Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Free hot dogs available at July 4 celebration

Details about the July 4 fireworks party at the Gurdon High School have evolved this week, with 500 free hotdogs being a big bonus to those seeking entertainment.

Coordinator Lynn Failla said June 23 that Rehkopfs Hometown Market, of Gurdon, will provide the free hotdogs, which will include a bun and the fixings.

"Just like last year, our crowd can eat the hot dogs until they are gone," she said.

The Fifth Annual July 4 Celebration, sponsored by donations from the community and a grant from the 21st Century Community Learning Center, will begin with concessions, booths and musical entertainment, from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, at the Gurdon Go-Devil Stadium, on Highway 67 South next to Cabe Middle School.

Fireworks will fill the sky above the stadium at approximately 9 p.m., as soon as it gets good and dark, Failla said.

The Rev. Jim Farris reportedly ordered the fireworks displays from the same Memphis, Tenn., company as last year, and he said this years fireworks cost approximately $3,100.

Failla said any donations collected at the door will offset the amount having to be picked up by the grant, which dwindles each year.

"Anyone donating for the expense of our firecrackers will receive a chance to win door prizes from Kuhns Hardware, Allens Barbecue and Dougs Grocery," she said.

The celebration, which had full bleachers and parking lots last year, will start with the Cabe Middle School Student Council raising the American flag. Van Williams will then sing the National Anthem.

While waiting for the fireworks to begin, the crowd can either listen to music or check out the booths.

As to the music, Gurdon High School Band Director Allen Wimberly will be the master of ceremonies.

He said, "Well have a good time out there. I may even play my saxophone to give them something a little different."

Gospel musicians will take the stage after Wimberlys introduction. They include "Messengers of Song," "Messengers from the Heart," and the J&B Gospel Singers.

If you get hungry during the free concert, the Band Boosters will be selling popcorn for 25 cents, and also chips, pickles and cola for that same price.

Marc Crawley will have his barbecue stand set up, the GHS cheerleaders will sell snow cones and advertisements for this years Go-Devil football programs, the GHS Future Farmers of America will sell selected firecrackers, the Junior and Senior Prom Committee, and class members, will do face painting, temporary tattoos and sell the GHS yearbooks for $35 as part of their prom fund raisers for the upcoming school year.

"One thing totally new this year is our mobile aquarium, provided by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission," Failla said.

"I invite everyone to check it out while you are getting your free hotdog and band booster concessions."

The 2006 fireworks sponsors are 21st Century CCLC, the Cabe Foundation, the City of Gurdon, the Gurdon Chamber of Commerce and the Gurdon Community Development and Entertainment Club.

Active committee members include Lynn Failla, the Rev. Jim Farris, Gurdon Mayor Clayton Franklin and Maxine Weems.

For information about adding a booth, call Failla at 353-5123.