Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Forest Fest Booths Being Booked

Over 64 arts and crafts booths have been booked so far for the 16th annual Gurdon Forest Festival, according to Freddie Horne, coordinator.

Organizers expect the number to exceed last year's total of 115. All food booths have been booked and will feature different types of foods including barbecue, pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes and other specialties.

The festival, the largest such event in Clark County, has grown over the years into one of the largest `small town' shows in south Arkansas with attendance reaching over 5,000.

The annual event brings community and business people together to show their support for the forest industry and the importance it has to the region. The festival is well supported by the community and is recognized around the state for it's success and growth.

The festival has become a highlight each fall for community organizations to work together to produce an outstanding hometown atmosphere for community development and entertainment, for family and high school reunions and for just "plain old fun for every one!"

Booths for the festival, which rent for $15 each, will open at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26. All types of arts and crafts will be on display along with commercial and novelty products.

A parade is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Bandstand shows will begin at 11:00 a.m. featuring talent from around the state.

The War Memorial Park Midway show will open on Second Street early that morning.

Grand opening events will take place at the main bandstand at noon with the introduction of beauty pageant winners, welcome from city and county officials and political speeches from local candidates.

Special events throughout the day will include an antique and classic car show, log sawing and log loading contests, motorcycle show and shine, Halloween costume contest, games, rides, contests and a big street dance that night.

The Gurdon Community Development and Entertainment (GCD&E) Club auction will be held at the main bandstand at 4:00 p.m. Events of the day are open to the public at no charge.

The 16th Annual Forest Festival is sponsored by the GCD&E Club. Funds generated from the project go to support club activities, such as college scholarship fund, delegates to Boys State and Girls State, Gurdon Senior Adult Center, computers for the local schools and for community development and entertainment.

"The GCD&E Club is proud to be a part of the Gurdon Community and strives to promote Gurdon and all of Clark County in its many projects," Horne said.

"The Club also salutes all the participants, both large and small, for their contriubtuions. Businesses and communities working hand-in-hand have brought about this successful event," he continued.

If you or your club would like to be a part of this outstanding festival program contact Horne at 7104 Highway 67 South in Gurdon, AR 71743, or you may call him at 501-353-2588.

For information on the car show contact Terry Norris at 501-353-2947.

The beauty pageant is under the direction of Paul Shaver, 353-2690, and Billy Wells, 353-4335.