SPA CITY CELEBRATES THE FOURTH
Picnic in the Park sees ‘overwhelming’ turnout
Organizers said an “overwhelming number of people” showed up for the second annual The Red, White & You Picnic In The Park benefitting the restoration of the Maurice Bath House Thursday on Arlington Lawn.
“I wasn’t expecting the turnout of people from the larger central Arkansas region but … I was speaking to (downtown property owner) Ken Wheatley and he said he spoke to a few people that have come from other areas in the region,” said Roxanne Butterfield, the president of Friends of Hot Springs National Park.
Despite a cloudy forecast, the rain held off and locals and tourists were able to enjoy the picnic in cooler than average summertime weather. It ran from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Thursday and featured a lineup of performances by local musicians, games for the entire family, and traditional picnic fare.
While the event was free to attend, the food and some games had a nominal fee. All proceeds from the event will go toward the restoration of the Maurice Bath House.
Butterfield said that local and downtown businesses donated the food and beverages for the event, which allowed the Friends of Hot Springs National Park to focus on fundraising rather than breaking even on supplies.
“To me, raising the money is the goal but seeing people in our national park having fun and celebrating the birthday of our country is what’s special,” she said.
Although Butterfield said she has no idea the amount of money raised at this point, the group expects to eventually be able to help fund the restoration of three sections of the unoccupied bath house — the Roycroft Den, the lobby and the sun porch.
Over the last four years, the group has raised around $100,000 toward this goal. Last year’s picnic was so successful, Butterfield said they decided to do it again this year to help bring in more money for the building.
Cheryl Ranum, who was visiting with her family from St. Louis, said she and her family stopped at the event on their way to get root beer floats.
“We’re on vacation here and were sort of looking for things for the kids to do … I think it’s awesome the money is going to help restore the bath house,” Ranum said.
The lineup for the event included musical group Dona & Larry, Jonathan Erlandson, Flyin’ Brian Edwards, Sylvia Stems performed the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance with the Hot Springs Village Color Guard raising the flag at noon, Justin Time Entertainment, Laura Lee Williard and Jacob Flores. There were also several activity booths and a bounce house set up.