Hickory Hill Park opens 31st season today

Hickory Hill Park opens its

31st season at 7 p.m. today. The park opened in June 1987 with three summer concerts. This season presents concerts held from May through September, featuring some of the top gospel artists from around Arkansas and surrounding states.

The park was built by The Hawkins Family of Hot Springs. The family has celebrated over

55 years in gospel music. They received the Legend Award from the Gospel Music Artists Association in Dallas, commemorating their many years in gospel music. They appear each month as the host group.

The opening concert features The Garrett Sisters. Three sisters, Debbie, Reba and Glenda, grew up in church in Hot Springs that always had lots of music and musicians. They recently joined together and formed their own group. They have sung in numerous churches and events around Arkansas. The group has been featured many times at the Amity Trade Days Festival held monthly. Their “family” harmony and live band are always a crowd favorite.

This park features a wooden stage which was expanded over 5 feet from the original sawdust stage. The landscaping around the stage consists of shrubbery and plants bordered with natural rock taken from the original stage. The path leading from the parking area crosses an earthen bridge to a serene spot on top of the hill with a perfect view to watch the evening’s concert. Buddy’s Barnyard Café offers soft drinks, coffee, nachos, hot dogs, caramel apples and more. The park is “kid friendly” for children from 2 to 92. Restrooms are available. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating in the outdoor amphitheater. Parking and admission are free.

Concerts are held the fourth Saturday night each month, May through September. Directions to the park: drive approximately 6 miles from downtown Hot Springs on Park Avenue. At the junction of highways 5 and 7, turn left on Highway 7 north and travel approximately 1 mile, watch for the park sign, turn right on Bryant Road and go two blocks.

For a free 2017 season schedule, contact Lou Tabor, 216 Bryant Road, Hot Springs, AR 71909, 501-623-8068.

Submitted photo OPENING ACT: The Garrett Sisters, Reba Pennington, left, Glenda Porter and Debbie Garrett-Brenneman, will perform at 7 p.m. tonight during the season opener of Hickory Hill Park.