Newport holds Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage Dedication and Celebration on April 7th

Barefoot in the Park

Newport, Arkansas’ downtown development organization, DRIVE, is planning a day-long dedication of the new downtown outdoor entertainment stage located on Front Street on April 7th.  The stage will be dedicated to the memory of Terry Scoggins, a life-long support of Newport and the downtown area.  The day’s activities will be a celebration of things that Terry loved, primarily music and fun.  The event is free-admission, and activities will start with the stage dedication at 10:00 AM.

Bands that will play throughout the day include Kevin Smith with Grateful Impressions of Jerry Garcia, Revolution The Band with Southern Rock, John Paul Keith playing music from the roots of Rock and Roll, Seeing Red with the best of the 80’s through today, and Elmo and the Shades with classic Rhythm and Blues and Rock.  Music will start at 10:30 AM and run until 8:00 PM.

The event is Dog-Friendly and Kid-Friendly, just like Terry.  Fun events through the day will include bounce houses for the kids, bubble blowing fun and sidewalk chalk art.  At 3:15 PM, a dog parade will allow the furry friends who attend to strut their stuff.

Some Terry-centered events will also be featured.  Local “Friends of Terry” will share some of their memories about this special man and his impact on so many lives.  At 1:45 PM, people will be invited to participate in a Terry Scoggins Impersonation Contest with the best impersonator being chosen by the crowd.  Birkenstocks and Rayban parade will come at 4:45 PM so make sure to wear those Birks and sport the Bans in true Terry style.

Free hot dogs will be served by the Merchants and Planters Grill Team during lunch, and the night will end with a Fireworks show by Air Magic Fireworks.  Terry and Lee always hosted a great 4th of July Party, and though the event is on April 7th, hot dogs and fireworks will bring back memories of fun summer days on the White River.

For those who knew Terry, this will be a great day of celebration and fun.  For those who never met Terry, this will be a day of fun that will allow them to learn about one of Newport’s very own larger-than-life champions.