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School to host July 4 bash

BY JOHN NELSON
Published Wednesday, June 29, 2005 in the Gurdon Times

The fourth annual Gurdon 4th of July celebration at the high school football stadium is gearing up for blasting cannon balls, free hot dogs, inspiring music and an overall night to remember.

Lynn Failla, director of the school's 21st Century grant, is coordinating the Independence Day celebration.

"Pastor Jim Farris is in charge of getting the fireworks organized," she said. "And Dean Jones will do our music. We are expecting a huge crowd, plenty of parking, plenty of stadium seating and as many free hot dogs as you can eat."

As to the main event, Farris said Wednesday, "We have hired a professional team out of Memphis. The $3,500 traditionally collected locally and spent on the fireworks show will be money well spent.

"These folks do a professional and top rate show with the cannonball sound effects, major bursting in the air and the sort of awesome fireworks you would hope for and expect.

"If you have never seen our show before, you don't want to miss it. This is a chance for the community to come together and enjoy the holiday with the whole family."

Failla said there will be a stage set up in the stadium for the music show and the serving of the free hot dogs from 6-8:30 p.m., just before the fireworks display begins.

Music coordinator Jones has asked for anyone who wants to sing that has not been contacted to please call him at: (870) 353-2623.

Failla said she believes the music will be mostly of the gospel genre "but there may be some country performers as well."

As to the hot dogs, Failla said she will purchase them with grant money or they will be donated.

"We'll get those hot dogs and there will be plenty. I just have not pinned down from where just yet," she said.

Failla said she has been attempting to get in touch with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to get its huge fish tank display on the grounds.

"I think that will work out, but I am still in the negotiating stage," she said.

Failla said those attending should bring the traditional lawn chairs and blankets, unless they plan to sit in the stands.

The rain date area for the music show will be in the Gurdon High School Cafetorium.

The concession stand will be sponsored by the local band boosters. There will be a Go Devil booth, and local arts and craft booths are welcome.

"We do not have a problem with other food and beverage booths," Failla said. "Those wanting to sell barbecue or whatever are welcome to come on and set up to do so for free."

The fireworks will start at dark. Donations will be accepted at the entrance of the Go Devil Stadium for the 2006 fireworks display. Everyone making a donation might win a stainless steel, table-top, charcoal grill or one of a variety of smaller prizes.

The traditional sponsors of the $3,500 worth of fireworks entertainment, according to Failla's information, are: the Cabe Foundation, the City of Gurdon, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Development & Entertainment Club (CD&E), Calvary United Pentecostal Church and the 21st Century Community Learning Center.

For more information, you may call a member of the CCLC community: Mayor Clayton Franklin, the Rev. Jim Farris, the Rev. Bill O'Connell, Denise Ezell, Donna King, Kim King, Sharon Lasker, Maxine Weems, Beverly Sanford, Becky Baumgardner, Van Williams or Failla.

Failla said, by request, the lights on the high school parking lot will be dimmed this year before the fireworks show.

An organizational meeting for the event was scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28, in the high school library.

Failla said the event is on school property and no alcoholic beverages will be allowed.


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