A&P funds fireworks show, Juneteenth events

The Independence Day fireworks show will be held again this year after members of the Forrest City Advertising and Promotion Commission agreed to fund the annual event.

During a phone poll this morning, commissioners unanimously approved a funding request from Miles Kimble for $16,500 for "A Night of Fireworks in the Park 2021.”

The event will be held on Friday, July 2, at the Forrest City Sports Complex and begin just after dark.

According to Kimble, the cost of fireworks for this year’s event has increased. Last year, $10,000 was spent on fireworks for the show. This year, however, over $12,500 has been allotted.

According to Kimble’s request, the remainder of the funding will be spent on advertising and cleanup purposes.

"The fireworks show has become the ultimate mark during the Independence Day holiday in Forrest City," said Kimble in the request. "On the evening of this year's show, we will have a special radio show on KXJK AM 950 or FM 106.5 or at www.kxjk.com. This display is now one of the most popular in the Delta."

Commissioners also approved a request from a Juneteenth Committee for a Juneteenth Heritage and Enrichment festival.

A relay is scheduled to kick off Juneteenth festivities on Tuesday, June 1, with the Forrest City track team at the track at Forrest City High School. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 19, at Southside Park.

Group founder and event organizer Angela Wilburn said in the request, "Our committee desires a free, but successful, event. We will be utilizing local businesses as well as known entertainment. These entertainment guests will also patronize local businesses. We need assistance with equipment to ensure a quality experience in our community."

Commissioners approved Wilburn’s request for $3,750 for Juneteenth.

Brodie Johnson • Times-Herald Early voting in the Palestine-Wheatley School Board election opened this morning at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Palestine. Poll worker Tammy Thomas sets up a voting machine at the early voting site at the church site. Four seats on the district’s board are being contested. As of press time, 32 ballots had been cast in the election.