75th Anniversary White River Water Carnival Coming September 8
July 19, 2018 (Batesville, AR)—The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) and 2018 Water Carnival sponsors announce the details of the 75th White River Water Carnival to be held on September 8, 2018, at Riverside Park in Batesville, Arkansas.
BACC President and CEO, Crystal Johnson said, “The White River Water Carnival is a unique event, adding to the quality of life in North Central Arkansas for the past 74 years. In a time when many long-standing events are dissolving, we are pleased with continued growth and support for the event. The carnival continues to be a successful community development tool for our area. We look forward to carrying on this family-friendly traditio.”
In honor of the 75th anniversary of the carnival, the theme has been named after Elvis Presley, King of Rock & Roll. Elvis performed at the Water Carnival in 1955. The performance is remembered more for Elvis’s behavior during the show. Scheduled to perform two sets for $100, he played only one, refusing to perform the second show. The Water Carnival demanded a refund, and half of Elvis’s fee was returned. Elvis never played in Batesville again. Pres Ellis and the Prestones will pay tribute to the King Saturday night. The band includes Dr. Bill Shelton, Danny Dozier, Jerry Bone, Mike Foster, Kenny Loggains, Molly Hudson, Courtney Clay, and Alicia Davidson. A special Elvis night will take place on Friday, September 7, at the Melba Theater. This event will include a free screening of Blue Hawaii, an Elvis costume contest, and more Elvis inspired activities.
In addition to themed events, favorites like the Smokin’ on the White BBQ Championship, the River City Cruisers’ Car Show, the Kid Zone, and the Water Carnival Parade will take place at Riverside Park. Kyle Christopher, BACC Tourism Director, said, “We recognize the importance of incorporating water into the carnival. Water events will include several ski and wakeboard demonstrations. Back by popular demand, Hydroflight will return this year with Team Aquafly of Austin, Texas. Rides will be available to the public for purchase.
We have the best stage of them all, the White River, and we plan to continue to take advantage of that by offering the best on-the-water entertainment in the region.”
Parade entry forms, vendor applications, and a full schedule of events can be found at www.whiteriverwatercarnival.com.
About the White River Water Carnival:
The White River Water Carnival is a free, family event that features entertainment, food vendors, craft and commercial vendors, a parade, and kids’ activities. Kids’ activities require the purchase of an admission band sponsored by FNBC, Littlefield Oil, Pepsi, Walmart, and Westrock Orthodontics. River City Cruiser’s Car Show is sponsored by Wood Family Dealerships. The parade is sponsored by Citizen’s Bank. Other carnival entertainment sponsored by ARCare, Bad Boy Mowers, the City of Batesville, Flowers Baking Company, Home Depot, Life Plus, Merchants & Planters Bank, Ozark Mountain Poultry, Precise Heating & Air, Sherwood Urgent Care, Sonic Drive-In, Southern Charm, UPS Store, and White River Now. For more information, please contact Kyle Christopher at (870) 793-2378 or tourism@batesvilleareachamber.com.
Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.
Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.
After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.
In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.
She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.
Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current publicity chair.
In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.