HOMETOWN EVENTS
Backpack Giveaway
Decatur students are invited to attend a backpack giveaway from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12, in the Community Room at Decatur City Hall in Decatur. Students will receive a backpack, school supplies and a haircut during the event which benefits the Decatur Public School. Food will be provided.
First Baptist AWANA and Youth Ministry Events
Gentry First Baptist Church invites children to a come-and-go AWANA preregistration for ages 3 through the sixth grade on Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall. There will be games set up to play while parents are registering their children. AWANA will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The Youth Ministry is having a back-to-school “bash” for youth in the seventh through the 12th grades on Aug. 21 at SWEPCO Lake with boat rides, games and a cookout. Meet at the FAC building at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Austin Millsap, youth pastor, or call the church office at 479-736-2646.
Bright Futures Stuff the Bus
The Gravette Bright Futures Connections for Success is sponsoring a Stuff the Bus campaign Friday, Aug. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parking lot of CV’s Family Foods, 201 First Ave. S.E. in Gravette. Donations of school supplies are being sought to fill the bus and help prepare area children for the start of school. Most requested needs are prong folders with pockets, Pink Pearl eraser cap erasers, Ziploc bags of all sizes, 1/2-inch three-ring binders, 1-inch three-ring binders, earbuds, paper clips, composition notebooks, spiral notebooks, Expo markers, White Out correction tape and Post-It notes. All donations will be appreciated.
Library Homeschooler Sessions
Beginning Aug. 22, Gentry Public Library will host weekly sessions for homeschoolers and their parents or guardians on Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. All homeschoolers are invited to attend these free, open-to-the-public gatherings. Activities focusing on art, science, math, technology and reading will be offered. The activities will be based on themes selected by the GPL Homeschool Committee. Committee members include library staff members Lori Johnson, and Tammy Coder. Parents and guardians interested in serving on the committee should contact the library at 479-270-4161 and ask for Linda.
Book Signing at GPL
Join local author Lea Ann Crisp for a signing of her book, “We Need the Dark,” at Gentry Public Library on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. until noon. “We Need the Dark” is a children’s book that explains the necessity of darkness. The book is illustrated with original paintings by Jack Hetterich. Parents are welcome to bring children to check out the book, meet the author and enjoy light refreshments. Crisp, a native of northwest Arkansas, currently resides in Bella Vista.
Class of ’89 Reunion
Gravette High School Class of 89 will be having its 30th class reunion on Aug. 9 at the Hiwasse Store at 6 p.m. for dinner. The class will also have a float in the Gravette Day Parade on Aug 10. Plan to line up at 11 a.m.
American Legion flagpole fundraising
The John E. Tracy American Legion Post at Gravette is conducting a fundraising drive to raise money to replace the flagpoles at Hillcrest Cemetery. The poles now in use are rusting and in need of replacement. Plans are to purchase larger aluminum poles at an approximate cost of $7,800. A Hillcrest Cemetery flagpole fund has been opened at the Bank of Gravett and people may make donations there. Anyone having questions may call post commander Bill Mattler, 479-640-1199.
Art in the Library
Gentry Public Library is seeking local artists, photographers, writers, performers and musicians interested in showcasing their works in public exhibitions at the library. The works will be displayed or performed in a designated area for a specific time period. Works will be juried by a library committee and must be appropriate for the general public. Please contact the library at 479-736-2054 for more information.
Gravette Day car, truck show
The annual Gravette Day car and truck show, benefiting Imagine Before and After School Care, will be held Saturday, Aug. 10, with registration beginning at 9 a.m., judging at 2 p.m. and awards presented at 3 p.m. First-, secondand third-place awards will be given in several classes, along with a Kids’ Choice Award and a Best in Show Award. This show is during the annual town celebration, and there will be a parade at noon. Car show entrants are encouraged to participate if they wish. There will be plenty of activities going on all day, rain or shine.
Stuff the Sleigh 5K
A new event has been announced for Gravette Day 2019, Saturday, Aug. 10, the Stuff the Sleigh 5K race. Proceeds will benefit the Gravette Shop with a Cop program. The race starts at 8 a.m. Runners may register at www. GravetteAR.com under the Gravette Day tab. Not a runner but want to support Shop with a Cop? There’s also a “Sideline Supporter” option.
Gravette Day Pageants
Sign-ups are now being accepted for entries in the various pageants that will be held on Gravette Day, according to Gravette Day chairwoman Heather Finley. Those interested may sign up online at www. GravetteAR.com or sign up in person at City Hall. The annual Gravette Day event is planned for Saturday, Aug. 10. The theme for Gravette Day 2019 is “Making Memories.” A total of 12 pageants will be held this year, nine for girls and four for boys. Competition for girls will be held in age groups birth to 11 months, 12-23 months, 2-3 years old, 4-5 years old, 6-7 years old, 8-10 years old, and 11-13 years old. Entrants in the Miss Teen Gravette contest must be 14-16 years old, and those competing for Miss Gravette must be 17-21 years old. Competition for boys will be held in the age groups birth-23 months, 2-4 years old and 5-7 years old.
Falling Springs Singing
Monthly singing services at Falling Springs Church are held at 7 p.m. the first Friday of each month. The church is located northwest of Gentry and west of Decatur on Falling Springs Road.