday, October 24, at the Blytheville High School Auditorium.

Chamber Director Liz Smith was the moderator for the forum featuring candidates for both city council and for county judge.

​If you missed the live broadcast, you can listen on demand below.

Early voting has begun in Arkansas. In Mississippi County, here are the early voting places:

For the North end of Mississippi County, early voting is taking place at the Mississippi County Election Center.

For the South end of Mississippi County, early voting is taking place at the Osceola Courthouse.

In Manila and Leachville, early voting is taking place at the Manila Depot until October 29. On October 31 through November 7, early voting will take place for Manila and Leachville at the ANC Library in Leachville.

Download the 2016 Arkansas Ballot Issues Voter Guide.

“Innovation & Inclusion:  Creating Job Opportunities in the Rural Marketplace”
 
Innovation, inclusion and job creation in rural Arkansas will be the key words at an upcoming regional conference to be held in Blytheville, Arkansas.  Funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, the 2016 Northeast Arkansas Business & Enterprise Development Conference, with a theme of “Innovation & Inclusion:  Creating Job Opportunities in the Rural Marketplace” will bring together approximately 20 private, state, federal and nonprofit organizations with a singular mission of equipping small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to start and expand their businesses.
 
Hosted by the Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC), Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC), Arkansas State University-Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), Mississippi County Economic Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the conference will be held Friday, September 30, 2016 from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm at the Holiday Inn - Blytheville, 1121 Main Street, Blytheville, AR 72315. Topics will include but are not limited to, building effective partnerships, securing capital, how to sell goods and services to the government, and social media.
 
Join us at 8:30 am for a “Lenders Roundtable Breakfast,” where participants will network with local, regional and statewide lenders. Organizations invited to participate include Arkansas Capital Corporation Group, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Communities Unlimited, Eastern Arkansas Planning and Development District, FORGE, Farmers Bank and Trust, Hope Credit Union, Southern Bancorp, USDA – Rural Development …and MORE! Lunch will also be provided.
 
Current business owners and those just getting started, youth entrepreneurs, business and technical school students, apprentices, veterans and community and economic development professionals, are invited to attend this unique opportunity. You will engage with other business owners, receive help with research and business planning, learn how to increase your networking results and learn to do more business with government and private industry. Mr. Samuel Rikkers, Administrator, Rural Business Cooperative Services – USDA, Rural Development, Washington, DC will be luncheon speaker. 
 
Don’t miss the opportunity to help your community create needed JOBS by learning valuable insights to help your small business GROW! And, INNOVATE!
 
AN INVESTMENT OF TIME IS THE COST TO ATTEND BUT REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED.
 
You may register by calling Arkansas Human Development Corporation at (800) 482-7641  
or online at http://goo.gl/McuCqE
​

Summer's nearly over and it's time to go back to school. Here's our list of area schools and the first day back in session.

ARKANSAS
 
Armorel School Dist - August 15
 
Blytheville School Dist - August 15
 
Buffalo Island School Dist  - August 15
 
Gosnell School Dist -  August 15
 
Manila School Dist -   August 15
 
Osceola School Dist -  August 15
 
Rivercrest School Dist  -  August 15
 
 
 Missouri
 
Caruthersville School Dist     August 11
 
Cooter School Dist         August 12
 
Hayti School Dist -   August  11
 
Kennett School District        August 18
 
South Pemiscot School Dist  August 11

​Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday 2016 is this Saturday and Sunday, August 6th and 7th. Here's a list of tax free items.

The Arts Council of Mississippi County is pleased to announce that once again Blytheville has been selected to host a concert by a United States’ Military Ensemble.  The Ritz has a rich history of presenting  Military Units from various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces—groups such as the U.S. Air Force  Starlifter, Shades of Blue, and Midwest Winds (woodwind quintet) and the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors, as well as the U.S. Navy Band Mid-South on two different occasions.
     Now we have the privilege of welcoming the special United States Navy Unit Four Star Edition.  Four Star Edition is U.S. Fleet Forces Band's contemporary music ensemble that entertains audiences with its refreshing blend of modern hits from a variety of styles that includes current pop, rock, Latin and country, as well as classic rock-and-roll.  Composed of some of the U.S. Navy's most versatile musicians, Four Star Edition engages audiences with diverse, high-energy shows that entertain audiences of all ages!  This ensemble will perform live at The Ritz at 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 27, 2016.  Tickets are free for this event, and must be requested in advance to guarantee your seat.
     Individuals may request up to rour (4) tickets per person by any of the following methods.  You may drop by The Ritz, 306 W. Main in Blytheville which is open daily from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, and during special events.  Send a request by mail to The Arts Council of Mississippi County, P.O. Box 925, Blytheville, AR 72316, by email to artsmissco@yahoo.com, or by calling (870)762-1744.  Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis, so be sure and request yours early.  Tickets will be available beginning Monday, July 25, 2016.
     For more information about The Arts Council of Mississippi County and all of their events visit the website www.artsmissco.org.

WASHINGTON – As the nation celebrates its 240th birthday, Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be celebrating with small businesses in five states and 11 cities during the SBA Main Street Road Tour, July 4-8.

​“Main Street entrepreneurship is at the heart of the American economy, contributing half of our nation’s productivity and creating two out of three net new jobs,” said Contreras-Sweet.  “Communities throughout the country depend on local family restaurants, shoe stores, barber shops, and other small businesses to provide good jobs, generate vital economic activity, and deliver products and services at home and abroad.  We launched this bus tour to make sure small businesses throughout the Delta Region know that the SBA is here and ready to support them through access to capital, counseling, federal contracting and even disaster assistance. And we are working to improve support for small businesses every day with our loan originator streamlining, technological embraces including LINC, the Small Business Technology Coalition, and Startup in a Day making it easier than ever for small businesses to start, grow and succeed.”

The SBA Main Street Road Tour is a weeklong bus tour that starts in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri on Monday, July 4th and concludes in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, July 8th. Contreras-Sweet will visit cities and towns along the route, which includes stops in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.  During her bus tour she will embark on Main Street walking tours, meet with local small businesses as well as members of the local Chambers of Commerce, city officials and business representatives.  While meeting with all these groups she will emphasize SBA’s work to drive investing into U.S. communities of all sizes and shine a spotlight on the importance and impact of Main Street small businesses across the nation.  ​

​About the Small Business Administration:
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.  The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.  Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. www.sba.gov

June 13, 2016


As Chairman of the Mississippi County Juneteenth Celebration, I cordially invite the city officials, and all residents of Mississippi County, AR to join us as we celebrate the day of emancipation. 

Historically, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom for the African American heritage. Although Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, many slaves did not find out they were free until 2.5 years later on June 19th, 1865. We look forward to celebrating this historic tradition, as we give homage to the ones that came before us. 

This celebration will be Saturday, June 18, 2016. We will kick off with the annual parade with Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Ford as Grand Marshalls. The Big Celebration will be at the corner of Elm & McHaney Streets from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Citizens are welcome to enjoy the activities and free food that will be available. 

Not only is this a day of celebration, but should be marked as a day of unity, prayer, and peacefulness for the citizens of our county.
​
We look forward to seeing each and everyone at this great event. 

Desmond F. Hammett
Chairman 
2016 Juneteenth Committee 

​BLYTHEVILLE, AR – The Flying Wallendas take to the skies of Blytheville, Arkansas, for Mayfest 2016 Friday night, May 6, andSaturday, May 7, for three nail-biting shows. Watch the Wallendas navigate their tightrope with no safety net starting Friday night at 6 p.m. in Dixie Line Park near the world-famous Greyhound Bus Station in historic downtown Blytheville.
 
The Wallendas perform two more shows on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m.
 
They were first known as The Great Wallendas, but the current name was coined by the press in the 1940s and has stayed since.
 
On March 22, 1978, during a promotional walk in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Karl Wallenda fell from the wire and died. It was between the towers of Condado Plaza Hotel, one hundred feet high. He was 73. Nik Wallenda completed the walk on June 4, 2011, with his mother, Delilah.
Nik Wallenda became the first aerialist to walk directly over Niagara Falls on June 15, 2012, from the United States into Canada. Wearing a safety harness as required by ABC television, he crossed at the river's widest point.
Nik was also the first aerialist to walk over the Little Colorado River Gorge at the Grand Canyon. The event was broadcast live on the Discovery Channel. He used a 2-inch wire and made the journey without a harness or safety net. The canyon is 1,400 feet  wide and 1,500 feet deep.
A VIP tent with food and beverages is available for the Friday night performance. Tickets for the tent are $15 and can be purchased by calling the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-762-2012.
After the Wallendas perform Friday night, Rockin’ Luke Stroud takes over the Music On Main stage next to the Bus Station. If you love the music of Jerry Lee Lewis, you don’t want to miss Rockin’ Luke. Music On Main kicks off Friday night at 7 p.m. Burgers and hot dogs will be available.
 
The Gospel Stage this year features some incredible talent, including nationally-known artists Pastor Tim Rogers and The Isaacs. Deep River, Michele Green & The Overflow Band, The True Gospel Wright Singers and Reverend Terrell Rogers And The Men Of Destiny will also perform throughout the day.
 
Come spend the day strolling up and down historic Main Street in downtown Blytheville enjoying the crafts, food and fun! And, why not bring your dog for the annual Blytheville Humane Society Dog Show at 11 a.m. on Saturday?
 
All the fun kicks off Saturday on Main Street at 10 a.m. and runs till 4 p.m.
 
For more information, email mayfest@mainstreetblytheville.com or call 870-763-2525 Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Keep up with everything going on with Mayfest 2016 by downloading the Main Street Blytheville app in your app store! Search for Main Street Blytheville or visit Main Street Blytheville online at www.mainstreetblytheville.com for a complete schedule of events.

The Delta Gateway Museum Association, the museum's 501(c)3 non-profit support organization, needs your online donation tomorrow, April 7, during ArkansasGives!  All donations made to DGM Association will benefit long term exhibit development at Delta Gateway Museum.

ArkansasGives is a one-day online fundraising campaign sponsored by the Arkansas Community Foundation and the Arkansas Nonprofit Alliance.  Thursday, April 7, from 8am to 8pm, they're challenging people to give to the participating non-profit(s) of your choice -- and we're asking YOU to give to DGM Association! 
​
During this 12-hour event, each donation will help DGM Association qualify for additional bonus dollars from the Arkansas Community Foundation.  The more we raise, the more bonus dollars we receive!

ArkansasGives is one day, one easy way to make your charitable dollars stretch farther.  Good things are happening at Delta Gateway Museum and you can help the good grow!  Just go to https://www.arkansasgives.org/ and search for DGM Association to make your secure credit card donation.

Learn more about our long term exhibit plan at www.deltagatewaymuseum.org.  You'll like what we're working towards!

The Arts Council of Mississippi County is pleased to announce Sherry Ruddick as the featured artist for The Ritz Gallery for the month of April, 2016. Her exhibit will be available for viewing weekdays from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, and during special events. There will be a free Meet the Artist Reception at The Ritz, 306 W. Main in Blytheville, on Saturday, April 9, 2016,  from 3:00-5:00 PM.

Mrs. Ruddick, originally from Central Arkansas, is a resident of Manila, AR. She and husband Paul Ruddick have two children, Silas and Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn also shows talent as an artist.

“I guess my artistic beginnings started with my wonderful wall creations in crayon. Well, I thought they were wonderful,” shares Mrs. Ruddick. She continues, “My mother was not so thrilled with them. After washing one too many walls, my parents invested in a large chalkboard and plenty of coloring books. All my childhood I loved to draw on and with anything I could get my hands on.”

Sherry studied art in junior high and high school. Mr. Matthews was her inspiring and talented art teacher through her high school years in Haskell, AR. She learned much about being an artist from him. He was honest and blunt, but was also supportive and encouraged her creativity. Sherry remembers him as a great teacher. 

As an adult, Sherry has been involved in other forms of art such as singing, writing music and creating jewelry. However, drawing and painting remain as her favorite creative outlet. Her art expresses her inner self, her emotions, thoughts and beliefs, and she turns those into works that can be seen and enjoyed by others.

Mrs. Ruddick added, “I mentioned to my father-in-law that I have a hard time letting go of my artwork. He told me something I’ll never forget. He said,
‘Your artwork is a part of you, it’s a little piece of your soul that you’ve imparted into your art. That’s why you have a hard time letting it go.’ Yeah, I’d say that about says it all. If you look at my work, you are looking at a small piece of me.”

You can meet Sherry Ruddick at her Gallery Reception. For additional information about this event or others at the Ritz, call (870)762-1744, or visit www.artsmissco.org.

CRAFTERS, MUSICIANS, ARTISTS, FOOD VENDORS SOUGHT
​FOR ANNUAL MAYFEST IN BLYTHEVILLE
 
 
BLYTHEVILLE, Arkansas – Are you a crafter, artist, musician or food vendor? Main Street Blytheville is looking for vendors for Mayfest 2016, scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
Mayfest 2016 is set to be the biggest festival to date with this year's addition of the legendary 'high wire' family, The Flying Wallendas, with performances both Friday and Saturday, including their signature '7 Person Pyramid.'
 
Our gospel stage this year features some incredible talent, including nationally-known artists Pastor Tim Rogers and The Isaacs.
 
Come spend the day strolling up and down historic Main Street in downtown Blytheville enjoying our crafts, food and fun! And, why not bring your dog for the annual Blytheville Humane Society Dog Show?
 
Food vendors at Mayfest 2016 will be able to sell beverages. "In the past, Main Street Blytheville has sold the drinks during Mayfest," according to Executive Director Tucker Nunn. "This year, we've decided to make it easier on our vendors and our visitors by allowing them to also sell beverages at their booths."
 
If you would like to reserve a booth or space for Mayfest 2016, Vendor Registration Forms are available for download on our website at www.mainstreetblytheville.com. Registration forms should be received by Main Street Blytheville no later than Monday, April 25, 2016. Early registration will assure you of having a booth location at or near your traditional or preferred location.
 
For more information, email mayfest@mainstreetblytheville.com or call 870-763-2525 Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keep up with everything going on with Mayfest 2016 by downloading the Main Street Blytheville app in your app store! Search for Main Street Blytheville.