Arkansas Entertainment

Hope Rising In Helena-West Helena, Arkansas: Part Three

Malcolm Glover — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:18:12 +0000

Communities throughout the Arkansas Delta often battle against a rising tide of economic woes. As factories close and labor-intensive jobs leave small towns, populations dwindle in many rural cities.

For decades, outside investments from banks and charitable organizations helped stimulate marginal growth, but most of the heavy lifting necessary to revitalize communities must be done by the people who live there.

Hope Rising In Helena-West Helena, Arkansas: Part Two

Malcolm Glover — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:04:49 +0000

Helena-West Helena is part of Phillips County in the Arkansas Delta. According to U.S. Census data, the county’s population decreased over 17 percent in the last ten years, which means by some estimates the population is less than half of what it was in the 1950s. However, new community-led efforts in Helena-West Helena seek to make the area’s history and culture a catalyst for investment and growth.

Johnny Cash Home In Dyess Set For 2014 Opening

Associated Press — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:18:16 +0000

Organizers haven't set a date yet but the restoration of the Johnny Cash home in Dyess is on track to open in 2014.

The project by Arkansas State University also includes restoration of a nearby theater and the Dyess Colony administration building. The structures should be ready for visitors in fall of next year.

Hope Rising In Helena-West Helena, Arkansas: Part One

Malcolm Glover — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:01:16 +0000

The City of Helena-West Helena in Phillips County, Arkansas is no stranger to the hardships that have plagued many communities across the country during the economic downturn.

High unemployment, a struggling education system, political upheaval, a crumbling infrastructure, and even unresolved racial inequalities were once the hallmarks of this unified city in the impoverished Arkansas Delta. However, new research findings show some positive demographic trends and community development projects have some residents saying Helen-West Helena is finally making a comeback.

Toad Suck Daze Opens This Weekend; Proceeds Go Toward College Scholarships And Pre-K Program

Kezia Nanda — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:00:00 +0000

The annual Toad Suck Daze festival will be open on Friday in Central Arkansas.

Organizers say each year there are over 160,000 people attending the event in Conway.

Event Director, Mary Margaret Satterfield, said the festival is fun and beneficial.

Take Your Dogs To Little Rock's New Unleashed Dog Park

Kezia Nanda — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:29:54 +0000

Starting Saturday, Little Rock will have a second dog park.

MacArthur Unleashed Dog Park, located between 9^th Street and Interstate 630, will hold its grand opening Saturday, March 30, at 12:40 p.m., rain or shine.

Leland Couch, with the Little Rock Parks & Recreation Department, said the park has various fun features that both small and large dogs will enjoy.

Free Performance By The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra This Friday

Kezia Nanda — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:16:51 +0000

Little Rock’s Robinson Center Music Hall, home of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, will undergo a renovation and be closed between June of 2014 until September of 2016.

The symphony is planning to use the Wally Allen Ballroom at the State House Convention Center as a substitute during the renovation.

Arkansas Literary Festival to Feature Award-Winning Authors

Kezia Nanda — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:08:41 +0000

Tickets for a reception and book reading by two well-known authors will be on sale starting Wednesday.

Academy Award-winning authors Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, known for their adaptation of Brokeback Mountain, will be in Little Rock from May 2-3.

“It’s always terrific when we can bring amazing authors to Little Rock. So, hopefully the audience will enjoy the authors as much as we enjoyed bringing them to Little Rock,” said Brad Mooy, with the Arkansas Literary Festival.

Little Rock Marathon Expected To Bring In $5 Million

Kezia Nanda — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:37:43 +0000

Over 13,000 people are expected to be joining the 2013 Lucky themed Little Rock Marathon this weekend.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Read Across America Day And Dr. Seuss' Birthday In Central Arkansas

Kezia Nanda — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:56:58 +0000

In honor of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day, some special events are being held in central Arkansas this weekend.

Starting Friday until next Wednesday, there will be free educational events for kids.

The National Education Association and Delta Dental of Arkansas are part of this celebration to reach children.