JACKSONPORT — The new Jacksonport Visitor Center will host the Ozark Gateway Leo Rainey Tourism Appreciation Banquet at 6 p.m. April 25.
Advance tickets are required and will be sold on a first-come first-served basis as seating is limited. Cost is $35 and will include dinner.
This year’s theme will be “Riverboat Days,” attendees are encouraged to dress the part if they wish.
Featured speaker will be Mat Faulkner, president of Think Idea Studio of Searcy. Faulkner is involved in the rejuvenation of downtown Searcy and is part of the team that recently helped the town win the Small Business Revolution contest.
Winners will be announced for this year’s Tom Biggs Award and the Wilson Powell Media Support Award, among others.
Deadline for ticket purchase is April 18. For more information, call (870) 793-9316 or email ozarkgateway007@att.net.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lacy, 34, spent most of her life in the hills of Lawrence County. Today, she lives in Cave City, the home of “World’s Sweetest Watermelons,” in what’s known as the Prince Matlock house. Its former owner helped create what’s known as the Cave Courts where the city’s cave lies above the Crystal River. He fashioned his home out of the same rocks and materials that are found among the cave’s property, and she feels blessed to now be its caretaker for many more years to come.