3/01/24 - 3/03/24 - Arkansas Living History Association Annual Conference - 8am--5pm
The Arkansas Living History Association will be hosting its annual conference along with the southeast region of the Association of Living History Farms and Agricultural Museum at Historic Washington State Park on March 1-3, 2024. The theme of the conference will be “Looking for Truth in America’s Historic Places”. Workshops and sessions on different aspects of bringing history alive will be presented.Debra Conner will be the keynote speaker for the conference. She has had experience portraying historical figures such as Emily Dickinson on the Chautauqua national circuit. On Friday, March 1 at 7pm she will provide a portrayal of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker for the general public. Edwards was the only female doctor in the Union Army during the Civil War and the only woman ever to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. No admission fee required for this presentation. This event is sponsored by Historic Washington State Park and the Patterson-Troike Foundation.All are welcome to attend the conference, become a member, and to learn more about the field of living history in Arkansas. To register for the conference and view the conference schedule go to www.arkansaslivinghistory.com. Registration deadline is Friday, February 23. Questions on the conference email alhacommunications@gmail.com.The Arkansas Living History Association is dedicated to the advancement of living history as a form of interpretation, the encouragement of interaction and cooperation between individuals and institutions engaged in living history, the promotion of professional standards among living historians and at living history sites, and the development of public support for and interest in living history in Arkansas.For more information go to www.arkansaslivinghistory.com.
3/06/24 - 3/06/24 - KHMA PWK Birthday Bash Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
3/06/24 - 3/12/24 - Hope-Hempstead County Annual Facebook Auction -
Please follow HopeHempstead County Chamber Auciton, you wont want to miss these great items!
3/07/24 - 3/09/24 - Paul W. Klipsch Birthday Bash 2024 - Various
3/09/24 - 3/09/24 - Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:00am
3/12/24 - 3/12/24 - Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Facts & Snacks sponsored by SWARK.Today - 12:00pm-1:00pm
Exciting Announcement!
Join us for an engaging Facts & Snacks event featuring June Wood, Community Engagement Liaison with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office!
June will shed light on "How the Secretary of State’s Office impacts your community and serves Arkansans." Get ready for a fascinating overview of the office's services and a dive into the rich history of the State Capitol building.
Mark your calendars for March 12th, from 12pm-1pm, at the Chamber of Commerce (201 S Main St.). Don't miss out on this informative session!
RSVP by March 8th to secure your spot! Don't miss this opportunity to learn and connect!
3/13/24 - 3/13/24 - Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
3/15/24 - 3/16/24 - 56th Annual Jonquil Festival - 9am--5pm
Create memories and celebrate a tradition at Historic Washington State Park. This two-day festival heralds the arrival of spring in Southwest Arkansas! Thousands of jonquils welcome craftspeople, entertainers, and visitors to the town of Historic Washington. Unique crafts and delicious foods are just part of the attractions. Tours of the park, historic homes, and museums are available at regular price. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Any questions contact the park at 870-983-2684.
3/15/24 - 3/15/24 - Rodney Atkins Early Bird Ticket Sales for 2024 Watermelon Festival Concert - 8:00am-6:00pm
3/20/24 - 3/20/24 - Hicks Funeral Home 90 Years Celebration Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
Join us as we celebrate 90 years of Hicks Funeral Homes service to our community
3/26/24 - 3/26/24 - Hempstead Co. Master Gardeners Spring Seminar - 6-8:30pm
$20 early registration by March 22nd. RSVP to Hempstead County Extension Office 870-777-5771 to register. On-site registration is $25.
3/26/24 - 3/26/24 - Hope-Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn - 12:00pm-1:00pm
Hope-Hempstead County Lunch & Learn "Foundations of Investing" presented by Steven Mullins, Edward Jones
$20 Chamber Member
$25 Non-member
Please contact the chamber for more information (870)777-3640, hopechamberdirector@gmail.com
3/26/24 - 3/26/24 - All Services Roll Call - 6:00PM
Join us for an opportunity to fellowship with veterans of all services from your area, visit at booths with a military retiree/veteran-specific focus, and learn more about the Arkansas National Guard and the value our organization offers the state and nation. Bring your spouse/significant other. Take this opportunity to recharge your patriotism and reconnect with former military members and veterans who served alongside you, or with those who served in different eras. We value each one of you, and we want to show our appreciation for your service. For more info contact MAJ Ted Sharp (501) 212-7280 or SSG Cage Cloud (501) 212-7950
3/26/24 - 3/26/24 - Arkansas outdoor and Recreation Regional Listening Session - 11-1PM
These sessions will serve two purposes – Resource sharing and Information gathering.Katherine Andrew's and her team will provide short presentations on resources available to communities and industry, but they also want public input and comments on what resources are being utilized and/or what you need more of in your communityTheir first meeting will be at Hempstead Hall in Hope, AR on March 26 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.This event is open to the public but will be geared towards members from the community and outdoor recreation industry in the surrounding area. ----- People such as advocacy groups, mayors, county judges, city councils and chambers of commerce. Industry members would be bike shops, boat manufacturers, river guides, duck lodges, outfitters, anyone with an outdoor rec company or aspiring outdoor rec entrepreneurs. Please share with your community members and help us get in the work out in Southwest Arkansas. IF you have business owners or others in this industry please encourage them to attend. This is the only one of these workshops that is currently scheduled for the SW Arkansas region so help us get the work out!
3/27/24 - 3/27/24 - UAHT Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
3/28/24 - 3/28/24 - Hope In Action Fish Fry - 4:30 - 7:00
Fish Fry sponsored by Hope Lions Club for Hope In ActionCake Auction following sponsored by Hope In ActionFor more information contact Helen Byers @ (870) 703-3604 or (870) 777-4112
3/29/24 - 3/29/24 - Heather Manor Egg Hunt - 2:30pm
3/30/24 - 3/30/24 - Hope Junior Auxiliary Easter Egg Hunt - 10:00am-12:00pm
4/02/24 - 4/02/24 - Astronomy & Eclipses - 5:30 p.m.
Learn about astronomy and eclipses from University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Instructor Karen Steed.
4/03/24 - 4/03/24 - Hope Auto Company Chevrolet Buick GMC - 9:30am-11:00am
4/04/24 - 4/04/24 - Little Kings & Queens Ribbon Cutting - 1:00pm
4/05/24 - 4/05/24 - Beef & Forage Field Day -
RSVP to 870-777-9702
4/06/24 - 4/06/24 - Washington Lyceum: “Darkness at Noon” - 2pm--3pm
This living history program places guests in the setting of a town “lyceum” lecture conducted by two characters from Washington’s past, Dr. Benjamin Jett and Dr. Nathan Smith. Guests will play the role of citizens interested in learning more about the phenomenon of “eclipses” and how they affect life on earth. A discussion and friendly debate will concern the famous eclipse of 1806 and some interesting events related to it. This afternoon program will be held at the 1836 Courthouse. Admission is FREE.
4/06/24 - 4/06/24 - Solar Shopping Downtown - 9:00am-3:00pm
4/06/24 - 4/06/24 - Solar Sounds Downtown - 4:30pm-8:30pm
Free Concerts!
Jacob Flores (pocket park)
Dusty Rose Band (Klipsch Little Tin Shed)
South Down Main (The HUB)
4/07/24 - 4/07/24 - Solar Sunday on the Big Stage - 5:00pm
Free Concert!
Gates open at 5:00pm
Wyatt Putman 6:00pm
Mae Estes 7:00pm
4/08/24 - 4/08/24 - UAHT Solar Express Eclipse 2024 Celebration - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
UAHT Solar Express Eclipse 2024 Celebration
4/08/24 - 4/08/24 - Tailgating in Totality - 8:30am-3:00pm
Fee Admision
Bounce Houses
Food Trucks
4/13/24 - 4/13/24 - Hope Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:00am
4/15/24 - 4/15/24 - Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Banquet -
The Hope-Hempstead CountyChamber of Commerce is excited to announce its upcoming Annual Meeting andBanquet, scheduled to take place on Monday, April 15th, 2024, at theprestigious Hempstead Hall. This year’sevent promises to be a celebration of unity and collaboration under the theme“Creating Community Connections.”
Chamber Executive DirectorChristy Burns expressed her enthusiasm for the chosen theme, stating, “In aworld that often feels increasingly disconnected, it is crucial to nurture andstrengthen the bonds within our community. This year, our focus is on fostering meaningful connections, both withinour business network and throughout the broader community. Together, we can achieve great things.”
The Chamber will be acceptingnominations for this year’s Chamber awards. These forms will be available soonand we encourage you to submit nominations for these distinguished awards whichwill recognize deserving members of our community. These awards will include Business, Citizen,Educator, Non-profit of the Year and Young Leadership.
The Chamber is currentlyaccepting catering bids for the event. Interested parties should contact the Chamber at (870)777-3640 or hopemelonfest@yahoo.com for more information.
Sponsorship and ticketinformation will be provided in the coming weeks. To reserve you ticket(s) or become a sponsorplease contact the Chamber at (870)777-3640 or hopemelonfest@yahoo.com.
The Hope-Hempstead CountyChamber of Commerce is pleased to announce their Keynote Speaker for the AnnualMeeting & Banquet on April 15, 2024, at Hempstead Hall.
Christy Burns, ChamberExecutive Director stated, “We are excited to announce Mr. Larry Bell Jr. asour 2024 Annual Meeting & Banquet Keynote Speaker. I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Bell speakat Destination Downtown in 2023 in Monroe, LA. He captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t wait to invite himto Hope.”
Mr. Bell attended SouthernUniversity in Baton Rouge, LA. He movedto Monroe, LA by way of New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina almost 20 yearsago. Mr. Bell is a hardworking familyman with four children and husband to wife, Nia. The Bells have proudly made Monroe their homefor over 18 years, quickly becoming an intrinsic part of the community.
Mr. Bell is the principal agentand owner of Bell Insurance Group & Associates. He was a member and graduate of the LouisianaSmall Business Development Center Roundtable. Larry has received several distinguished awards including his mostrecent accolades-Best of the ArkLaMiss, Best Insurance Agent Award, the MonroeAlumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Outstanding Speaker Award, andhonors from numerous speaking engagements and performances including the Cityof Monroe’s 2021, 2022, and 2023 State of the City which has been viewed in theLouisiana’s Governor’s Office, Harvard University and even the WhiteHouse.
Being a public speaker andyouth mentor, Larry has inspired, assisted, and empowered many including newinsurance professionals and youth. Mr.Bell shares the art of spoken word poetry at local events. Larry has a true passion for creativity,information, as well as transformation in communities far and near. This passion is reflected in his work andoutreach efforts. Mr. Bell stated, “I ampleased and honored to be invited to share my words of inspiration at theHope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Banquet.”
The Chamber is stillaccepting sponsorships, ticket reservations, award nominations, catering bids andauction items for this year’s annual meeting and banquet so don’t missout! We can’t wait to see everyone onethere and welcome Mr. Bell to Hope!
For more informationcontact the Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce at (870)777-3640 orhopemelonfest.com.
4/15/24 - 4/15/24 - Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation - 10:00 am
Join CASA and Texarkana Children's Advocacy center for a proclamation reading by Mayor Still for Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation. Email mandinack@casatexarkana.org for questions.
4/17/24 - 4/17/24 - United Ag & Turf Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
4/20/24 - 4/20/24 - JA of Hope Senoritas & Margaritas Fundraiser -
Fundraising Event to benefit children of Hempstead County.
4/20/24 - 4/20/24 - James Black Bowie Festival -
4/20/24 - 4/20/24 - James Black Bowie Festival Ribbon Cutting - 9:00am
4/22/24 - 4/22/24 - Hempstead County Republican Party Lincoln Day Banquet - 6:00pm
Guest speaker will be Jan Morgan
4/27/24 - 4/27/24 - Presidential 5k Run/Walk - 9am
5th Annual Presidential 5k Run/Walk April 27, 2024, on the UAHT Hope campus. Sign in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the race will start at 9:00 a.m.Participation is open to everyone, and you can sign-up at https://go.nps.gov/2024Presidential5k or call WICL visitor center at 870-777-4455.
5/01/24 - 5/01/24 - Hope Methodist Church Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
5/04/24 - 5/04/24 - Train Day -
5/08/24 - 5/08/24 - Hope Water & Light Power Week Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
5/11/24 - 5/11/24 - Hope Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:00am
5/15/24 - 5/15/24 - Heather Manor Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
5/22/24 - 5/22/24 - Hempstead County Library Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
6/08/24 - 6/08/24 - Hope Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:00am
6/12/24 - 6/12/24 - Farm Bureau Women's Committee Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
7/31/24 - 7/31/24 - Watermelon Royalty Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
8/05/24 - 8/05/24 - Watermelon Festival Parade - 6:00pm
8/08/24 - 8/10/24 - 48th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival -
8/10/24 - 8/10/24 - Hope Watermelon Festival Concert Ft. Rodney Atkins - 6:00pm
48th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival AnnouncesCountry Music Sensation Rodney Atkins as Headliner
The excitement is building as the 48th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival gears up towelcome multi-award-winning country artist Rodney Atkins as the headliner forthis year’s highly anticipated concert event. Known for his chart-topping hitsand genuine, down-to-earth charm, Atkins promises to deliver a memorableperformance that will have festival-goers on their feet and singing along allnight long.
Rodney Atkins, one of Country Music’s biggeststars, has reached remarkable heights in his career, including being named theTop New Male Vocalist at the ACM Awards. His single "Watching You"not only topped the charts but was also declared the Number One Song of theDecade by Country Aircheck, earning the songwriter a BMI “Million-Air” Award.
With an impressive track record boasting sixNumber One singles, eight Top 5 singles, and 3.8 billion career streams, Atkinscontinues to be recognized as one of the most powerful voices in Country Music.Atkins was the second most-played male artist of the decade overall. He hasalso sold over 11.4 million units and earned ten career Gold, Platinum, andMulti-Platinum RIAA certifications to date, including his latest Gold-certifiedsingle, “Caught Up In The Country (feat. The Fisk Jubilee Singers),” which alsoset the record for the longest-running single (at the time) in BillboardCountry Airplay history at 57 weeks. Atkins has performed on NBC’s TODAY Show,GMA’s Strahan & Sara, and FOX & Friends.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rodney Atkins tothe 48th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival,” said festival organizer, ChristyBurns. “His undeniable talent, combined with his genuine connection to hisfans, makes him the perfect headliner for this year’s event. Get ready for anunforgettable night of music, laughter, and good old-fashioned fun!”
Tickets for the concert will go on salestarting Friday, March 15, with a special one-day “early bird” discountedgeneral admission ticket price of $20 for adults. Early bird tickets will beavailable for purchase at the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce from8am to 6pm, as well as online at www.hopemelonfest.com.
After the early bird sale, general admissiontickets will be priced at $25 for adults, with day-of-show tickets availablefor $30. Children’s tickets will be $10, and reserved seating tickets will be$45.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magicof Rodney Atkins live in concert at the 48th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival.Get your tickets early and join us for a night of unforgettable music,delicious food, and endless fun!
For more information and ticket purchases,visit www.hopemelonfest.com.