30th Annual Dogwood Days Festival Success
HORSESHOE BEND, AR (May 17, 2016) – The Horseshoe Bend Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all who sponsored or took part in the 30th Annual Dogwood Days Festival that was held on May 14, 2016 in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. The weather was nice, the entertainment was great, we had a large number of arts, crafts and food vendors, and the festival was well attended!
The day began with the annual Kiwanis pancake breakfast, and this year they had a record number of people. We appreciate the Kiwanis and enjoyed their hearty breakfast. Hats off to our entertainers: The Loft Line Dancers, Austin Pool, ICC Cougar Choir, James Miller, New Creation, Kasha Renee, Clogger’s – Cameron Shaver and Kathy Wilson, Mariah Thomas, and the Highway 289 Band. Eric Sitton ran our sound system at the park gazebo and kept the music going all day long. Kendra Rains worked the kids games area and had lots for kids playing in the bouncy house, taking pony rides, playing basketball, etc. Ozarka College also gave free rides in their kids plane.
This year’s festival had two new events; a 5K fun run/walk and a garden tractor pull. There were 39 participants registered for the 5K, plus some babies pushed in strollers. The overall fastest female was Lucinda Bishop and overall fastest male was Todd Conforth. The oldest participant was Gene Stanton, 81 years young. Stanton said if he can do it, anyone can, and he challenges more participants to register next year.
In the garden tractor pull, four tractors pulled and three raced. Spectators certainly enjoyed this added event and are already requesting we schedule this event again for the July 4th celebration! Raffle tickets were sold for the chance to win a beautiful wood carving, donated by local artist Martin Smith. The winner was Bruce Hadaway from Cherokee Village.
We extend a special thank you to the Izard county sheriff’s department and to the Horseshoe Bend honorary police who helped ensure the safety of everyone in attendance, as well as the city guys and gals who worked tirelessly preparing the grounds and doing clean up after. Also, thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors, and vendors who made this day such a success. Without the help of so many, the festival would not be possible.
Between now and our next event, the 4th of July celebration, the Chamber will be moving from our current location to the former medical building, located on 3rd street. We invite you to join the Chamber of Commerce for our general session meetings. Those take place on the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. The location of the meetings rotate throughout town at area businesses, churches, etc. who hosts the meetings. For more information, please call 870.670.5433 or email:hsbchamberboard@gmail.com<mailto:hsbchamberboard@gmail.com
