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13th annual Fourche River Days will offer something for everyone
O n April 21 and 22, Perry County residents and visitors will gather at the Courthouse Square in Perryville for two days of excitement and entertainment during Fourche River Days. James Emerson, entertainment chairman and master of ceremonies, said the festival offers activities for all ages and interests.
“This is a family-friendly festival, and our goal is to reach out and have something for every age,” he said. “Whether it is a small child bouncing in a bounce house or a person throwing horseshoes, strolling through the car show looking at beautiful classic cars or just sitting and listening to some great live entertainment, there is something for everyone.”
The festival has grown every year since it began 13 years ago, he added. This year brings two new events.The Kids Mini-Track Meet for children ages 2 to 6 will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at Perryville Park and feature a quarter-mile trot, mini hurdles and an obstacle course.
Also new this year is the Arm Wrestling Tournament, which is open to both men and women. Participants can register from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, and the tournament will begin at 1 p.m. Finals will take place from 3-4 p.m.
Festivalgoers can enjoy fare ranging from caramel apples and funnel cakes to Polish sausages and smoked ribs. There will be craft vendors and information booths, as well as inflatables and other children’s activities.
“Seeing the smiles on the faces of kids and adults alike, just having fun and enjoying themselves, is the highlight of the festival,” Emerson said.
The festival will kick off at 11 a.m. Friday, and music will begin in the evening.
“Friday night is Rock ’n’ Roll Night, with two hot rock bands,” said Emerson, who has emceed the festival for 11 years. Local punkrock band HEATWVE will perform at 6 p.m., and Conway-based rock band TotteN will perform at 8 p.m.
Saturday’s events will begin with the Grace Race 5K Run-Walk at 8 a.m. One of the festival’s most anticipated events, the race brings together the community to assist people who have life-threatening illnesses. A silent auction will occur immediately after the race. Children’s games will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Another big event is the Car and Truck Show, which will begin at 9 a.m. Registration will last from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., when judging will take place. Mike Walker, festival board member and president of the Protectors Motorcycle Club, which has organized the show for the past three years, said the event is an integral part of Fourche River Days.
“We go hand in hand,” he said. “The car show draws a crowd of carminded individuals, and that brings those people in to enjoy the festival. At the same time, you’ve got the people who are there for the festival, and they can come out, and it’s just something else for them to see and do.”
He added that each year, the show has grown by 10 to 20 vehicles. Last year, there were about 80 vehicles, he said, and he hopes to see about 100 this year. The show includes classes for Mustangs, trucks, antique vehicles and more. This year, there will not be a vintage motorcycle class, he said.
The club has been working since the beginning of the year to organize the show and create the custom trophies for the winners of the Best in Show and People’s Choice awards. Door prizes will be presented to participants, and the show will include a raffle that, along with entry fees, will benefit a charitable cause.
“Expect a lot of cars and a good friendly family atmosphere,” he said. “You could spend a lot of time looking at the cars, plus you’ve got the festival going on at the same time.”
Besides the car and truck show, Walker said, the music is his favorite part of the festival.
“It’s a good mix of music for all different ages, and usually the music is going on pretty much all day long for both days, so no matter where you are at the festival, you can always hear the music, as well as go sit and watch.”
The Boomers, a folk group, will perform at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by country and gospel musician James Powell at 12:30 p.m. Six Ways from Sunday, a rock and blues band, will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. Music will conclude with two country artists: Donnie Lee Strickland at 6:30 p.m. and Jason Campbell at 8 p.m.
Also scheduled for Saturday is the annual Horseshoe Tournament, which features both experienced and novice players. Registration will occur from 9-11 a.m., and the tournament will begin at 11:45 a.m.
The Perry County Beauty Pageant will take place at 7 p.m. Friday at the Perry County Fairgrounds. Sign-up and practice will occur from 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 17, at the Fair Building.
Visitors to the festival can also explore the Perry County Historical Museum at 408 W. Main St., which will be open both days and features interesting artifacts, including a Sopwith Camel airplane.
“It’s a small-town festival with lots to see and do,” Emerson said. “The festival is a way to show the county just how great it is to live in a small community and have the opportunity to come together to see old friends and have fun.”